What do you do to stay motivated?

[ktneifert09]

Got a 68 that needs lots of work. So much body work that sometimes I want to scream!   What do YOU do when you need that extra bit of motivation to keep from pushing your dream car to the dump?

[1968_Charger]

watch a video of a badass charger driving and think that it could be me. believe me ive slaved away alot of time to get mine on the road.

[DustinSimmonds]

I like to look at my Charger and then look at Chargers of the same model that are all finished and decked out! It helps me realize what I have sitting there and what it could be! Also watch drag races with Chargers it gets your blood pumping!

[terrible one]

Youtube videos of other project and finished Chargers as well as members threads about their progress.

[Cooter]

Don't get involved if you can't see it already finished is the best motivator out there....These cars are NOT for the faint of heart...It takes for the general populous, ALOT of blood, sweat, and tears to complete a restoration...Most here don't have the resources to just open the 'ol checkbook...


Wanna stay motivated? It's simple...Stay busy doing things that don't require spending any money...Some say restore while you drive it..I call BS..Reason being, I have a Dodge Dart that's been in primer for over 15 Years because of this very philosophy...Having too much fun DRIVING the damn thing to finish it...Do simple things like restore that dash, cluster, heater box, grille, plastic items, wheels, etc. Most times all that's needed is a can of spray bomb paint...I have a Challenger in the back yard right now that I can't WAIT to get on the road and enjoy, but I know I can simply get a cheapo exhuast system on it and ride as the 318 is running, but that isn't what I want..So, I will do little things until the car is ready for the bigger stuff and money allows...I don't like replacing floor boards any better than the next guy, but I know it has to be done..Same goes for rust repair..Hell, I wouldn't know how to act if I got a rust free car that only needed the "Fun" things done...

[694spdRT]

I use to get a good boost after coming back from Mopar Nats or Monster Mopar prior to my Charger getting done.

The other thing is post progress on this site often. It gives motivation when members follow along and often times it speeds up the process when they give advice.

Worked that way for me anyway.

[HOTROD]

Some times I just wont to sell it and my wife says no your not ! thats what helps me !
If it was not for her I would still be looking !

[4aThrill]

thinking of THE JUDGE in the movie Sex Drive    all the hard work will pay off in the end.  

[Cooter]

If it's truly your "Dream car", then it will never get pushed to the dump....Another thing to remember is NOT to look at how much is left to do..Look at how much you've gotten done...

[bull]

A good amount of money saved in the bank helps motivate me. Actually, I'm not very motivated during the winter months but one thing that motivates me in the summer months is trying to get everything I can done before it turns nasty outside.

Oddly enough, looking at finshed Chargers actually discourages me because it makes me realize how far I have to go. Last summer I didn't go to any car shows and I got more done than I have in any other 3-month period since I started.

[68X426]

Double Feature: Bullitt and Death Proof.

Motivates me every time.

[charge-it]

Don't focus on the big picture, instead focus on one small step at a time. After a while the little steps will add up to a big step and that will keep you motivated to finish the project. It's a long slow process that should be enjoyable to accomplish. If it is not enjoyable and is stressing you out, cover it up and take a break. If that doesn't work it's time to sell it. It takes me several years to finish a car. I go through bull and thrash cycles, and then I go through get nothing done cycles, so your not alone.   

[suntech]

I can only speak for myself, but .........money is ofcause a factor.. newsflash...right!!
But look at it this way: If you know your car needs 2 quarters and a trunk floor and rear valance to get in the shape you dream about getting it......DON´T waste your time dicking around with some patches, and spend 150 hours in the garage trying to "fix" it that way, when you deep inside know that the end result would be half ass, compared to new panels. ( this is ofcause assuming you are not a sheet metal artist, and love your job!! ) Work overtime, and save up for the parts needed to keep you busy for a while doing the job right, and in the right sequence! With this i mean: if it needs 1 quarter and trunk floor, and you can not afford both.....cut off off both pieces, and buy the one piece trunkfloor, and put that in, instead of buying the quarter first, and end up forced to buy a 2 piece trunk floor, or cut the one piece in half, to be able to get it in! It is much more inspiring to sit in the garage with the parts needed, instead of a piece of sheet metal and a hammer, wondering about how the hell you are going to get this look fairly decent!!
I think personally that a rusty/ crappy done shell is the most efficiant demotivator! Everything else is bolt on bolt off´s that can be fixed/ changed at any time you have the time/ funds to do it.

I think we are in a good situation now, with all the good quality repop parts available nowadays, and these parts makes it a hell of a lot easier to restore a car now, than just a few years ago.
A lot of cars was has been done a hack job on up through the years, simply because of lack of  knowledge/available parts/ money, and not to forget crooks that is looking for a quick buck! With reasonable priced repopped bodyparts of good quality available there is no need to fall in to that pit again!

[tan top]

what the others said  ,   also do one section of the body / sheet metal  at a time  as much a possible  ,  with out looking at the  whole job & thinking  OMG ! , same when shaping up & filling with bondo ! get one panel done & put it in etch primer ! then move on to the next !  once car in hi -build primer , let it sit for a few weeks  ! before blocking   , &  start cleaning up & sorting parts while your waiting !  set a side  say a day for  , cleaning wirebrushing  front end bolts & bagging them up !  etc etc !! , then suspension parts & painting etc etc !!  

[Belgium R/T -68]

I'm into my second resto now. With the Charger I was fortunate to have money to buy all parts
needed before I even needed them, that was very easy as for motivation.
Now, with the Challenger, it's just the other way around. I have to save for every part I need and this car needs almost all repop sheetmetal you can find so it will take years before this car hits the streets. Like Bull I hate the winters in the garage so that also prolong the build but when I think
about the finished result, to be able to cruise around in a Hemi challenger vert then my motivation
to keep on struggling increases several levels.

Per

[chargermike]

i worked every hour that i could. stayed home instead of going out. and it took me 5 years till i drove my car. and then another year until interior was done. but now that it is done. it was worth every penny i spent and every hour spent doing my charger. the looks you will get alone are worth it. old people and little kids just go crazy when they see them. dont give up. just do what you can when you can.  little things count to.

[472 R/T SE]

A good amount of money saved in the bank helps motivate me. Actually, I'm not very motivated during the winter months but one thing that motivates me in the summer months is trying to get everything I can done before it turns nasty outside.

Oddly enough, looking at finshed Chargers actually discourages me because it makes me realize how far I have to go. Last summer I didn't go to any car shows and I got more done than I have in any other 3-month period since I started.

Really?  I thought you were close to being on the road?

It's painted, has new rubber, new drivetrain.  I've often wondered that we'll be seeing you out & about in it one of these days.

Bolt down a 5 gallon bucket, throw some goggles on & drive that sucker.  


Is this your original color?  I thought it was so I hoped to watch it cross the block but IIRC there was a commercial or Speed coverage wasn't on.

[troutstreamnm]

If you're having a bad day or are just not into working on the car....stop and walk away.  Best to work on your project only when you're in the mood....keeps it fun that way. 

As far as keeping motivated, I like to go to car shows or watch car auctions on TV.  Nothing like seeing really nice cars and talking to car people to get you recharged.

[drifter69]

As you can see it is diffrent for everyone........motivation is what turns your crank! For me just having my hands on my car is enough. I am motivated by knowing my car in evey intimate detail and knowing that she will respect me in the morning.

[Lennard]

Since my Charger is going to look like my brother in law's (below) when finished, all I need to do is look at some pics of his car and I'm of to the garage again...

[200MPH]

Do something for the car that doesn't cost money,but does improve its look  EX. polish the trim,scrub the vinyl, cleaning it throughly

I did not take picture of my interior because it was disgusting.. i mean real bad i had to wear resperator and i broke 2 Car Wash vacuums because they were filled with the animal droppings ,Coons,possums and what ever else gets into barns..long story short i cleaned it out and i already 10000x better !!!

[Tilar]

Here is some motivation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6IKwVcQBbs

[SRT-68]

I have done several multi year projects and doing at least one hour a day keeps me going. Even when there was no money to put to the car I would spend an hour cleaning bolts or painting brackets. With just an hour a day you will be amazed how you stay on task. If all you do is set out the tools for the next days task you are still making progress. It is easy to wedge in an hour a day while still taking care of family/work/school stuff.
Next step is to take photos every now and then, after a few weeks look at the first weeks photos to see the change. Try to find another guy near you building a car and team up with them. The task gets done quicker with a little help and is more fun in the long run. 

[Patronus]

Im motivated by the process. The learning of doing it yourself, the tool, the material. The way you bridge to weld. The way your hand slides down the b pillar and down her quarter. It only takes sliding down the car once to remember. I think about when someone comes up and says, "nice paint! who did it?"

[JerseyJoe]

Commit to do something each time you look at the car, no matter how small a job. Also, every time some punk kid in a honda buzzes by like a can full of sick hornets, I say "I gotta finish my Charger"!!!

[The70RT]

Lots of good ideas here.  Mine - Just knowing we will all be dust again before too long!

[Brock Samson]

  "Got a 68 that needs lots of work. So much body work that sometimes I want to scream!   What do YOU do when you need that extra bit of motivation to keep from pushing your dream car to the dump"?

It's been a few years since i was in your spot, mine was done with the aid of real old fashion junkyards and two parts cars, I don't think folks restore Muscle Cars like that anymore,.. now they write checks to a shop or click buy it now,..
 A couple things got me through the hard times, the number one was the Oakland Roadster Show,.. which moved to LA a few years ago,..
 the other was the Rodder's Journal Magazine,.. more so then the Mopar Mags I subscribed to at the time... most any car show was a big motivator but the O.R.S. was the big motivator, dreaming of seeing mine all shiny with some minor tweaks to make it better then original.
 I did mine in $2k increments, that is I would save up $2K every three or four Mos. working two jobs, and on the jobs, when I was really hating it, I would think of the Charger and get enough energy to get up and work a 12 hour day.
And Cooter I disagree a car can be a driver resto,.. mine was, I couldn't bear to have non working car for any number of reasons... Mine was running with a SB '70 drivetrain and 'green '68/black/'70 interior within two weeks after dragging it home...  It took the next decade to collect the correct '69 R/T SE parts and six-pack motor and drivetrain which I installed in '99.
I don't envy those who write a check and buys a finished Charger or don't get chunks of flesh hacked out, they'll never feel the satisfaction that comes when that fresh rebuilt big block first fires up. There's just no substitute for that feeling. And that's what we all dream of isn't it?..  

[NGC414]

For me its really hard to get out there anymore in the cold winter months. Same thing on the real hot summer days.
But in the spring winter and fall its nice to be outside with the garage door open finding things that need to be done. For me nice weather and a good cup of coffee or cold beer is a motivator.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

For me its buying parts in the winter & planning to install them in the spring for the show season! 

[472 R/T SE]

All my work gets done the last 3-4 weeks before the first big all Mopar show in Seattle, usually first part of June which is usually a week after my club's Cruise In.

[Bobby41909]

Here is some motivation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6IKwVcQBbs

Holy Cra*....If you're not motivated after that video....you don't deserve a Charger.  Never saw that show "Bull Run" but damn that Charger is cool as it gets.  Not sure I would volunteer my Charger for an event where you throw boxes at it out of a moving truck but it did get my blood pumping.  Especially the music...   

I am somewhat fortunate (or stupid for spending all that $$$$) to be able to afford having a professional build my car.  I've done easy things like restore the grille, dash gauges, taillights, etc.  It is still taking close to a year from start to expected finish. 

I just turn on some classic rock in the garage, light my "Muscle Car Garage" neon sign, grab a cold beer and dream about the day I pull up to a rice-burner at the stop light...and leave him in a cloud of white smoke...God I can't wait.....HA-HA 

[ktneifert09]

This is why I love this site. I will NEVER give up even tho some days I feel like it. Definitely what works for me is focusing on what's done, not what's left. However, lots of other cool ideas. Decided to ditch the body work for a while and put the dash back together. Since most of the dash components are done, that'll be a blast.

[FJ6N96]

I've read this entire thread and not once did I hear anyone or offer you a ride in one of their cars.  I think if you were to get a ride or go for a cruise in one it would give you a lot of motivation.  

It's a shame that you live in California.  I'd give you a ride in my 1971 Superbee.  

I am restoring a 1970 Challenger R/T and I too get tired of it and I ask myself why am I doing this.  It's about the journey and what's on the other end and driving something that is truely special.  

FJ6N96

[elanmars]

it's way awesome driving it. it's way awesome having one to drive.

issues will happen, sometimes more often than one would like but with 40+ old cars, it comes with the territory.

looking at pictures here of members rides helps, as well as movies and all that. i don't care too much for the super crazy restos that are way beyond my financial means, which magazines usually showcase. they look nice, i can appreciate them but i like to have realistic goals for the time being.

[greenpigs]

I make a list of SMALL things to get done to it & that helps me feel like I am making progress when it gets completed. The other thing is I am going to start driving it more when it warms up as NOTHING is better motivation than that. Getting your car driveable is what I think is the best motivation.

[Patronus]

keep staring at her chest, you'll get down one day 

[sixty8charger]

My motivation is the memories from back in the day when my grandpa would let me drive it in the back yard to the front just to wash it when i was 12.  26 now.. and i have it stripped down waiting to cut out some cancer.
i do the $2k saves.. buy what i need, save again. Right now i am just saving for the body shop to patch it up for me, and slowly piecing pieces together in the garage... cleaning up old parts, painting components... stuff to keep me busy. Unfortunatly mine sits in the elements.. (garage is too small) so i have the slight depression of seeing it covered in snow.. bird shit, rain... but i continue to tinker with little things.. and protect what is left of it before getting it fixed professionally.

[Tilar]

I've read this entire thread and not once did I hear anyone or offer you a ride in one of their cars.  I think if you were to get a ride or go for a cruise in one it would give you a lot of motivation.  

I'd offer him a ride in mine but in order for that to happen someone is going to have to push...     

[UH60L]

Yeah, a ride in mine wouldn't be much fun either, especially when I'm pushing you back up the driveway into the garage!

I go out in the garage and look at my car sometimes, then remember I'm broke and head back in the house.

I'm working some overtime right now to try and get a new radiator on order.

Maybe in a couple months I'll try for taillight lenses.

I'm looking for the right hand end of the plastic part of a '69 grille too, in case anyone has one "laying around". (preferabley one that isn't broken like mine  :-)   )

[bull]

Really?  I thought you were close to being on the road?

It's painted, has new rubber, new drivetrain.  I've often wondered that we'll be seeing you out & about in it one of these days.

Bolt down a 5 gallon bucket, throw some goggles on & drive that sucker.  

Is this your original color?  I thought it was so I hoped to watch it cross the block but IIRC there was a commercial or Speed coverage wasn't on.

That sure looks like the same shade. And there are times (ever increasingly so) that I wish I would have gone that route with the color. Yup, painted, TWO new shoes and the drive train is done and sitting NEXT to the car in two large pieces. I'm getting there. I'm going a lot faster than some people I know and a lot slower than some others.

[FLG]

Im having trouble staying motivated...go out to the garage and its so damn cold i wana run back into the house!!

Last night i went into the garage in hopes to make progress on the engine...i installed the oil pump drive and 3 cam bolts and went back into the house 

Another demotivator is getting the wrong parts!! Open my mancini box only to find out the nice engine accessory bolt kit is for a small block 

And being broke plays a big role in it as well, i get paid every 2 weeks so i need to wait 2 weeks at a time before i can order parts otherwise ill be without cash 

[madmike]

Even though a '68-'70 Charger was always my 'dream' car, it was also somehow always out of my financial reach.  Last spring, I bought a rolling basket case from a body shop in Arizona, based on the advice of a friend that went and looked at it.  He sent me a few crappy cell phone shots, but said the thing was mint.  I thought I was getting an excellent car, for a decent price.  When I looked at it personally, my heart fell, and my motivation dropped to damn near zero.  The body shop had bondoed up everything, obscuring some body lines and filling in gaps that shouldn't have been filled in.

Well, since I bought it, I couldn't ask for my money back, so I bit the bullet.  We stripped out all of the bondo, and discovered a rust free body, that had been in a lot of minor scrapes over her 43 year old body, but no major damage.  Probably the worst was that someone had drilled a lot of holes in pristine panels to pull the dents out...  At this point, I felt like I still had a good shell to work with, but maybe had just over paid for it.  So, my motivation level rose back up.  The motor was supposedly rebuilt, but I am worried that someone didn't do that right either, because I discovered the oil slinger at the crank was installed backwards, and rubbed on the timing chain, and more disturbing, I had also discovered that the single bolt camshaft had the wrong washer behind the bolt, that didn't even trap the cam gear in place!  At this point, I was disgusted with the whole thing, amd my motivation level dropped to damn near zero again.

Since then, I have found a few 'clues' that make me think (hope) that the engine is basically a purchased long block, and probably OK, and that maybe an inexperienced person added the cam, chrome timing cover and chrome oil pan.  I have successfully primed the engine with oil, and it does look new and clean inside.  All I can do is hope for the best.  That helped my motivation rise back up again.  As someone else said, every time you look at your car, do something to it...anything!  Almost anytime I go out in the garage, I do something, anything!  Even if it's just cleaning up a part, and holding it in the spot you think it goes, you'll learn something or discover something previously unknown to you.  I have never owned a Charger, but through this web site, photos, and manuals, I have figured out a lot of things about my car, as far as how to put it back together and what parts I need.  I don't have the financial resources to pay someone else to do this for me, and even if I did, I would still do as much of the work myself as I can.  Guys (and gals) that build their own cars impress me the most, even if theirs isn't quite as nice as the 'professional shop' rebuilds...

Yesterday, the only thing I did was to install the metal dash frame into the shell, to see how difficult it would be to install the gauges and route the wiring.  I was trying to decide if I should build the entire dash outside of the car, or not (still haven't decided).  My car is not a full blown resto, I don't have the money (or time) to tackle that at this time.  My goal is to re-assemble the car, drive the hell out of it, have some fun with it, and not worry about parking lot dings in!  Maybe, in a few years, if the money is right, I'll tear it apart and go for the full resto-mod thing.

I guess my motivation is to have a clear cut idea of where I'm going with it (an every day driver car in good shape), and not sweat the small (gee, it's not resto perfect!) stuff.  Also, another motivation source for me is seeing the project cars that have been resurrected by members on here.  Through their photos, I have seen cars that I definitely would not have purchased to begin with.  In other words, they started out a helluva lot worse than me, but their cars are now as new or better, and simply gorgeous!  If they can do it, so can I!

[Kern Dog]

Like some others have said, sometimes watching a car movie can light your fire.
After watching the 2005 movie version of the Dukes of Hazzard,  I enjoyed taking my beater 67 Dart on trails and drifting for hundreds of feet at nearly nearly full lock steering. The 3.55 sure grip diff and HD suspension make the car a bad ass dirt car.