I'm almost at wits end with this car.

[chrger1967]

I made a rule with my current car.. i only work on it when i feel like working on it.. if you force yourself it will make you nuts.. Also.. take small bites, it took me almost 3 years to get my car where i can drive it and i still have a massive list i'm unhappy with... some guys here have taken over 10, it should be something you enjoy working on

Great point. Thats what I'm doing. I'm trying to get it on the road quickly so I can get estimates for the body work. Its just not happening quickly. I do enjoy working on it, and that's with the frustrations.

 

[493 Mike]

I started in 2009 and it is now (finally) in upholstery prison, to be followed by paint TU and final cut and buff. I lost about 4 years of time recovering from surgical procedures and all the other homeowner obligations figured in too. Just keep a stiff upper lip and enjoy this hobby! I doubt if anyone here doesn't lose money on their projects.
Mike

 

[dadsbee]

Tell her to get off of HER *** and do some of the stuff that she wants YOU to do.

Thank God you were a carpenter and not a marriage councilor...

 

[Kern Dog]

Screw that.
If a wife is constantly harping on her husband to do things that she wants done, she doesn't see him as a husband, she sees him as her errand boy/Handyman.
I was part joking in my other response but I have seen relationships where the woman is always nagging the man to fix this, remodel that, retile the kitchen, hang new drapes, etc.
How many guys nag their women to mow the lawn, sand the quarter panels, change the spark plugs in the rototiller or wash their car?

 

[Ron H]

Lots of great advice here. I’ve been through it, before there was the internet. In my case was extremely fortunate to have my talented dad’s help and wisdom. And the experience gained has helped me since. Taking it a step at a time is a great tip, applies to many other projects and chores. I take more time now to research what I’m trying to accomplish before tackling it, the net is a huge help including this forum. While 70% of my 2nd restoration was complete THEN I came across this site. Damn, wish I would have sooner as I would have avoided the hassles I had come across including parts and availability, other ingenious ideas that would have saved me some money. The gist is, have as much info as you think you’ll need before grabbing the tools. A lot of this can be found right here, many helpful, knowledgeable members who have done what you’re looking to do. I'm awed by their know how.

Another is using the search feature here, again TONS of advice. There’s so much out there it can be daunting, don’t let that stop you, the time reviewing it will be as valuable or more before you dig in.

Good luck!

 

[BigFlo]

24 years this past July 8th for me. I won the bid on EBAY...it's my wife's birthday. I still don't think she realizes that. In my defense....I remember the date because it's my wife's birthday not because of the car.

You won your wife on an EBAY bid?

 

[Runcharger]

Step away once in awhile but just for a short while, like a few days. Letting them sit and deteriorate and never be a useful machine is no good either.
And yes, just fix one thing at a time (but fix it right), and carry on to the next item.
Hey I'm envious of you having the car and I don't...

 

[kiwigtx]

Everything. The prior owner did allot of stuff and its not right. Now Im stuck trying to figure it out.

Sounds like most days at work for me ...fixing up previous guys stupid workmanship.

Take a chill pill and small bite-sized pieces of the car problems.....making a list of issues might help.

Surely it can't be any worse than this Duster.....

 

[Ron H]

an't be any worse than this Duster.....

How long did it take you to make her like she just rolled off the assembly line?

 

[kiwigtx]

How long did it take you to make her like she just rolled off the assembly line?

That took years of practice..... notice the factory paint runs.....you'd think it was ready for Concours now.

 

[Black_Sheep]

There were times I would shut the garage door, turn off the lights and walk away.

 

[Ron H]

There were times I would shut the garage door, turn off the lights and walk away.

I would stay in the garage getting a beer from the garage fridge, only having one at a time though

 

[icetech]

Sounds like most days at work for me ...fixing up previous guys stupid workmanship.

Take a chill pill and small bite-sized pieces of the car problems.....making a list of issues might help.

Surely it can't be any worse than this Duster.....

View attachment 1900944

Jesus man.. that front rim might be savable...

 

[WileE]

Here's my advice. Use my "pizza pie" method. See this ?

Look at your project like this. Do you eat this whole, all at once ? No, you eat it

one slice at a time. So think of your project... one slice at a time. Look at each area: engine, body, electrical, fuel, interior, etc. as if it were a slice, and only concentrate on that slice. Before you know it, you'll have consumed the whole pie !

 

[MarPar]

Here's my advice. Use my "pizza pie" method. See this ? View attachment 1900966 Look at your project like this. Do you eat this whole, all at once ? No, you eat it View attachment 1900968 one slice at a time. So think of your project... one slice at a time. Look at each area: engine, body, electrical, fuel, interior, etc. as if it were a slice, and only concentrate on that slice. Before you know it, you'll have consumed the whole pie !

Reminds me of the phrase "how does one eat an elephant?"




































One piece at a time.

 

[chrger1967]

Here's my advice. Use my "pizza pie" method. See this ? View attachment 1900966 Look at your project like this. Do you eat this whole, all at once ? No, you eat it View attachment 1900968 one slice at a time. So think of your project... one slice at a time. Look at each area: engine, body, electrical, fuel, interior, etc. as if it were a slice, and only concentrate on that slice. Before you know it, you'll have consumed the whole pie !

Here's my advice. Use my "pizza pie" method. See this ? View attachment 1900966 Look at your project like this. Do you eat this whole, all at once ? No, you eat it View attachment 1900968 one slice at a time. So think of your project... one slice at a time. Look at each area: engine, body, electrical, fuel, interior, etc. as if it were a slice, and only concentrate on that slice. Before you know it, you'll have consumed the whole pie !

I sorta am. I was trying to get it drivable so I can take it to some body shops for estimates. Then once it at a shop being taken sort, I can prepare what I need for the interior.

 

[WileE]

Reminds me of the phrase "how does one eat an elephant?"
One piece at a time.

Nah.... Mama mia, I'll have the pizza.

 

[bcOH67]

Don’t give up brother! I bought my 67 in 2015 and it’s been one thing after another for the last 10 years. Last year was the first year I finally felt worry-free driving it and this is year I finally finished my interior resto. Still have things to get fixed up but I drive it almost every day. Many times I felt like getting a sledge hammer and saying goodbye. But like the others have said, I took a break when needed and honed my patience skills. IT HAS BEEN TOTALLY WORTH IT! The joy I have from knowing my car so well and having IMO driving the coolest car on the road is worth every headache.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

I bought my 1949 Ford Business Coupe in 1995. Worked on it hard the first two years and then never touched it for another 20 years.

It's still mot completely finished, but I do work on it occasionally. It's all about passion and priority. Obviously, it's not my priority or it would be done by now.


To the OP, what's the #1 problem with the car currently?

Tom

 

[69conv]

For me it was prioritizing. Whats the biggest obstacle to getting it running. And while you are at it pay attention to all the things that work or you have addressed already. Sometimes appreciating what you have accomplished can push you to take one more step.