You'll need to find what process will work for you. I have no budget or timetable. I don't care about budget because I never plan to sell my project. It will always be something that will keep me busy or will evolve from what state it's in to a different version.
At the same time, I hate spending money because I know I can make what I need out of raw materials and it is more rewarding for me to do so. This isn't to say I don't have a clear picture of what I want it to be when complete, if ever.
I'll still laugh at the "shoulds" I continue to get. Like "You should paint it yellow." Yeah, THAT ain't gonna happen. What works for me is working on and completing sub-sections of the vehicle. Like building/rebuilding the brake system. Or completing the body and paint portion.
I bought my project in 2006 and started enjoying the driving part by 2012. I might have the exterior paint done by early 2023. Also, if you feel something is way beyond your capabilities, do a little online research (Stovebolt is a great resource) and see if it really is an insurmountable thing to do. None of us were born knowing how to do everything! We all had to learn somewhere.
So I would say, having a clear picture of how you want that thing to be when complete, would be pretty important. Then work on a section at a time until you reach that complete picture. And if one job frustrates you, move to another part until you are inspired or hit with the solution to revisit the original problem. Plan on it being a marathon and not a sprint. Not all of us will "need to get it done in the next half hour, OR WE COULD LOSE THE SHOP!!"
Realize that your work can be a distraction. Yeah, you got the tools there, but there is always somebody around who will need your attention. I was trying to make a simple steel fence post recently at work. Something that should take no more than 2 hours from cutting, drilling, welding and spray paint. Took me about 2 weeks with all the distractions, quickie jobs and honey-do's.
You have a great start! Just keep at it and never give up!
Last edited by Peggy M; 11/01/2023 10:10 PM.
