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01-27-2015, 09:59 AM | #21 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
I think you've already answered you own question, you just need to act on it.
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-Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio |
01-27-2015, 10:00 AM | #22 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
if you dont mind me asking
how much of a total investment do you have into it less labor??? Can you get your investment back if you sell Last edited by Mitch//pa; 01-27-2015 at 01:48 PM. |
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01-27-2015, 10:21 AM | #23 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
I know someone who spent 50 years building his Roadster PU.
He towed it into his garage when he was 14 and just drove it for the first time last year. He can't hear the cell when driving so you have to get lucky that he is stopped at a light to catch him. You are the only one to make the decision, sell or not. In 50 years, you will know if you made the right decision or not. I over the years have bought and sold, no regrets, but, my current car will not be sold if possible. If this is a hobby, let it be a hobby, if you are doing it to turn some cash, better sell now, time is money. Yeah, I miss the Cessna and one racecar that was just right, but I never regret it. J |
01-27-2015, 10:48 AM | #24 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
I began my "wreck" of a Town Sedan in 2009. I say "wreck" because of it's deceptively poor condition when I bought it. I misjudged it! Period! I just didn't know how big a project I was getting into. see my photos at "My A" in my profile. Since 2009, I've done the Chassis, engine, fenders, cowl, most of the body work, the wood, and spent a heck ofa lot of money on paint, parts, rebuilt engine, and the wood that I bought, and it's still not done! I'm trying to get it painted now. I think Ive got someone, we'll see. Have I ever felt like you? sure plenty of times! But I kept going by telling myself that If I just get this or that done , I'll get a lot more money for it! That kept me going to the next stumbling block!
Terry |
01-27-2015, 10:49 AM | #25 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
Model A Fan, kind of a tough call that we all go thru. Living in the Pacific NW, well studies show that people there are more prone to suicide because the weather sucks so bad with constant rain and cold. More than anywhere else in the U.S. That may play a part in your losing interest it's all mental actually. That weather pattern would wear me out for sure. Nothing personal you sound like a practical guy that has a good head on his shoulders.
If it was me, I would probably sell off what you have, take my lumps, and go find another Model A already done or that late 40's Chevy pickup you'll be happier. Unless this car had sentimental value i.e., your Dad owned it and it had been in the family, you dated your wife in it, that sort of thing. A car being restored takes up two spaces in the garage not one. Good luck on what you do. it's a tough call buddy. |
01-27-2015, 10:56 AM | #26 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
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01-27-2015, 11:04 AM | #27 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
If you can afford to keep it then keep it. If you sell it the money seems to disappear and now you don't have either the car or the money. You will get into it again and maybe with more ambition. It will also increase in value just the way it is now.
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01-27-2015, 11:22 AM | #28 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
Very common scenario-I'm coming to find out. Some of these dudes will blast you for this, some will be supportive, some will try to buy your shit right now! I'm super busy too and keep a lot of irons in the fire. I've been working on one truck for ten years, a buddies roadster for five, and the 36 that's in my driveway for three. I just like the work. If you really want to drive something, though, go ahead, no shame in letting go of this project. Seems to me you should trade the whole shooting match for a running vehicle and move on. The only thing you can really do "wrong", is "nothing". Better to let it all change hands. Ther's more out there if you want to try again someday. You gave it a shot, a lot of time, and a bunch of money, and it fizzled out. Not a life problem and not a failure, and as long as the parts were treated well, you provided a good temporary home for them where similar stuff got conglomerated. That's a public service right there! Also on a side note, (minor hijack in defense) not all early cars made into hot rods are "destroyed", many are just finished differently than restored cars and could always be returned to and finished original. Roadster bods are always in demand, very rarely ruined by hotrodders, and usually get driven. Unlike hundred year restorations that might see a hundred miles a year if ever finished. Don't feel bad about not getting to it. You should see how many one year old snowmobiles are on craigslist around here for half the sticker price. E' thing you collected is important to someone and will find its way to the right place. The embarrassment of asking about it would paralyze tons of dudes, so kudos for coming across to this pack of wolves about it! Only negative thing I can think to say is that those Chevy truck are f#@#in' expensive as hell to finish up, oh, and the "Chevy" part... My experiences also tell me that resto guys will not pay as much for cool bodies as hot rodders ( no offense ) 'cause the big picture for them is so much more work and money to "finish". As a next generation builder on here I'm issuing 4 cents of in put on this one because I don't know anyonone my age or younger that would restore a roadster to original over at least a mild, '40's-'50's style hop-up anyway. Good luck either way, we'd love to have you but don't worry we won't miss ya! Just kidding. Really though, A Chevy pickup? Come on man...
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01-27-2015, 12:15 PM | #29 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
"I got into Model A's to make a jalopy hot rod type car"
Fifty or sixty years ago, when Model A's were plentiful and people were practically giving them away, that was a fun and cheap way to enjoy the cars. But that ship sailed a long time ago. Good unrestored cars are much harder to find and cost too much to not take seriously. Your dilemma brings to mind that great Eastwood quote: "A man has to recognize his limitations."
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01-27-2015, 01:39 PM | #30 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
From what I see, I suggest sell it . Buy something that you like and can drive and just forget it . There are lots of guys that would have no problems with such a project and would gladly take it off your hands. There have been far too many nice projects took apart, scattered and never put back together !!!
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01-27-2015, 03:01 PM | #31 | |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
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Regardless of what these men are telling you on this message board including myself, only you know what's best for you. However, from what I've read you've pretty much had enough at this point in time and want to get rid of your A. If so, then do it! ... and don't worry about it. There should always be Model A's for sale. You may have to pay more money but they will be available. And next time, if the desire comes back to you, consider the following; especially if you lack the skills needed for a do-it-yourself restoration or think (or know) that you may not have the ability to learn them. I can't tell you how many times I've heard do-it-yourself restorers say, "If I had it to do all over I'd buy an already done, older restoration Model A ready to drive ...." Now to throw you a curve ball .... I've also heard this many times: "I could kick myself in the ass for selling that car ..." But like I said, only you know what's best for you. |
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01-27-2015, 04:15 PM | #32 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
Is this your first all inclusive project? Some people bite off more than they can chew. I always recommend to people that they start with a running car. Its much easier to "fix up" a driver than do an all out restoration. Only you will know whats best for you, and remember its not like Model A's are rare. You'll be able to get another in the future if you want one.
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01-27-2015, 04:26 PM | #33 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
He is never going to do a resto anyway.
Lots of pics of a flatty there. |
01-27-2015, 04:46 PM | #34 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
Model A Fan "There is a little sadness to the situation as I wanted to be able to prove to myself that something like this was possible and it is depressing to think that I'd rather get rid of the project, face failure, and move on."
It's not a failure to decide that you no longer want to do something. That's a positive decision. A project or hobby should give you enjoyment. If you are not happy - It's OK to move on. You may or may not revisit the hobby of restoring an old car sometime in the future. In the mean time do what makes you happy. Good luck, Bill |
01-27-2015, 06:46 PM | #35 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
The reason I ended up with my model A was due to selling a antique motorcycle project that was beyond my means machine work wise ,the sale gave me the fire power to get what I always wanted an original paint /interior late 30 standard Tudor and enough money to fix it right and make it more than road worthy. Never ever thought it was a mistake.
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01-27-2015, 06:55 PM | #36 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
Not to be rude but…………….
Willys, teaching, roadster pick up, roadster, law enforcement, 49-53 Chevy Gmc, table saw,insulation, heat. In a two year period. None of these things finish themselves. I think you just lack commitment, and maybe expect a little instant gratification. One thing I have learned about any endeavor I have ever taken on is quitting is the easy part. I have no weldler, or welding skills, or any other fabrication tools for that matter,I have very little insulation, no heat or electricity in my shop. Skills can be acquired and honed. I also have no time or money. On top of that most times after work, my body just can't take anymore. But my Model A brings me a great amount of joy and happiness. I just painted (rattle can) two wheels today, not much, but it is something. Sometimes just cleaning out the mess in the shop can be a great inspiration. You seem to have some very neat stuff that a lot of people would love to have and would literally take me years to afford, yet you want something else. Again, no offense, but maybe you should just get a vehicle that is a good driver, find someone to maintain it for you and be happy. Good luck! |
01-27-2015, 07:06 PM | #37 | |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
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Chris |
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01-28-2015, 03:03 AM | #38 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
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When I get a good down payment saved, I will probably opt to buy some land a put a shop on it so I have a nice place to work. Something that is about 40'x30' or so. Then I can have a wood shop and a car shop. But I have to wait for my yearly pay increases to happen before I'll have an opportunity to invest in that. Quote:
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I am not going full out boxed frame, channeled body and V8 (not yet on the V8), I just want a banger in a highboy for putt putting around town when it is nice out. Something I can drive around and maybe take on reliability runs. Quote:
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I think I need to inventory my parts to see what I may have two or three of (I know I have three Model A engines), and perhaps start divesting myself of these extra pieces. I have the desire to learn to weld along with sandblast. I even have a sandblaster and a compressor. I just need to work on figuring it out. Quote:
I guess I will keep it for the time being and see if I can will myself some motivation. Tonight was good in that I cleared up some space, consolidated parts, set up my new tool chest, detached my cowl and gas tank and started planning out the order of attack. Start at the cowl and work my way back on the body. Then engine I guess. Thanks for the advice, I am not fully set on either decision yet, but it was nice to work on it again after so long just sitting there. Thank you for the different perspectives and kind words. I appreciate it. |
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01-28-2015, 03:24 AM | #39 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
My friend just recently sold the pickup truck you'd have liked. It was a 1949 Chevy corner window cab half ton in very nice original condition. I really enjoyed driving that ruck and told him that was the best original vehical he owned, but he sold it anyway. It sure had a nice soft clutch pedal and just purred along so nice, but was really geard low. The engine sounded nice at about 25 to 30 MPH and really screamed at 45. I told Mike he should put an overdrive in it and keep it, but it didn't happen.
BTW, I know well what you mean about bad weather preventing work on cars in an unheated garage. We have 6 to 7 months of winter, so we can't drive on the salty roads and can't do work without a heated insulated garage. It would be nice to be in the country with a nice garage with a wood stove. I sure could get a lot more done. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 01-28-2015 at 03:52 AM. |
01-28-2015, 05:16 AM | #40 |
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Re: How to decide when to throw in the towel?
I know you have 3 pages of guys over on the hamb saying stick with it
it sounds to me this may not be the right time in your life for a major project you want to save for a better house and land work on your career and lots of other things to be happy with this type of major project you must enjoy the grind of long hours in garage that said you have 3 engines if a bent valve is a problem swap it out for another engine a few things to consider are the time it takes most guys working mostly alone well over a 1000 to 2000 + hours to build any sort of car restored or rod money what ever you think it might cost double it at least trip to parts store to buy the odd bolt and nut or wd40 or degreaser all cost more than you think and are never in the budget and never seen in the sale price sometimes it is much cheaper and faster to send stuff out to the professionals once then trying to do it yourself 3 times the cost of building a car would make a nice down payment on a block of land |
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