Getting old isn't for wimps.
At what point does one say "screw it!" with cars?
- Thread starter patrick66
- Start date
75LandYacht
Yank Tank
Well happy birthday Graham. You don’t look a day over 29. LOL
barnfind
Old Man with a Hat
I get this attitude from time to time at 52 Patrick. I keep an eye on where I started from, eager ambition to learn anything mechanical and repair it. In my mid 20's I realized from the condition of the older mechanics around me, how I didn't want to become like them physically. I made a choice of diet and exercise as a way of life and moved forward. The fleet and parts have slowly come down in numbers since my mid 40's, as taking care of 23 vehicles is not what I'm after anymore or what my body is allowing. I'm whittling it down to one major project car and a few that need small stuff to keep the fun factor up. Taking frequent breaks to do the other things in life I want to and enjoy are key for me (travel). I've heard of people selling their entire collections off to pursue other avenues of life. Some have stayed away, others have come back to cars with different mindsets on what they want out of it. Either way all the best to you in whatever you choose. Take care of yourself!
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Newport 66
Old Man with a Hat
I respect everyone's own perspective on various aspects of how to deal with what life throws at you and what you want/need and what's makes you happy or content or at peace. I have dealt with a number of issues in the last 5 years. A bout with prostate cancer while watching my first wife die of ovarian cancer at the same time. Losing two of my best friends in a month a year later. Meeting and falling in love and marrying my best friend and then finding out a year afterwards that she has cancer, and now beating it. I had a large collection of motorcycles when my first wife passed. I sold all but one trying to sort out what was important and what was just stuff. Meeting Julie and getting married lite a fire that burns deep. She loves the old Chrysler, she wants me to do things that I enjoy and she can be part of. She never had that before. So yes, I'm loving tinkering with the cars. That might change again, but I'm living in the moment and really having fun. Thats enough for me, everyone finds peace and tranquillity in their own way.
mrfury68
Senior Member
I only have one "classic" but what keeps me busy is doing the maintenance on mine and my daughters daily drivers. As well as all of the other home repairs and projects, working overtime, working a second job turning a wrench no less, and being a husband and dad. I have been working on cars since I was a teenager ( I'll be 57 this year) and it doesn't get any easier as the years go by. I have always had a physically demanding job and despite an arthritic hip and cranky knees I can still play some ice hockey and crawl around under a car in my driveway. I wish I could spend more time with the Fury but it does run, drive and look darn good when I take it out. My wife likes riding in it and knows how much it means to me. I try to count my blessings because it could always be worse.
We ALL want thing around us that we feel an attraction to and like. Cars, fountain pens, electronics, etc. We see something and accumulate it! Everything has a reason we liked it.
I once thought I'd accumulate one car from the '60s (our '66 Newport Town Sedan, then my '67 CE23). The '80s (my '80 Newport 360 2bbl). I guess the '90s would be my mother's '95 New Yorker. Sounded like a good plan, back then. Now, "liquidation" needs to happen at some time in the future. Each one needs work, but none gets done. Probably $2K in parts would fix the mechanicals on all of them.
When Daimler got involved, the way they did what I suspected they'd eventually do made me mad and that was when the '67 started to be neglected, unfortunately. I tried to get past that but it didn't work.
Then the hormones took a dump when I turned 50. Things I used to do and enjoy were now put off until other days. When the Camaro needed an oil change, it got another quart of oil instead. When I finally got around to doing many things, it took all of about 25 minutes and I wondered why I procrastinated so much or felt paranoid about breaking something.
Then came taking care of the parents, so all car stuff got put on hold. For about 10 years. Now that I've got some time, other things come up. Over the years, parts were accumulated n anticipation of using them on the cars. I can envision driving them when all done, plus the joy that would bring me. Now comes retirement and less money to work on cars with. I've considered complete liquidation of all cars, accumulated car parts, car magazine collection, and parts which used to be special when I found them, but are now "just another part". Only thing is that I'd end up giving it all away, so to speak, but hopefully those who got it would appreciate what they are and make them as good as they might be . . . again.
Got the hormone issues somewhat under control with supplements, gut biome in better shape with probiotics and a few diet changes, got some pills for the "oil pressure", but I'm still thinking I need to refocus on other things instead of cars. FEW new cars interest me, but I'll need something late model for normal transportation. I still see cars for sale that would be neat to have, to replace what I've now got, but even them would need to be liquidated at some point in time. Might as well keep what I've got. What I've got a connection to and memories of when they were newer and working. But everything needs to come to an end, sooner or later.
To me, the largest mis-diagnosed/under-diagnosed "situation" is Age Related Male Depression. Usually related to hormone level changes. I never considered that procrastination, anxiety, and depression would all be linked together! But I'm now certain they are. Some ofhese things are probably genetic, others are evolutionary lifestyle issues. Most can be decreased with some orientation changes, diet, and supplements . . . rather than with pharma pills. Just my experiences and such.
Constant "battles" which need to be done. Hopefully WON, too! Little successes can lead to bigger successes, which helps lessen any depressive tendencies, by observation. But you have to keep after it! If you let it eat on you, it'll eat you up! Depression SUCKS! Look for the good and positive in everything, which can change your mood.
I figured out I was A-typical Depressive. That means that everything can be fine until some trigger unleashes depressive thoughts in my head. Then I've got to deal with them to feel better. AND, there are some things you just don't think about! Some things you don't say, as you focus on better things instead. No reason to drive down a road that leads to constant trouble when you could also take another road that was decently smooth. The old "When one door closes, others open" orientation.
One thing I learned was to not set one's self up for failure. In the course of a project, if you know what you're doing will lead to failure, then stop and re-evaluate things to achieve the result in another manner. This can avert the failure that was previously inevitable to happen. In many areas, there's a learning curve where some set-backs are a part of the deal, but you're still moving forward rather than not. The road from "A" to "D" is not always straight and flat.
Sorry for the length on this complex subject.
CBODY67
I once thought I'd accumulate one car from the '60s (our '66 Newport Town Sedan, then my '67 CE23). The '80s (my '80 Newport 360 2bbl). I guess the '90s would be my mother's '95 New Yorker. Sounded like a good plan, back then. Now, "liquidation" needs to happen at some time in the future. Each one needs work, but none gets done. Probably $2K in parts would fix the mechanicals on all of them.
When Daimler got involved, the way they did what I suspected they'd eventually do made me mad and that was when the '67 started to be neglected, unfortunately. I tried to get past that but it didn't work.
Then the hormones took a dump when I turned 50. Things I used to do and enjoy were now put off until other days. When the Camaro needed an oil change, it got another quart of oil instead. When I finally got around to doing many things, it took all of about 25 minutes and I wondered why I procrastinated so much or felt paranoid about breaking something.
Then came taking care of the parents, so all car stuff got put on hold. For about 10 years. Now that I've got some time, other things come up. Over the years, parts were accumulated n anticipation of using them on the cars. I can envision driving them when all done, plus the joy that would bring me. Now comes retirement and less money to work on cars with. I've considered complete liquidation of all cars, accumulated car parts, car magazine collection, and parts which used to be special when I found them, but are now "just another part". Only thing is that I'd end up giving it all away, so to speak, but hopefully those who got it would appreciate what they are and make them as good as they might be . . . again.
Got the hormone issues somewhat under control with supplements, gut biome in better shape with probiotics and a few diet changes, got some pills for the "oil pressure", but I'm still thinking I need to refocus on other things instead of cars. FEW new cars interest me, but I'll need something late model for normal transportation. I still see cars for sale that would be neat to have, to replace what I've now got, but even them would need to be liquidated at some point in time. Might as well keep what I've got. What I've got a connection to and memories of when they were newer and working. But everything needs to come to an end, sooner or later.
To me, the largest mis-diagnosed/under-diagnosed "situation" is Age Related Male Depression. Usually related to hormone level changes. I never considered that procrastination, anxiety, and depression would all be linked together! But I'm now certain they are. Some ofhese things are probably genetic, others are evolutionary lifestyle issues. Most can be decreased with some orientation changes, diet, and supplements . . . rather than with pharma pills. Just my experiences and such.
Constant "battles" which need to be done. Hopefully WON, too! Little successes can lead to bigger successes, which helps lessen any depressive tendencies, by observation. But you have to keep after it! If you let it eat on you, it'll eat you up! Depression SUCKS! Look for the good and positive in everything, which can change your mood.
I figured out I was A-typical Depressive. That means that everything can be fine until some trigger unleashes depressive thoughts in my head. Then I've got to deal with them to feel better. AND, there are some things you just don't think about! Some things you don't say, as you focus on better things instead. No reason to drive down a road that leads to constant trouble when you could also take another road that was decently smooth. The old "When one door closes, others open" orientation.
One thing I learned was to not set one's self up for failure. In the course of a project, if you know what you're doing will lead to failure, then stop and re-evaluate things to achieve the result in another manner. This can avert the failure that was previously inevitable to happen. In many areas, there's a learning curve where some set-backs are a part of the deal, but you're still moving forward rather than not. The road from "A" to "D" is not always straight and flat.
Sorry for the length on this complex subject.
CBODY67
LeBaron1973
Old Man with a Hat
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Sorry I'm so late seeing this, happy birthday young man, hope it's been good.
I feel where you're coming from Patrick. Last weekend I got to speak at a friends funeral (again). His wife had a tracheotomy a few years ago, and asked that I read a letter she wrote at the service. Every decade of my life has had a few memorable funerals, and I am constantly surprised by folks who are experiencing their first. It does make you think. IMO, the change in priorities is pretty natural.
Viv and I were somewhat adopted into the family, Don and Barb had 9 kids between them... close to our age. He passed at 79. One Son in law passed in his 40's. Darrel was a best friend and the welder who built my bus with me. My bus crew have all moved on to no longer being able to enjoy her as she was meant to be... which has taken most of the joy out of the idea. Darryl's boys are now men, and soon to be fathers. I just didn't have much I could do for them, and had mostly lost touch over the years. I was extremely touched by the older son's efforts to introduce me to newer family members as his "Dad's best friend" and there were lots of pictures of happier times. I delivered the eulogy at Darryl's service, and it was one of my life's tougher moments.
The toughest part about getting rid of that bus, which I need to do, is letting go of the physical link to memories that go with it. I was going to put it up for sale years ago, but I don't really want to see it become someone else's vision with stripper poles and such. My will is made, but my instructions for getting rid of stuff, nobody in the family will have use for, needs to be drawn up better. I realize that, one day, I will leave behind stuff they don't need or want... and shouldn't all just go to scrap.
Realizing your own mortality at times of loss or poor health is pretty normal. My best prescription is to go enjoy a drive in an old car before you let it all get you down. I'll be 51 this month... so WTF do I know?
I'm no longer a collector, i've stopped collect back in about 2004, the only thing i casually collect is hot wheels, which can be given away to a child. I used to play with my Legos i gave up that when i got marries for the second time and around the same time when i bought my newport, i get more enjoyment with my big car than i do with legos. I only buy parts as needed, on the things i'm currently working on.
I figured it all out from my first divorce the less crap i have is easier to move and happier i am. I even told my dad when he passes away, i don't want any unfinished projects, mainly his '57 300. Which he started and hasn't touched since about 2000 which he knows he needs to do something about it, but he's not doing it...
I figured it all out from my first divorce the less crap i have is easier to move and happier i am. I even told my dad when he passes away, i don't want any unfinished projects, mainly his '57 300. Which he started and hasn't touched since about 2000 which he knows he needs to do something about it, but he's not doing it...
Just don't let him "borrow" your toolz like my Son-in-law doez, SHESH
It’s the other way around Jer he is a Chrysler Technician and has $20k in tools for me to “borrow” lol
For me it is sometimes hard to get started, but once I get started I enjoy myself. I am however blessed with good health, a heated shop and a 2 post lift.
The lift is by far what brings joy to me to work on things I would never touch in the past.
I may be changing my want for another project car. To me 2 classic cars are perfect, I always have one running while I am working on the other.
One thing I will not do again is restore a car in 2 years to a nice driver. I was slightly obsessed and other areas of my life got ignored.
I will never say never on another project car, I always have fun looking. The lack of funds currently help keep me in check, or I probably would have a certain 67 Imperial in or waiting to be put in my garage.
The lift is by far what brings joy to me to work on things I would never touch in the past.
I may be changing my want for another project car. To me 2 classic cars are perfect, I always have one running while I am working on the other.
One thing I will not do again is restore a car in 2 years to a nice driver. I was slightly obsessed and other areas of my life got ignored.
I will never say never on another project car, I always have fun looking. The lack of funds currently help keep me in check, or I probably would have a certain 67 Imperial in or waiting to be put in my garage.
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
If I had the money, I'd pay for one last ultimate project and oversee it. The body is shot but my mind still goes at 250%.
What I have in mind could possibly hit 100k so it ain't gonna happen.
What I have in mind could possibly hit 100k so it ain't gonna happen.
Interesting reading, this thread.
Those of you who have a few, or a lot of cars, should consider yourselves lucky. Many others would love to have just one of your rides to cruise around in, to take part in this car culture, and not be just a spectator. If age is a concern, thin the herd and keep the cars you like best and simply pay other people to maintain those cars, you can still get enjoyment by being behind the wheel.
And quit worrying about your own mortality, nothing we can do about it.
Those of you who have a few, or a lot of cars, should consider yourselves lucky. Many others would love to have just one of your rides to cruise around in, to take part in this car culture, and not be just a spectator. If age is a concern, thin the herd and keep the cars you like best and simply pay other people to maintain those cars, you can still get enjoyment by being behind the wheel.
And quit worrying about your own mortality, nothing we can do about it.
I tried, he doesn't want me to help with the financial part for his car. So i went with my own car when i bought my newport.
And i was willing to jump start his project back up, even got my other siblings to help out. But he's not wanting any of it. I was really looking forward to helping him too. And if did happen, i would never have gotten my newport.
I still have a dream of doing one more car. A Forward Look. Sure would want a DeSoto but they seem to be climbing into the stratosphere so maybe a Plymouth or a Dodge. I'm in no hurry.
Analog Kid
Member
I gave up on cars back in 1997. Threw in the towel. In my quest for a classic car I had owned a '73 Road Runner, '69 Super Bee and a '76 Cadillac El Dorado convertible. All failed projects....just never had the funds or the patience to get them going so I gave it up.
About twenty years later....I realized something was missing in my life. I needed something to get me out of the daily grind of raising three kids and running my own business. I needed an escape. So one day I was reminiscing with my kids about all the cars I had owned and I thought - why don't I give this another shot? I'm older...have more patience, a bit more money and I know how to deal with challenges. So I bought a Fury.
Now days the pleasure of owning the Fury is about 50% driving it and 50% working on it. By working on it I mean breathing life back into something that's been neglected for over a decade. I'm not talking about making major modifications or anything like that. Just taking a bolt to a wire wheel and cleaning it up satisfies me. I guess you can call it - "Zen and the Art of Fury Maintenance" It keeps me balanced.
About twenty years later....I realized something was missing in my life. I needed something to get me out of the daily grind of raising three kids and running my own business. I needed an escape. So one day I was reminiscing with my kids about all the cars I had owned and I thought - why don't I give this another shot? I'm older...have more patience, a bit more money and I know how to deal with challenges. So I bought a Fury.
Now days the pleasure of owning the Fury is about 50% driving it and 50% working on it. By working on it I mean breathing life back into something that's been neglected for over a decade. I'm not talking about making major modifications or anything like that. Just taking a bolt to a wire wheel and cleaning it up satisfies me. I guess you can call it - "Zen and the Art of Fury Maintenance" It keeps me balanced.
Ripinator
Old Man with a Hat
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