Last chance bucket list bucket/bobtail/modified/track-roadster

Back in the early 60s, when I was pre-school age, my uncle built a small sports car of his own design from the ground up, in my grandparent's barn. The building of that car totally fascinated me...to the point that doing the same thing became a life goal. Looking through that same uncle's old hot rod mags introduced me to the first hot rod that totally fascinated me...the pre Big Daddy version of the bobtail T Tweedy Pie. From that time in the early 60s until I graduated college in 1980, my main focus in life was cars of all kinds. The day I got my first post college job, I got a "time to grow up and give up this car nonsense" speech from my dad...and for the most part I did.

A little over 2 years ago, having lost most of my mobility due to a pinched spinal cord, degenerative joint disease, and other issues...I was bored out of my skull. Somewhere out of the scary recesses of my brain came CARS! Eventually I hatched a plan to get some kind of old motor and a motor stand, and I could spend my time learning it's workings, and eventually rebuild it. I started scouring ebay for a motor. It wasn't at all what I was looking for, but it was cheaper than scrap, it came with a transmission, it was relatively local, and the auction ended in a few minutes. It was mine. While my friend was unloading it from his truck, he asked what I was going to do with it...I told him I had no idea. I said that because it didn't have a lot of power, the only thing it would be good for would be something small and light. Almost in chorus, we both said "T Bucket". But there was no way I could build one, and for now I'd use it for practice while I looked for a motor I really wanted. But the wheels started turning.

Today, I have the 3rd generation of detailed and evolving daily CAD plans, parts everywhere, and a few detailed measurements away from being ready to have the frame built.

The car the plans represent already has an identity crisis...bucket/bobtail/modified/track-roadster. Call it what you like, but the next person will probably call it something else. I call it "the little green roadster".

• Wheelbase: 92"
• Engine: GM 60° V6
• Transmission: Metric 700R4
• Rear end: T-Bird Turbo Coupe 8.8" 3.73 Trac Loc
• Front suspension: 48" Super Bell tube axle, mono leaf spring located over axle, 4-bar location, and generic adjustable gas shocks
• Steering: Dodge Omni GLH quick ratio rack and pinion
• Front wheels: Lincoln wire style 15"x6.6"
• Brake master/pedal assembly: Wilwood floor mount pedal, dual masters to be named later, working front & rear discs
• Steering column: Ididit 28" non-tilt
• Body: Fiberglass '23 T Bucket, unknown mfg., stretched 8" and widened 3-4", Brooklands style wind screens.
• Rear Suspension: Ford Fox body triangulated 4-link, w Granitelli Motorsports links, Pro SM600 shocks, and Slam Specialties SS-5 air bags
• Rear wheels: Wheel Vintiques 13 series smoothie style 15"x8"

Attachment 63708
Through out the planning of this thing, the goal has been to make as much of it as possible accessible from my wheelchair during construction...and after, for maintenance. Once I have the frame, the plan is to mount it between a pair of cheap HF motor stands for painting, brake and fuel plumbing, etc. From there it will go to heavy duty sawhorses for suspension, wheel, and radiator mounting. I don't intend to do anything with the body until I have a rolling chassis.

The catch to all of this is my health. Building this is going to be a slow race with my declining abilities...as-is, I have one good day for every 2-3 bad days. There's a very good chance I won't be able to finish it, but at least in the mean time I'll be doing something I've wanted to do for over 50 years

Welcome Bill to the family here and you will find that the people here helpful, friendly and more importantly, knowledgeable. I think also on this site more so then the other one you will be able to fully discuss your build thoughts openly without one or two saying they wish you had your own thread etc.. I totally believe in you and your dream of creating a car to your vision and I hope I can be as encouraging as possible to help you fulfil your dream.
Best wishes, Marc.

Thanks Marc.

I could understand where those on the other site were coming from, but with so much of what I'm planning on being contrary to that site, I could not see starting my own thread there. After getting about 1/4 the way through the thread for that low black and orange/copper modified http://www.clubhotrod.com/hot-rod-ta...ost182120.html , I could see that the focus here is broader. I still debated if I was far enough into this project to start a thread, but finally decided to take the plunge.

Thanks again...I appreciate the encouragement.

Welcome, hope your project is everything you wish it to be!
Just a thought that may benefit you in the process, check with your local High School, College, Trade School, there may be one or more young lads that would love to assist you in your project. And, you may be able to pass the torch onto a couple of young people in the process much like your Uncle did for you.

Now that would be a excellent idea to look into Bill, you just may meet a young man or woman who is keen to not only learn about hot rodding but become a good friend for the rest of your life.

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Originally Posted by 36 sedan

Welcome, hope your project is everything you wish it to be!
Just a thought that may benefit you in the process, check with your local High School, College, Trade School, there may be one or more young lads that would love to assist you in your project. And, you may be able to pass the torch onto a couple of young people in the process much like your Uncle did for you.

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I'd love to make this a school project...whole or parts. Unfortunately the local HS vocational school does not do outside projects due to insurance restrictions. If they were willing, I have no shortage of projects that could keep several vocations busy.

Welcome, and good luck with the project. One comment/suggestion, take a look at the tires you plan to run, and be sure that you can find them in 15's which are getting harder to find all the time. OEM's pushing to larger wheels, shorter sidewalls are changing the tire availability big time. I'd look at some bigger wheels, if I were you.

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Originally Posted by Whiplash23T

Welcome Bill to the family here and you will find that the people here helpful, friendly and more importantly, knowledgeable. I think also on this site more so then the other one you will be able to fully discuss your build thoughts openly without one or two saying they wish you had your own thread etc.. I totally believe in you and your dream of creating a car to your vision and I hope I can be as encouraging as possible to help you fulfil your dream.
Best wishes, Marc.

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I don't know what happened to my earlier response, so I'll try again....

Thanks for your welcome and encouragement. I really do understand where those folks on the other site are coming from, but I do not see fit to start a build thread there since so much of my build will be contrary to their focus...and that kind of thing does not go over well.

I've spent the last few days going through the thread here on that low slung black and orange/copper modified, and I could tell right away that things were less restrictive here. I was still hesitant to start a build thread here, because I've not started building...so far it's just plans and parts. Today I decided to take the plunge.

Thanks again...I appreciate your support.

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Originally Posted by rspears

Welcome, and good luck with the project. One comment/suggestion, take a look at the tires you plan to run, and be sure that you can find them in 15's which are getting harder to find all the time. OEM's pushing to larger wheels, shorter sidewalls are changing the tire availability big time. I'd look at some bigger wheels, if I were you.

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I already have tire options picked out from several different manufacturers. The ones I'm liking best are Coopers. I already have the wires for the front, and since I'm a wire wheel nut, I'll likely be keeping them. I'm kind of restricted on the rears. Unfortunately my rear end is set up for a 4 lug bolt pattern...4x4.25. So far I've not run across any affordable wire wheels for that pattern. About the only other wheels I've found that fits my loose post WWII appearance theme and that bolt pattern is the Vintiques smoothies...and they are only available in 15". Since the time for actually needing the rear wheels and tires is quite away off, I'll definitely be looking out for alternatives.

Use adapters to change the lug pattern;
Rim Adapters : ATV Wheel Spacers : Auto Adapters : 4 Lug to 5 Lug Adapter

Good luck on your bucket list bucket!

It looks cool, don't worry about what others may title it.

Speaking of which, you have selected a great forum / website for your project.

Lots of amazing experience and knowledge here.

Some things I forgot explain on this project.

This project is VERY low budget. Almost all the parts I've acquired so far used, ebay, Speedway garage sale or similar. So far, the only parts I've paid retail for are the front shackles, the heims, and the air bag brackets. I only buy parts if there is money left at the end of the month.

This is going to be a fair weather project...and typically that's only about 6 months out of the year. A workshop shed is on the want list, but that is a ways off, and would not be heated either.

The fictitious background scenario for this car's appearance is that it was a race car from the immediate post WWII period, during the transition between Modifieds and Track Roadsters. Later it was resurrected and turned into a street going hot rod.

Beneath the skin it's going to be modern...with the exception of a twist with the motor. It started life as a modern computer laden fuel injected V6. I'm turning back the clock and making it old school. Everything electronic will be gone...along with the spaghetti tangle of hoses and wires. I've got Mallory dual point distributor, Edelbrock intake manifold, a yet to be determined carb, and home made weed burner headers. Hopefully that will make it look like it could have come from back in the day.

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Originally Posted by 36 sedan

Use adapters to change the lug pattern;
Rim Adapters : ATV Wheel Spacers : Auto Adapters : 4 Lug to 5 Lug Adapter

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I'd like to avoid spacers/adapters if at all possible. Back in my VW days I had constant problems with them. Also, because my bolt pattern is the same as 20+ years of Mustangs, the adapters are premium priced...almost as much as the smoothies, and I'd still need wheels.

Plus there me be an appearance issue with spacers. Most are around 2" thick. My rear axle is already very wide...61.5" between wheel mounting surfaces. A lot of that will be taken up with the body tucked back between the wheels, but I suspect another 4" or so would be looking way too wide.

If I run across a set of wheels I really like and can afford, I'd consider the adapters...but they'd have to be special.

Ooops....duplicate post

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Originally Posted by firebird77clone

Good luck on your bucket list bucket!

It looks cool, don't worry about what others may title it.

Speaking of which, you have selected a great forum / website for your project.

Lots of amazing experience and knowledge here.

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Thanks for the welcome. The folks here are already making me feel at home here.

I'm not worried about the labels folks apply to this thing...I'm sticking with The Little Green Roadster. Back then the car my uncle built was mostly called "The little Red Car"

Attachment 63709

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Originally Posted by Zandoz

I'd like to avoid spacers/adapters if at all possible. Back in my VW days I had constant problems with them. Also, because my bolt pattern is the same as 20+ years of Mustangs, the adapters are premium priced...almost as much as the smoothies, and I'd still need wheels.

Plus there me be an appearance issue with spacers. Most are around 2" thick. My rear axle is already very wide...61.5" between wheel mounting surfaces. A lot of that will be taken up with the body tucked back between the wheels, but I suspect another 4" or so would be looking way too wide.

If I run across a set of wheels I really like and can afford, I'd consider the adapters...but they'd have to be special.

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The conversion from 4-lug to 5-lug axles & brakes is not that tough, the parts are readily available and it will be a huge improvement to your project. Just Google Ford 4 lug to 5 lug conversion and you'll find a ton of information out there from the Mustang crowd - all of the Fox body Mustang's came with 4 lug axles, and swapping to 5 lug is one of the first things guys do. Lots of all in kits out there, too, but you can do it with salvaged parts and save some money if you take time to do some research.

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Originally Posted by rspears

Welcome, and good luck with the project. One comment/suggestion, take a look at the tires you plan to run, and be sure that you can find them in 15's which are getting harder to find all the time. OEM's pushing to larger wheels, shorter sidewalls are changing the tire availability big time. I'd look at some bigger wheels, if I were you.

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Just be glad you don't have 14's.

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Originally Posted by rspears

The conversion from 4-lug to 5-lug axles & brakes is not that tough, the parts are readily available and it will be a huge improvement to your project. Just Google Ford 4 lug to 5 lug conversion and you'll find a ton of information out there from the Mustang crowd - all of the Fox body Mustang's came with 4 lug axles, and swapping to 5 lug is one of the first things guys do. Lots of all in kits out there, too, but you can do it with salvaged parts and save some money if you take time to do some research.

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Those conversion kits are too expensive for my budget, but I'll have to look into doing the conversion with salvage parts.

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Originally Posted by Alleycat

Just be glad you don't have 14's.

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Yeah, I bet they are hard to come by these days. I remember having problems finding wide low profile 14" tires for a Le Mans I had...and that was 20+ years ago.

5-lug on the front and 4-lug on the rear will not be a problem. Carry a can of Fix-A-Flat with you, you won't have room to carry a spare anyway.

A full R&P unit tied to the straight axle (the only way you can use R&P with a straight axle and prevent bump steer) will look hinkey and cause the old guys to laugh at you. Uni-Steer makes a unit with only one tie rod that works great with early straight axle cars.
1928-1940 Street Rods - Ford - Rack & Pinions - Search By Product
A guy with a sharp mind could modify a conventional R&P into a single tie-rod, cross-steer unit to do the same thing.

The most popular tire size in the immediate future will likely be 16".

.

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

5-lug on the front and 4-lug on the rear will not be a problem. Carry a can of Fix-A-Flat with you, you won't have room to carry a spare anyway.

A full R&P unit tied to the straight axle (the only way you can use R&P with a straight axle and prevent bump steer) will look hinkey and cause the old guys to laugh at you. Uni-Steer makes a unit with only one tie rod that works great with early straight axle cars.
1928-1940 Street Rods - Ford - Rack & Pinions - Search By Product
A guy with a sharp mind could modify a conventional R&P into a single tie-rod, cross-steer unit to do the same thing.

The most popular tire size in the immediate future will likely be 16".

.

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I agree on the 4/5 lug issue. The only viable reason for changing over would be to enable a specific wheel style...and so far, other than finding more of the Lincoln wires or some other wire wheels, I don't see much chance of running across any must-have wheels that I can afford.

It's funny you mention not having a spare. I do have a spare Lincoln wire wheel, and the idea of doing a speedster style rear mounted spare frequently comes to mind.
Attachment 63715

I will be chassis mounting the R&P. Yes, there will be bump steer, but with the correct positioning of the rack and the use of good steering damper(s) it can be minimized. The DIY Unisteer has been the backup plan all along.

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Originally Posted by Zandoz

I agree on the 4/5 lug issue. The only viable reason for changing over would be to enable a specific wheel style...and so far, other than finding more of the Lincoln wires or some other wire wheels, I don't see much chance of running across any must-have wheels that I can afford.

It's funny you mention not having a spare. I do have a spare Lincoln wire wheel, and the idea of doing a speedster style rear mounted spare frequently comes to mind.
Attachment 63715

I will be chassis mounting the R&P. Yes, there will be bump steer, but with the correct positioning of the rack and the use of good steering damper(s) it can be minimized. The DIY Unisteer has been the backup plan all along.

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With all due respect, I think you'll find that ANY bumpsteer will be unacceptable unless you enjoy punishment. Been there, done that. To me, the biggest part of enjoying a car that you build yourself is having all the parts work in concert with each other in a fashion described by the OEM's designs and that includes ZERO bumpsteer.

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Welcome Aboard Zandoz! Nice to see you here and I hope you enjoy your time with us.

The project sounds nice, it's clear that you've been doing the research/homework and identifying what you want / need.

That last pic of the speedster is very cool! As well as the lil red car!!! LOL..:3dSMILE:

I agree 100% on the bump steer. Designing for some "acceptable" level of bump steer is like your teenage daughter being a little bit pregnant. The Unisteer is a great product, but you can do a Vega box cross steer cheaper, and eliminate bumpsteer that way, too.

On your 4 lug/5 lug issue, lots of the speedsters in the mid to late teens had an option for TWO spares in that rear mount position. You could then carry one front, one rear and cover the bases. I still like the idea of having five lug all around, but it's not at all critical. With the size of the wheels & tires you're considering two spares might have you saying, "Does the butt look too big?"

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

With all due respect, I think you'll find that ANY bumpsteer will be unacceptable unless you enjoy punishment. Been there, done that. To me, the biggest part of enjoying a car that you build yourself is having all the parts work in concert with each other in a fashion described by the OEM's designs and that includes ZERO bumpsteer.

.

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Originally Posted by rspears

I agree 100% on the bump steer. Designing for some "acceptable" level of bump steer is like your teenage daughter being a little bit pregnant. The Unisteer is a great product, but you can do a Vega box cross steer cheaper, and eliminate bumpsteer that way, too.

On your 4 lug/5 lug issue, lots of the speedsters in the mid to late teens had an option for TWO spares in that rear mount position. You could then carry one front, one rear and cover the bases. I still like the idea of having five lug all around, but it's not at all critical. With the size of the wheels & tires you're considering two spares might have you saying, "Does the butt look too big?"

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To me, a minimal amount of dampened bump steer is like a car with understeer or oversteer...it's a trait that you learn to deal with. Very few if any production cars have ideal handling, and almost all require a learning curve to drive in less than ideal conditions. In this case I'm working with the guidance of a couple folks who combined have close to 2 decades of experience with R&P steering on solid axle cars...and myself quite a few years driving bump steering cars with insanely quick ratio steering and no dampers. Then there is the economics factor. This project is VERY low budget, and as much as possible I have to work with what I have...and I've had this R&P laying around since the mid 90s. If down the road it does not work out to my liking, I'll fall back to the DIY Unisteer configuration.

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Originally Posted by 34_40

Welcome Aboard Zandoz! Nice to see you here and I hope you enjoy your time with us.

The project sounds nice, it's clear that you've been doing the research/homework and identifying what you want / need.

That last pic of the speedster is very cool! As well as the lil red car!!! LOL..:3dSMILE:

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Thanks for the welcome! I love that speedster...that pic makes me want to try that configuration.

About the two spares conundrum:

It's not the dress that makes her ass look fat.

It's the fat.

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Originally Posted by Zandoz

To me, a minimal amount of dampened bump steer is like a car with understeer or oversteer...it's a trait that you learn to deal with. Very few if any production cars have ideal handling, and almost all require a learning curve to drive in less than ideal conditions. In this case I'm working with the guidance of a couple folks who combined have close to 2 decades of experience with R&P steering on solid axle cars...and myself quite a few years driving bump steering cars with insanely quick ratio steering and no dampers. Then there is the economics factor. This project is VERY low budget, and as much as possible I have to work with what I have...and I've had this R&P laying around since the mid 90s. If down the road it does not work out to my liking, I'll fall back to the DIY Unisteer configuration.

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Not to beat a dead horse, but bump steer is nothing like understeer or oversteer, which are both predictable and repeatable characteristics which an accomplished driver can compensate for with power and braking in the right combination. One never knows when the bump will occur, and the amount of impact to the steering is not something one can allow for or correct, because it will change again with the rebound. Now perhaps your two "experts" will guide you to mount the rack solid to the axle like Tech pointed out, and all is OK other than it looking funny. Doing a project on a low budget is a good thing, but compromising safety is not.

Best of luck with your project.

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Originally Posted by rspears

Not to beat a dead horse, but bump steer is nothing like understeer or oversteer, which are both predictable and repeatable characteristics which an accomplished driver can compensate for with power and braking in the right combination. One never knows when the bump will occur, and the amount of impact to the steering is not something one can allow for or correct, because it will change again with the rebound. Now perhaps your two "experts" will guide you to mount the rack solid to the axle like Tech pointed out, and all is OK other than it looking funny. Doing a project on a low budget is a good thing, but compromising safety is not.

Best of luck with your project.

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Nope, the cars they built are all frame mount R&Ps.

If this works, I've gotten my steering for nothing. If it does not work, it will cost me a pair of steering arms and a tie rod to go DIY Unisteer...much less than it would cost to start over with either a Vega or genuine Unisteer set up.

Just a bit of update...

Not much has been going on lately. The last few months have been really bad healthwise. Going out to watch the fireworks on the 4th was the first time I've been out for anything other than doctor appointments in quite a while.

Since then, the rear end has been opened up and verified in good condition. Next will be new seals and bearings...then cutting off the unneeded brackets. It's been a LOT of years since I've wielded an angle grinder, so cutting off those brackets has me a bit apprehensive. I'd hate to mess up those axle tubes.

Then there is the other HUGE dilemma...the frame. Almost from the beginning of this project, based on all the good recommendations I saw, I knew who I wanted to build my frame. I laid out my plans based on a custom frame of my design...then the builder I wanted stopped doing custom frames, and is only doing his standard frame. I scrapped all the plans I had, and started over around that standard configuration. I got to something I could live with, but wasn't what I originally had in mind, and was less handicap friendly than my original plan. The illustrations in my original post are of that compromise. A couple of weeks ago, I was ready to pull the trigger and order that compromise frame...then a friend told me of a relatively local shop that does custom frames. The shop is an impressive looking operation, but I know of noone who actually has one of their frames, and after living in this area for 13 years, I've never heard of them. Well, out of boredom, I decided to try and recreate the since lost original design, factoring in a lot of parts I did not have back then. The result is a design that is a lot closer to what I originally had in mind, including being more handicap friendly, but also a lot more complex. Now I don't know which way to go....A simple but less friendly design built by someone who's work is impeccable...or a more complex and friendly design built by someone who's work is an unknown commodity. :whacked::confused:

Hi and sad to hear you have had health issues, hope you are feeling on the up soon. I can't give advice on the new shop you are talking about but what I would suggest is go and pay a visit, ask if you can have a look at some of their work on the go and maybe a finished frame. Look at the general upkeep of the shop, is it clean and tidy with everything placed in an orderly fashion. Why I say this is that I found that people who take pride in their workshop appearance tend to produce good work. If you like what you see and the owner is friendly then ask him about your plans and one off build showing him or her any drawings you have. There is absolutely no harm in politely asking and if you get a good reception then that will help you make further decisions.

Times 2. Meet with the manager and ask for referrals,, if they have happy customers, I'm sure they wouldn't mind answering a couple questions.

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Originally Posted by Whiplash23T

Hi and sad to hear you have had health issues, hope you are feeling on the up soon. I can't give advice on the new shop you are talking about but what I would suggest is go and pay a visit, ask if you can have a look at some of their work on the go and maybe a finished frame. Look at the general upkeep of the shop, is it clean and tidy with everything placed in an orderly fashion. Why I say this is that I found that people who take pride in their workshop appearance tend to produce good work. If you like what you see and the owner is friendly then ask him about your plans and one off build showing him or her any drawings you have. There is absolutely no harm in politely asking and if you get a good reception then that will help you make further decisions.

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From what I've told the place is pretty impressive. I've been wanting to stop in, but between my and my wife's health issues it's not been possible. I'm working on a more detailed DXF to send them, and when both of us are better I hope to make it there in person.

Well, this is another no real progress progress update :(

The health issues have gotten worse much quicker than anticipated. I've gone from using a cane to get around the house, to needing a wheelchair for anything more than a couple steps. Plus some of the pinched spinal cord issues...decrease of dexterity and feeling in my hands...have returned. Needing a wheelchair was anticipated and planned for, but has set in much sooner than anticipated. We knew the return of the spinal cord issues were possible, but if/when/how was unknown.

In general, I've just not felt up to do much of anything physical.

Also, my mechanic friend who encouraged me to undertake this project, and was going to assist me, is moving out of state. This means I'll probably have to hire out some aspects of the project...which with my budget will mean slowing things down.

What I have been doing is refining both versions of my frame plans...and making excuses for not pulling the trigger on either. The plans that started out as "What if" busy work, have become my favorite. Though the frame itself would require a couple more simple features, the bracketry would be simpler. Also, a big plus would be not requiring the immediate automation of the rear air bag suspension, for me to be able to get in and out of the car.

With the worsening of the health issues, I've been dragging my feet and making excuses for not pulling the trigger on having the frame built.

Over the last 2 years I've been acquiring parts. I now have the majority of the major parts except the following:

• Frame
• Radiator
• Front spindles & brakes
• Rear air suspension bags & schrader valves
• Rear wheels
• Front & rear Tires
• Ancillary gauges
• Shifter
• Bench seat

I have a lot invested in this project, and it has become my obsession. Fiddling with my CAD plans or tracking down bits and pieces that I can afford, is how I spend most of my time. My heart says I REALLY want to do this. My frugal nature says to cut my losses and give it up. My wife supports me in this, but I feel she may be a bit in denial about my health issues. If I give it up, I'll be at a loss for what to do with my time.

I really don't know which way to go.

It sounds like the planning is going to have to be refined, to work around your limitations. Don't give up.

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Originally Posted by firebird77clone

It sounds like the planning is going to have to be refined, to work around your limitations. Don't give up.

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Working around limitations has been part of this project from day one. Two factors I can't work around...the lack of energy I've had for the last months...and the unpredictability of the spinal cord issue. The last go around the spinal cord pinch went from nothing to paralysed from the waist up, over a period of about 3 months. There is no predicting this time around...it could lay me up 10 minutes from now, years from now, or never. One thing that is predictable is that this time around, there is no fix...the operation that got me going again was a one time fix.

Bill, I'm so sorry that your physical situation has diminished faster than you'd expected, and I don't want to be negative at all, but while you say

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...I now have the majority of the major parts except the following...

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your list of parts you still need are all pretty high dollar pieces, and they comprise most of the rolling chassis. It sounds like you have mainly the engine, tranny, differential, front axle minus spindles, and body? The real problem is that any incomplete project gets dimes on dollars if it comes time to sell before it's done, and you'll hope to get 50% of what you paid for parts, and little or nothing for labor costs invested. I'd say you need to make an honest assessment on your ability to see the project through to the end, and if not then do you continue to invest more in parts, knowing that you'll sell them for a loss? That said, there is a lot of value in the positive aspect of having the project to keep your focus on something positive.

I sense the turmoil you're in about your project, and wish you the best as you decide how to proceed. I don't think anyone can make this decision for you.

Bill, like the all of us here, my deepest sorrows for your worsening condition.
May I make a suggestion, it sounds like you really enjoy the CAD work and sourcing parts. While those skills alone won't finish your project, they could most certainly be useful to others, possibly earning enough or by trading skills to complete your project and help many in the process.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Originally Posted by rspears

Bill, I'm so sorry that your physical situation has diminished faster than you'd expected, and I don't want to be negative at all, but while you say your list of parts you still need are all pretty high dollar pieces, and they comprise most of the rolling chassis. It sounds like you have mainly the engine, tranny, differential, front axle minus spindles, and body? The real problem is that any incomplete project gets dimes on dollars if it comes time to sell before it's done, and you'll hope to get 50% of what you paid for parts, and little or nothing for labor costs invested. I'd say you need to make an honest assessment on your ability to see the project through to the end, and if not then do you continue to invest more in parts, knowing that you'll sell them for a loss? That said, there is a lot of value in the positive aspect of having the project to keep your focus on something positive.

I sense the turmoil you're in about your project, and wish you the best as you decide how to proceed. I don't think anyone can make this decision for you.

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If negative is what you see, so be it. Honesty is better medicine than false negativity or optimism.

I have more than you think, but you are right in that what is left is nothing to sneeze at. For me, the big question mark on the remaining list is the frame...it will have to be custom made, and there is no shortcut, but it is what is needed next to start making something of the conglomeration of parts I have. The rest, given time, I could acquire for a fraction of retail cost...as I have done for most of what I have acquired. Some of the stuff I have has taken me 2 years to track down at a price I was willing to pay...but until now I was functioning under the idea that time was the commodity I had most to spend.

Recouping has never been part of the equation. The money spent on this endeavour is the cost of pursuing something that has been on my bucket list before I was old enough to grasp the concept of a bucket list. If it comes to that, what ever the return on investment, would be a rebate on the price of doing something I love.

Thank you for your well wishes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zandoz

If negative is what you see, so be it.

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Bill I'm at a loss here??? I think you read this wrong, I don't think anyone is trying to dash your spirit, but to quote you "if that's what you see".......