No, I'm not dead, just my screen name. I sold off my namesake today. For the 1st time in nearly 40 yrs, I no longer have a 440 or a vintage Mopar in my possession. 'Life' just keeps getting in the way. Haven't driven it since 2010, haven't turned a wrench on it since 2012, and with me becoming my Mother's caregiver, time and money are only going to get more scarce (not complaining about my Mother).
Not to mention it's simply not as fun as it used to be. Time to let go.
While I didn't get quite what I wanted, I'm grateful it didn't end up in a junkyard. I think it went to a good (Mopar) home. The new owner intends to do what I wasn't able to achieve. He claims he's going to keep in touch with me and share pics as he makes progress on the wagon. I hope so.
I'm still in a little bit of shock over it. It'll probably take a few days for the full reality of it to hit me.
I sold my road runner last Spring. After I lost my job, the car mostly sat. I finally had a finished car, and I just wasn't driving it much. It wasn't the '80s or '90s anymore, and I got too picky where I'd drive it. I always said I wasn't going to be one of those guys that never drove their car. Used part of the money and took my Bride to Hawaii for our 31st annivesary. I still have two 440s and a four speed...sitting in a corner in the garage. And I have my Stepside that I'm adding some Lil Red/Warlock touches. And you're right...just not as fun as it used to be.
Save your pennies and buy a nice clean turnkey wagon from out west that you can drive and enjoy now. Not everyone has time or funds to restore a Mopar project car.
Things do happen we're without a mopar Wright now too.But you couldn't tell between our involvement here,hitting Chryslers at carlisle,and some cool mopar stuff we have.Sounds like you did what you needed to do.I took care of my mother when she was ill we think alot of you for doing that it's not always easy.Anoth mopar will come along.Happy Birthday!All the best John and Ellie
Last edited by rdrnr6970; 06/07/2311:19 AM.
OWNER OF EVERYTHING FROM 1956 300 B,IMPERIAL,NEW YORKER HEMIS,AND NEW HEMI TRUCKS.....5TH GENRAMS.COM... 1969/70 ROADRUNNERS ,DARTS/CORONETS, NORTHEAST HEMI OWNERS ASSOCIATION.....WWW.PHANTASMCUDAS.COM....MOPAR FAMILY FOR 50 YEARS AND STILL GOING!MOPAR OWNER COAST TO COAST!!!!
John, if you're not "into it" for long enough, it's just more stuff around your neck. After going through a similar experience with my Mom, my awareness & priorities changed a bit. I became more conscious of making the most of enjoying my time. That could likely result in another, better, toy that will re-kindle the old-car-guy enjoyment. I found a great car a couple years ago courtesy of this board and the people on it, so check in and stay involved.
Kind of had the same thing happen to me a couple years ago. The cars just became dust collectors in my shop. Lost interest in one of the cars when the body shop lost some of the small items. I did not want to have to spend the $$ on more new parts. The other just sat. I had some good offers and decided to sell them for others to appreciate. Now I have a challenger widebody I rarely drive. Life's priorities change. Good luck.
Geez John you did scare the crap out of me until I saw you were the poster!!!
Ya, me too! Its really a relief that it was "just the car", though you may not feel that way right now.
Sooner or later, it happens to a lot of us, probably even most of us. Letting go of a dream is very hard. Priorities change, your priority changed from having an old car to taking care of your mother, that is a pretty Nobel tradeoff in my book.
Times are much different then they were 3 years ago. What could have been an achievable dream then may well not be such a thing these days, a change in responsibilities during these times requires new dreams.
It may be a good time to look into what you would really like (as you take care of mom). Having a car (or truck) you can get in and go for a 1/2 hour drive without concerns, or without dealing with some sort of issue, may be the lightening of the load you are caring be an escape you may need occasionally. There are times when the simplest pleasures change everything.
Then when better times come (they always do), you can revaluate your situation and move on from there in which direction seems correct then.
I've been building cars for 40 years, having a major project car that needs a full on build at this time in my life would be more like a nightmare then a dream. I sure like jumping into that way less then perfect old truck and going for a ride now and then though.