The most fun way to build a car is one piece at a time, and saving up and buying a goodie is like treating yourself to a Christmas present. It took me 6 years to build my '27, and a big part of it was the money. I had family responsibilities, and they come first. When I could save up a few bucks to get that next part, it was terrific. I also passed up a lot of items and waited, and sometimes the same part would come along later, and cheaper.

Dan's car has some money in it, I can't deny that, but he also has hundreds of hours of labor in it, making brackets, building the frame, modifying the body, etc. I can't tell you how many nights I would leave the shop at midnight, and he would stay "just for a few more minutes", and then he would roll in at 5 AM. He never could have afforded to do this one if he had to pay someone else to do it, and I really mean it when I say the work he has done is way beyond anything I could ever do myself. He is self-taught, and now teaches me better ways to do things.

When I see young guys starting to enjoy this hobby, it really makes me feel good, because as my Mother used to say when I was working on my cars, "at least I know where he is at night." I know these younger rodders are spending their time doing productive things, in a time when so many of their peers are not. If they are saving up for car parts, they sure as h*** aren't going to waste their hard earned money on drugs.

(The soapbox is put away)


Don