A question for old guys

Russ B said:
Getting close to 75, and have slowed a bit. I did the bulk of a 6 years build a few years ago, but my last redo of my 51 Ford was mostly farmed out. I have a 29 closed cab with a stuck motor I am planning to get back on the road this next year, mostly by myself. I am waiting for a Burtz block, and hope to put that together mostly by myself. I can still get down on my back when it is not too cold. Two shoulder operations kept me going after long recoveries, but I am not 100% after a fusion in my good hand. Most important is to keep moving and try to do a bit each day.
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Russ, how much are those? Are they just the bare block, and is it all machined and ready to go?
 
I'm 78 and slow. I can only pass on two suggestions that I have found to help the problem of getting down and under.

To get down and up easier I use an adjustable height jack stand to lean on when getting down and to push on when getting up. Sort of a crutch. I keep a spare rag laid over the top of the stand for a softer grip or to grab when needed. I also have those "moving blankets" from Harbor Freight to spread on the concrete alongside and under the car. Sometimes I double them up or fold one over for a softer landing and a warmer place to work. I lay the tools or parts on the blanket and just drag everything out at once when I'm finished. Sometimes I store the tools and parts in a five gallon bucket until next time so I don't have to round everything up when I have a chance to finish the job. The bucket makes a good stool to sit on when turned over, but you knew that. You guys probably do these things already but I just wanted to share because I enjoyed this thread and learned that I'm not the only one ageing. Thanks!
 
Wait till you get to 92 like me! I still change my own oil in both the old car and modern iron as well, and keep all three cars waxed and looking nice. Age is a matter of mind, and if you don't mind, it doesn't matter! Got to keep moving! That's the secret!
 
I'm 81 and can still do anything that needs to be done. I also ride a bike and or walk just about every day. You have to keep moving. A word to you younger guys (50, 60, 70), if you are not already, start moving. You will be a lot better of when you are 80.
 
I’m 76 now, and the past few years developed arthritis in my hips and lower back, which has really slowed me down and made doing even minor maintenance a very difficult proposition. I worry about anything major, which is out of the question. We have been lucky to have a very good local Model A mechanic for many, many years, but he is now over 80 and no telling how much longer he will be available. I will probably try to hire some of our younger club members to help out when needed. I still love my A and don’t drive it as much, but not ready to part with it yet.
 
At the age of 31, You guys give great hope that I can continue my 'slight' obsession with these graceful mechanical icons for many more years. Your knowledge and expertise make this hobby possible.
 
In the new version of the movie "Jumanji" at the end Danny de Vito says "old age is a gift" I had never ever thought of that and indeed the script writer is correct .For me that has given me a new slant on life . I have lived longer than both my parents but my uncle Tom lived to 96 and was captured at Dunkirk and was in a prison camp all of WW2 .My father his brother spent WW2 in California/Mojave desert working on radar controlled gunnery and had a Buick with a lady driver ,the luck of the draw . At 81 everything takes twice as long but as working on my A projects is enjoyable so thats OK . I have all the usual health issues ,hypertension/diabetes,LBBB etc et etc so what the heck grab it while you can . I have found now memory comes into it when I go to do something or find something I stand in the garage wondering why I am here !!! . I start over again to reboot the thought process this normally works .We are all infected with the "model A virus (incurable!!!) My late wife once said "You are obsessed !!!" I said at least I am not chasing school girls she replied " I can sort out any school girl but your cars have got me beat" . It was not all bad she did enjoy the club tours and could talk to other wives about knitting etc etc . The club tour of Holland in 98 was the best .

John in blizzard "Darcy" Suffolk County England .
 
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