by "yitznewton" (yitznewton)
Published 05/03/2017 at 10:09
by "yitznewton" (yitznewton)
Published 05/03/2017 at 10:09
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STARS: 6
Like many of us, when I bought my then-12-year-old Honda S2000, I quickly came up with a long list of improvements, repairs, etc. that I wanted to do. At this point I also encountered the brick wall of reality in that I don’t have time or money to do all of these right now, or even in the next couple of years. I was bothered for a while trying to reconcile this with my vision of the car as something special, something that deserves an investment to keep it in the world. Something worthy of stewardship.
Having owned her a year and a half now, I’ve arrived at a practical understanding of my role as steward.
I’ll have succeeded if, every year, the car functions a little better, is a bit more capable, and looks a little better than a year before, and my driving and maintenance skills have grown.
I still have my laundry list, but following this principle takes the internal pressure off getting everything done, and allows me to prioritize things as resources become available. And gives me something to look forward to in the long term, as she gets a little better every year!
"InFierority Complex" (lanciere)
05/03/2017 at 10:18, STARS: 1
Yep, exactly this. Several years ago I took this attitude with the Lancia of making some improvement every winter when it goes in hibernation. It doesn’t have to be anything major. One year it was buying a Nardi wheel to class up the interior, this year it was lower springs in front to fix the stance. Every few years you can do something big if/when you can afford it.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
05/03/2017 at 10:35, STARS: 1
Paint and body work is a tough one to swallow when/if you need it.
Sure, you may love the car and it’s got an air of coolness about it. But if the quotes for a quality respray are $10,000-$12,000 on a car worth $18,000 with fresh paint...
"Rico" (ricorich)
05/03/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
If I were you, try to do it on an annual basis just when it’s getting hot enough to enjoy the car even more. Like if basically every year sometime between April-June you did some kind of improvement/repair/upgrade it will let you fully enjoy whatever you’ve done because the weather will be awesome!
"yitznewton" (yitznewton)
05/03/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 1
Bingo! Got my new tires on there a few weeks back. Next year will probably be compliance bushings (they look about ready to die) and hopefully solid steering rack bushings, plus slightly upgraded pads, rotors, possibly SS lines.
"yitznewton" (yitznewton)
05/03/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 0
Yeah, that was one of the things that I’m kind of pessimistic about regarding my burnt hood and trunk clear coat.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
05/03/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 1
I’m at the same place with my ‘61 Ford, and feel the same way about stewardship. One could spend a lifetime and/or a life’s savings improving and maintaining this truck. I have a running list and I’m prioritizing based on safety, necessity, comfort/convenience, then cosmetics - in that order. For example, last year I installed basic lap belts because it had none. I got the choke working, and replaced an ancient radiator hose. This year, I’m improving the brakes and putting in proper shoulder belts. I’m also fixing the tailgate which was literally falling off. Next year, maybe tires.
I took your approach with my ‘72 F100, and I genuinely believe it was a little better every year, and thus better when I sold it than when I bought it. The buyer (who was also the previous owner) even said how it had only gotten better in the 9 years I owned it.