how did I get here?

[Ross F.]

I am at the deepest part of my restoration. And my confidence is fading. I took a nice original driver and decided to embark on a total rehab. But, as many on this forum probably know, original really means everything is worn out. Not one part made of rubber is good. I break as many bolts as I remove. Does drinking help? Anyway. I finished the Stag. So forward I go! And thanks for all the help. Really not possible without the assistance provided by NCRS and this forum.

[Chris E.]

Re: how did I get here?

Pick a small task to do every week and check it off the list. Don't worry so much about the big stuff if your confidence is struggling a bit. Just keep plugging away on the little stuff. It all needs to get done.

What is your end goal with the car? Are you going to bring it through Flight judging? Do you want a more reliable driver and aren't as hyper-concerned about originality?

[Edward J.]

Re: how did I get here?

Ross, there is one thing for certain once you have embarked doing a frame off you'll know every nut and bolt, and when done the pride will leave a smile on your face, and saying I did the restoration myself.(Of coarse with the TDB too).

until about 8 years age I drove new corvettes, now I have restored a 63 and a 72 and a lot of questions answered here. Even after 40 years of being in the car repair business I Still needed a lot of the details only known by members here.

Have fun and enjoy your quest , don't forget to post some pic.s along the way.

[Jerry K.]

Re: how did I get here?

Be like a doctor, have a lot of PATIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ross F.]

Re: how did I get here?

Thanks guys,
Its not that I haven't done this before, its just this car! Every nut, Every bolt, Every rivot. Of course you're all correct., small focused tasks and patience. Top flight here we come!

[David P.]

Re: how did I get here?

... 'original' really means everything is worn out. ...

Ross, I really like your quote. That's worth preserving, no pun intended.

[Norris W.]

Re: how did I get here?

Be like a doctor, have a lot of PATIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I know how I ended up with so many project cars. Somebody said that to me years ago and I thought they said "patients" instead of patience.

[Eric E.]

Re: how did I get here?

Ross, I am in the same boat and after quite a few years of sitting on a rack I have decided the time is right to get back in the groove. Plan a course and eat your vette one bite at a time... that's my plan!

[Ross F.]

Re: how did I get here?

I know, I know. . I have these three. And it is fun. But this 75 is testing me.

[Bill M.]

Re: how did I get here?

Ross

Know when to walk away. it took me 24 hours just to remove the rear bumpers off of my 66 another 40 to remove the body bolts. the car was used to tow a small boat in the 70's. all i started out to do was new carpet. when the going got to be to much i would call it a day.

Bill

[Paul J.]

Re: how did I get here?

Ross,

Too many people jump into a restoration and don't finish it because they put too much pressure on themselves and burn out. It's supposed to be fun, but it's also frustrating at times. The late John Muir (author of the VW "idiot" book) said to find a distraction until the frustration or "rage" subsides. He was into caressing his tools instead of throwing them. When I get frustrated after snapping a bolt, I'll put it down and leave it alone for a while. I might work on something else, or sit down with a beer and ponder my next move, or go watch TV, but I haven't lost the passion for my hobby and I'm careful not burn myself out.

Paul

[Alan S.]

Re: how did I get here?

Hi Ross,
I can certainly sympathize with you and agree with the suggestions made by other members on how to approach a big project.
I'll add that I found keeping things organized... both parts needing restoration and those finished, and also all the tools and equipment, helped me to keep going. Going into the garage when it was a mess wasn't much fun.
Somedays just straightening up and putting things in their place was in itself a small success!
Good Luck as you continue.
Regards,
Alan

[Peter B.]

Re: how did I get here?

Hi Ross,
I am on year 4 of my 3 year restoration. Who was I kidding. I recently stepped away for 5 or 6 months due to frustration with the re-conditioning of the steering column. the lower bearing was getting the better of me. So I let family time take my attention (not a bad thing to do every now and again). Well long story short, I finally went back to the column and it was not more than 45 minutes, I had the plastic spacer off, the spring off, the old bearing out, cleaned and reassembled. Keep at in small tasks and take breaks. Good luck

[Ross F.]

Re: how did I get here?

Pete,
Im starting to get in the groove. Many great suggestion here. The bottom line is I started this for fun. Keep it that way. Milestone today. Frame is on the trailer and headed to paragon this week. Also, with help from forum friends, I found the serial number on the frame. Hard to believe how happy that made me.

[Chris E.]

Re: how did I get here?

Great news Ross! See, you're back on track.