So my personal life is a disaster, my job is a drag, and I've got a million chores nagging at me nonstop to be done. I often feel so overwhelmed by it all that I just want to say "%&!$ it" and give up. Tonight was one of those nights. So instead of just half-heartedly muddling through another night off filled with bill-paying and laundry like I usually do, I did something different tonight. I grabbed a 6-pack of Miller Light and headed for the shop. I cranked up the radio and spent several quality hours clearancing the engine block for my truck to fit the stroker crank and measuring the piston to deck clearance so I can have the machine work finished. It was absolutely blissful!

And you know what? All the crap going on in my life doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. I'm going to get through it and now I know it. Who needs a headshrinker when ya gots a toolbox and an old truck?!?

 

I know what you mean between working my job,trying to keep up 2 places,taking care of her jeep, my c###y pick up,the 51 f1 & my 53 merc convertible it seem as though i
never have any time for me.A few times i have gone over to the garage & put on some
country music,grabed a beer & said this is my time,i earned it.Ilove that garage it only took me 55 years to get it so i made it 32x40

 

Joe has found the secret to a blissful happy life.... goodonya Joe !

john

 

Rage,
I hear ya. As I mentioned in another thread, this year has not been a good year.
I havent had much of an interest in the truck lately but.....

.............a frosty beverage and an old truck sounds like just what I need

Bobby

 

Yeah, I wish I could get onto my projects. My last year or so hasn't been the greatest, not as bad as some but still a pain.

I find banging on old tin or wrenching is very therapeutic. I started working on my F-2 right after high school in the early '80s. I worked on it every chance I got then I got a job in the autobody field and the truck sat for over 5 years. The hobby turned into work and who wants to do something you do 10-12 hours a day. After I found a job in another field I jumped back on the truck and went gang busters on it and had it finished in two years. Well, maybe not finished, they never are, but driveable.

Now when I get a chance to work on one of them it's not work, it's relaxation. They're simple to work on and have character. I've spent the last 3 months working on my wife's car, two son's cars and my daily driver. They all are a pain to work on. Every one of these projects seems to need an expensive part that when replacing leads to replacing another part. Plus every repair seems to need a new special tool. Sure, new tools are nice but also expensive. I try to justify the expense of new tools by comparing what my at home repairs cost as apposed to taking them to have someone else to them. My old trucks and car only need the basic tools in my tool box. I've never had to buy a special tool to replace a brake or engine part. It's just nice to work on the old stuff.

 

Blissful and therapeutic. I don't know what I would do without my old truck to look forward to. I hear yuh all too.

 

I hear you and feel for you! I do understand where your coming from, as I'm there with ya... I don't drink much and I don't drink beer, so you've got a outlet I don't have... Lucky you! But I am hoping to spend more time on the truck soon...

 

You are absolutely right! I get completely lost in the little things like cleaning up bolts/nuts/washers on the bench mounted wire wheel. It doesn't matter how hectic my day was at work, once I start working on the truck it's all gone.

 

I know what you mean Rage, we all have our stresses and we need something to distract us from all of our worries.

 

I sure dont seem to get much time for my trucks, always seem to be working on customer cars like the 67 Camaro im am presently doing. So yeah, doing my own things would be very therapuetic but i guess it could be worse...at least i have em to work on when i do have time. One small step for......... John

 

Tragic.........LOL!

 

Remember Rage... you've got a Model T ride on 'Ol Route 66 one of these days. Nothing like doing that in Winter to make you feel better. PM me any time you need my friend.

Rob

 

I defenitly hear ya. I can truthfully say that over the last several years along with my faith, working on my truck has kept my perspective on things healthy. Ive never been a person that used the internet as a social net work. I hate emails or talking to people I dont know. But somehow by hanging around FTE for several years researching infomation on my truck, ive become very comfortable talking to everbody, and consider many of you friends. Thank you all for your hospitality, and help.

 

Old Trucks Is More Gooder