I'm getting close to finishing up the Duster. This is one of those projects that I thought I'd knock out in a few months then it turned into a year and now it is right at 2 years since I started working on it. I changed my mind on a bunch of things, changed direction on engine, changed direction on race car vs. street car, etc. But I learned a lot in the process and maybe even had some fun. It was a lot more work than I expected but it does feel good to be getting close to the end. I wouldn't be close to finishing the project without help. I got stuck hard a couple of times where I just didn't have the tools or talent to fix the problems. I had to drag the car twice to a chassis shop so they could fix the core support, add the cage, fix the floor, fix the rear suspension mounting points, fix the frame issues, etc. I just didn't have the capability of doing that stuff. I also had it towed to the paint shop and had it towed out for a custom exhaust system. I've had people over several times to help me with stuff like the front end alignment and window glass. I've learned the hard way that if I need help I need help. If I try something myself and bust stuff then that puts me further behind. I have more tools, time and experience than most home shop guys but there are a lot of things I don't know how to do so I learned to ask for help.

To be fair, the Duster sat in my shop untouched for 5 years while I was working full time. I didn't actually have any time to work on it until I quit my day job. So I understand if people who have a family and are working 40+ hours a week can't also squeeze in the time to work on a car project. I didn't have time for this project when I was working full time.

Well these projects are supposed to be fun but building a car is rarely a lot of fun. Mostly it is an exercise in frustration. Parts show up that are damaged or don't fit or are garbage quality. If everything fit and worked perfectly right out of the box then building a car would be fairly easy but in my experience less than half the parts I buy get used "out of the box". So for me it is just a constant source of frustration to buy stuff and then fix it.

These pictures are 5 years apart. I've spent every chance I can in the garage. I don't have cable T.V. So instead of getting home from work, and kicking back, I crank up the radio, and try to do something on the car. Some days it's 10 minutes, some times it 5-6 hours.

... for "inspiring" me to get my junk back together.

The work I have done recently hasn't gone quickly or as expected, so I'm creeping into another round of wanting to roll it out into the cul de sac and set the whole pile of car & parts on fire.

Of course, the neighbors wouldn't be too thrilled.

... I'll fix it or I won't, but there's no point in bringing it up on here again unless I can show either progress or a Bill of Sale.

Is it done yet!!!