40 + year old question

[dads_69]

For starters, I'm done w/mopars. I don't even own a single mopar part right now. Not sure if I ever will again. I'm 41 now, I've been told that has a lot to do with my recent reasoning of my love for mopars/car/trucks period. Mid life crisis? All I know is, I've had it w/mopars. I mean no offence to those who have a love for them still FYI. I don't even get that slight excitement when I see one driving the road now. I don't buy the mopar magazines anymore, the t shirts I bought from on line here I never wear. It has nothing to do w/winter here either. I've been known as *chargermark* since high school, over 25 years now. Whenever I hear that nic name now, I don't react. What propted me to write such a topic was my 5.5 year old little girl.
I was watching Death Proof tonight as she walked in on it, I hit pause due to the type of movie it is for her to view. She saw the charger though and said daddy, theres your car on TV. I replied what? She said the black car, the charger, that's your old cars, I've owned a lot of them. I almost dropped, I said yep, I used to own them, but not anymore. She says after wards, *cause they cost you so much money and pain*. I laughed my ass off after that comment, coming from a 5.5 year old little girl, that comment was priceless.
My point here, any input as to why I said screw all of it would be greatfull, somewhere along the line in recent months/past year I have said screw it all.
My wife keeps saying I'm having a mid life, any other 40 + year olds going through this crap?

I'm out.........Mark


P.S. Please send smartass respones to a minimum. 

[charger Downunder]

Chin up mate,Priorities change and life goes on.Sounds like you have a great little girl and family there,Im over 40 and my priorities have changed since having kids, over the years you can always replace a car but you cant replace a loved one.Maybe you have finally relized what a special family you have.My kids have changed my life and i would always put my family first.

[Mike DC]

 
I dunno.




I don't much believe in mid-life crisis stuff myself.  8 times out of 10 I think it's an unfair label. 


Show me a guy that just made a "pathetic midlife-crisis" purchase.  I can usually show you a guy that wanted that same thing for decades, and could just now finally afford it.   

 
 

[daves68]

Soooo-  what's for sale??

[moparjohn]

"hang up your Charger habbit, hang it up daddy-o or you'll be in trouble quick" Sorry you feel that way. If and when you are ready to come back we will be here, good luck.

[Todd Wilson]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily!   


Todd

[moparstuart]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily!   


Todd

[ITSA426]

Priorities change.  It's OK.  Be glad you can always come back to the cars if they become important again.  Not so with family sometimes.  Later

[PocketThunder]

 
I dunno.
I don't much believe in mid-life crisis stuff myself.  8 times out of 10 I think it's an unfair label. 
Show me a guy that just made a "pathetic midlife-crisis" purchase.  I can usually show you a guy that wanted that same thing for decades, and could just now finally afford it.   

Exactly!  "midlife crisis" is just a label people use to put on other people who can finally afford the toys we all want. 

[BB1]

I'm 42 and I love old MoPar no matter what.
When I'm dead, I hope heaven is full of old MoPars, or I'm going straight to hell. 

Die hard
Die hard
Die hard
Die hard

MoPars = Life

26 years and counting.

[70 Battle Horse]

I predict you will be in the market for a new Challenger R/T come spring time!!! Same thrill (sometimes better) - fewer hassles - probably less money in the long run.

[ACUDANUT]

 Well, to each his own.  I get that way sometimes, but it helps me out mentally to get off my butt and stop watching TV and go out to the garage with a cold one and DO SOMETHING productive.  Nothing makes you feel better than fixing something that you did yourself. (Not to mention you didn't have to pay out of the hinney for someone else to fix).

[Todd Wilson]

I'm 42 and I love old MoPar no matter what.

Dam! You are old!


Todd

[Back N Black]

I sorta the opposite in my mid life crisis. I got into Mopars in my 40's and loving every minute of it. I was always into trucks(Chevy) sold the truck to buy the Charger and never looked back. As long as you are happy and comfortable with you decision,that's all that matters. Good luck.

[70charginglizard]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily!   


Todd

Hey thats my saying...lol

Honestly I know where your coming from though. I'm now 42 and the energy I once had to do this hobby has subsided a bit in the last year or two. Don't get me wrong. I still love my mopar but with my daughter getting older and closer to going to college age my priorites are changing from money that use to be focused on the cars to money focused on her future. Also this recent finacial crisis isn't helping my additude much either. I'm very worried about my job now and that could change a lot of things in my life it it comes to that. Especially my hobby's like this classic car stuff.

Chin up though. Maybe as time goes on and you get a little older you will find the interest again. If you don't I wouldn't worry about it. Family is whats really important and you should always focus on that anyway.

Cheers

[dkn1997]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily!   


Todd

you should listen to him, he's pre med.   I thought he was pre law....same thing!

Seriousely though dad....I truly believe in the midlife crisis although it shouldn't be called that.  It is a real thing.  I just turned 39 and the last 2 years have see some big changes.  For me, it was a change in how I allow people to treat me mixed with an outlook that says, just have fun and enjoy life.   I was slowly turning into an old man mentally.  I just decided screw everyone and now I'm happier at work because everyone's on notice that the lunatic workalholic is not handling their shit anymore.  I stopped modifying my charger every day to get it perfect and just drive the damn thing (I was rewarded with a smacked up front end, but it's all good, i wasn't even mad)
Put the old lady on notice about her antics and she's striaghtened out her act.  

that's just my pathetic story, but I really believe that at this age, you do "wake up" and realize that a lot of what you were doing isn't "working" anymore.  Some guys quit smoking dope, booze.  Some guys shack up with a 20 year old crack whore, some guys buy a ferarri....and some guys like you, dad....give up an obsession that hasn't always treated them the best....mopars!!  It's all good, man.  really.  You might have a change of heart in a while and then you can get back to business.  

[The70RT]

I have had mine since I was 17. I am just now restoring it. Hell I want to cruise it so bad I should have just did the paint and interior and carried on. I like all old cars and yeah they all can be a pain in the rear. I can't ever imagine getting tired of old iron. What is more of a pain is when you are making a payment on your daily driver and then it goes down and you have to shell out...........so what's the difference. Even if you have a warranty it is a pain in the ass. At least if an oldie goes down it's most likely it is an easy fix. I plan on working on oldies till I can't anymore. Either your obsessed or your not.  I know you can get a new Challenger, Mustang, in your case a Lightning but when an engine or tranny goes your in the same boat and will probably cost more. If you are a real old car guy you will be back 

[TruckDriver]

I'm going to be 45 in March. And the only vehicle I own right now is my Dodge Dakota that I plan to make a trail rider eventually. Other then that, I don't know if I'll ever own another Mopar car again. I even could go buy a '71 Charger right now that runs and drives for $800. The problem I have is that they cost way to much to fix up, and the parts are to hard to find. And when you do find them, you have to have a closet full of gold to buy them. I'm most likely going to go back to my roots which is back to GM's and Fords. Parts are more then abundant, cheap, and easy to find. I'm getting ready to ask a garage down the street about a complete '79 Trans Am T-top car is for sale. It has been sitting with 4 flat tires now for at least 2 years (ever since I've lived here in town). I will always love Mopars, but the reality is, I can't afford these cars..... Period.



But then again, that can always change, we'll see

[RallyeMike]

No more Mopars? What a total loser 

[RallyeMike]

 

Sorry... couldnt help it.

Life goes on. Priorities and interests change. To me it sounds like you've figured out how to make a lot of things better and make your life happier. That's a pretty impressive accomplishment in my mind.

[bull]

Why are you asking us? Your daughter gave you the answer: "cause they cost you so much money and pain."

I've learned one thing throughout the process of restoring my Charger. I hate it and will never do it again. Don't get me wrong, I love the Charger but I really hate the restoration process and wish I would have just bought one outright. I'm also 42 but I started this project when I was 38 or 39 so I haven't been doing this kind of thing for 20 years like some of you but I also know myself better than I did at 22 and if I had started restoring cars back then I'd be beyond sick of it too.

Just take a long break and give it some time. Maybe by the time your 60 and have nothing else to do but fart around tinkering on one last project. You'll probably have a nice big heated shop and can take your time to enjoy it.

[SeattleCharger]

 
I dunno.




I don't much believe in mid-life crisis stuff myself.  8 times out of 10 I think it's an unfair label. 


Show me a guy that just made a "pathetic midlife-crisis" purchase.  I can usually show you a guy that wanted that same thing for decades, and could just now finally afford it.   

that is a good point ,  I agree 

 
 

[SeattleCharger]

isn't a midlife crisis like when you buy cars?   yours is in reverse by most definitions, heh
   
  sounds more like a family guy selling the toys and getting a mini van cause his family is his main thing now
     
           its funny what little kids can say, for five years old, they can really just hit the nail on the head and say it like it is

[Todd Wilson]

In all honesty from talking with you on the phone and seeing your messages here you are burned out simply because you dont have anything to drive. You do body and paint all day long at work. The last few years you have had a few projects at home to work on. Lets face it after a day at the shop the last thing you want to do is come home and beat out dents and hand sand on your own cars. With the daughter around now you dont have time. Perhaps if you had a Mopar that was done and driveable it would be a different situation. The beauty of the old cars or trucks for that matter is you can shut them off and they will be there ready to go in a week or 2 or 3 later when you got time to go to the cruise. Do family functions the next few weekends and then fire up the Charger and go for a cruise or to a show. My daughter really loves the old truck here and anytime we can go do something with the truck she wants to go.

Thats just my take on it.


Todd

[mikesbbody]

If your not into it, your not into it but your still here so i guess there's still some interest 
As everyone said priorities change i have often wondered if i sold the charger would I: still buy the magazines? still go to car shows? still look around when a mopar drives past? would i feel bummed out having a empty spot in the garage? (definitly) sometimes i feel like im over it, that its a waste of time but then a drive in the charger changes all that.

[oldcarnut]

Why are you asking us? Your daughter gave you the answer: "cause they cost you so much money and pain."

I've learned one thing throughout the process of restoring my Charger. I hate it and will never do it again. Don't get me wrong, I love the Charger but I really hate the restoration process and wish I would have just bought one outright. I'm also 42 but I started this project when I was 38 or 39 so I haven't been doing this kind of thing for 20 years like some of you but I also know myself better than I did at 22 and if I had started restoring cars back then I'd be beyond sick of it too.

Just take a long break and give it some time. Maybe by the time your 60 and have nothing else to do but fart around tinkering on one last project. You'll probably have a nice big heated shop and can take your time to enjoy it.

I'm 48 and still messing with the cars although I'm getting slower at it then when I was 16.  I have been just the opposite.  I've always liked the process of restoring.  Seemed like kind of a therapy to get my mind off things and see something develop out of my work.  The problem is when it's done then after years I've driven around in it I got bored and found myself looking for another to fix. I am getting to the thoughts of wanting to find another interest but I guess I'm hooked on the cars.  When I get started and done on the Bird clone, then I feel like that will be my last project. (Said that before a few cars ago    I have twin 23yr old girls, a 25 yr son and now a grandson.  Enjoy your time with the family as they will be grown up and gone really fast like mine before you realise it.  Who knows, when she gets driving age and maybe interested in the hobby, your interest may just turn back to share it on a different level.  It might be not a lost interest in Mopars or others, just a redirection of priorities.  I've had several times the cars took a back seat but never went away.  Best wishes.  David

[Silver R/T]

well I have priorities also. Mortgage, bills, truck payment, etc. but that doesn't stop me from tinkering with Charger. If I don't have time/money I just put it off, it will get done eventually. I understand I can't haggle with everything at the same time so sometimes I have to work on one thing rather then the other one. Charger is in garage and things will get better and I'll work on it more.

[2Gunz]

If I did any sort of car work for a living I would hate it as well.

I think the key here is to buy a car thats already ok.

Then make a deal with yourself that YOU are not going to work on it.

Maybe the little stuff but NO major projects.

THEN DRIVE THE HELL OUT OF THAT THING!

[General_01]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily!   


Todd

you should listen to him, he's pre med.   I thought he was pre law....same thing!

Seriousely though dad....I truly believe in the midlife crisis although it shouldn't be called that.  It is a real thing.  I just turned 39 and the last 2 years have see some big changes.  For me, it was a change in how I allow people to treat me mixed with an outlook that says, just have fun and enjoy life.   I was slowly turning into an old man mentally.  I just decided screw everyone and now I'm happier at work because everyone's on notice that the lunatic workalholic is not handling their shit anymore.  I stopped modifying my charger every day to get it perfect and just drive the damn thing (I was rewarded with a smacked up front end, but it's all good, i wasn't even mad)
Put the old lady on notice about her antics and she's striaghtened out her act.  

that's just my pathetic story, but I really believe that at this age, you do "wake up" and realize that a lot of what you were doing isn't "working" anymore.  Some guys quit smoking dope, booze.  Some guys shack up with a 20 year old crack whore, some guys buy a ferarri....and some guys like you, dad....give up an obsession that hasn't always treated them the best....mopars!!  It's all good, man.  really.  You might have a change of heart in a while and then you can get back to business.  

That is about like my story. I worked my butt off at work, was the Safety Rep, Lead person, etc., etc. I went in and told the boss I will not be the safety rep anymore and now all I do is my job. We have kids working there that damage equipment by running into things, nobody picks up after themselves, and everyone does a job the way they want to do it, whether it turns out correctly or not. I used to give a crap, but after I turned 40, realized that I was the only one. I let everybody do what they want now and just do my job. When the boss's ask me what is going on in the warehouse I tell them not my worry. They weren't worried before so why should I worry now. My life has gotten much better. I even got a raise at work AFTER I did that.

I think the mid-life crisis thing is not about buying toys or anything like that. It is just that you finally realize that you need to do things that make you happy. Getting rid of the Mopars was just a way to make yourself happy.

[dads_69]

Wow, not the reaction I had thought about getting from some of you. I want to say thank you for that/your comment. Yeah, I feel as if I more less need a break from cars. Not being a mopar fan anymore, I am, just pissed. Pissed that I've had so many in the past an now zero cars.
I've had a few L trucks, my last L was stolen recently, found stripped. So that doesn't help me much right now on how I feel about rides.
My family does mean a lot to me and that's a hole different topic also for whats going on w/that situation. True, kids say the darnedest things, very awesome how she replied like she did last night about my cars and pain, hahaha.
20 years ago I had 9 cars at one time, ever since then, I owned maybe 5 or 6 at a time, then over the years, having a family, I noticed how cars/trucks didn't add up like they used too.
Yeah, I love Lightning's, I've owned 3 and 1 H/D truck so far an more to come, hopefully I'll have a '70 or '68 charger on a trailer behind my next set up.
I can say this, I've had it w/'69 chargers, hahaha.
I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who commented. I don't drink, *smoke* anymore, I grew out of that stage of my life an now I'm focussing on other things.
Mark

[500hp_440]

Here's my though.
You've had 'em FOREVER, you've drive 'em like hell, you've worked hard as hell on 'em, and now your sick of 'em and want something new.
There's nothing wrong with that.
Now what you need is an old CJ or Wrangler.
good lukc to you mate!

[Tilar]

Wait till the kids are grown and then think about it again... And believe me you will think about it again.

There's just something about turning 40 that makes you step back and go "Wow, Where is the time going?" which tends to change your priorities. So yeah that is your mid life crisis.

Enjoy the children while they're young, because once they get into their teens, They think they are smarter than you and don't have much time for you and your wife anymore. Best advice I could give anyone with a young son though, Is to buy something that they like when they get into their young teens...13 or 14, and make it a father son project. I gave my son my 81 Camaro when he turned 14, and rebuilt that car with him. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Of course now he's 31, the car is long gone but we're pretty close.

[superduperbee]

Back in the early 90s, I got burned out from too many projects. I was going broke paying storage fees on cars scattered all over the state. I got rid of a dozen project cars and kept the 71 Super Bee. It sat in storage for several years hardly being touched. I was tired of working on cars all the time, I just wanted to drive them.I bought a new car and bracket raced it for a couple years...heck...I even dated again and got married...had kids After we bought a house with a garage a few years ago, I finally decided to finish the car. It took a few Autoramas and Woodward Cruises to get me motivated again. Everyone needs a vacation now and then.

[Lifsgrt]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

[dads_69]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

Congrats on your new project and thanks for your input. I've owned over 44 mopars so far. I'll say this now, I'm not done w/mopars, just talking a break, how about that.
Yes, family first then toys. I won't go into detail w/you about whats been going on in my life, but I will say that it does not suck to be me. Don't judge a person until you've walke a mile in his or her shoes.
I'm gonna go watch Death Proof again, ha-ha.....

[Charger_Fan]

No worries, do what feels right for you at this place in your life.
If you decide you crave an old Charger (or whatever) in another dozen years, I'm sure there will still be some out there to buy. And who knows, maybe by then the Mopar values will have gone down & the ricers will be in high demand?

[Old Moparz]

Try basket weaving or knitting, if that don't get you excited, do what my Mother does, smoke 3 packs of cigarettes & play bingo.   

I think we all get tired of whatever we've spent tons of hours on, it's normal. I've been messing with Mopars since I got my license at 17 & have no plans on giving them up. I just turned 46 last month & have more enthusiasm about the hobby now than I did about 17 or 18 years ago. Back then I rented space for one car, forgot about it for a while & just diverted my interest in other things, like projects on the house & such. I stopped going to as many car shows & didn't do anything with cars for about 5 years.

It picked up again later & got even stronger when my daughter was about 3 or 4. She loved the swap meets & scanning junk with me, & would have no problem covering Carlisle from her carriage. It was fun watching her get out at every other vending space, look at hubcaps or whatever with me, then get back in & off to the next space. 

A break is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. If you get the urge to get back into the hobby, then you will. If you're done with the projects, maybe a finished car like some have said is in your future. I have a friend who used to eat, breathe, sleep, & dream cars all the time. He talked of having a big block Chevelle one day, but became a mechanic & is sick of cars by the end of each day. He bought a motorcycle & loves riding instead of the idea of restoring an old car. To him it would be like the work day never ended.

Good luck on what you decide to do to stay busy, & let me know if you take up bingo & I'll have my Mom give you a few pointers. 

[SeattleCharger]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

award for most compassionate reply          

[dkn1997]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

award for most compassionate reply          

I was gonna say to lifsgrt, "don't sugar coat it, tell us how you really feel"

[70 Battle Horse]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

award for most compassionate reply          

I agree with your nomination........ in other words W-W-J-D   AMEN!!!

[dads_69]

Old Moparz, that is the funniest comment yet thank god. I drove by the Bingo place, they were booked up for the night so I couldn't get in, but thanks for the tip. 
I don't have the patience for basket weaving either, knitting or any other (old) woman type of hobby. LMAO......
I have a motorcycle at least, two of them, can't ride them right now, but I did just spend $1700.00 on performance parts for them a while ago, so that should hold me until spring.

Mark

[Todd Wilson]

Whew, sucks to be you.  I feel so crappy about driving this '69 R/T I've had all these years I had to start a new project.  Try looking at all the good things in your life, stop wasting your time on movies like Death Proof (but thanks for not exposing your 5 year old to it)...and deal with it.  Consider those that died before 41, those old and young that have terminal cancer and other issues. You're far better off than many in our Nation and around the world.  If this is all you have to whine about, you're good.

I won't go into detail w/you about whats been going on in my life, but I will say that it does not suck to be me.

Sure it sucks to be you!  You live in Alaska where its 50 below right now!   The igloo must be very cold!!!




Todd

[dads_69]

Get your facts straight before you type Todd Wilson. The temp was only -38 at my house for a few days straight, daily average was -25, gees, lmao......

Mark

[SeattleCharger]

and they still have a lot of salmon left, that is a big plus, it sucks here for salmon fishing these days in seattle/ washington state,    I can go a whole season and not catch one keeper,     usually the case anymore, 

[The70RT]

and they still have a lot of salmon left, that is a big plus, it sucks here for salmon fishing these days in seattle/ washington state,    I can go a whole season and not catch one keeper,     usually the case anymore, 

Must have been from the volcano back in the day when the river boiled  That and all the polution.

[AKcharger]

I predict you will be in the market for a new Challenger R/T come spring time!!! Same thrill (sometimes better) - fewer hassles - probably less money in the long run.

Nice pictures Battle Horse, but what happened to the daytona?

[SeattleCharger]

I drove past a new chally that was stopped at a light, sort of saw it right when I came upon it, it was black with maybe 22's of the chrome solid centerline type rim, wider in back, but with some meaty tires, not rubber band ones, at first glance I thought it was an old one, but its bigger, it looked so bad azz I was surprised, those cars can look tough/mean,   

[dads_69]

Hey Akcharger, Bill. Seen a red Chally w/black stripes yesterday in Anchorage. I was driving my friends '03 Cobra and yes, he asked for it. I know, Ford, but when a guy looks over at you w/that look, ya' just gotta open up a can.
I'm baby sitting the car until next weekend BTW. Yes, he knows how I'm takin' care of it.  ha-ha.

Mark