I too, spent many years turning old metal into hot rods. In my younger days it was nothing to spend many long hours trying to clean up, weld up old rusty metal into something presentable. In the 1960's the parts store was junk yards, fields, and barns. More hard work, ingenuity, and skill than money. In hind sight, I think I spent too much time, energy and hard work to enjoy the fruits of my labors.
This time around in my retirement years, I chose the original, already restored route and started right out enjoying my car. To my surprise, The wife who used to sit and watch me weld and try to patch together something, hand me tools etc, is also enjoying this old car a lot. And she was even supportative and instrumental in helping me get this car.
And not to say that i totally missed all fun in getting my hands dirty on this car, I have had my hands full fixin things that were not done thoroughly and in providing up dates to may it more driveable and safer. I have spent several months getting the car to the point of trust and dependability.
I really would not trade this car even for a hot rod. I guess that it is the retirement years that change your life. Slow is ok, and what is all the hurry about anyway? Besides, it is a lot of fun to drive up to the store and get swamped with people and questions before you can get out. Most of the current generation have never seen a 1925 Ford. What year is it? how fast does it go? Is that the gas tank under the seat? Boy that sure has been well kept for its age. I've got them all memorized.
Enjoy your car, life is short.
Roger
