40 + year old question

[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