Young guy who needs advice

[Isaiah Estrada]

Hey all! I’ve been inactive here for a while, but fear not - the 68 has been making its way to a driver slowly but surely.

Most recently, I’ve gotten a rebuilt steering box from Steer & Gear in Ohio, and I have been finishing up some much needed patch work on the front half of the car. The firewall was weak in some areas, and the floors needed major patching up front. I’m proud to say that after much hard work, there’s only a little more buttoning up to do before we can seal / coat the interior floor in POR15.

I shined up her white walls too, and pressure washed the front so we can scuff and get ready to re-paint the frame that has since gotten weathered and tore up from sitting outside for almost a whole year.

These tires and rims have seen better days… they came back around with some elbow grease!!

All better …

Patched up firewall, pressure washed frame and all. Ready for paint, and seam sealer.

NOW - for where I’m at in life. I’m 21, and I’ve been working my tail off to have this car back on the road. I want to do it right the first time with this and take all the time I need. There’s not much left I need to do. I’m not so much a kid anymore and soon my girlfriend and I will be engaged. We plan to be married next year…

This car has been my passion, my pride and my joy and it’s helped me learn so many new skills, and it taught me all that I now know about cars! I got to meet you all; and I got to learn what goes into building such a beautiful ride.

My dilemma, growing older and gaining responsibilities- the question arises. Should I sell this car?

NOW - if I DO sell it, I won’t be out of luck just quite. You see, I’ve been talking to a very cool guy who happens to own my dream car (a white 1962 Chrysler 300 sport 2DHT.) He is willing to sell it to me at a GREAT price. It’s a beautiful survivor, cosmetically beautiful- a driver… not a show car. Mechanically, she needs some TLC. There’s a slight transmission leak which we believe is coming from the rear output seal. Also could be a small leak from the radiator. Engine runs strong, starts RIGHT up and builds excellent oil pressure.

Now that I’m getting older and learning the meaning of sacrifice and all that, I wonder if I should even consider selling this car that I love so much, in order to get me to the next stage in life. I’d have money for a wedding AND the money to buy that 300.

It’s a really tough decision. But the car is very close to being road worthy. We are going to drop the freshly rebuilt 440 / 727 inside and plumb the newly installed and rebuilt 1972 disc brake system (booster and all.) Firewall will be seam sealed and painted, and the frame will be detailed as well. Suspension has been entirely rebuilt. I have a new wiring harness up front, and nice wheels all around! A brand new dashboard with a restored cluster, an 8 track player and cosmetically beautiful all around. It will have nice door panels, new carpets and headliner and freshly upholstered seats. The rust around the rear window will be gone and repaired with care and precision and the roof will be painted (most likely silver or a nice color to compliment the beautiful red.) The rest of the body will be wet sanded, buffed and clear coated to preserve the ORIGINAL PP1 red paint. Chrome will be polished to the best of my abilities… new power windows and rebuilt ac. I put all my heart and soul into this car. And I wonder if it’s worth selling in order to get my dream car?

I don’t even know what the car would be worth in all honesty either.

My New Yorker should be running within the next month or so, as we are able to do a break in we will also be able to start re installing everything and finish up the rust repair on the rear window. It will truly be a NICE car and one that should be very reliable.

 

[HWYCRZR]

There’s always another stage in life. I don’t recall if this was a family car or something you picked up to learn some skills. If a family car you will likely have an emotional attachment and kick yourself for getting rid of it. If no emotion attachment, it may be an easier decision. Now that you are close to finished and your big costs and time commitment are almost behind you it would be nice to just enjoy it. You know the work you put in and the condition. The other car is a cool shiny object that you may not know much about. As they say a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
If you are changing your life, input from your fiancée may also be valuable.

You will always appreciate your first car and it will likely give you satisfaction over the years that you did it.

Either way good luck with your decision.

 

[commando1]

You are an amazing young man and have given me hope for humanity again.

To the point: Keep the car, save money to get married (big mistake, BTW but that's another thread, lol), become successful, buy more cars.
Congratulations, I am proud to know you.

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

There’s always another stage in life. I don’t recall if this was a family car or something you picked up to learn some skills. If a family car you will likely have an emotional attachment and kick yourself for getting rid of it. If no emotion attachment, it may be an easier decision. Now that you are close to finished and your big costs and time commitment are almost behind you it would be nice to just enjoy it. You know the work you put in and the condition. The other car is a cool shiny object that you may not know much about. As they say a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
If you are changing your life, input from your fiancée may also be valuable.

You will always appreciate your first car and it will likely give you satisfaction over the years that you did it.

Either way good luck with your decision.

Thank you for your input! I discovered this car by pure luck. Around here we are real big on cruises and shows, and I felt tired of sitting around without my own car. Knowing that I wanted to look for an old car, my great friend Mark (who has now taken on the role of my mentor) took me to a fellow named Dana who lives around the corner. Dana was (and still is) liquidating Tom Merkel’s property known as the “Cuyama Car Garden.” He had a lot of cool cars, a ton of Mopars … Some 62 Chryslers, Imperials, and I believe even a fuselage Newport IIRC. Mark tried to convince me to choose one of the 62s. Both were 2DHT cars and basically in the same condition as my New Yorker. I didn’t know squat about cars; let alone Mopars - as my family is a GM family. I couldn’t envision the 62 ever looking “cool” or nice.

I was too fixated on the 68! That was 2 years ago, when I got it it had sat 40 years and now it’s been 42 years ever since it’s been on the road. It’s not a family car, but as you said - knowing I’ve worked so hard on it makes it very sentimental to me. I do realize I could be a bit too ambitious and trying to do too much at once… I would hate to regret letting go of the 68. I know I would down the line …

Thankfully the girlfriend is very supportive and she also loves our big C Bodies! Guess I really just need to sit on it and take into consideration all things mentioned. So grateful for your advice and input. I appreciate you!!

I very much want to see the car live again. I’ve only known of that 300 for a few months. This New Yorker has been my passion for a while now.

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

You are an amazing young man and have given me hope for humanity again.

To the point: Keep the car, save money to get married (big mistake, BTW but that's another thread, lol), become successful, buy more cars.
Congratulations, I am proud to know you.

I’m very honored by your bonafide compliment Stan. It means a lot. I look up to you and all your advice and input! Really has kept me motivated throughout this little budget restoration of mine.

I think the answer is plainly obvious too, to keep the car! It makes me feel better to see other folks agree I should keep it and know the right decision to make. Thankfully the girlfriend / future fiancé is a BIG fan of our old cars and wants one of her own someday! There will always be more opportunities down the line…

Very grateful for your input and kind words. It is a mutual feeling my friend and I am very proud to know you as well !

 

[detmatt]

You’ve got to finish it Isaiah. Any thoughts about selling shouldn’t even be considered until it’s done.

 

[3175375]

Many who have sold a car that they were fond of, kick themselves for the rest of their lives.

You have done a ton of work on yours and it’s nearly at the point of where you’re going to start receiving the joy of operating it with your future bride.

Keep it!

 

[patrick66]

Only you can make that decision. I've owned my '66 Coronet 500 for 42 years now. It's followed me everywhere, and I'd have a difficult time in my mind to sell it. It's an integral part f me these days. I'll occasionally bump into people that I've know over the years, and inevitably, I'll get asked "You still have that yellow Dodge?" Why, yes! Yes. I do! Plus, it's a fun car to drive!

If the car isn't costing you an arm and a leg to keep and store, and your future wife likes the car, why not keep it? Conversely, that Chrysler 300 hardtop (also one of my dream cars!!!) sounds pretty good, too. Maybe the 300 owner would entertain a swap of some kind?

 

[MetalManiacAZ]

Keep it, Isaiah! Think about how awesome it will be when you and your fiancé are cruising in it from the wedding to the reception. That car will be a family heirloom that you've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into. That's a car that you can pass on to your kids, as well as knowledge you learned doing the restoration. That's something special bro.

 

[cbarge]

Finish it and keep it.
Still get the 62!

 

[Camshaft]

Just a thought here. In my own humble opinion, I would scrap the big wedding and buy the car! The costs of a wedding have gone through the roof along with most things these days. I would invite your close family (not Aunt Millie from Atlanta and her booze swizzling hubby and their 5 kids) and a dozen of your very best friends. Keep it small and intimate. Enjoy the day with the people that are closest to you and most important in your life. They will always be there for you as you go through the ups and downs of life. You can have a big splash and big bills and a photo album of people you don't know, or will ever see again, or you can go small, and the car will be your reward! Just MOHO! Good luck in what ever you decide, I have watched your determined progress on this car for a long time. Best of luck!

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

Many who have sold a car that they were fond of, kick themselves for the rest of their lives.

You have done a ton of work on yours and it’s nearly at the point of where you’re going to start receiving the joy of operating it with your future bride.

Keep it!

You’re very right! She absolutely adores this car. She seemed really sad when I even mentioned selling it. It was the “Well it’s your car, do what you want” but I know it really means “Don’t you dare sell that car” LOL. On the other hand, she really likes the 62 also. She’d rather me keep the 68 and find a way to buy the 62. Guy says the car isn’t going anywhere, so I just might get lucky and be able to save up for a while and he’ll still have it. Thanks for your advice!

Only you can make that decision. I've owned my '66 Coronet 500 for 42 years now. It's followed me everywhere, and I'd have a difficult time in my mind to sell it. It's an integral part f me these days. I'll occasionally bump into people that I've know over the years, and inevitably, I'll get asked "You still have that yellow Dodge?" Why, yes! Yes. I do! Plus, it's a fun car to drive!

If the car isn't costing you an arm and a leg to keep and store, and your future wife likes the car, why not keep it? Conversely, that Chrysler 300 hardtop (also one of my dream cars!!!) sounds pretty good, too. Maybe the 300 owner would entertain a swap of some kind?

That’s awesome to hear about your Coronet 500! My friend Mark has had his 55 Plymouth ever since he was 12 back in 79. He’s told me too “It’s not my dream car, but just because I’ve had it so long and made memories with it - I’m glad I never sold it!”

The only money the car has been using is the money I’ve been spending on parts to restore it and get it back on the road. There isn’t much left I need to do. She really wants to take it on a trip here in California. I think it’d be so nice! Especially knowing how sound the car will be. Thanks for your advice and input, I have a feeling that 300 will find its way into my garage someday and somehow LOL.

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

You’ve got to finish it Isaiah. Any thoughts about selling shouldn’t even be considered until it’s done.

Wise words my friend, I find myself sometimes getting discouraged when I see the car how it sits, thinking of how much time I’ve spent on it and still not getting to drive it. It should be my motivation to get there and finally feel what it’s like to command such a beautiful car down the highway! So grateful for you and all your help throughout my project.

Keep it, Isaiah! Think about how awesome it will be when you and your fiancé are cruising in it from the wedding to the reception. That car will be a family heirloom that you've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into. That's a car that you can pass on to your kids, as well as knowledge you learned doing the restoration. That's something special bro.

Very true my brother, I often think of that exact thought! I definitely want it to be a part of our special day. I never really did think of it that way, being a family heirloom! It makes me think of the car in a different perspective and I’m very grateful for your wise words of wisdom. It’s definitely a special car; and one of a kind! I always think of how crazy it is that it’s sat for 42 years and counting, just waiting to drive again. So happy that you all have been able to witness the process here on the forum!!!

Finish it and keep it.
Still get the 62!

Short sweet and to the point, I like your way of thinking ! LOL. Perhaps I might get lucky and be able to do just that. Hoping for the best! Thanks for all your wisdom and advice and being so patient with my neverending questions. You’ve truly been an asset to this project in helping me understand more about my car!

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

Just a thought here. In my own humble opinion, I would scrap the big wedding and buy the car! The costs of a wedding have gone through the roof along with most things these days. I would invite your close family (not Aunt Millie from Atlanta and her booze swizzling hubby and their 5 kids) and a dozen of your very best friends. Keep it small and intimate. Enjoy the day with the people that are closest to you and most important in your life. They will always be there for you as you go through the ups and downs of life. You can have a big splash and big bills and a photo album of people you don't know, or will ever see again, or you can go small, and the car will be your reward! Just MOHO! Good luck in what ever you decide, I have watched your determined progress on this car for a long time. Best of luck!

True that! That’s not a terrible idea hehe. I like your way of thinking! The girlfriend / future wife would love for me to get the 300. This particular car kinda fell into my lap. She keeps telling me “This isn’t going to happen again, find a way to get it!” Thankfully, my rather large family is able to contribute as well so all expenses aren’t on us My sister is a baker, a friend of my brother in laws is a caterer, sister is close friends with a photographer etc etc.

Ideally, we’d even love to HAVE the 62 at the wedding. It’s white, and would go well with the brides dress.

Thanks for your wise words!!! And thank you for staying tuned to this build. It really is exciting for me to be able to share it with everyone here. Very eager to be able to post the moment it’s finally done! Stay tuned for more… there just might be another car in my garage soon

 

[LocuMob]

I think the answer is plainly obvious too, to keep the car!

Don't sell it, it's going to be sweet when you are done. I look forward to seeing it sit low and in the weeds after it's completed. Buy other cars, and sell those, keep this one.

I find myself sometimes getting discouraged when I see the car how it sits, thinking of how much time I’ve spent on it and still not getting to drive it.

I still have my Dart I bought 24 years ago. It'll get done, someday. I know I'd kick myself if I got rid of it. And I haven't driven it in a decade, and really never drove it much before that, except around the block when I lived out on a dirt road. And I've spent a ton on my latest project and got to drive it 2 miles, and then the engine had to be pulled. Bumps in the road, so to speak.

 

[RGORHAM29]

I am so freakin impressed with all that you have done to date. You are mature beyond your years. The lessons you have already learned taking on this project will truly benefit you in the future. Grit, determination, not afraid to get your hands dirty, not afraid to make a mistake, willing to learn and willing to simply ask for help when you are stuck. You have learned a trade, have an appreciation for what goes into the car, and what car resto shops experience each day. Many older adults could learn from you. Congratulations on what you have accomplished, and the fact you are thinking of settling down.

As for the car, like many other have said, keep it. you Have come so far. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and take your bride for a ride in it. you Will likely have feelings of regret selling it unfinished. You will ALWAYS have responsibilities in life. This will be your source of therapy….trust me.

wheels and frame look great by the way.

good luck and I look forward following your progress.

Ron

 

[GORDON DREW]

Hey all! I’ve been inactive here for a while, but fear not - the 68 has been making its way to a driver slowly but surely.

Most recently, I’ve gotten a rebuilt steering box from Steer & Gear in Ohio, and I have been finishing up some much needed patch work on the front half of the car. The firewall was weak in some areas, and the floors needed major patching up front. I’m proud to say that after much hard work, there’s only a little more buttoning up to do before we can seal / coat the interior floor in POR15.

I shined up her white walls too, and pressure washed the front so we can scuff and get ready to re-paint the frame that has since gotten weathered and tore up from sitting outside for almost a whole year.

View attachment 545055

These tires and rims have seen better days… they came back around with some elbow grease!!

View attachment 545059

All better …

View attachment 545058

Patched up firewall, pressure washed frame and all. Ready for paint, and seam sealer.

NOW - for where I’m at in life. I’m 21, and I’ve been working my tail off to have this car back on the road. I want to do it right the first time with this and take all the time I need. There’s not much left I need to do. I’m not so much a kid anymore and soon my girlfriend and I will be engaged. We plan to be married next year…

This car has been my passion, my pride and my joy and it’s helped me learn so many new skills, and it taught me all that I now know about cars! I got to meet you all; and I got to learn what goes into building such a beautiful ride.

My dilemma, growing older and gaining responsibilities- the question arises. Should I sell this car?

NOW - if I DO sell it, I won’t be out of luck just quite. You see, I’ve been talking to a very cool guy who happens to own my dream car (a white 1962 Chrysler 300 sport 2DHT.) He is willing to sell it to me at a GREAT price. It’s a beautiful survivor, cosmetically beautiful- a driver… not a show car. Mechanically, she needs some TLC. There’s a slight transmission leak which we believe is coming from the rear output seal. Also could be a small leak from the radiator. Engine runs strong, starts RIGHT up and builds excellent oil pressure.

Now that I’m getting older and learning the meaning of sacrifice and all that, I wonder if I should even consider selling this car that I love so much, in order to get me to the next stage in life. I’d have money for a wedding AND the money to buy that 300.

It’s a really tough decision. But the car is very close to being road worthy. We are going to drop the freshly rebuilt 440 / 727 inside and plumb the newly installed and rebuilt 1972 disc brake system (booster and all.) Firewall will be seam sealed and painted, and the frame will be detailed as well. Suspension has been entirely rebuilt. I have a new wiring harness up front, and nice wheels all around! A brand new dashboard with a restored cluster, an 8 track player and cosmetically beautiful all around. It will have nice door panels, new carpets and headliner and freshly upholstered seats. The rust around the rear window will be gone and repaired with care and precision and the roof will be painted (most likely silver or a nice color to compliment the beautiful red.) The rest of the body will be wet sanded, buffed and clear coated to preserve the ORIGINAL PP1 red paint. Chrome will be polished to the best of my abilities… new power windows and rebuilt ac. I put all my heart and soul into this car. And I wonder if it’s worth selling in order to get my dream car?

I don’t even know what the car would be worth in all honesty either.

My New Yorker should be running within the next month or so, as we are able to do a break in we will also be able to start re installing everything and finish up the rust repair on the rear window. It will truly be a NICE car and one that should be very reliable.

Finish this one and go from there. You may regret not doing so. I regret getting rid of my first love. A 77 Aspen R/T. 318, factory stick, a no option car except the R/T package but it had tinted glass. Even though it didnt have a/c.

 

[RGORHAM29]

wasn’t familiar w the aspen RT…a period of time I try not to remember. Couple of links to bring back some memories (now I remember the car)

1977 Dodge Aspen R/T for sale: photos, technical specifications, description

1977 Dodge Aspen

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

Don't sell it, it's going to be sweet when you are done. I look forward to seeing it sit low and in the weeds after it's completed. Buy other cars, and sell those, keep this one.

I still have my Dart I bought 24 years ago. It'll get done, someday. I know I'd kick myself if I got rid of it. And I haven't driven it in a decade, and really never drove it much before that, except around the block when I lived out on a dirt road. And I've spent a ton on my latest project and got to drive it 2 miles, and then the engine had to be pulled. Bumps in the road, so to speak.

Thank you my man!!! It’s been awesome to get to know you through this process and be able to share it with everyone too. I appreciate your words. I know this New Yorker wants to live again!

I am so freakin impressed with all that you have done to date. You are mature beyond your years. The lessons you have already learned taking on this project will truly benefit you in the future. Grit, determination, not afraid to get your hands dirty, not afraid to make a mistake, willing to learn and willing to simply ask for help when you are stuck. You have learned a trade, have an appreciation for what goes into the car, and what car resto shops experience each day. Many older adults could learn from you. Congratulations on what you have accomplished, and the fact you are thinking of settling down.

As for the car, like many other have said, keep it. you Have come so far. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and take your bride for a ride in it. you Will likely have feelings of regret selling it unfinished. You will ALWAYS have responsibilities in life. This will be your source of therapy….trust me.

wheels and frame look great by the way.

good luck and I look forward following your progress.

Ron

Thanks Ron! It’s been one heck of an adventure. Unfortunately the car lives at a friends house (he owns an acre) so it’s not like I can work on it everyday. I have a feeling that with a more steady work schedule (crazy rotating schedule working a LOT of overnights) and living with the car - it might’ve even been done already! Alas, I’ve just had to take it one day at a time and get to it when I can. I’m very honored by your compliments and look forward to sharing more progress as time goes by! Shouldn’t be much longer till I get this baby running finally.

 

[Isaiah Estrada]

Finish this one and go from there. You may regret not doing so. I regret getting rid of my first love. A 77 Aspen R/T. 318, factory stick, a no option car except the R/T package but it had tinted glass. Even though it didnt have a/c.

Sounds like she was a nice ride! Thanks for the advice