Why restore an old car?

[Tilar]

No, I did not write this. Got if from For A bodies only. http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=250896  Still a good read and brings to light the way some of us feel about our cars.

****************************

its quite amazing to think of a life a car ...its new and something special as a shiny new car and possibly new found freedom for a youngster with a new license, one possibility among many.

it lives and functions the way it was to and with age it depreciates in value, both in importance as well as money value.....then it starts showing its age as time goes on and most likely replaced by the next new shiny thing.

possibly ends up on a used car lot and finds a new owner with speed to reflect its condition.

grows old and parked in a backyard behind a barn after maybe a small problem occurs and forgotten.

the car itself will itself will become victim to time like many people who live life then wake up someday and realize just how fast time flies by ........what seemed like a summer ago is in fact a decade ago. as the backyard the car sits in changes faces many times, it sits ...not sure of what is in store in the next decade.

finally comes a time that so much time has past that the car is actually worth something now whether the owner is aware or not.

and that is exactly why a car is worth more than money.....you cant buy time.....time slips through hands like sand and disappears into the ground just as fast, and once its gone it can never be re-claimed.
so to find a 40 year old car that has survived all the chances of fender benders through its life ....survived scrappers when it was of age to not be worth much on the market or in importance.....and survives all the twists and turns of life ....its quite amazing actually.

then out of no where a FABO member gets ahold of the car ....the car one day sees a person who gives it an inspection and long overdue attention and sees an exchange of papers with its previous owner and suddenly its being pulled from the earth and given a ride on a trailer after so long of feeling the wind of the road and taken to a garage to be stripped down and rebuilt ....renewed

to the restorer, the previous life of the car is unknown but to the restorer the car and the life of the car mean something.

whether it be a feeling of recapturing a precious time that will never literally be reclaimed but to hold on to a piece of a time disappeared will somehow bring the restorer closer to it.

maybe its a sense of freedom .....maybe its a joy of renewing something that is a hard thing to do in a world where everything decays and dies eventually .....nothing in this world is immune to the destiny of returning to the earth as the earth itself dies everyday and renews itself in a vicious cycle.

To me its a sense of the thrill of the renewal and a sense of freedom to be able to be the reason an item is renewed that would otherwise whiter away and die.


Why do you restore an old car ...what do you really get out of it?....is it really always about money?

[Cooter]

That last line's question can he answered by looking at the 69 hemi Charger for sale thread....

[Ghoste]

For me I think I have some inner masochistic streak.

[ws23rt]

I have asked myself the question many times over the years.  Sometimes about the same car that has been sitting for years.

The answer changes as the years pass but the car still sits.

So the question may go beyond the car.    Why do we get up in the morning?

I have several long lasting projects. Work and life take their toll on time to play.  But the place to go when there is time is an unfinished project.

Finishing a car is almost impossible. (there is always something that needs to be done).  But in the end working on the project is what this hobby is mostly about. If the car is done than something needs to follow.  Another car?

[Baldwinvette77]

i never "restored" a car but i have heavily modified cars back to life if that counts  and i to be honest, i dont know, i just cant think of anything else i'd rather do, why do some people do lawn-care?? 

[myk]

Restoration ain't for the faint hearted or the light-of-wallet.  Godspeed to those of you who are working to preserve and revive these cars...

[1974dodgecharger]

I don't see much folks restoring the new challengers/chargers in 30 years.  Just my opinion...

[70moparman]

That last line's question can he answered by looking at the 69 hemi Charger for sale thread....

LOL 

[70moparman]

Cars back then had class and style ~ People will go out of thier way, and pay what it takes, to have thier chance to own such  a piece of machinery.  I am no exception, I would rather buy a 43 year old project vs anything "new"... Actually, make that any car made since 1973... 

[Dino]

Because if you have the means to do it, it is a very rewarding job.  I did it for a living, so there was my motivation right there.   

Now I do it just for the fun of it, but I'd never restore a car for profit any more, there's much better ways to make money these days.

I applaud any person taking a car and bringing it back to life because of sentimental reasons or simply because the car was not too far gone.  And in this society of use it once then bury it in a landfill, it's nice to see some things being reused.  Even if it's an old car.

[bill440rt]

Because if you have the means to do it, it is a very rewarding job.  I did it for a living, so there was my motivation right there.   

Now I do it just for the fun of it, but I'd never restore a car for profit any more, there's much better ways to make money these days.

I applaud any person taking a car and bringing it back to life because of sentimental reasons or simply because the car was not too far gone.  And in this society of use it once then bury it in a landfill, it's nice to see some things being reused.  Even if it's an old car.

[bull]

I did/do it for many reasons. Nostalgia, sentiment and necessity. "Necessity" because there was really no other way to attain my perfect car than to restore one. It's doubtful I would ever have managed to save the cash to buy one finished simply because the motivation just wouldn't have been there had my goal been a theoretical "someday" rather than a real object. Basically I would not have had the discipline to save $30k but once the parts are purchased and installed it became a self-perpetuating process.

[JB400]

Why would I restore a car?   

                    For the love of the automobile.

[F8-4life]

Why restore a car? To get away from people of course!

[70moparman]

Why restore a car? To get away from people of course!

LOL 

[Fred]

It's in my blood!

[1974dodgecharger]

Why would I restore a car?   

                    For the love of the automobile.

would you restore a 2010 challenger.........

[myk]

Why would I restore a car?   

                    For the love of the automobile.

would you restore a 2010 challenger.........

Some cars are beyond saving, J/K!

[1974dodgecharger]

that was my poiny lol....some cars have no sould no heritage....back then cars were built with love, passion etc..now its about getting them out asap..

Why would I restore a car?   

                    For the love of the automobile.

would you restore a 2010 challenger.........

Some cars are beyond saving, J/K!

[tan top]

Because if you have the means to do it, it is a very rewarding job.  I did it for a living, so there was my motivation right there.   

Now I do it just for the fun of it, but I'd never restore a car for profit any more, there's much better ways to make money these days.

I applaud any person taking a car and bringing it back to life because of sentimental reasons or simply because the car was not too far gone.  And in this society of use it once then bury it in a landfill, it's nice to see some things being reused.  Even if it's an old car.

   

[Back N Black]

Why restore an old car? Because its not just a car!

> From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a car,"
> or,"that's a lot of money for "just a car".
> They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the
> costs involved for "just a car." Some of my proudest moments have come
> about with "just a car."
> Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a car," but I did
> not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought
> about by "just a car", and in those days of darkness, the simple sound
> of "just a car" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
> If you, too, think it's "just a car", then you will probably
> understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
> promise."
> "Just a car" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
> trust, and pure unbridled joy.
> "Just a car" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
> better person.
> Because of "just a car" I will rise early, labour long weekends, and
look
> longingly to gearhead magazines.
> So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a car" but an embodiment
> of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the
> past, and the pure joy of the moment.
> "Just a car" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
> away.
> I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a car"
> but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man."
> So the next time you hear the phrase "just a car" just smile, because
> they "just" don't understand. 

[GOTWING]

 

[Cooter]

I wonder how many had to endure the comments back in thec70s and 80s
Comments from older gents they worked with or family even. Back when these cars were 'money pits' instead oily f "investments"....
I wonder who would be restoring these things today if the same were true???
THATS real love of the car....

[F8-4life]

Why restore an old car? Because its not just a car!

> From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a car,"
> or,"that's a lot of money for "just a car".
> They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the
> costs involved for "just a car." Some of my proudest moments have come
> about with "just a car."
> Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a car," but I did
> not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought
> about by "just a car", and in those days of darkness, the simple sound
> of "just a car" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
> If you, too, think it's "just a car", then you will probably
> understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
> promise."
> "Just a car" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
> trust, and pure unbridled joy.
> "Just a car" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
> better person.
> Because of "just a car" I will rise early, labour long weekends, and
look
> longingly to gearhead magazines.
> So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a car" but an embodiment
> of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the
> past, and the pure joy of the moment.
> "Just a car" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
> away.
> I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a car"
> but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man."
> So the next time you hear the phrase "just a car" just smile, because
> they "just" don't understand. 

YES! Great post I agree 100%

[tan top]

I wonder how many had to endure the comments back in thec70s and 80s
Comments from older gents they worked with or family even. Back when these cars were 'money pits' instead oily f "investments"....
I wonder who would be restoring these things today if the same were true???
THATS real love of the car....

  yeah that's true  ,   for me its the love of the car not how much money they are worth ,  when I got my first job , & started saving for the charger , remember stick I would get from friends  , parents ,saying wasting your money on one of them ole crates , I said I don't care , bit like arnie in Christine . what ever it is its not enough      , they all knew what awesome cars these were &  my  parents knew I've loved the 69 charger since seeing DMCL in the late 70s then DOH ,  so even if they became worthless  over night ,  would buy  another one or two  or three  , & spend more more money & time on them than I should   

[Lord Warlock]

Not sure if what i'm doing constitutes restoring, I think it is more like bringing it back from what time has done to it over the years I've owned it and let things get to the stage It is in.  My main goal is primarily just to get it roadworthy again, as close to original as I can without getting too anal about replacement parts.  I do plan on having aftermarket wheels and tires and one or two options added that weren't on it when I got it, and aren't on the fender tag or build sheet.  Like the v21 hood treatment which wasn't an option till later in the model year. 

Anyway, why do it? because I already owned the car, and it deserves to look as good as the first day I got it, so when i'm ready to pass it on, the next person won't have to.  I doubt my daughters or future son in law would have any idea what came on the car, or where most of the parts would even go.  At least I remember where most of the parts are supposed to fit onto it.

I have no intention on restoring any other cars, they simply take too much time and effort (not counting the $$$), I'll finish the paint job on the other project car, reassemble the pieces and sell it to make room for one of my dad's favorites he's turned over to me, but the charger will remain until I can no longer drive or work on it, then i'll decide what to do with it.  I know my future son in law would love owning it, but he'd go the general lee route, which I couldn't accept.   

[69finder]

...because most people just can't, or won't, or don't.

It reminds me I'm not like most people.  Think about it, building a car, mostly by yourself.  Wow.

[Fred]

...because most people just can't, or won't, or don't.

It reminds me I'm not like most people.  Think about it, building a car, mostly by yourself.  Wow.

"WOW"  that's how it affected me. Pulling my car apart and putting it back together again was the most awesome experience. What a high!
Transforming an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan was a fairy tale come true.

[Lord Warlock]

I got that WoW feeling once, when I pulled the original motor out by myself with none of the standard tools other than a basic socket set and a few wrenches of my dads, a cable comalong and a 4x4 across rafters in the garage.  When I got it all back together, turned the key and it actually started, I sat back and felt WOW, that was a surprise, I've since pulled several other motors out, stripped a charger to a shell, and taught myself how to do body work, paint, and use a welder.  I get some pride out of the fact that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to do car wise.  Nowadays there are just some things I prefer to let others do.  I've always wanted to fix the charger by myself and get it on the road again, never thought it would take me 30 years.  

Per their site: 

In addition, each high performance Dodge purchaser received a membership in the Mr. Norm's Sport Club, including the famous window decals, a Grand Spaulding emblem on the trunk lid and a license plate frame, letting everyone know that you were a member of the Sport Club

http://www.mrnorms.com/

[Fred]

I got that WoW feeling once, when I pulled the original motor out by myself with none of the standard tools other than a basic socket set and a few wrenches of my dads, a cable comalong and a 4x4 across rafters in the garage.  When I got it all back together, turned the key and it actually started, I sat back and felt WOW, that was a surprise, I've since pulled several other motors out, stripped a charger to a shell, and taught myself how to do body work, paint, and use a welder.  I get some pride out of the fact that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to do car wise.  Nowadays there are just some things I prefer to let others do.  I've always wanted to fix the charger by myself and get it on the road again, never thought it would take me 30 years.  

If I can do it myself, I will. That way I'm guaranteed a job well done. No one but no one will put as much effort into it as I would. I do it for the love of it.......they do it (mostly) for their wages.

[69finder]

I don't 'think' I can pull the engine or install it in my Charger.  (I have done it for smaller engine cars).

And it scares me.  There is a mental barrier.  There was a mental 'road block' when I first started working on the Charger (how do I get it up on it's wheels etc?).  But somehow I managed to do it and it's a great, Eureka moment.

Somehow that engine is going IN the Charger, but right now, I don't know.  I love that feeling! 

[Lord Warlock]

If you have an automatic, you pull the engine and transmission at the same time, just unbolt the trans crossmember and pull it out of the way, and as you lift the motor up the trans dangles downward.  I've done it twice to mine, both times before I started to store it long term.  Today, I just don't feel like doing it again, even though i'd prefer to rebuild the motor and clean/repaint the firewall and inner fenders.  The engine that's in it only has 65k original miles, for a long time I kept the gauge cluster to prove it, but donated It to someone that needed it about 12 years ago, and it was faded worse than the original cluster was.  

[spoolinhard]

Why restore an old car? Because its not just a car!

> From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a car,"
> or,"that's a lot of money for "just a car".
> They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the
> costs involved for "just a car." Some of my proudest moments have come
> about with "just a car."
> Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a car," but I did
> not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought
> about by "just a car", and in those days of darkness, the simple sound
> of "just a car" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
> If you, too, think it's "just a car", then you will probably
> understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
> promise."
> "Just a car" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
> trust, and pure unbridled joy.
> "Just a car" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
> better person.
> Because of "just a car" I will rise early, labour long weekends, and
look
> longingly to gearhead magazines.
> So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a car" but an embodiment
> of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the
> past, and the pure joy of the moment.
> "Just a car" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
> away.
> I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a car"
> but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man."
> So the next time you hear the phrase "just a car" just smile, because
> they "just" don't understand. 

Beautifully written sir

[Baldwinvette77]

Why restore an old car? Because its not just a car!

> From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a car,"
> or,"that's a lot of money for "just a car".
> They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the
> costs involved for "just a car." Some of my proudest moments have come
> about with "just a car."
> Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a car," but I did
> not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought
> about by "just a car", and in those days of darkness, the simple sound
> of "just a car" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
> If you, too, think it's "just a car", then you will probably
> understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
> promise."
> "Just a car" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
> trust, and pure unbridled joy.
> "Just a car" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
> better person.
> Because of "just a car" I will rise early, labour long weekends, and
look
> longingly to gearhead magazines.
> So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a car" but an embodiment
> of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the
> past, and the pure joy of the moment.
> "Just a car" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
> away.
> I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a car"
> but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man."
> So the next time you hear the phrase "just a car" just smile, because
> they "just" don't understand. 

freaking poetry