The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk restoration brick wall

Hi guys. Well I am just about tapped out on the 'burb (see sagas "Stu scores a 'Burb). I've got so much other stuff going on and I made some big mistakes getting other vehicles etc. This thing is really up my nose, I practically hate it. It is 75%-85% done and I can barely stand to look at the still full shelves of unfinished pieces. Help! If some one offered me the right $ and hauled it off I think I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Slowly... breathe in........ breathe out.....

I found myself in the same boat several months ago. Was ready to give up on project that I had devoted so much time and money into. Had too many other projects, money was tight, obligations, family... I sat down and took a mental inventory. My wife and little boys came first. I got rid of the projects that I had bought "because they were good deals..." My '53 became the one and only project. I figured that, with so much "energy" invested in it, down the road I would regret selling it.

Finish it... but don't do it becase you HAVE to, do it because you WANT to. And if you don't want to finish it, how much do you want for it?

Andy

I am about the same spot w/my 64, its been torn down 2 years+, bought another one that I'm driving. Easier to stay interested when you can drive it. Maybe we should trade. Brian

Stu I agree with the above. Take a week or two for quality time with the family, maybe sell of other vehicles and use the money pay someone to do some work to get you over the hurdle. But the best thing is to find a club in your area that restores or rods old tin. They have been in your shoes and will usually help commiserate or come help finish the project. IF not 3 years down the road when a stovebolt drives by you'll shake your head and say "remember when"...

When I hit that wall I back up and take a break, usually something you read, see, or just rested brain will influence you to get started again. I'm in no hurry its an escape, besides I got a lot of time before I have to drive it to pick up my SS Check.

My family comes first, I usually wait until I can afford a part, or get parts as gifts then my interest will take off again.

popcorn The Truth is Out There (Right now I am in a slacking off mode)

I'm with the guys that say give it a rest then finish it. You'll be glad you did! If you are 75-85 done and give up you will be saying "I shoulda ..." for a long time to come. Anyway, when it does get finished I bet the family will have some fun in it.

Hang in there, I'm going into Burb year 5 :confused:

Buddy

Besides, when "Stu's little helper" gets old enough to ask, "Dad, whatever happened to the old Suburban?" What're you gonna say?

Maybe you should go to him now and say, "Need a little help..."

I've gotten frustated at times . I sold my 48 dump and have always regretted it fortunately I held on to my 38. Take inventory ans decide which of your projects you like the best then if you must get rid of something you know where to start. Take a break from the projects and enjoy your family. Good Luck

Lordy, never knew I had so many friends.

Yeah, Stu -- you're among a lot of friends here who have been (or are currently) where you are -- me included!

Lots of good advice above, so I won't repeat any of it. Just know that we know what you're talking about and that you will figure it out!

Regards,
John

Aw, project vaporlock..... Gotta love it. All the resting advise is great and will turn out to be more fun and cost effective than giving everything away through a frustration sale.

I think Andy said something about bailing out on extra projects that were drug home because they were a good deal. I know someone who has never figured out that it is a whole lot easier to spot'em and drag 'em than it is to finish 'em.

How many of you know someone that has gotten bit by the kitcar bug only to see the joy run out of the project after the crate gets opened? Just another variation on the same theme.

Hey Bruce, did you use to live next door to me or something! :confused:

well i have 4 projects on top of keeping the family cars and truck running i just work on one till i get burnd im in no rush someday they will be together oh ya forgot about that one guess i have 5 mayby ill never get them all done

i always say spring gets here itll be running

That is why I am not into full restoration. I just get it running and drive it. I can do little projects on it as I have time and I still get to enjoy using in the meantime. At 66 years old I might not have time to redo one any way.

Boy, can I identify with how you're feeling. Been there.
But when I bought my 1950 3600 2 years ago I did it because I wanted the "therapy" that goes along with a project of this type. When I began feeling disappointed in my progress I took a month off and thought about why I started it to begin with.
Then I decided I would work on it ONLY when I was in a good mood and had no family commitments breathing down my neck. Even if it meant only working on it once or twice a month.
It was the best decision I could have made. Now, when I work on my project I feel good about it and really enjoy it because there's no self-imposed deadlines making me feel guilty. And the project is taking shape just the way I envisioned it, with no shortcuts. I spent the last 2 years building a great engine and rebuilding the entire chassis/suspension. The engine is in and looks/runs beautifully. Now I'm working over the rust bucket cab, and enjoying every minute, and even looking forward to the next time I can spend time with ol "Therapy".
And I don't care if it ends up taking 5 years or more to complete. I realized the work is 80% of the fun of owning one of these great old trucks. Not to mention the pride in saying "I built this".
Just my 2 cents worth.
Good luck with your project!