Tell me I'm Not Crazy..

Brobrian

Brobrian

Senior Member
Or at least, not alone in Nutsville.

In October I picked up my '31 pickup which I'd purchased from my brother. Since then I've been on a mission to get it running reliably.
The body was dirty and understandably I wanted to see the condition of the paint, so I washed and waxed it completely that first weekend.
It had electrical issues. I rewired the entire car.
I tried to rebuild the generator and ended up putting in an alternator.
On and on it went, check wheel bearings and brakes, rebuild carburetor, replace exhaust system, check valves, chase down leaks,...

Despite telling my family that I would take a full year to tinker with the car, thus spreading the expense out more gently, I have spent $1800, every single weekend and many week nights working on the car. And every week a box of "needed parts" has arrived at our door.

If at the end of a binge the car was running and my work seemed to have solved something I was a happy man. I'd take everyone out for pizza (jammed in the cab, of course.) If the next day some new issue came up, or an old one resurfaced I was in the dumps, and spent evenings in the garage living off of soda crackers and coffee. When I came back into the house it was just to update the family on what I'd done or discovered. They all groaned and went back to their activities.

This weekend I replaced the window winder and quieted a very loud rattle in the door. So currently the little truck runs fairly smoothly, stops straight, has lights and horn, keeps a charge, and is tolerably noisy when driving, and only leaks a little oil. I may have reached a plateau. A place where I can live with it "as is."

But look at how I got there. Do I need a twelve-step group, or something? What is this? Obsession? Addiction? Lunacy?
 

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Absolutely nornal. A model A will do that to ya and will reward you 394570237450 times over. Plus it continues to be part of the family. I loved my 29 pickup dearly.

What is your truck's name?

Clem
 
Obsession? Yes. Addiction? Yes. Lunacy? No... It is just the unique appeal of this automobile. It captures and mesmerises all the senses... To me, the only thing that comes close might be a steam-powered machine.

The simplicity that seems apparent can sometimes fool us into thinking we are capable of doing anything to this vehicle. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Thus, we tinker...

The Model A Ford draws attention to itself and its owner. The attention feels good. The expenses that come along can always be justified in some bazaar way... for safety, for authenticity, for ones ego, whatever.

Compared to all the other possible addictions, this one is the least harmful. If it makes you happy, do it. Rid your mind of any thoughts of ever recovering any of your expenditures on the car and consider it the same as going out to a fine dinner or good movie. It just feels good.

Enjoy it. In any way that blows your skirt up... tinkering, driving, showing, or just looking at it... You are not crazy... and you are in good company.

Richard
 
NOT TO WORRY...

Welcome to the Model A/AA Ford hobby or as that goes, any old car hobby. Been there, done that many times myself.

Pluck
 
I went down the same path and found that the cost does go down from $1000 per month to maybe $100 per month. So hang in there.
 
I think spending money on a vehicle can play with your conscience if your a family man,,,it's like being selfish and self centered....it's extremely hard to stop especially if your on a limited budget as some of us retired folks are....but after it passes the end result is the reward....a good running vehicle!! I love model A pickups and would like to own one....OL HENRY should be revered for giving us this wonderful fellowship and hobby!! enjoy.....regards gump
 
i always thought that was the way it is ! i drive mine daily (only car) so i keep it up as needed . usually a little every day . but it keeps me goin ! .............. steve
 
Now this is funny stuff! Good reads all of you! Looks like I've shared my concern with the right group.

I haven't been completely forthcoming with you all, however. It's worse than I've described. Not only have I wrecked the budget and isolated myself in the garage, but I now have to sleep on the futon since I come in too late, smell of oil, and am a popsicle. More than the wife can stand.

I fixed the window and hushed a squeak in the door yesterday evening. But it may not be truly hushed, so at 5:30 AM I took a little ride to see if last night's repairs were standing the test of time. (I tried to attach a pic to this, but I guess my limit is one per thread, or something.)
 
The only other addiction that comes close is, and if you ask my wife, just as bad, is Hit and Miss gas engines. I have a few, the only difference is that they are not on wheels, so the addiction also requires a pickup and trailer that can haul a few thousand pounds (same trailer and truck also hauls A’s home very nicely) and generally Hit and Miss engines make more noise and throw more oil and grease around when run. Otherwise the addiction symptoms are the same.
 
Brobrian, You describe me to a 'T' . Have been this way since grade school. My wife appreciates that there are worse addictions that often make you smell even worse. She figures old Fords can be sold to fund our retirement. Also when many wives wonder where there their husbands are she always knows where she can find me.We set aside together time other wise all is well The more IR'A's in the barn the better.Point out some of these benefits to her in a quiet moment some time.
 
"What is this? Obsession? Addiction? Lunacy? "

Yes, all of the above, but a real high when things go right and the "A" performs as you intended. $1800 is just a start, but you could spend your money on other things less rewarding and not nearly as much fun.

A great hobby.

Dick
 
Sounds Right to me. I always tell everyone it take a 1000 miles to get the bugs out. Either a restoration or a overhaul. Don't worry were still trying to get the 29 Woodie to run. I think were down to ground problems. We've tried everything else and changed up a lot of parts we probably didn't need. Welcome to Old Cars!!!

The Old Tinbasher
 
Tinbasher said:
Sounds Right to me. I always tell everyone it take a 1000 miles to get the bugs out. Either a restoration or a overhaul. Don't worry were still trying to get the 29 Woodie to run. I think were down to ground problems. We've tried everything else and changed up a lot of parts we probably didn't need. Welcome to Old Cars!!!

The Old Tinbasher
Click to expand...

Tinbasher,

We've driven our "A" through Innisfil many times. Good luck with the Woodie.
 
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