Discouragement
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
Walk away! As others have said, when the project that you enjoy becomes a chore, just walk away for a while. I have seen too many folks show up on here with big ideas and extravagant plans(usually after watching a few episodes of "Overhaulin") They post for a while, hit a stumbling block and we don't hear from them again. Project was probably sold for pennies on the dollar or scrapped. My 53 was bought as a project, someone else's half done (and mostly done wrong) resto-mod. I took it apart, worked on it for a year, then it sat for over 2 years before I got back to it. I finally got it running almost 2 years ago, still needs paint and interior, but I am driving it. I have put 13K miles on and hate to think I have to tear it back apart to do the body work and paint.
Good Luck, go do something else that you enjoy, the truck will wait.
Good Luck, go do something else that you enjoy, the truck will wait.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 3
one piece at a time! do it up, make it what you want. if it does'nt sit quite right in your gut, walk away. sleep on it. maybe for a couple of days. the answer will come to you. THEN do it right. one day you will walk into your shop, and, BAM!!! I DID THAT!!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
one thing at a time,
The vintage air is a pain be ready to take it in and out a lot befor you get it right,and make sure the hose are tight,the capulary tube is in and the bolts that hold the cover for the hoses are through the fire wall and double nuted befor you try to puy the air under the dash for the last time.When its done you will like it.Also I found that I had to concentrae on one thing at a time.If you jump from place to place you will never see any progres.Do the stuff your are better at and get it done first.I did the frame first,stripped it and rebuilt everything,Then put back together and painted.hooked up motor,trans ,brakes,steering,rear end,ran brake and fuel lines,put in fuel tank.When rolling chassie was done I had something to look at and feel good about,Then start the next part that you can see some progres on.Soon you will have truck done,Making a list and following it until you can check things off also works for me.Its like the old Jonny cash song ,one part at a time.Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Good advice from all, I have had my truck for 10 years, I work a while, put it away for a while. Only got hot on it the last 2 years, now I am doing finally assembly and I don't remember all the frustrartions, hopefully you will be the same. My wife says it's like having a baby, it's a real pain but you forget about it when it's over. Good luck
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 1
From: oh
Great Advice!
I on the other hand have a different approach.
When there is a problem I don't want to tackle....I just do another job on the truck and then go back to it.
Also, after all these years have started to farm out things I do not like to do.
I have a promise with myself......every year every vehicle I own gets a little better.....and they do.
When I stop on one....I buy another.....and I love to look at all the trucks just waiting for my attention...LOL
Good luck on the ac.....and remember to ask for help,and that is why FTE is such a great source of information.....guys will help out and most have been in your shoes before.
I on the other hand have a different approach.
When there is a problem I don't want to tackle....I just do another job on the truck and then go back to it.
Also, after all these years have started to farm out things I do not like to do.
I have a promise with myself......every year every vehicle I own gets a little better.....and they do.
When I stop on one....I buy another.....and I love to look at all the trucks just waiting for my attention...LOL
Good luck on the ac.....and remember to ask for help,and that is why FTE is such a great source of information.....guys will help out and most have been in your shoes before.
Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,501
Likes: 8,199
From: northwestern Ontario
on my face watching the little fellow. I guess I do need to walk away for a time as it's starting feel like a chore. I do appreciate all the replies, more than I thought, it's a releaf to know that it's all apart of the building process. I never had the oppertunity to drive the panel as most of the drive train had been robbed from it before I managed to purchase it, had it all been there maybe it would have been an entirely different build( stock perhaps??) Thanks again for the encouragement, I'll have the next 8 days away from it as night shift calls.John
Thread Starter
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,501
Likes: 8,199
From: northwestern Ontario
I can always count on you for a laugh, thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
the never ending story!! when you think your almost done you come up with a different idea and modify something else!! my truck was also in pieces when i got it and now trying to lign things up gap spaces are all over the place and have to be modified to fit and look correctly, its anoying but fun and relaxing, at least for me
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 3
From: Centennial, CO
You also have to look at it like this; When Ford built the trucks it was an assembly line, probably 100 people touched or attached something to the truck. We are typically one person sometimes maybe two (if you have enough brew for your buddy) working on the project. Should it take 10yrs (who knows), should it take 1 month (hell no). It is a hobby, or maybe just a project, but as the guy's have said all thru this thread, step back, catch your breath and go back and work on it with a clear mind.
Vern
Vern
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,978
Likes: 9,812
From: Rio Rancho, NM
The 8 days away from it will be a good thing. Try not to work to hard (and try to stay awake)
Bobby
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 109
From: Northshore, MN
Been what, 6 years now, and still no progress of putting it together? Tore down, but still waiting for the day I can start the reassembly...which will take probably 16 years at this rate. So don't feel too bad.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Riverside, CA
I bought my truck over 15 years ago, worked on it for about a year and then life got in the way. Just started back up on it this last year. I changed direction on what I was doing with the front end and pulled it all apart. I was going to buy new pins and bushings, got to looking at them, and thought man those look really good. Pulled out my note book, and what do you know, I had already bought and replaced them 15 years ago. Thought about it for awhile now, but still can't remember doing it, LOL. Good thing I looked in my note book because I had a whole list of stuff that I had bought and did not remember that I had. I still don't have lots of time to work on my truck but I will pick one item and get it done, and I am now making progress. I have found that a little time away from a project helps to clarify and organize my thoughts so when I come back to it things usually come together much better.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
Another train of thought,As much as I enjoy driving my truck,The real fun was building it,Now that it is done,I am always looking for something to do.Being retired gives me lots of time but the garage is empty.I have been looking for another poject but can't seem to find anything that jumps out at me.With the prices of old cars and trucks today you want something that you are going to really enjoy.I miss not going out in the garage and spending 3 or 4 hours of building .
Darksider
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, CT
Ive been building mine for the past 10 years and i have wonder many times is this going to be the year!! Well that has not happen yet and i dont always get the time or funds to work on the truck. I have to step back from it and take my mind off it. When i get some time away i start back into it by cleaning the garage. Its funny how things get all misplaced when building, than lose track where i last put it down. After cleanup i start on small projects than work my way up. Good luck and keep your course!!!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
My frame is painted and detailed, the engine and trans are painted and detailed, it was all assembled about 2 hours ago and it looks awesome!! I may even make the Western Nats in June. The point is that when you finish an assembly, no matter what it is it makes the wait worth it. Keep plugging away!! 