Thread: a new project?

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My projects (48 GMC trk & a 66 Rolls) should be finished this summer & I am starting to think about what my next project will be. At 70 yrs. old .....no more chopped tops or body mods/no more 32-34 Fords.....just a classic car that has nice lines.

I am thinking of a resto rod. I would like to see pics. of some resto rods that you've seen that impressed you.

Thanks Don

How about a nice 30's Caddie, Packard, or Lasalle. Fine old big cars that would make really fine cruisers. Maintain the original look but update the drive train, suspension, brakes etc. Have seen a few at Goodguys shows in Charlotte and Columbus.

Check out www.carnut.com they have pictures of them in original and resto-rod condition.

I cant imagine thinking of another project at age 70. In my mind I will not live that long, and only plan to finish my current anglia project and enjoying it until the end of my life. I am running out of energy at 46, let alone 70. My hats off to you for pushing on to want to tackle another project!

On another forum, a fellow is starting on a '52 Cadillac 2-dr. I can visualize it in Tuxedo Black with whitewalls, stock caps, red leather and modern small V8 with EFI/AOD. Tooooooo sweet. Had two black cars with red leather, wish I hadn't sold 'em.

Don,I know the felling.I finished the coupe a year ago and have been showing it quiet a bit.I enjoy driving and showing it but you can't just drive all the time.I enjoyed building it more than driving it.

My friend who is 82 and in poor health has a 50 Pontiac Conv.He bought the car new.It has been garaged for 25 years.His wife told my wife that he might sell it to me if I would restore it.I don't have a clue as to how much work it needs as it is covered up with layers of garage junk.I don't even know what it is worth.I'm 70 also and need another project to keep me off the streets.LOL,LOL

I personally love the art deco styling of the late '30s. The '37-'38 Ford, '37-'39 Chevy, and all of the other manufacturers were losing the boxy and fat appearance. The coupes and "flatback" styles were very sleek looking, for their time.

My next choice might be the '48-'52 GM Fleetlines and Torpedobacks. The Buicks would be especially nice, since they are less common, and have those gorgeous grills.

My suggestion would be to find that one car that has eluded you all of these years and build it. I think a project just for the sake of doing a project isn't as cool as shooting for some dream car........something that really turns you on. If you are like me, you have a list of "cars I want to own someday." Take one of those cars and build it.

As for the age thing, when I was 30 I might have thought you were nuts for wanting to do one at 70, but now that I am approaching 63 I realize 70 isn't as old as I once thought. I plan to be doing this stuff when I'm 90.

Don

Off thread, I guess, but speaking of Don Meyer projects ....... Do you still have that little "Scamp" travel trailer?

I do have the right guy, don't I?

My brother and I go fishing down on the Texas Gulf Coast once or twice a year. This year we met (another) old geezer who had a Scamp in the parking slot next to us. It brought back some early 1970's memories, like, how it was instantly too small when the first kid was born and out of the question when the second one made an appearance.

Just thought I'd ask.

Jim

BTW, I think the longer you act young...the younger you are! It's when you give up doing the things you love, that you get old.

Thought of another fave......'48-'56 Caddy!

I like the idea of the 30's large cars. There were certainly great cars made then, but they tend to be very difficult to obtain at a affordable price. I love them all.
Yes....I am the one who retored the Scamp. I just sold it 2 weeks ago.
Thanks for all the comments. I think I'll try for the 20's-30's large cars. Any suggestions on where to start looking?

Well after searching several web sites for a large 20's-30's car I did not find one that was a project car.......seems like they were kept in a better state of repair than cheaper cars.

They are out there. Look at how many Ts are showing up in the hobby!

Looking for the unusual models, like Olds, studebaker, Dodge, etc., etc. might help with lower prices, than if you try to find Fords and Chevys. You won't be competing with such a large number of buyers, plus your car will be more unique.

Don.Ebay has a few 30's.I saw a Cadillac sedan and Chev.truck under project cars.

Here ya go Don...If you got SOME time on your hands, this is different and certainly a PROJECT! (and only $1800)
http://www.hotrodgarage.net/38linc423.html