As in... you look at how much work you still have left to do... and think about the $$$ you'll need to spend to get there... and how much time it will take to make real progress... and your brain starts to swell... and the thought that forms in between your ears is a 100 db scream of: "What the F-$-&-K have I gotten myself into???"

OK, all better now.

Well, not really, but it's definitely time to get off the 'puter and do something (anything) constructive...

I kinda know what you mean, except I have 4 in progress right now and several more in pieces waiting their turn. Sometimes A.D.D. is brutal.

I've been overwhelmed many times over the years by various projects. I have a long list of tricks to get me out of being overwhelmed but sometimes my list of tricks isn't long enough......

Are you kidding? Have you seen my build? Started with a couple of 2x3 pieces of tubing. And I'm still far from done. Overwhelmed is an understatement. You just have to psyche yourself up and push on. That's what I'm doing, because "I REALLY WANT THIS!!!

Care to share some of your secrets?

The idea of a project is to have fun. Don't worry about time lines. Figure out what you want to build. Move back and forth to different areas, motor, body, brackets, ect. If the part doesn't meet your expectations, redo or pitch it. Eventually the big picture will come together. You'll forget about the time spent. But you won't forget something you let slip instead of doing righht.
Doug

I hear ya, I rebuilt mine in 5 years, cut it into bite size pieces almost, welded it back together, every night until 9 or 10 and every weekend. Count less dollars spent, racing it is a blast now, still dumping $1,500 a month at it.......it still killing me for 4 seconds of fun

Remember, you eat a elephant or a horse one bite at a time
I'm not guilty of what we all do
I have four cars in progress now and wanting to buy another one
At least we have a reason to get out of bed in the morning,correct
Now, if I still had the same drive and ability as before I turned 60,
I would get more done

Yup! It took me 1.5 years to get my car back on the road when I did the chassis. What helped me is think of small jobs that need to be done and can be done in the weekend. Plumb brakes, wire ignition, etc. It feels much better if you can check small items off the list and see progress.

if it we're not for this forum or the internet in general I can't even fathom where my W8 build would be.

I try to avoid those situations, but every so often I have a weak moment, and I am experiencing that situation as I type. The best thing you can do is NOT look at the big picture. It will overwhelm and depress you. Keep chipping away, but break the project down in to small sections and it will be more mentally acceptable. Looks like I am going to be 2K over my expected budget, so spreading out the work will help there a little. On the plus side, I saved a rust free A body from the crusher.

Some good positive answers so far.

My mind kinda went in the other direction for a response.....to more like:

Makes that used Hellcat look more appealing every day

Got three money pits at the moment.....Somebody needs to buy one off me before I go nuts....

Absolutely, but I try not to ponder on it. Just polish up the credit card and keep pushing on. Should have this project paid for by years end.

I did okay but my wallet was overwhelmed

VISA is my primary sponsor too!

I hear that.

I have not touched my car in months, lost another summer. 3 years ago an engine rebuild turned into a trans rebuild that turned into a rewire and custom dash which turned into a new interior and on and on.

I try to tackle things one at a time but it can be tricky when things overlap.

Perfectionism is what stops everything for me, nothing can ever be good enough.

Just to throw another monkey wrench into the works, I just sold my house and moved to another state so in the next month before we close I have to pack up decades worth of parts and tools and a half-finished, non running car and move it all to a temporary spot until my house is done next year sometime.

I was pretty close to being finished too. I think.

Fun times.

In 2011 I was told I had Kidney Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis, I sold my Hot rod Harley cause I could not ride anymore & returned to my 1st love, a 68 Charger, found a Major project in north Texas,they removed the cancer but no cure for MS, was not employable, but I had my Charger in the garage to keep my mind busy & on days I felt half way ok I would work on the car for 1 to 2 hours a day, lots of days not able to work on it at all,I had been a mechanic most of my life, but this project was VERY overwhelming, what I had to do was CONCENTRATE on ONE thing at a time, not looking at ALL the stuff that needed to be done, it really help me to not give up, I am very grateful to Moparts & other Mopar forums for all the info & help from members, the project still goes on but I drive it all the time now, keep it simple one thing, one day at a time. Sorry for the long post.
CLICK HEAR FOR SHORT VIDEO

The right balance and priority is different for everyone.

When I find myself getting frustrated with either $$$, or schedule, I hit the pause button and reassess. I see my cars as a personal hobby that benefits no one other than me. If I am not enjoying it, or it gets in the way of important things like family and friends, I let it go. Change the self imposed schedule (because that is all they really are, right?) or the spending as none of it is really important in the end. My FWIW