'69 Charger Build - It moves!

[lexxman]

 
I was in the same place. but now i'm on the move.

[Dino]

Feeling a bit down lately...

I've dumped about $13000 into this project and hundreds of hours. It's going to take a few thousand more dollars to get it on the road. I'm going to be moving away this coming summer/fall and most likely won't be able to take the car with me.

I'm sick of working on the thing, especially since I'll barely be able to enjoy it before moving.

I've thought about turning it into a daily driver, but I've built it as a show car. It's too nice for that now.

I've also thought about selling it, but I've put so much time and money into it...I can't bare to think of stopping now.

And I've thought about dropping the project and just letting it sit at my parent's house until I have the time and resources to finish it. That's just depressing.

Any thoughts, encouragement, suggestions are much appreciated.

Charger overload!  It happens, it's normal. 

Here's what always worked for me, on any car or bike.

Clean up the car and everything around it.  Store all the tools where they belong, remove any car parts not bolted down.  Clean them up and store them in a safe place.  Clean the car itself, this may be limited to removing some dust depending on what shape it's in but make sure there is NOTHING laying on or in the car that does not belong there.

You now should have a clean car in a clean spot with nothing to trip over.  Done?  Great!  Now walk away. 

I know it seems weird but just let the car be, you've had it on your mind way too often and you need a break.  Go do something else but ignore the car.

One day you'll find you are looking at things differently and the car becomes something fun to think about again.  Now go to your garage and enjoy working in that nice clean spot.   

Getting tired with all this is normal and healthy, getting depressed over it is not.  The car will be there when you come back, not to worry.

[mopar4don]

Great advice Dino! Especially about cleaning up!
I do this from time to time. Seems like as I'm working on it stuff seems to pile up!
And cleaning up seems to help me.

[69rtsetracpac]

Dino nailed it, went through the same thing, been working on mine for over 10 years on and off, have walked away for a year at a time. Your thread brings back alot of memories, I've done alot of the same stuff to mine, if I could go back I never would have started with such a huge project, thought about selling here and there but not to seriously, I'm glad I didn't! Your spark will come back, just take a little break.

[chaos52]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

The last couple days have been better. Fixed some problems with the body lines on the doors and quarter panels. I still need to bolt the fenders on for a final fitment check, but (fingers crossed) the doors and body are ready for paint.

At this point I guess I'll keep poking away at it when I feel like it. But, I'm not holding my breath that it will be on the road this summer like I planned.

[chaos52]

Some photos... lots of progress has been made since the last photos I posted...it's just not immediately apparent.

I've arranged for a local body guy to spray it. He uses Standox product. I plan to call him tomorrow and arrange for him to come look at the car.

[chaos52]

Shiny!

[Baldwinvette77]

Nice 

[fy469rtse]

Good advice Dino, was going to take some photos of seat belt and speaker stereo install, but was embarrassed , had that much shit laying around and in the car, trying to do too many things at once
Those shots of your car look great , a credit to you for all your hard work is showing , that car has come a long way
keep posting , car is in good hands , it was scrap metal when you first got it

[Ghoste]

Nice, you're comong along well there chaos.  And if it isn't on the road this summer, so what?  Just go to shows and enjoy the weather anyway it will all be worth it in the end.

[lexxman]

Nice, you're comong along well there chaos.  And if it isn't on the road this summer, so what?  Just go to shows and enjoy the weather anyway it will all be worth it in the end.

I can understand wanting it to be done,but don't rush it.

[chaos52]

I took the doors to the body guy today. We wants to spray a coat of his own primer and block it again. (He uses Dupont. I used Sherwin Williams) That's fine by me. Another blocking with a fresh set of eyes can't hurt. It also means he'll be spraying over a familiar product.

He couldn't give me a timeframe on when they would be done. That concerns me. I plan to wait a couple weeks and stop back in and see where they're at. If worse comes to worst I'll take them back and spray them here.

[six-tee-nine]

just hang in there.

Once its painted you can start putting her back together and motivation wont be an issue no more....
Bodywork alway takes too long imo

[chaos52]

Sprayed the first coat of urethane on the fenders yesterday. They're looking good.

I also ran out of the polyester primer while spraying the 2nd coat on the hood. I can't get it in quart size, so it looks like I'll be finishing the hood and valance with urethane.

Paint is so close I can taste it!! 

[Cooter]

Chaos52, take this for what you paid for it. Car has A LOT of hard earned good times in it once on the road.
Rome won't built in a day. I can't see nobody selling that car and getting anywhere near what would only be an insult. You brought that thing back from the dead. By all rights, it Prolly shoulda been dead/crushed but saved.
you are talented. All you need is that first cruise. I cannot put into words that feeling. You know it.
when all the problems of the past three years just melt away and for that cruise, nobody can touch you.
that car will be amazing when finished.
What's more, you built it like I would have. Hand fabbed most parts. Takes balls when so easy to just buy panels already done. My hats off to you and I hope this message sinks in and I get to hear bout that first cruise.
again, awesome work.

[chaos52]

Thanks Cooter, that means a lot to me.

The thought of shiny, straight panels and that first cylinder firing keeps me going. 

[fy469rtse]

Yep what cooter said , keep going , that car is a credit to you and your hard work,
I'm like that at the moment , it will pass , that car was junk, but now thanks only to your efforts it alive !

[chaos52]

Got a call from the paint guy last Thursday. He said my body work on the doors looks good.
He plans to spray the doors this week. Depending on how they turn out, he may block them at 600 and spray another coat of clear. They'll be done this week or early next week.

I'm continuing to work on the fenders, doors and hood. They're all getting close.

[Cooter]

 

[The70RT]

 

[ionracer24]

I had a 70 without the accident damage but RUSTY in the most impossible places and nearly every piece of sheet metal and structural sections like the a pillars, cowl, firewall sections etc.... would of had to been replaced except the doors and fenders.  Unfortunately i gave up because it was just too much work and would of cost a small fortune that i did not have, to repair.  I sold it and have no idea whatever happened to it and i must say i'm regretting it now because it was arrow straight but just rusted like an old battleship. Having stepped away, and looking back now, and reading your build here, has inspired me to carry on and try again.  I applaud all your hard work and fortitude being so young and so dedicated to your project.  I encourage you to carry on and never give up because you WILL regret it.  I know i do....

[Ghoste]

Any update on the doors?

[chaos52]

Any update on the doors?

No, I will probably call him today.

[1965gp]

Lots of people making some great points focused on motivation and clearing your head.

Another point to look at- how many people on this board are replacing the car they had as a kid (I mean 18-25 here)?

You have it- the one. Not one like it, not a clone you made of it; this is the car that you and your dad built. That may not mean much now but in 10,15,20 years it's going to be a symbol of your youth, your dreams and your relationship with your dad.

I know because we still have mine. Started building a 1965 Grand Prix when I was 15, finished when I was 18. Drove it on an off through college and enjoyed it as I started my career. One day my dad was complaining that he had let all if his cars go to the point they were no longer fun to drive. It was his 57th birthday and he had just helped me get into a house I couldn't have dreamed of before. It was one of the happiest days of my life to be able to hand him the keys and say 'happy birthday- it's your turn to enjoy it for a while'.

I am new here but I read through the entire thread and I must say it is damn inspiring!

No matter what you do with your charger you have a lot invested. Some may see it as sunk cost you won't get back- I see it as a sign of determination and dedication you should be proud of. We have all thought of selling out when it doesn't work the first, second or even third time. Your not alone- take your time and like said above walk away until it is fun again.

[chaos52]

Thanks 1965gp.

Progress update (with a little back-story):

I'm quitting my current job at the end of August and am planning to move out of state to pursue freelance work (I'm an animator. See http://joerule.com )
I called the painter today and asked if the car was going to be done by August. He said no.

So, I'm going to pick up the doors tonight or tomorrow. He seam sealed the edges, but hasn't primed or blocked them yet. Dad has already asked a painter friend if he would be willing to spray it. He said yes and is coming over Sunday to look things over. The agreement is that he will paint it here. (Lots of cleaning to do! )

Earlier this week dad sprayed the back-half of the body again and I'm going to block it a final time. There were a couple wavy spots and a problem with the lower body line on the driver's side. (My standards have gone up since I sanded those spots! )The fenders and doors are ready. The hood and deck lid are 1 or 2 blockings away from finished. The front valance is still at the 80-grit bondo/polyester primer stage.

So, we're back on schedule to get it painted. The sooner I get those panels finished, the sooner it will be painted. If that's not motivation, I don't know what is!