A question for old guys

I feel badly for those of you that are challenged in one way or another. Working on our cars is part of who we are, to only be able to look at them would be dissapointing,and potentially not reason enough to keep them . I am 82 ,take no medications, am still able to maintain my coupe without too much trouble, not working fast ,but thorough when needed. Heavy lifting is out of my realm of possibility, definitely work smarter. I also golf twice a week for 8 months of the year. I thank my parents for the best of the best , that is me.
 
nkaminar said:
Everyone ages differently. My friend, at 68, found that he could no longer work on any of his antique cars or even drive them. He sold the lot and the house and moved into an extended care facility and bought a Tesla, which he loves. At some point we all will face the music and will have to sell out or leave the cars to our grand kids. I am 76 and sill can work on my car, fortunately. I think a 4-point lift is next, however.
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Since my daughter and Son-in-law, are not interested in the cars (53' Merc convertible and my wifes 70' Cougar XR-7) we will just have to keep on liven and enjoying them ourselves!
 
Richard, as you will recall, I turn 84 on 3-2-21. Sold my "A" BUT the interest and participation is still there, try to help with research and info for some of our younger club members, but always CAUTION: THERE ARE NO MODEL A EXPERTS - Many knowledgeable folks, who hopefully like me wiling to help in anyway possible. Prayers for Jeannie. At mine and your age, REMEMBER - "My Body knows how old I am, BUT my mind still thinks I am 20. hmmmmmmm!!! Jim...
 
Merc Cruzer,



Yeah, I don't see a lot of interest in my Model A from the kids and grand kids. I think when the time comes I will have an essay contest: "Why I want grandpa's Model A." If I don't get a good answer I will just sell it.
 
nkaminar said:
Merc Cruzer,



Yeah, I don't see a lot of interest in my Model A from the kids and grand kids. I think when the time comes I will have an essay contest: "Why I want grandpa's Model A." If I don't get a good answer I will just sell it.
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I like that idea. :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I'm right behind Richard in Anaheim at 83.8 years. I was in great shape at 76, could lift B blocks, etc. Then I had a major stroke, my whole right side is a half step above useless. BUT, I can still walk, drive my truck and tractor, etc. I'm fortunate to have a couple of younger guys that do any major work for me, and work that requires dexterity, so life is still good if a little more difficult. My story about my stroke points out that life can change in an instant, so enjoy it now while you can. I can drive my '31 Vicky easily, once I get inside of it. My '31 pickup not as well because of so little leg room.
 
like youre thinking NK,............




If I dont get a good answer, I will just sell it!




Put a huge smile on my face. :)
 
I'll be 79 in two months. I am a life long rodder. After back surgery that had me in a full body cast for 12 weeks, I sold most of my stuff, and all the old cars. Then the wife passed, and now there seems to be a Shay roadster, (hot rodded of course), parked in the garage. I decided on a Shay because it should be more reliable and need less work than other old cars. Well, that didn't work out. The Shays are now so old they are like any other old car.
I guess I'll tinker until they close the lid on me.
 
Wick I'm 76 and beat the hell out of my body until twenty years ago. The four post lift is a must and all of the winches , engine hoists, etc. etc. etc. It hurts like hell but i have to keep moving or I will come to a complete stop.
 
I will turn 76 next week. Still work as much as I can on my A and old tractors. I can still get under the car, but I'll admit it can be a challenge to get back up off the concrete floor. Hope I can do this till I'm 86 at least. My God I love it!
 
Jim in Alabam, Jim Brierley and I are so close in age we were almost triplets.

Alabam is wrong about no Model A experts. Anyone 50 miles from home is an expert.
Brierley wrote the book and he is about 50 miles from me.

I've got a secret. #1 Burtz production engine is in the country being thoroughly examined and measured. And it is mine. Brierley, expect my call.

Richard
Anaheim CA
 
Richard in Anaheim CA said:
At 84 I get down and under. It's the getting up that is the problem.
I've found younger guys in the club are very helpful if you let them
you would like some help. They actually think they can learn something from us.

My wife Jeanne and I will be married 61 years on Jun 4th. She is having a hard time recovering from her 3rd stroke. Your prayers would be appreciated. They work better than the pills.

Richard
Anaheim CA
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Payers coming your way, in this crazy world we can all use a little help from all, God Bless the both of you and I hope all gets better in the future.
 
thanks for the comments, kids. I am kinda surprised that no one mentioned how much harder it gets to get into these cars, particularly the '29 roadster. Also one benefit of our ages is living to see the souces of information that we did not have in decades past.
 
Wick said:
I'm 61 and still do everything I want. Lady friends enjoy having ne over.
Wick
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Wait, that's plural???

My role model was a farmer neighbor that made it to 96. In his 80s he was still driving tractors and working the land. He'd be out working quite early, earlier than I got up. He used really old hand tools, really old. Sure, he moved slow, but there was no wasted motion and he made no mistakes. Leverage was his friend.
 
My dad was active until he was 91. It is then that we took him to an assisted living place to check it out. After the visit he said it was a nice place but there were too many old people there.

I stay very active working around our place (2 hours today in the tractor moving snow and another hour on the snowmobile setting cross country ski track). There are always project that need attention.

For 2004 of the last 2006 days I have walked over 10,000 steps per day. The two days I missed: 1. locked in a room at an Ethiopian Airport 2. Having some beer with buddies and having too much fun. That iWatch and my dog make sure that I get out daily.

Years ago I played a lot of football (Iowa Hawkeye) and those injuries can still be noticed at times. Maybe the concussion that I got playing ball keeps me from remembering what tools to take under the car until I am under the car.

Last year I lifted an "A" engine block and put it on my work bench. I told myself that I will try to be wiser about lifting things. So for me it is important to still be active but use more common sense (something that I am still trying to develop).

A talk I have with myself at times is about not giving in to age. Slowing down is natural but a guy should do what he can while he can. Now I need to get my boots on my dog is giving me the "eye". He is ready for a walk.
 
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