I hope you don't give up on it, but I think most of us can understand the feelings. There is a tipping point for me, when it starts to look better, and the old and sometimes rusty or broken parts disappear/ When mine finally reaches the stage when I can start it and even put it in gear, I can see the light at the end, My current one has been exceptionally stubborn, so even with new parts still does not take that step forward. But I take long breaks from the engine compartment to do other things. The interior was not a part of the original project, but I got a deal on buckets and so then the door panels, carpet and headliner were replaced and now the interior is much nicer. The CD now works, a new heater core and I sealed the floor. The wheels are off the floor and I have much to do to get it safely on the road but I did things that would ultimately need doing while the stubborn engine problems plague me, It has a new master cylinder and all new lines and fluid. I replaced the brake cylinders and all rubber lines. I got the carb rebuilt, all things I would have eventually had to do. Mne started off as a 3 month project of engine swapping, and has evolved into an almost complete restoration, that hasn't cost me more than the value of the car, but has taken over 5 years because of the long pauses. There are times, such as now when I want to walk away, but I will not sell it until it runs. I would lose some money, but like you, I am stubborn and giving up is too much to handle. I literally have thousands of hours, some of them wasted, and thousands of dollars and I selfishly want to be the first to drive it, better than new because the suspension and body mounts are better than in 1980. I don't know how long I will keep it. Neither of my grown sons has ever shown any interest in my cars, but maybe the El Camino can be my hearse, and finally give me respect for bringing it back to life
Chuck
