Having owned some of my collector cars for as long as five decades, I’m faced with the rather daunting task of tackling some re-restoration. It’s time to go through them yet again.
Quite frankly, I’m not looking forward to it. I’m not even a fan of regular upkeep.
I would rather find a dilapidated old car, buy it, learn about …
Wow. This article hit home.
I also got to the point where I just couldn't manage the care and maintenance my restoration projects deserved. Not just the time required, but the energy. I'm 63...the days of limitless mojo working on stuff are gone. And the management of information and keeping spare consumables like brake pads, oil filters and other spares I would accumulate that were great deal but certainly not necessary, were becoming overwhelming. Thus...
Step 1: I drew a line in the sand...no more than 5 vehicles. I say "vehicle", because that includes cars, motorcycles and karts. Not 5 of each...5 combined. I thought it was a good number I could effectively manage...so I thinned the herd, by alot. And I was doing okay with that...mostly because I could cheat. Big garage with attached workshop, RV gate with big backyard...space wasn't really an issue.
Step 2: We relocated...and downsized...to another City and State. I would have to haul vehicles and their life support equipment and fit into a smaller garage and workshop. I sold and tossed alot of what I deemed unnecessary or easily replaceable, before we actually moved. Step 2 is actually going pretty well...mostly because I had alot of stuff I would never use again or that phase of my life has passed.
Step 3: My collection of memorabilia has expanded. Life has slowed down a bit, so its nice to take a minute to stop and look, shop and display items from the sport/hobby I've enjoyed for decades. Also, I've taken an interest in slot cars and RC cars...both offer a connection to motoring and racing that are relatively cheap and won't land you in the hospital or the morgue after a bad crash.
And finally Step 4: My wife and I are discussing building a shop/shed in the backyard. I was thinking it would be fun to restore a vintage kart, or put a motorcycle engine in a formula car...or...yeah, old habits.
husky450cr said:Wow. This article hit home.
I also got to the point where I just couldn't manage the care and maintenance my restoration projects deserved. Not just the time required, but the energy. I'm 63...the days of limitless mojo working on stuff are gone. And the management of information and keeping spare consumables like brake pads, oil filters and other spares I would accumulate that were great deal but certainly not necessary, were becoming overwhelming. Thus...
Step 1: I drew a line in the sand...no more than 5 vehicles. I say "vehicle", because that includes cars, motorcycles and karts. Not 5 of each...5 combined. I thought it was a good number I could effectively manage...so I thinned the herd, by alot. And I was doing okay with that...mostly because I could cheat. Big garage with attached workshop, RV gate with big backyard...space wasn't really an issue.
Step 2: We relocated...and downsized...to another City and State. I would have to haul vehicles and their life support equipment and fit into a smaller garage and workshop. I sold and tossed alot of what I deemed unnecessary or easily replaceable, before we actually moved. Step 2 is actually going pretty well...mostly because I had alot of stuff I would never use again or that phase of my life has passed.
Step 3: My collection of memorabilia has expanded. Life has slowed down a bit, so its nice to take a minute to stop and look, shop and display items from the sport/hobby I've enjoyed for decades. Also, I've taken an interest in slot cars and RC cars...both offer a connection to motoring and racing that are relatively cheap and won't land you in the hospital or the morgue after a bad crash.
And finally Step 4: My wife and I are discussing building a shop/shed in the backyard. I was thinking it would be fun to restore a vintage kart, or put a motorcycle engine in a formula car...or...yeah, old habits.
That's sound advice! Thanks for sharing!
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