The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk when do you call it quits

After 3 years and over 5 grand later when do you sit back and throw in that towel and say I'm done. After countless hours restoring the small stuff and the broken to realize that you still have nothing. What does one do.... I think that I have reached that plateau with my 52 canadian 1/2 ton 1300. I guess the question I have is do I push on or call it a loss?

Only you can answer that question. But I think most of us have been where you are, Brother It's called "The Wall."

Here's what I wrote about this a few years ago for the FAQ's. Hopefully it will help.

There should be a few more of the guys who will pipe in and share their own stories about hitting the wall, too.

Make no decisions. Take the rest of the week, and the weekend, off. This is a hard time of year ... it's been a long winter. Plenty of cold, dark days in the Garage and no apparent progress to show for it. Been there. Got so frustrated, I just wanted to torch it all. Well, read the link

Bottom line -- You're not alone. The frustration is real. We've all been there. Hang in there. But take a break. Don't flog yourself.

Pop in your favorite Great Big Sea CD (Mine is "Road Rage") and know that Spring is coming!

Regards,
John

Good luck answering that one. I have been doing this many times longer and many times more money, and what keeps me going is...

1) Don't set a date as to when you should be done with your project. Take ALL the time there is and then some. By relaxing, getting done whatever you have time for, and setting lower expectations for the timeframe, you will do a better job and probably with less money because you are giving yourself time to think things through. Ask about stuff here a lot. These guys are so helpful.

2) By taking things slower, you can afford to put more money into it. Use what funds you have more wisely, and because you aren't expecting things to be done NOW, you can save for the bigger expenditures. Make a list of the higher cost items, spread it out over the years.

3) If you have a passion for these trucks, like I do, there is no amount of time or expense. I don't have much money either, but time is the great equalizer. I have a wonderful shop these days and the tools to do the job right, and the key is be in NO hurry. Lots of guys richer than I have a lot less knowledge and ability to really solve problems. Big mouth, no show. Slow and steady wins the race.. and how you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Oh, and be REALLY nice to your wife. :P

I can only speak for myself.

I cannot put into words the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment I felt when I drove my 50 out of the garage after 3 years.

$5K. Not to sound insensitive but with the prices of parts these days that's not really that much. I'm into my '38 much more than that. Just rebuilding the engine cost almost that much. No, I'm not wealthy. I'm a blue collar retiree on Social Security. It does help to have a wife that likes old cars as well.

You call it quits when you look up and see the two guys starting
to shovel the dirt in.
This is a hobby and it takes a lot of patients and perseverance
to get to the end.
If your trying to get everything finish before you put it on the
road than it could be a long haul unless you have deep pockets.
Personally I focus on what needs to be done to get mine weather
tight and safe to put on the road with other people. started
mine in '05 and other than when it was down for the engine
work, and brake work, I've been driving her all the time.
The money??? If your going to worry bout the money then you
might as well get rid of it now. There really isn't an end to
sinking money into them, after all, its a hobby. If you were a
shooter and worried about what it cost every time you pulled
the trigger than you wouldn't be getting much shooting done.
Same thing with golf or skydiving or auto racing or any thing
that's a hobby.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I just want to know how you rate Denny... getting TWO guys to shovel the dirt in. Listen to these guys Canada. They have been around the block a few times.

When I think I'm never going to finish , (and relay this to my wife , she says " what are you going to do when you finish " ) Weeelllll " I don't know ". So I just keep plugging along , having fun reliving the '50s ....

It's a journey, not a destination.

I don't think I've ever made money on a project vehicle. But that's not my goal, and I just can leave stuff well enough alone.

Consider it therapy... what you do to "get your mind right". Much cheaper than a psychiatrist, plus you have something to show for all the sessions

I think you have to take a break (as previously mentioned), and figure out what you want out of your truck. I had a project that I was in pieces for many years. I knew I didn't want a show vehicle, just something nice to drive around. I was able to get it mostly back together, but there were quite a few smaller issues that prevented me from driving it, and I didn't seem to be able to solve them. After spending all that money and time doing it on my own, I had the same feeling. Finally it was worth a little extra money to take it and have it finished by someone who knows more than I do (and has more time than I do). The fact that when I got it back I could turn the key and drive it made it all worthwhile. Sure, I would have loved to do it all myself, but now I'm driving it with a big smile on my face.

What is the current state of your truck, and what do you want out of it? Are you stuck on a task, or just have think you have too many tasks to go?

I was in exactly your position about three years ago and was ready to call it quits a few times after that. Some of the Stovebolters who had hit the wall themselves suggested just taking a break.
I did and it was great getting back into it when I was in the right frame of mine. I bought mine as hobby and way to get my head out of office and I just had to remember that.
As Denny suggests just concentrate on getting on the road. That's what I did and now I look forward to putzing with the little stuff that invariably crops up.
Hang in there.

Bucketorust52, I know you're frustrated but John M. gave you some good advice in his thread he gave the link to. My advice is to find someone who can help you. Sounds like you might be doing this solo. My hat's off to you for all that you've done, but if you hook up with a fellow 'bolter or a member of Inliners International they would be more than happy to give you a hand and at least help you get to a point where you can drive the old truck. Then like Denny said just drive it and work on all the other stuff over time. If you ever get it running and can drive it you'll be encouraged every time you get in it and that will keep you going. Reach out to us here on Stovebolt.com because everyone here is willing to give you virtual help also.

Remember my motto.........NEVER QUIT!!

In reality you are never done. Separate things into "It Needs and the "I WANT". Work the "It needs" first, get it on the road and enjoy it. Then as finances allow, work on the "I want" Things. Of course as you enjoy it more IT "NEEDs" rear their ugly head. Just this weekend, I installed the "I Want" 3 Point seat belts. On my way home from a welding shop, I stopped in town and saw antifreeze dripping in front. Oh Crap , radiator sprung a leak along upper tank and tubes. That is a "It Needs" which is getting taken care of this week. Jerry

Spent 5 years, and many thousands of $$$$ doing my 37 and swore I'd never resurrect another from the ground up.

.....right after it was finished I started looking for another one. 1952 rust bucket basket case. Should have crushed it. Now, almost 7 years, and many many thousands later its on the road.

What I can't do I barter/swap/trade or just pay to have it done.
Eating an elephant one bite at a time is just like doing a truck FIFTEEN minutes a day. Small victories equals big success.

..and just tonight, I almost wanted to torch the panel. After getting it going I decided I "needed" a 700R4 tranny. Well, its in and almost ready to go but tonight, I had to just turn the light our and fight it later.

YOU CAN DO IT. NEVER, NEVER give up. Visit here often, go to car shows and cruise-ins to get you blood pumping again.

Keep us posted.

When I got my truck it was a "driver", sort of.... At least it could be started and driven around a bit, but not legal or safe on the road.(maybe more of a mover) I bought it as a retirement project. Problem was I had just retired from 49 years as a carpenter/contractor, and took on the truck project as if it was a contract job. I was obsessed, worked on it every day for about 3 months. I figured that I might as well take advantage of my obsession, and this plan worked for me. I remember the milestones in bringing this truck back. First got the trans shifting properly, and what a thrill when I got the headlights and brakelights working! Then body work and paint, and upholstery. Lots of little fixits with the steering, suspension, and brakes, and wiring. Now I can drive it every day and really enjoy the complements and looks it gets everywhere I take it. I still have a few small items left to do, but I can do them at my leisure now.

There you go Alvin, always thinking of food. They aren't
serving Elephant at Denny's now, are they????
But seriously, if you made the choice to play with these old
trucks then you need to get it in your head that there is
always gonna be somethin' that needs attention. Unlike the
vehicles we drive today, even when these trucks were brand new
they required a lot of maintenance. Frequent tune ups, brake
adjustment, lots of grease fittings, steering adjustments and
plenty of puddles to mop up.
I thought I had all the mechanicals all finished up but like you
Jerry, the old gals been parked for a few months because of
this record breaking winter we've had here in Illinois. I've
got a goodly puddle of antifreeze dripping in a pan and the
heater core is drippin' into a towel in the corner of the toe
board. And, my totally rebuilt fuel delivery is seeping enough
that it needs some attention before the spring thaw, brakes are
about at half pedal also and I'm due for a grease job and oil
change. I'll bet I'd stop them in their tracks if I took it to
a Jiffy Lube, those kids probably have never even seen a zirk
fitting let alone a vehicle with a couple dozen on it. And to
think, I've only put 10k on her since all the work was fresh.
My downfall is I try as much as I can to use all the original
stuff rebuilt, instead of using new modern stuff like a better
fuel shut off, a new radiator, modern tie rod ends, etc.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I hit "the wall" John speaks of five years ago when the economy cratered. Architecture in south Florida, of which I'm a part, was hard hit and is still struggling. I let it affect me too much. I finally mastered the mental fortitude to drag my sorry butt over the wall and am now back at it. When to call it quits? I'll let ya know.

Ground up restoration? You've just scratched the surface.

I heard so many restoration stories of half-finished trucks sold off I completely shied away from having a truck that was non-drivable at any time. Did the brakes 100%, being able to stop with complete confidence I moved on slowly from there. When I bought the truck it was a driver. I don't need perfection, I do desire to drive and enjoy my truck every day. It's about 50%-%50% with my truck...the Guys that say 'What they would do if it was theirs(color, when are you going to paint it? lowering it, etc.)' and the other 50% 'Perfect just the way it is'.

I think it was very intelligent for you to start this thread...there are 35,000 of us with 35,000 opinions and many that have been in your shoes.

Good luck with your choices.

Cosmo

And come here often for therapy.

Dennis

Now that's funny right there......AND sage advise.

I am new to this hobby and learning as I go. Until a dozen or so years ago all this was just a "someday I wanna". I'm now knee deep into a frame up restoration of a '46 half ton. I don't know near enough to finish it solo, but I'm stubborn (maybe dumb) enough NOT to give up. I'm lucky in that within a mile of me live several guys, also retired, that help each other when needed. The guys here on Stovebolt are also a tremendous help.

I go through these same periods of thinking I need to toss in the towel. Instead, I sometimes take a break, as others have suggested. Usually though, If I get stuck on something, I pick another one of the tasks on the list and work on it. If I get stuck there I go back to the first task or if need be start on something else. I'm not ashamed to admit I have had as many as 19 separate tasks in progress in different areas of the shop. It may seem chaotic, but I keep it organized and eventually get the task completed. My key is to get at least a small easy win at least several times a week and to try and spend at least one hour a day doing something on the project. It can be as simple as polishing or de-rusting nuts and bolts or researching a parts source.

I'm also lucky to have a wife that encourages and supports my hobby interests. As for the money aspect, I look at as a better investment than sitting in front of the boob tube or on a bar stool.

Good luck and keep plugging away!

As mentioned by others. That is what I have done on mine, is to keep it somewhat drivable while working on it. If nothing else just enough to drive it around the pasture in between major repairs.
Every few months, after that little drive, I am energized again and feel good about the little accomplishments I have made.
If that does not work for you...just step back away from it for a while. When you go back, things will look better.
Yep, 5 grand is not very much nowadays. Just keep the mindset that when finished it may be worth 30 grand!!!

Love this thread and agree with so many other comments, I'm with Cosmos in expressing gratitude for beginning it. You can tell by the responses that we have all been there. "The wall" exists for all of us; some walls are higher than others, and you don't have to go over it, you can go around (ask for help)!

Several years ago I considered "giving up" the hobby. I made a conscious decision to continue because it was good exercise of both mind and body, I really enjoyed the people I met in the hobby, AND I enjoyed working on our older vehicles. After all, it's supposed to be fun!

There's something magical about putting a socket and breakover bar on a nut that's been on a bolt for over 60 years and have it break loose, without rounding off....

Anyway, since making the decision, we've gotten Magic Bus, Thor, and Chief; two of which are back on the road, and Chief is on the 2014 schedule.

This site is truly therapeutic as well as an abundance of information and support. Oh, it does help to have and understanding spouse!

Good luck with your '52

I worked on mine for almost 5-years and tried to do a little something each day. I am also with Denny keep going until people are filing past you saying "he looks good, so life like." Now every time I drive it I smile!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129179759/in/set-72157631867396207

Deve, it takes two. One operates the backhoe and one stands on the vault in the hole with a shovel to tamp the dirt in around the edges. This is done to prevent air pockets and settling. My first job was the man in the hole. $1.65/hour. Didn't pay too well, but we never got any complaints from the customers.

When do you give up? In terms of true practicality, we all should have quit before we started. Before you give up, go to some big car/truck shows and see if some fine examples of what you like doesn't light a fire in you. If not, give it up and sell it. There are addicts like myself lurking in the shadows, ready to prey upon an abandoned, unfinished project. Just don't expect to recoup even half of what you spent on just the parts. I am purposefully being harsh to you so that you will think it through and not regret whatever decision that you end up making.

I see now that I am not alone on this. I was feeling kind of bad that I was not finished with mine after 6 years but when I got it nothing worked or ran. Whenever I run into that wall I stop working on it, put up the tools start it up and take a nice long ride.
It is amazing to just look and listen to that old truck moving down the road under its own power. It may not be hitting on all 6 sometimes and you might even smell a little oil every once in a while but that is some of the best therapy in the whole world. I don't care if it's a show truck, farm use ,daily driver, rat rod or just a plain old rust bucket, the man has to be cut from a special kind of cloth to do it in a stovebolt. Keep on trucking brother. We've all been there .

Now let me see....why do I have three dizzies on the shelf all painted and clean and good to go? I only got 1 truck. Why do I have 4 carbs in coffee cans waiting for some tender attention? Why do I have three starters on the shelf waiting for some quality time? Why do I have the spare set of fenders? ......Why has no one questioned my mental health. Oh and I got talked into helping with a 30 Chevy coupe show car...why me? And now a buddy wants help with a 67 Firebird... so now I gotta learn more about Pontiac 400's And , well you get the picture. When I was stuck like you some one needed my help, got some metal out of that. Some thing else came up, got some welding out of that. Got sunburned in the shade in front of my garage, got some help with the glass from that. I think it has been fun so far. And by the way..3 years, 1 driving, and still in rattle can primer. I ain't done yet.

Success is getting up one more time than you fall down. Keep going till you can say, "I win"! Advice from all the others is spot on!

Truer words have never been spoken.

$5,000 is just a drop in the bucket if you're doing a quality frame off restoration.

It's a hobby not a business. Don't keep track of costs, it'll only frustrate you. No cutting corners to cut costs, you only will suffer in the long run. If it's not fun, stop. If you get no satisfaction out of the hobby maybe it's not for you and you should consider buying one that someone else built. I talk to a lot of people at shows that own but do not build. Doesn't keep them from loving their truck any less. Just my 2 cents

Alot of great suggestions here...

Step back, put the tools and parts catalogs away, clean up the area around the truck, put everything away that you can so that the area is nice,clean and somewhat organized, pull up a seat and look at what you got.
Does it still urge you to pick up a wrench and work on it?
Do you still envision the finished project?

If not, walk away for awhile and don't make any permanent decisions for awhile.

Spring is coming which means there will be outside work to do. I imagine up your way you still have to deal with winter but good weather is a-coming

Go to a few car shows and get around others that are in the hobby.

If during this time you find yourself continually going back and checking out your truck, you'll know what you want to do.
Good luck
Dave

Yep. like everyone else here, I've been there... So here are my 2cents:
First, remember it is a hobby, work on your truck only when you feel like it, it is OK to go and do something else for a while!
Next, maybe (and it is a big maybe, as I do not know you!) you have taken on a project a bit big for you, your budget, your skills... Maybe it is time to reconsider your goal, for instance, maybe a show truck seemed like a good idea 3 years ago, but you would have more fun with a simple daily driver kind of truck... My '70 Impala is flat black and my '57 Suburban is half primer: that is not what I was dreamiong of when I was a teenager, but that is what I have and I love them both!
Spending time on little details is indeed not really rewarding and it is easy to get lost in those details, or to get carried away: I have spent several hours fitting a remote trunk opener on my '70 Impala and it took me some time to realize I did not want that, I had a blown 6.0 litre up front waiting to be started! It just seemed like a good idea at the time...
Finally, I would say: get it running as soon as you can, there is nothing like driving your truck, even not finished. People will give you the thumbs up anyway! You can go for a cruise night or a picnic to refuel your passion and maybe later, you will finish it!
You will be fine, don't worry, just do not sell your truck now!

Thanks John for opening up this very interesting discussion. There is not much more I can add only to say to just follow your passion. I have owned a lot of cool cars and trucks for 60+yrs. but never rebuilt or "restored" one. Then about 20 yrs. ago I spotted a nice old 52 AD and it was love at first sight. Finally found a nice old stock 53 after retiring. Started edging toward the "WALL" when the money ran out and still a long way to go. Thanks to all you guys and gals plus a good part time job, things are slower, decisions more realistic. Just livin' in the moment and enjoying it more. If you need some encouragement I suggest you watch Volfandt's video of a winter cruise. I felt just like I was rid'n shotgun. When my sons girl friend first saw my truck, she said " I like how round and curvy it is'' Me too.young lady, me too. Good luck, Steve

I started my 41 in the early 90's, lost intrest, time, and didn't have the money. All these years later I gained intrest again and am glad I didn't get rid of it. Things change but not my love for old trucks, and the pride of accomplishment. Be patient, take a break, and don't be too concerned with the money. You can't take it with you and the project when done will be a legacy, also something to be proud of and enjoy! Scott

Stick with it. If you sell it I guarantee sellers remorse will set in. Maybe not right away but later it will. And if you sell it what will you do with the money? I
once restored a 1935 Rearwin Sportster airplane, Took me 29 years. Life and 6 kids got in the way.flew it 200 plus hours and then sold it. I made a bunch of money on the deal but now the money is gone and so is the airplane So what did I gain? Nothing except an education and some knowledge. Take the advice all have offered here, step back, take a break an go back to it later when you feel like it. It took me 9 years and $18000 to finish my 49 Suburban but there is nothing like the feeling I get when I hit the starter, it comes to life and I motor out to the nearest 2 lane and just cruise enjoying all the thumbs up and honks. Hang in there. better days will come.


Weeds

Very good and varied advice. Hard to say what is best. You have to figure out what your feelings are, I.E. no progress to see, money, tired of the work, no time, disenchanted with old trucks, wife, not fun???????? IF you can figure that out, then you will know which advice here to take. Quick fixes: Put it together without a full resto and drive, sell it as is and buy a driver, sell it as is and buy a boat and go fishing. No one realizes the work of a full resto until they have done it. Too much time, too much work, need too many tools, too much money, takes up too much space, for me anymore. If I did it again, by the time I finish, I won't be able to see, walk, hear, drive or remember where I live.

There is a lot of good advice given in the responses already. It can get frustrating when you hit the wall. Try to remember why you started the project. This winter has seen me not get any work done as I do not have heat in the garage and it has been cold. Went to an Auto museum this past week and saw an AD truck and got excited about starting up on the truck again.
My other word of advice is do not listen to friends who don't get it. I have a friend who came by 2 weeks after I bought the truck and asked if I was finished yet. It is now 2 years later and he will say I can't believe you are still working on the truck.
I will finish it eventually. I am trying to enjoy the process.
Walk away for a bit if you have to and don't put too many constraints on yourself.

The love of trucks is a desire, It's something to me that does not go away. Yes, I have had my times were I've sold everything, not wanting anything to do with them. Yes I'm kicking myself still, Then it all comes back to you again. I'm never more happy than going into the garage, looking at my truck thinking, "Soon my friend Soon". And to think about all the beautiful trucks I've sold, Man!!!, I want them all back!!!!

Why are you thinking about calling it quits??
Can you post some pictures of this truck you have been working on ?

Call it quits for a year or so, you will find you will get interested in it again. Some of us get overwhelmed with projects, and sometimes have to focus on other things for a bit.
Then the day comes you see one of your trucks on the road or in
photos, or come to sites like this and you start getting the bug
to go on with it. Well unless health reasons don't allow it.
If you try to accomplish one little thing each week end or when time permits. It will slowly get done. For us that work and don't have a huge shop to work in that is all most can do. Especially when the honey do's have to be fit in to the schedule.