It might be time to sell and move on.

Longroof79 · Jul 25, 2024

Once again, I truly appreciate everyone's support. It means a lot to me. I've had a love affair with cars from a young age. My first Hot Rod magazine at 9 yrs old. I enjoyed working on anything with a gas engine....go karts, minibikes, outboard motors, etc. I just find it hard to want to work on the car, but just can't at this time.
I know this will pass in good time. Perhaps if I'm patient I'll be rewarded. I'm hoping for that.
You're all a great bunch of guys. That's why I love this forum and have been a member for as long as I have. Thank you!

Ribbedroof · Jul 25, 2024

Jack not that it matters but just know that you’re not alone. I am having the same problem myself during some life changes along the way potentially involving relocation to a place with no shop facility to work out of. Kind in a situation where I really like the car but I just really don’t have the energy to work on it or really the time with other things that need to be done but not really ready to sell either especially given the project cars don’t bring much in this market

Bonnewagon · Jul 25, 2024

Jack if the problem is old age/ no energy/ things hurt/ no time/ no ambition/ seemingly insurmountable obstacles, well, join the club. I think most of the guys on here are feeling all of this. I know I am. I don't let it get me down. The best part of being retireded is being able to just vegetate in the recliner if that is what you need at the moment. There is no timeline anymore. You just do what you feel like doing. And if you fell like doing nothing- so be it. I have been working on my 1968 Firebird for over 40 years. Most years it just sat. But now I can dedicate some time to it as I see fit. Working outside, rain is my nemesis now. But I am still working on it because I enjoy doing that. Who cares if I ever finish it? And when I get fed up with it, I go fishing. :mrgreen:

383_StealthRam · Jul 25, 2024

Hi there, we've never personally met afaik....but I couldn't agree more with everything that's already been said by others. Nothing matters more than your physical and mental health, so sometimes it's just a matter of shifting some priorities around that make the most sense for you, and your family at any given time. It's funny how times change with our car club buddies over the years too, we used to only talk about car stuff when we'd hang out. Nowadays, we talk more about personal illness and ailments that ache here or there, or slow us down.

I'm at a point where I just enjoy to jump in one of the cars, and just take a drive...no destination in mind, just wherever I end up. I had a few health scares in the past 10-20 yrs, and at times thought to pare back, sell off tools, equipment and cars cuz things seemed uncertain. There wasn't any external pressure to do so, but I was worried, but here I am so many years later...I'm so glad I didn't sell off anything, but that's just me.

I hope you can overcome whatever medical issues you're dealing with, and come out the other side with a clean bill of health and ultimately settle on where you want the next phase of your life, and car hobby to take you. Sometimes change is good, I have a buddy that we actually tease because he never keeps a muscle or project car more than a year or two. Never get's emotionally attached to any one of them. Those of us who've had long ownerships, and special memories for better or worse never understand that, but that's what kinda makes it such a great hobby I guess...

Think positive thoughts always, and do what is right for you...no regrets.

Be well!!

Longroof79 · Jul 25, 2024

SS_Malibu said:
For most of us here, our cars are like part of our family. We love them, enjoy being with them and they even get Christmas presents. As someone earlier in this thread said, if your decision is not based on financial needs then put it aside until you are able to enjoy it again. 38 years is an awful long time to be part of your family.

Thank you my friend. I appreciate

Ribbedroof said:
Jack not that it matters but just know that you’re not alone. I am having the same problem myself during some life changes along the way potentially involving relocation to a place with no shop facility to work out of. Kind in a situation where I really like the car but I just really don’t have the energy to work on it or really the time with other things that need to be done but not really ready to sell either especially given the project cars don’t bring much in this market

Brian,

Ribbedroof said:
Jack not that it matters but just know that you’re not alone. I am having the same problem myself during some life changes along the way potentially involving relocation to a place with no shop facility to work out of. Kind in a situation where I really like the car but I just really don’t have the energy to work on it or really the time with other things that need to be done but not really ready to sell either especially given the project cars don’t bring much in this market

Brian
I know we all go through phases whether we should sell our projects and unencumber ourselves. I think we all seem to agree on one thing or other in this hobby. As we age it seems as though we lose energy and experience more aches and pains, with new ones popping up on an almost daily basis.
I hope your situation gets better regarding your storage and relocation issue, Most of us seem to go through a phase. I know you also do this work for a living. I would think it would take the joy out of the hobby.
Oddly enough, I used to have more fun working on the car than actually driving it. I know it sounds crazy. I always enjoyed seeing improvements unfold the more work I got done. As I mentioned, my enthusiasm isn't what it used to be. It's really a combination of things. Age, lack of energy, mild depression.
I have always been a positive person. If I can find that same positivity again I think I'd be in good shape.
I hope you find a happy medium that works out for you.

Longroof79 · Jul 25, 2024

Bonnewagon said:
Jack if the problem is old age/ no energy/ things hurt/ no time/ no ambition/ seemingly insurmountable obstacles, well, join the club. I think most of the guys on here are feeling all of this. I know I am. I don't let it get me down. The best part of being retireded is being able to just vegetate in the recliner if that is what you need at the moment. There is no timeline anymore. You just do what you feel like doing. And if you fell like doing nothing- so be it. I have been working on my 1968 Firebird for over 40 years. Most years it just sat. But now I can dedicate some time to it as I see fit. Working outside, rain is my nemesis now. But I am still working on it because I enjoy doing that. Who cares if I ever finish it? And when I get fed up with it, I go fishing.

Mark,
I can relate to you and most other aging members. The lack of energy, things hurting, lack of ambition and feeling a bit depressed as to what will happen to my cars and stuff if I should check out. After having my heart issue, it really has me thinking more in this realm. No kids to pass my junk onto, plus i don't want to leave my wife holding the bag, so to speak.
Of course being retired you do what you want to. No time card to punch..no micromanaging boss or supervisor to break your balls. Your time is your own. That's where I don't miss working everyday. I miss the paycheck, but not the bullshit.
Mark, I still own my '64 Porsche. that I've owned for almost 50 yrs. Bought it as a rolling, driving wreck. I've enjoyed working on it and have taken several road trips in it. I have also thought about selling it more times than I can remember. My old friends up in NY always talk me out of it selling it. Telling me I'd regret selling it. Once again you become attached over the years.
A '68 Firebird is a very cool ride. I remember driving my neighbors new '67 Firebird convertible 326 auto. Nice car. It was that sort of cinnamon color.
So you have no shelter for the Firebird. That makes things difficult. You're right about enjoying work on it. It's therapy. That's how I see it.

Ribbedroof · Jul 25, 2024

Longroof79 said:
Brian
I know you also do this work for a living. I would think it would take the joy out of the hobby.

You, my friend, have said a mouthful right there!

ssn696 · Jul 25, 2024

It saddens my heart to see my two cars parked. You can't drive yard art. Wish we lived closer so I could lend a hand to any of you guys. Might just get me off my dime and making progress.

Bonnewagon · Jul 25, 2024

Longroof79 said:
So you have no shelter for the Firebird.

No, I have a garage for it. And you know what it means to have a garage here in Shitty City! But that meant clearing out the garage of all the other junk. So I bought two 9x10 sheds from Sears, bolted them together, and piled all my other junk in there. Compressor, welders, scooter, outboards, lawn mowers, blast cabinet, tires, engines, loads of stuff. But the garage is still jammed with Firebird parts so I need to move it outside for any work. It has an engine/transmission, so I can pull the plugs and crank it out with the starter. With a three gallon outboard gas tank I can actually run it. Once I finish the roll bar I can concentrate on the drivetrain.

You know Jack, I bitched at the mess my parents left me to clean up. It took an entire year, but at least I grabbed all the tools. I don't want to leave that for my kids so I have been systematically tossing things. It took me five years to get rid of all my second gen Firebird stuff. Sometimes I think the leprechauns are sneaking it back in when I'm not looking. :mrgreen:

Longroof79 · Jul 25, 2024

383_StealthRam said:
Hi there, we've never personally met afaik....but I couldn't agree more with everything that's already been said by others. Nothing matters more than your physical and mental health, so sometimes it's just a matter of shifting some priorities around that make the most sense for you, and your family at any given time. It's funny how times change with our car club buddies over the years too, we used to only talk about car stuff when we'd hang out. Nowadays, we talk more about personal illness and ailments that ache here or there, or slow us down.

I'm at a point where I just enjoy to jump in one of the cars, and just take a drive...no destination in mind, just wherever I end up. I had a few health scares in the past 10-20 yrs, and at times thought to pare back, sell off tools, equipment and cars cuz things seemed uncertain. There wasn't any external pressure to do so, but I was worried, but here I am so many years later...I'm so glad I didn't sell off anything, but that's just me.

I hope you can overcome whatever medical issues you're dealing with, and come out the other side with a clean bill of health and ultimately settle on where you want the next phase of your life, and car hobby to take you. Sometimes change is good, I have a buddy that we actually tease because he never keeps a muscle or project car more than a year or two. Never get's emotionally attached to any one of them. Those of us who've had long ownerships, and special memories for better or worse never understand that, but that's what kinda makes it such a great hobby I guess...

Think positive thoughts always, and do what is right for you...no regrets.

Be well!!

Thank you! I appreciate your positive pep talk. I find this whole thread like a group therapy session. We all get a chance to vent and air our dirty laundry.
Seriously, the more I've read so far from my fellow members has made me feel much better about things in general.
I still have my health issues to contend with. Hopefully, I'll be able to overcome that obstacle.
I used to be the same way. Just get in my car and take a nice drive anywhere listening to great road music. It was good therapy. No destination in mind.

I envy guys who can own a vehicle for a short time without becoming too attached or committed . I always thought how cool it would be to own many different machines over time. Just to say that I've owned one of those, and one of those, etc. Variety is the spice of life, as the old adage goes.
As I said, the longer you own stuff, the more attached you become. I'm just one of those sentimental fools.

Thank you again for helping me keep my chin up with positive thoughts. I'm hoping this will be just a proverbial bump in the road.
Love your Cutlass. Beautiful ride.

Search

Search

It might be time to sell and move on.

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Ribbedroof

Geezer

Bonnewagon

Lost in the Labyrinth

383_StealthRam

G-Body Guru

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Ribbedroof

Geezer

ssn696

Living in the Past

Bonnewagon

Lost in the Labyrinth

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Similar threads

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Recommended Communities