Busy life leaves almost NO time to enjoy the car. Sound familiar???

[Kern Dog]

It must be my personality type. GO, GO, GO !!!
I have the great fortune to own a nice street car that many would sell a liver to own. It runs and drives great, is totally reliable and is pretty easy to work on. I've spent nearly $40,000 over the 15 years I've owned it but a few small areas still need work. Stuff like guage restoration, heater and A/C repair too. I love this car but this busy life of mine is cutting into my Charger time.
I work a job 110 miles away, leaving little time after work to drive it. I seem to get saddled with various favors and projects and the weekends get filled up quick too.  Lawn maintenance, servicing the work truck, tool maintenance, laundry, keeping the wife happy....it all takes a bite out of my time. How in the heck do men with children ever get anything done? I have no kids, just the wife and 4 dogs. What do i have to do? Tell everyone I know that asks favors to piss off so I can enjoy my car? What do you guys do?

[Dino]

As with everything I enjoy, I try to make time for it.  Winter is perfect for those projects you mention but I usually drive it more than I wrench on it.  With grad school  starting next year, I'm now doing as many mods and upgrades to it as I can so all that is to be done next year is drive it.

I always drove my car to work so even when I was super busy I could enjoy it, but a 220 mile commute is going to cost a fortune in gas!

As for chores, I just try to balance it out.  So a Saturday may involve mowing the lawn followed by swapping the car's carb and doing the laundry.  It's all about give and take.

[Ghoste]

That's why so many guys have sold them over the years when family life took over.

[Kern Dog]

Well, THAT will not happen. The fire still burns, I just am too far away to feel the heat of it.
I need to tell people NO when they want favors. I do enough for people already.

[don duick]

drive it to work one day a week

[Kern Dog]

That could be fun, but I work construction over 110 miles away. I'm not going to put ladders, saws, nail guns and other tools in the car!

[Stevearino]

You must have weekend errands around town and in keeping wife happy might mean going out to dinner or some such small car trip. Make a point of taking the Charger out for those little week end jaunts that are part of your weekend routine.

[don duick]

  hope you get some work a bit closer to home some day.

[stripedelete]

Sounds very familiar.

[XH29N0G]

kern Dog, I can identify with your situation.  My chance to drive my car goes in cycles.  I find there are times when work and other things makes it impossible to drive or enjoy.  Then there are times when I can drive and explore and that makes it worthwhile to have the car.    

[myk]

I have no wife, kids, pets, family, friends or any obligations of any kind outside of work and the cars and I STILL feel as if I don't have enough time for the things I want to do.  It's just the way it is, I guess. 

This is why whenever someone tells me that THEY'RE BORED I feel like pulling out my Magnum and putting another hole in their head, because quite frankly if one can't appreciate the fact that there's so much in the world to see, do, experience; then you just don't deserve to live this life.  There are so many things to do, and only our little lives and short time on this Earth to do it in...

[Daytona R/T SE]

Laundry...

I haven't done a load of laundry since the week before the girlfriend (Now the Ol' Lady) moved into my house ... in 1988.


Laundry=The Ol' Lady's job.



Lawn work...

Do it right after work instead of on the weekends.

I'm already hot, tired, miserable and ready to eradicate every living thing on the planet after a day surrounded by ignorant, unbathed, foul smelling, sister-sniffin' inbreds...so I just get out of the truck and jump straight on the riding mower as soon as I get home.



Weed wacking, trimming, sweeping = The Ol' Lady's job.




Favors...

For y-e-a-r-s I'd be the first one there when one of my friends was pouring concrete, building a garage, replacing a roof...whatever, never asked for money or anything, but lunch and a glass of lemonade would be nice...


Then the day came when I needed to replace the roof on my little house.

Planned it for weeks.

Asked everybody to help me... ( Probably shouldn't have had to ask )

They all said "Yeah, sure...I'll be there .

When the day came...

"Johnny" got there right on time at 6:00 a.m.

Got out of his truck.

Finished the beer he was drinking.

Crushed the can and tossed it in the back of his truck.

Cracked open another one, and said:

We're gonna need more beer !

I said:

Get out, you drunk Fuck.

Then "Dale" my perpetually unemployed friend showed up just in time to tell me that he was sorry, but he just got called in to work.

Apparently "Work" was a barstool next to "Johnny's" barstool.

Fortunately, I had hired a local contractor on the understanding that I would have extra help there to do the grunt work.

Grunt work= Me and the Ol' Lady's job.


So here's the answer:

1. Have the Ol' lady do the laundry.

2. Do the mowing right after work while you're already hot and miserable, and make sure the Ol' Lady participates.

3. Tell all of your so-called friends to fuck off when they want free help.

[bakerhillpins]

I'm with Dino on this one. You just have to carve out some time for it every once in a while. And sometimes you just loose.  Take yesterday. I got up to solve the problem with my drivers front brake. Mind you this should have been solved 3-4 weeks ago. The stuff that shows up an consumes your day... last week it was the TV died. Had to tear it apart and opted to send the board out for repair to try to speed up the process. This weekend after pulling the wheel I noted the vent stack to the septic was busted off. Thanks oil delivery man.. So that ate up yesterday afternoon. Today I have to get back to the Kitchen remodel..

I've got all the kid stuff, even volunteer on the FD, and all the things that get in the way of plans but don't have the issues with dead beat friends... I guess I will count myself as lucky.

[Kern Dog]

MYK, seems like we are of the same mindset sometimes. I see your posts here and feel the same way most of the time.

Daytona R/T SE: Thats some funny shit right there! My wife makes more money than me and cares less about housework than I do. That trait is offset by her being the most caring, supportive and understanding woman that I've ever known. I can't ask her to do my laundry.
I do have friends that would do the same as I have done for them, its just that because I am headstrong and independent, I rarely ask for help. Thats my cross to bear. Maybe if I leaned on others as they have on me, I'd be less stressed and more able to deal with all this.

I'm just ranting here. Most of the time I am okay with all of it. I just see my car sit while I'm doing stuff far less interesting. NO, I am not bored, just overwhelmed.

[sdweatherman]

I'm right there with ya. Wife, two kids, two dogs, and a homeowner. My 3-4 year restoration is now in its 7th year - and I am still just doing metal work/paint. You just have to try and schedule a few hours here and there to try and accomplish little tasks. I found trying to set a whole Saturday or Sunday aside to work on the car just did not pan out real well - so two hours here and there after work has gotten a whole lot more done than waiting until the weekend. Good Luck!
Scott.

[Daytona R/T SE]

MYK, seems like we are of the same mindset sometimes. I see your posts here and feel the same way most of the time.

Daytona R/T SE: Thats some funny shit right there! My wife makes more money than me and cares less about housework than I do. That trait is offset by her being the most caring, supportive and understanding woman that I've ever known. I can't ask her to do my laundry.
I do have friends that would do the same as I have done for them, its just that because I am headstrong and independent, I rarely ask for help. Thats my cross to bear. Maybe if I leaned on others as they have on me, I'd be less stressed and more able to deal with all this.

I'm just ranting here. Most of the time I am okay with all of it. I just see my car sit while I'm doing stuff far less interesting. NO, I am not bored, just overwhelmed.

[69wannabe]

I also feel your pain kern!!!! I drive a work van loaded with tool's and part's to work during the week and lately have been loaded down with weekend work at home and can't get a break with everybody's vehicle's tearing up!! My poor charger is just sitting in the garage with a cover on it waiting to be driven around but with all the car's/truck's lined up in the yard there isn't any time take it out. Like you said above I hate to pass up any job's that can be done fairly quickly and something I can make an extra buck or two on and help out friend's too.

Auto shop's up town have their labor rate's very high so that has brought alot of my friend's and their friend's calling on me since I try do to good work and I am fair on my labor price's. It's very easy to get too much on your plate tho!!!! I am hoping after this week I can get a break. Been covered up for the past three weekend's and look's like this coming weekend is already winding up to be full.

I'm hoping by the time the weather start's cooling down a little bit it will be a little bit slower so I can get back in the driver seat and loafer around some!!! 

[1974dodgecharger]

The question is are you guys restoring the cars to perfection as a hobby or having the car to drive and enjoy as a hobby?

Seems a lot of guys wont drive their car if their cluster gauges don't work?  Or if that chrome bumper has a nick in it they wont drive it either until its fixed?

[six-tee-nine]

Trust me, its a global thing. I'm int the same boat as you.

I sometimes wonder how many years its gonna take for me to finish my 69. I also wonder if i woul'nt be happier if I just sold all my stuff instead of getting frustrated about the fact that I'm totally lacking time to get some work done to it in a reasonable amount of time.

Then again I cant let go of things because its just a part of me....

[Dreamcar]

Seems all too familiar to me...I got two young boys (ages 4 and 2), and both my wife and I have full time jobs. Mondays and Wednesdays are soccer night, and weekends are the typical lawn mowing and other household chores. I can't even drive my car because I'm rebuilding it (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,110598.0.html).

Getting garage time means planning way ahead. My kids go to bed around 8 p.m. on weeknights, so between 8 and 10, I try to get some work done. On the weekends, my wife does groceries and will usually take one kid when the other has his nap...that means I'm in the garage working. If I can get 2-4 hours over the weekend, I'm satisfied. That leaves us time to socialize with friends and family and do whatever else. If I plan things right, I can get about 8-10 hours per week of car rebuilding time. In the winter, I slow things way down on the car (a few hours per week maybe) and try to do other things (like exercise the summer beer drinking weight off).

[six-tee-nine]

Almost identical here!

I'm a happy guy if I can average 6 hours a week. A couple of monts ago I had a some down time at work and not much to do and I had the chance to spend 18 hours on the Charger in one week...... I was over the moon about the achieved amount of work I did. If only I could do that every week, that would be some motivation.....

[TPR]

Kern Dog, I'm pretty much in the same boat, minus the 4 dogs.
As others have suggested, try and make time for it by shifting things around and cutting out less necessary tasks.
Try and pencil in 'Charger Time' in advance, on a calendar or something and unless an emergency pops up, stick to it. That way if an outside request comes up you can say 'Sorry I'm busy'.
This could be as brief as a trip to the coffee shop or to the gas station just outside of town.
I have had to cut back on other hobbies, I've put friends aside and I too don't do yard work on weekends.

It sounds to me like your a hard working, charitable bloke who respects his wife. You deserve to enjoy time with your investment.

Sometimes when I haven't had the Charger out for a few weeks, just knowing that it's sitting in my garage is good enough for me.
Think about all these poor bastards whose Chargers are all in pieces. 
TPR

[1965gp]

I am fortunate enough to have several cars (but only two chargers '69 and '12) to drive. None are perfect- some are nowhere near perfect. As others have found the best way for me to enjoy the cars it to work them into daily activities. I have an erratic work schedule so I am often home during the week. Taking the kids (7 and 10) to school? Drive the General Lee. Running to the store or an errand? Drive the GTO. The next day- drive the TA. I will say that I do not get many long drives, most are short errands - but taking the kids to school with them being excited then going to get a Diet Coke (coffee for some folks) and back to the home office is an awesome way to start off your day.

Hardest part is keeping all of the cars accessible, operational and batteries charged.

I have found that I have had to give up a few things- or rather moderate things. Hobbies that I do not enjoy as much have definitely suffered but such is life. I am notoriously cheap as I don't like paying for simple things (yard work, paint, etc) but every now and then it makes sense. Bought a riding mower and cut my yard work time down from 2 1/2-3 hours to 30-45 min. I'm also not exhausted and still have some drive to get some other work (car, house or other) done. Also, I found that for $300 I can have guys clean up all of the leaves (30-40 bags) and lay fresh mulch. I could do it myself and pay $150 for mulch/bags but that extra $150 buys me at least a day of freedom (probably two). I will give up some dinners, beer, whatever to get more time in the garage.

It's really all about choices. I love getting up early- washing the car and taking the kids to school. I bring my wife Starbucks and she is happy so it's a good time to tell her I want to spend Fri or Sat evening in the garage drinking beer.

As far as friends and favors go- I have about 4 people I will do anything for. Everyone in my neighborhood thinks I love to work on cars and I would cherish the opportunity to work on theirs. I don't even offer anymore- just tell them I am too buried with my own work and recommend a shop. Just this past weekend I had a neighbor ask to borrow a car for a week or so because theirs is broke down and they can't figure it out. Sure- because I put countless hours into a car so that you can park it at the grocery store and get door dings....

[69wannabe]

I am fortunate enough to have several cars (but only two chargers '69 and '12) to drive. None are perfect- some are nowhere near perfect. As others have found the best way for me to enjoy the cars it to work them into daily activities. I have an erratic work schedule so I am often home during the week. Taking the kids (7 and 10) to school? Drive the General Lee. Running to the store or an errand? Drive the GTO. The next day- drive the TA. I will say that I do not get many long drives, most are short errands - but taking the kids to school with them being excited then going to get a Diet Coke (coffee for some folks) and back to the home office is an awesome way to start off your day.

Hardest part is keeping all of the cars accessible, operational and batteries charged.

I have found that I have had to give up a few things- or rather moderate things. Hobbies that I do not enjoy as much have definitely suffered but such is life. I am notoriously cheap as I don't like paying for simple things (yard work, paint, etc) but every now and then it makes sense. Bought a riding mower and cut my yard work time down from 2 1/2-3 hours to 30-45 min. I'm also not exhausted and still have some drive to get some other work (car, house or other) done. Also, I found that for $300 I can have guys clean up all of the leaves (30-40 bags) and lay fresh mulch. I could do it myself and pay $150 for mulch/bags but that extra $150 buys me at least a day of freedom (probably two). I will give up some dinners, beer, whatever to get more time in the garage.

It's really all about choices. I love getting up early- washing the car and taking the kids to school. I bring my wife Starbucks and she is happy so it's a good time to tell her I want to spend Fri or Sat evening in the garage drinking beer.

As far as friends and favors go- I have about 4 people I will do anything for. Everyone in my neighborhood thinks I love to work on cars and I would cherish the opportunity to work on theirs. I don't even offer anymore- just tell them I am too buried with my own work and recommend a shop. Just this past weekend I had a neighbor ask to borrow a car for a week or so because theirs is broke down and they can't figure it out. Sure- because I put countless hours into a car so that you can park it at the grocery store and get door dings....

Way to familiar!!!!! I have a couple of extra jeep cherokees that I drive on the weekend's and if one of the other three break's down (one is the wife's, one is my son's and one is my daughter's) then I have a spare for them to drive until I get their's up and going again. I like to have a couple of extra vehicle's in case of an emergency and they have came in pretty handy lately. Really don't like to loan them out tho, people do not care about your vehicle's like you do... My kid's are pretty much grown up now with the youngest being 20 now and it's still hard to find time to enjoy myself. Alot of time's when we go out to eat or to the movies I do not drive the charger since it's hard to keep an eye on it and if I can't keep it visible I just would rather it be safe at home. Already got a couple of week's work lined up with a blown head gasket on a jeep cherokee and some front end work on a chevy truck and pulled the radiator out of a bobcat digger of some kind tonite. Got to take the radiator and hopefully get it repaired and get that back together and that will just leave me with the other two. Really could use a break but these folk's are great customer's so I will just have to push on through and get these thing's fixed. Just poured a slab of concrete in front of my shop so I can use the extra cash to put back in the bank!!!

[472 R/T SE]

 

This is why whenever someone tells me that THEY'RE BORED I feel like pulling out my Magnum and putting another hole in their head, because quite frankly if one can't appreciate the fact that there's so much in the world to see, do, experience; then you just don't deserve to live this life.  There are so many things to do, and only our little lives and short time on this Earth to do it in...

Amen brother.


My little saying, "Life is like a blank art canvas.  You paint it anyway you want."


-----------


I don't get my car out nearly as much as I used to.  Mostly cause it's such a pain in the butt to get in & out of the garage.  Our driveways sucks.  That doesn't sound like such a deterrent to you able body people I'm sure.   

[Kern Dog]

I was able to snatch a few moments on Sunday. I went to the nearby 7-11 for a Big Gulp and took the car. I drove too fast, peeled out a bit, dove into corners with the brakes almost at the point of lock-up...Lots of fun!
I do not do this unless there are NO other cars nearby. I would be so embarrassed if I spun the car or wrecked it. God forbid I hit someone. I don't take chances like that.

[RallyeMike]

I've pretty much always worked about 50 hours a week. At times it has been up to 65 hour weeks. For two decades I also rotated through a bunch of fix-up classic drivers, built and crewed 3 different stock cars, built and ran demo derby cars, road raced, did a complete remodel of 2 houses top to bottom, and restored a couple of Chargers. Not to mention working weekends for my buddy, building a pile driver, and a million other things. I didn't spend much time watching TV or roaming the internet. While I don't have near that much energy any more, the bottom line is...... You make it a priority or You don't.

[67440chrg]

I have two young girls. With gymnastics, softball and living in a old house that im remodeling i spend less time every week with my charger but things have to get done. When it is cool enough in my building I try to at least go out & drink a beer and tell it all my problems. even if I only get to drive it 10 times a year im keeping it and looking forward to having more time later.

[1965gp]

I love that- " I try to at least go out & drink a beer and tell it all my problems"

[69wannabe]

I love that- " I try to at least go out & drink a beer and tell it all my problems"

X2!!!!

[ws23rt]

 

This is why whenever someone tells me that THEY'RE BORED I feel like pulling out my Magnum and putting another hole in their head, because quite frankly if one can't appreciate the fact that there's so much in the world to see, do, experience; then you just don't deserve to live this life.  There are so many things to do, and only our little lives and short time on this Earth to do it in...

Amen brother.


My little saying, "Life is like a blank art canvas.  You paint it anyway you want."


-----------


I don't get my car out nearly as much as I used to.  Mostly cause it's such a pain in the butt to get in & out of the garage.  Our driveways sucks.  That doesn't sound like such a deterrent to you able body people I'm sure.  

Another amen from me.

When someone says they are bored they obviously have used up whatever it was they were doing but still have a push to do something with the time they feel bored with.

In my teens I wanted to do many things and even thought about all the things I would or could do as a back up if I had a big physical disaster that would take one or several of my senses.

Some folks plan for future financial well being but I think few consider planning for a change in abilities. To sit for very long will just bring the end forward.

It's worthwhile IMO to ponder these things ahead of them becoming reality.  To be hit with the question--what will I do now?---when we get hit with a disability just adds to the trauma/drama of going through one of life's inevitable events.

If we keep on living disabilities will happen. It is the way of things. There is no way around it.

It is true we will all have these things to deal with (unless we die suddenly and peacefully like grandpa while his passengers were screaming  )

[Kern Dog]

Disabilities can be devastating. You often want to do things but the body cannot match the desire. I've had short term back injuries that paint me with a feeling of doom and gloom. I worry that I'd be a total worthless mess if the pain never goes away. It always does though, so I am very lucky. For those that deal with limited mobility or extreme pain every day, I feel for you. I respect those that deal with crap like that yet still try to keep in the game.     

[ws23rt]

I too have had back pain.  For 15 years it got gradually worse but at such a slow rate as to feel normal.

Recently I had an extensive surgery that allowed me to stand up straight again. I'm not 100% but don't expect to be. At 64 my back feels like I remember when I was 40.
In my case it was purely a structural issue that is very common. I do feel fortunate.

[ws23rt]

computer glitch.

[Lord Warlock]

Glad to hear everyone moaning about the same things.  It isn't me afterall. 

1.  Don't let friends dominate your free time, unless single with no kids.  Then have at it.
2.  Try to balance family needs vs play time.  Play time is more important than most think.
3.  Don't wait till you can afford it, just don't go overboard too quickly

4.  Try to get the kids to help with the hobby somewhat or they'll never remember the fun of old cars.  Enjoy the time when they are young and see wonder in huge slabs of loud metal and burning rubber, they'll ignore you or scorn you later when they get old enough.

5.  If you don't have enough time, you're living, just have to figure out what is most important, for 20 years or so for me, Old cars didn't have as high a priority, then when time finally permitted, and I was out of work for a few months, I decided to get busy and get all the work done that I could, I did however plan ahead and bought everything I'd need before work ended, well maybe not everything, but a lot.  Unfortunately, just as I was getting somewhere, my body gave out on me, and I had to slow wayyyyyy down.

A disability can be hobby ending for some, but having the car there to work on has been a welcome distraction.  Sick of fixing the wife's car, or one of the daughter's cars, its time to use what little energy available to me to work on one of mine.  I'm a bit tired all the time due to hormone therapy, and still have another 12 months of treatment to go.  So I think I'll be a little slow for a while yet.   Look forward to getting well but realize going to work sucks, I gotta find something else to do, disability income won't hack it.

[472 R/T SE]

Another amen from me.

When someone says they are bored they obviously have used up whatever it was they were doing but still have a push to do something with the time they feel bored with.

In my teens I wanted to do many things and even thought about all the things I would or could do as a back up if I had a big physical disaster that would take one or several of my senses.

Some folks plan for future financial well being but I think few consider planning for a change in abilities. To sit for very long will just bring the end forward.

It's worthwhile IMO to ponder these things ahead of them becoming reality.  To be hit with the question--what will I do now?---when we get hit with a disability just adds to the trauma/drama of going through one of life's inevitable events.

If we keep on living disabilities will happen. It is the way of things. There is no way around it.

It is true we will all have these things to deal with (unless we die suddenly and peacefully like grandpa while his passengers were screaming  )

Almost as if you're belittling those who are severely disabled.
That's not what you meant I'm sure.




My spine has a titanium cage wrapped around the L1 from busting up that area in my crash.  I've been on pain pills since the day I came out of the hospital.  I'm up to 20mg Oxy 4x a day & 60mg MS Contin ( Morphine ) twice a day.  And I'm past my tolerance level again.  I promised myself last year not to let the DR. up the mg on pills.


I was lucky? in that I worked my ass off from middle school until I got hurt.  Never drew unemployment & most of my jobs entailed $$ OT. 

I've blown through 2 of my retirements.  SSD & my union pension when I hit the official age are all that's left.  I'd have even more money now had I not taken time off during summer months to go to car shows.  Wait a minute, I just went in a circle with that statement.  My crane worked most weekends.


---------------------------------------------------------


You wanna know what chaps my ass more than an AB parking in a disable spot with no placard?  Able bodied people who complain about life.

[472 R/T SE]

Kern Dog, either you have a different username @ other places or I've never seen the rest of that fine lookin' red butt on the 1st page.

Do you have any other pix or just the tail panel one?   

[Kern Dog]

I'm a member on Moparts as Frankenduster...

[Kern Dog]

I was hit in the LH fender and put these wheels on so the others wouldn't get any paint on them.

[Kern Dog]

That was in 2006.

[Kern Dog]

I kinda like this look, even though the car performs much better with the bigger wheels and tires.

[472 R/T SE]

My buddy has a '69 Super Bee 4 gear from the factory that was EF8 exterior & B5 interior.  I tried hard to get him to repaint it original colors but that was like talking to concrete.  He's an old hot rodder in the purest form.


Anyhoots, he restored it identical to yours.  He was going for the A12 look.


Good lookin' rig but I won't be PC & tell you I love it.      In my mind I've already replaced your wheels with a set of my Torq Thrust D's.  I don't give a darn what anyone says, resale red is hard to beat.  I'm looking to possibly sell our SRT10 when the wife gets a new rig & get a red one.  My last hot rod was red too.

Would you be running the factory brakes since you can run those wheels?




If my signature isn't enough spamming already, I don't recall seeing you over @ the Registry?  I reserved ya' a spot.   

[ws23rt]

Another amen from me.

When someone says they are bored they obviously have used up whatever it was they were doing but still have a push to do something with the time they feel bored with.

In my teens I wanted to do many things and even thought about all the things I would or could do as a back up if I had a big physical disaster that would take one or several of my senses.

Some folks plan for future financial well being but I think few consider planning for a change in abilities. To sit for very long will just bring the end forward.

It's worthwhile IMO to ponder these things ahead of them becoming reality.  To be hit with the question--what will I do now?---when we get hit with a disability just adds to the trauma/drama of going through one of life's inevitable events.

If we keep on living disabilities will happen. It is the way of things. There is no way around it.

It is true we will all have these things to deal with (unless we die suddenly and peacefully like grandpa while his passengers were screaming  )

Almost as if you're belittling those who are severely disabled.
That's not what you meant I'm sure.




My spine has a titanium cage wrapped around the L1 from busting up that area in my crash.  I've been on pain pills since the day I came out of the hospital.  I'm up to 20mg Oxy 4x a day & 60mg MS Contin ( Morphine ) twice a day.  And I'm past my tolerance level again.  I promised myself last year not to let the DR. up the mg on pills.


I was lucky? in that I worked my ass off from middle school until I got hurt.  Never drew unemployment & most of my jobs entailed $$ OT. 

I've blown through 2 of my retirements.  SSD & my union pension when I hit the official age are all that's left.  I'd have even more money now had I not taken time off during summer months to go to car shows.  Wait a minute, I just went in a circle with that statement.  My crane worked most weekends.


---------------------------------------------------------


You wanna know what chaps my ass more than an AB parking in a disable spot with no placard?  Able bodied people who complain about life.

You are right. I have no intent to belittle anyone for what they have been dealt.
I am sorry to hear how complicated and debilitating your condition is. But that you can keep up with this hobby and have what seems to be good spirits is what I was sorta getting at in my post. We can lose some of our abilities and still enjoy what we love to be involved with. Some may feel dispirited when confronted with the loss of an ability and give up on too much too soon.

My thinking is that a change in abilities is an opportunity to change focus on what one does to enjoy what they have been doing.
In this hobby for example things like the on the back under the car stuff is a part of this world. So is driving these cars. But those are just bits of the bigger picture.

It is clear from your posts that in spite of your disability you are still very much in the game.

[Lord Warlock]

I'm still waiting to hear whether SSA will grant me disability or not make sure you are checking out SSA Disability and not just SSDI, if you're really disabled, you can start drawing social security now instead of waiting till retirement age, SSD has some special conditions to meet, I'm not pursuing that, I'm going after regular SS benefits as disabled. If I go back to work, the disability will stop of course.  Been out of work 18 months, but we haven't eaten through our retirement yet, went through cash reserves but am being forced to consolidate debts into the house again, at least it will be at 4% instead of 13%.  

My disability is making me cut down on my hobby, i'm slowly getting rid of the extra cars, ready to advertise one, then can finish the body work on the 2nd and sell it too, I really didn't want to sell that one, I consider it my "most Ferrari like" car, low, sleek, very fast, but also high maintenance.  My stealth turbo has been just another instance of holding on to a car for possible restoration in the future, they aren't worth much now, but going up slowly.  Wish I could wait another 20 years, but need to make room within the next 5.  I expect to take possession of my dad's 1 owner sports car as he nears to 90 years old.

[472 R/T SE]

I'm still waiting to hear whether SSA will grant me disability or not make sure you are checking out SSA Disability and not just SSDI, if you're really disabled, you can start drawing social security now instead of waiting till retirement age, SSD has some special conditions to meet, I'm not pursuing that, I'm going after regular SS benefits as disabled. If I go back to work, the disability will stop of course.  Been out of work 18 months, but we haven't eaten through our retirement yet, went through cash reserves but am being forced to consolidate debts into the house again, at least it will be at 4% instead of 13%.  

My disability is making me cut down on my hobby, i'm slowly getting rid of the extra cars, ready to advertise one, then can finish the body work on the 2nd and sell it too, I really didn't want to sell that one, I consider it my "most Ferrari like" car, low, sleek, very fast, but also high maintenance.  My stealth turbo has been just another instance of holding on to a car for possible restoration in the future, they aren't worth much now, but going up slowly.  Wish I could wait another 20 years, but need to make room within the next 5.  I expect to take possession of my dad's 1 owner sports car as he nears to 90 years old.

 Ok, you got me.  I'm really faking it, trying to get rich off Social Security.   If that picture doesn't convince someone I can lift my sweat pants & show my atrophied legs.  I used to have some bad ass calves.  My wife would ask me to flex them every once in a while....tmi.

I wrote the wrong letters.  I'M ON FULL GOVERNMENT DISABILITY.  That I paid in over 3 decades of working.  I get a check for me & one for our daughter until she's 18.  
Some people don't like saying they're on assistance or fear repercussions of people ragging on them for being a burden on the system.  I'm not.  I have zero qualms about it.  Why should I, it's my money that I "invested" since I was 15.  If I don't use it, they'll give it to some illegal.

The 1st retirement I cashed out apparently our accountant didn't know I was exempt from any of the taxes they levy for early withdrawl seeings how I'm paralyzed.  The 2nd one we just paid the federal taxes on.  Made me realize how good of job I had.  At one time the company was paying into 3 retirements for us.  My last one has $13k left & I've been drawing $100 a month for a year & it's still right at $13k so whatever market it's in is doing good.  I never adjusted any of the retirements so this last one 100% was invested in just one fund.

I remember the union meeting we had where the members wanted the money on their check instead of retirement.  Glad the latter passed.  Union also gave me $1k for losing the use of my legs.

[charge69]

Hello 472R/T SE !   People like you and your family are what SSD is designed for and you should not feel one twitch of remorse for using the system as it was designed! A safety net for people who worked hard all their life and suddenly find themselves at the mercy of the system. I can only imagine the maze of Government B.S. you had to endure to get what you deserved and earned.
I am humbled and thankful for what life has allowed me to earn and it is wayyy too easy for me to find someone who deals with bigger problems in life than I have ever experienced!  Stay strong, my friend!

[1965gp]

I agree 100%- I think it is awful that there are people trying to get (or getting) disability when they do not need it. You are unfortunately in a situation where you need it and I am damn glad you are able to use it. I like to see these programs helping those hard working americans that have paid into the system. I only wish it could do more for you. Maybe if so many people didn't try to take advantage of the program people  that deserve the support could get more.

[Kern Dog]

This is with the regular set of wheels. The black steelies were only temporary since I was sending the car off to get the LH fender repaired.

[Kern Dog]

#2

[1965gp]

Got some garage time today- although not at my garage.

I was at my parents today and while the grandparents entertained my girls I backed out of the aquarium trip and  went out to the garage.

My dad bought a 1969 Merc Marauder X-100 as a non running car. I was able to get it started, driving and stopping.

Was fun taking it from what might be a parts car to something you can turn the key on and drive.

[1965gp]

Those wheels are pretty trick- like 'em!

[472 R/T SE]

Those wheels are pretty trick- like 'em!

I've seen it before now.  Now that's what I'm talking about.  Nice amount of rubber on the wheels, lowered...perfect.  Love the wheels as well.  They look like the Vistas I was planning to get someday. 

Very, very beautiful ride.   

[HeavyFuel]

I've pretty much always worked about 50 hours a week. At times it has been up to 65 hour weeks. For two decades I also rotated through a bunch of fix-up classic drivers, built and crewed 3 different stock cars, built and ran demo derby cars, road raced, did a complete remodel of 2 houses top to bottom, and restored a couple of Chargers. Not to mention working weekends for my buddy, building a pile driver, and a million other things. I didn't spend much time watching TV or roaming the internet. While I don't have near that much energy any more, the bottom line is...... You make it a priority or You don't.

Bingo.


"Action expresses priorities."
― Mahatma Gandhi


Regardless of how much you say you want to be in your car.....your own testimony indicates that other things are more important to you.    

[Kern Dog]

Those wheels are pretty trick- like 'em!

I've seen it before now.  Now that's what I'm talking about.  Nice amount of rubber on the wheels, lowered...perfect.  Love the wheels as well.  They look like the Vistas I was planning to get someday. 

Very, very beautiful ride.   

Thank you! The wheels are Intro Twisted Vista. I was going to put a set on my Chevy truck I owned in 2001, but I couldn't justify the expense on a work truck.

[1974dodgecharger]

This is with the regular set of wheels. The black steelies were only temporary since I was sending the car off to get the LH fender repaired.

rims are too big need to stick with 14inch stock rims that Ma Mopar put on these cars.....they were never intended for anything bigger......


Joking aside Kern Dog what rims are those?   I like em...staggered?

[472 R/T SE]

So that is the set of wheels I've been wanting.  There's a member here with a '70 that has the Vistas with the spokes crooked S shaped like that turned me onto them.

I've already spent on my drone what a set would have cost.     And it's only been off the ground a handful of times...


Musicman photochopped a set on my rig.

[69wannabe]

Finally got to take a drive sunday morning!!  I had some concrete poured in front of my shop and had to wait a few days before I could move the charger out but by sunday it was dry and ready to be driven on. Me and my little dog drove around for about an hour before it started getting too hot. Got a good hour drive out of it before I headed back to the house. Just nice to get behind the wheel and change some gear's for a change!!!! 

[Kern Dog]

This is with the regular set of wheels. The black steelies were only temporary since I was sending the car off to get the LH fender repaired.

rims are too big need to stick with 14inch stock rims that Ma Mopar put on these cars.....they were never intended for anything bigger......


Joking aside Kern Dog what rims are those?   I like em...staggered?

There are plenty of Mopar purists that say what you wrote, but are dead serious about it. Everyone has an opinion and as long as they don't hurl insults and get all pissy, I'm cool with differing points of view.
The rears are 10" and the fronts are 9" wide. 4 3/4" backspacing on all 4.

[69wannabe]

This is with the regular set of wheels. The black steelies were only temporary since I was sending the car off to get the LH fender repaired.

rims are too big need to stick with 14inch stock rims that Ma Mopar put on these cars.....they were never intended for anything bigger......


Joking aside Kern Dog what rims are those?   I like em...staggered?

There are plenty of Mopar purists that say what you wrote, but are dead serious about it. Everyone has an opinion and as long as they don't hurl insults and get all pissy, I'm cool with differing points of view.
The rears are 10" and the fronts are 9" wide. 4 3/4" backspacing on all 4.

I'm not a big fan of the bigger rim's myself but lately some of the one's I have seen lately are growing on me!! I like my 15 inch magnum's fine and they look good and were fairly reasonable and that was a big factor in my wheel choice at the time of purchase!!!  I'm kinda old school myself but I respect other's and their choices of what they do on their vehicle's. Biggest thing with me is that it's simpler and cheaper to keep thing's kinda plain and that work's for me anyway!!