For me I don't think of it as motivation. For me its more of a sickness or addiction where I cant leave anything alone. I have messed with every vehicle/bicycle, what have you I've ever owned. Its therapy, both good and at times bad...

 

I'd say that my motivation it's being able to say at the end of the day that it was my craftsmanship that built my truck. It's amazing how few people like us there are.

 

Well.. Needing to drive to work and class is a pretty good motivation! Also, people stopping and talking to me about the truck motivates me to keep improving it. Likeminded gear heads chatting about my truck and the projects they are working on keeps me moving. And of course, the impressive builds on this place!

 

Ive learned over the years that i am quite good at starting projects but either get burnt out or just move to a different one before i ever finish them. On my latest 77f150 project i decided that i would only do things to the truck that were quick and easy and cheap. If i take it too far apart i know i wont get back to it. No frame off restos or any heavy fab on this one, just the basics to keep it in running/driving condition. For example i just did a alu 4 bbl intake and carb swap over the last couple evenings. Its now running again but without the rad, so i might do the timing chain since its an easy job and i have all the parts. After that maybe install the headers and build an exhaust. One step at a time instead of blowing it apart and spending years rebuilding. Ive been enjoying fixing up this old truck this way, it seems to be working for me

 

My trucks motivate ME to go to work every day. They always seem to be begging me for new parts. If I have one torn down I start the motor. Just the sound of it gets my mind racing.

 

Making a list of things to do is scary, but helps. Try to cross off just one thing at a time, no matter how small.

 

"My motivation though..... I'm just the person that starts a project and has to finish it and do it right. I have witnessed too many guys with that half started project buried in a field or some derelict garage. My favorite line when I try to take one of these projects off someones hands is "nah, I'm saving that! I'll get to it some day. I refuse to be that guy"Co425 Well said plenty of starters,few finishers

 

No problem finding the motivation for working on my truck . . . it's getting all the other things done around the house that's the problem! But seriously, other than last summer's painting project (which challenged my attention towards the end), I usually tackle projects I can get done in a few hours or over a weekend. A bit of planning and seeing some visible progress along the way helps.

 

motivation for me is not always a problem. unless its cold or hot outside. the problem i have is money most of the time. been trying to save for a house the last 2 years so the truck and truck parts fund is kinda limited. that and being gone for weeks at a time makes it hard to spend time tinkering while the wife has been waiting for me to be home for a few weeks. also it seems that if i dont plan and take my time with projects stuff seems to get drug out and not done right. parts get lost and so forth. being here on the fte has helped alot. i know it can be alot of the same thing for a the few that have been here for awhile but thats why the fte is here to help the fngs and keep the people that have been here motivated.

 

Try being gone months at a time, in foreign countries, with NO Ford trucks in site....that will but a damper on your Ford truckin. Whine over...at least its work.

So that's why I am on here ALL the time. While on the road, I am constantly reading, learning, coping diagrams from mikeo0o0o0 and ND, trying to get a game plan, so when I get home I can roll right back into it. Also I like trying to help where and when I can, and if not, at least be funny.

My "motivation" when on the road, is the ton of pics and all the new ideas and Ford truck knowledge I get from you all here on FTE. Only site I cruise, 73-79 style is the only one I like. Plus when I get home and open the garage door I am like "there it is, now where did I leave off", or "Oh now I know how to fix that problem".

Motivation when home, I walk up to the shop and just look around, it's that simple. Also when you walk out of a store and go "Damn that's a nice old Ford truck" and then realize, its yours...lol

My trucks are not all that, but I like'm.

 

That blue truck of yours is "all that"

 

Thanks, but not really, if you get to looking at it. All the setting and be me being on the road and it not, is not a good thing for it....

I have replaced the rusty bumper, added a OEM push bar, chrome grill insert and head light rings. Taken of the HUGE PO installed mud flaps off, and put a real 4" front lift, replaced the fuel tank, the seat, the w/s ect...and...and...you know the drill.

Your's will be all that and then some, by like a million times. We are all just waiting on you.

Mine is filthy, shop trolls won't wash it.

 

Your trolls and my trolls must belong to the same union, I can't get mine to do anything either .

 

I'm a retired mechanic and at 64 years of age I must admit that I'm sick of busted knuckles, a sore back and fighting with parts that are supposed to fit but when it's done I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I did the job, it makes me feel connected to my truck and makes me want to do more.

 

Rich, I think your blue truck is awesome. So what if it's got some bumps and bruises that just add to the personality. Plus that means you don't have to be afraid to work the truck. It could be worse it could look like mine does.