Please help me stop the insanity... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KellerMAC · 04-25-2013, 03:36 PM

I spent several years doing a off-frame restromod on my 72 Chevy and it has been garaged ever since -

My problem or question is this - How do I get past the fact that it has been rebuilt and start treating it like a truck and not some precious egg. I am hesitate to go near the engine in fear that I might scratch something, I need to do some final touches on it and am hesitate due to the weather or something that might hurt the truck. My DD is a 2001 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel 4WD and I do everything to it and in it. No fears. How long until I quit babying the rebuild?

Does anyone else suffer from this disease?

Truck Guy99 · 04-25-2013, 03:48 PM

It is like when you buy a new truck. You first buy it and maybe throw some accesories on. You immediately think "I willl keep this thing forever and never let it go or get scratched or overloaded or dented." Wait about a year and see how many of those words stayed true. It is just one of those things. After the first scratch or chip or ding you realize that it's a truck, not a Lamborghini. Just get out there with it. Pull a trailer, haul some wood, pull somebody out of the mud, sit on the tailgate with a cold one, go back roading with the stereo going and the window down. Let it sink in. It is a truck. Use it like one. Sure, wax it, wash it, change the fluids, take care of it. But don't be scared to use it. Now my fellow Texan, get a girl, get in that truck, turn the key, and hit the road.

bbadfred · 04-25-2013, 03:49 PM

Nope!!! Drive it like you stole it and if you break it, fix it again!!
Just kidding drive it and enjoy it. Its way more fun than just letting it sit in the garage. Or are you just keeping nice for the next owner?

Finished mine last spring and put 2500 miles on it and plan at least twice that many miles this year.

pineywoodsauto · 04-25-2013, 03:58 PM

When you start treating it like a truck, thats when it all goes down hill. If you love it, keep it as long as you can. If the love is gone, sell it while it still has value. If it looks like any other old truck, its worth what every old used up truck is. Not much. IMO

Truck Guy99 · 04-25-2013, 04:16 PM

What I meant was don't let it be a garage queen. I just meant that he shouldnt be afraid to take it out. I think he should keep it as his runner truck, but buy a work truck for the nasty jobs. Sure, keep this nice and have a good run around truck, but a good investment might be an old farm truck for the harsh stuff. I wouldnt throw a bunch of junk car parts in the bed or something, but on a trailer, sure. Just keep it nice, but dont have a really expensive piece of metal in your garage.

don t. - 72gmc · 04-25-2013, 04:37 PM

"How long until I quit babying the rebuild? "......

As soon as YOU get tired of looking at it and decide to drive it.

The way I figgure.....right now....only YOU know what you've got.
If your proud of your accomplishment, get it out and show the world what you've done.

JMO....don t. ....

hayhauler71 · 04-25-2013, 04:44 PM

Its not made out of cotton candy drive it and enjoy it

bbadfred · 04-25-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KellerMAC

I spent several years doing a off-frame restromod on my 72 Chevy and it has been garaged ever since -

My problem or question is this - How do I get past the fact that it has been rebuilt and start treating it like a truck and not some precious egg. I am hesitate to go near the engine in fear that I might scratch something, I need to do some final touches on it and am hesitate due to the weather or something that might hurt the truck. My DD is a 2001 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel 4WD and I do everything to it and in it. No fears. How long until I quit babying the rebuild?

Does anyone else suffer from this disease?

How about some pictures??

landsurvey1 · 04-25-2013, 05:13 PM

At least drive it enough to keep everything in working order.

ole dollor · 04-25-2013, 05:58 PM

we need to see the pic's....that way we will know why you don't want to drive it....we love pic's..

Mike C · 04-25-2013, 06:02 PM

What's the point of owning a vehicle that you don't drive? Plan a three day weekend trip somewhere, load up the truck, and head out. If it rains, it gets wet. After I rebuilt my M38A1 people asked me what I was going to do with it. Get it dirty was my answer. And I did. Couldn't be happier as it runs great and looks even better "broken in".

big mike71 · 04-25-2013, 06:19 PM

I didn't build mine, So it's alittle different, But I drive the hell out of it.

Madtat · 04-25-2013, 06:26 PM

69GWC · 04-25-2013, 06:27 PM

Yelp no point in having it if your not going to drive it atleast on the weekends. I can see not making a DD out of it and putting a ton of miles on it but you gotta use it and if it gets scratched it sucks and move on.
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy4639 · 04-25-2013, 07:03 PM

These things we love are also just trucks! Drive it and be proud of it. They will hold up better than most newer trucks.
U have one ? to ask yourself...why did I spend all this money and time on it if I'm not going to drive it!

**Boog** · 04-25-2013, 07:27 PM

Oh we can't solve your problems with just one visit. You've got it really bad. You need to come here for regular appointments for the next year or so. Then we can reevaluate your condition. You need therapy my friend.

flashed · 04-25-2013, 08:21 PM

Mine is still in the bodtshop for 2 years now but when it comes home from the frame off restomoding its going to be my daily driver .

67ChevyRedneck · 04-25-2013, 08:27 PM

Sell it.

PanelDeland · 04-25-2013, 10:06 PM

Sitting next to one in a parking lot watching over it and dusting it a dozen times a day isn't much fun.Cranking the windows down,the stereo and pipes up and letting it run is the best therapy for your"afraiditis".It will get some rock chips,it will get dirty,it will need the oil changed,it'll also be a lot more fun.

Zoomin · 04-25-2013, 10:18 PM

There's nothing wrong at all with having one of these, and trying to keep it nice. You know how much blood, sweat and money it took to get it right where you want it. Savor it, and take all the time you want, I don't blame you a bit.

**mac808** · 04-25-2013, 10:19 PM

Here's a column written by Wayne Carini out of Hagerty's monthly magazine.

Although I'm sure he's relating it more to true, high caliber collector cars and such but I think it can easily apply to our trucks.

It sums up the issue and addresses the dilemma and the 'fear' of how to own one of these classic/collector vehicles. Reading it really put things into perspective for me. Hope it helps.

Wizo · 04-25-2013, 10:38 PM

One mean nasty ass 2 minute burnout with all your friends watching and then some cold beers afterwards should fix the problem

KellerMAC · 04-25-2013, 11:02 PM

You guys are awesome! I am going to break out of my comfort zone and start driving it and working on it regularly. Thanks for the support - I am coming down off the ledge. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

Thanks again,

KellerMac

69moneypit · 04-25-2013, 11:17 PM

I was in a similar situation after my frame off , but after a 400 mile trip to cruising the coast ( first time truck was outside overnight ) , couple weekend cruises and multiple burnouts , the fear wore off.
Posted via Mobile Device

ItsRandy · 04-25-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizo

One mean nasty ass 2 minute burnout with all your friends watching and then some cold beers afterwards should fix the problem

Make sure you get some video...we wanna' see.

04-25-2013, 03:36 PM	#1
KellerMAC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Keller, TX Posts: 143	Please help me stop the insanity... I spent several years doing a off-frame restromod on my 72 Chevy and it has been garaged ever since - My problem or question is this - How do I get past the fact that it has been rebuilt and start treating it like a truck and not some precious egg. I am hesitate to go near the engine in fear that I might scratch something, I need to do some final touches on it and am hesitate due to the weather or something that might hurt the truck. My DD is a 2001 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel 4WD and I do everything to it and in it. No fears. How long until I quit babying the rebuild? Does anyone else suffer from this disease? __________________ Texas - Don't Let The Size Scare You!

04-25-2013, 03:48 PM	#2
Truck Guy99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Elk City, OK Posts: 332	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... It is like when you buy a new truck. You first buy it and maybe throw some accesories on. You immediately think "I willl keep this thing forever and never let it go or get scratched or overloaded or dented." Wait about a year and see how many of those words stayed true. It is just one of those things. After the first scratch or chip or ding you realize that it's a truck, not a Lamborghini. Just get out there with it. Pull a trailer, haul some wood, pull somebody out of the mud, sit on the tailgate with a cold one, go back roading with the stereo going and the window down. Let it sink in. It is a truck. Use it like one. Sure, wax it, wash it, change the fluids, take care of it. But don't be scared to use it. Now my fellow Texan, get a girl, get in that truck, turn the key, and hit the road. __________________ My names Tye. No Chevy right now

04-25-2013, 03:49 PM	#3
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Nope!!! Drive it like you stole it and if you break it, fix it again!! Just kidding drive it and enjoy it. Its way more fun than just letting it sit in the garage. Or are you just keeping nice for the next owner? Finished mine last spring and put 2500 miles on it and plan at least twice that many miles this year.

04-25-2013, 03:58 PM	#4
pineywoodsauto Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 11	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... When you start treating it like a truck, thats when it all goes down hill. If you love it, keep it as long as you can. If the love is gone, sell it while it still has value. If it looks like any other old truck, its worth what every old used up truck is. Not much. IMO

04-25-2013, 04:16 PM	#5
Truck Guy99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Elk City, OK Posts: 332	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... What I meant was don't let it be a garage queen. I just meant that he shouldnt be afraid to take it out. I think he should keep it as his runner truck, but buy a work truck for the nasty jobs. Sure, keep this nice and have a good run around truck, but a good investment might be an old farm truck for the harsh stuff. I wouldnt throw a bunch of junk car parts in the bed or something, but on a trailer, sure. Just keep it nice, but dont have a really expensive piece of metal in your garage. __________________ My names Tye. No Chevy right now

04-25-2013, 04:37 PM	#6
don t. - 72gmc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: harvard, il. USA Posts: 395	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... "How long until I quit babying the rebuild? "...... As soon as YOU get tired of looking at it and decide to drive it. The way I figgure.....right now....only YOU know what you've got. If your proud of your accomplishment, get it out and show the world what you've done. JMO....don t. ....

04-25-2013, 04:44 PM	#7
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Its not made out of cotton candy drive it and enjoy it __________________ Fuzzy

04-25-2013, 05:13 PM	#9
landsurvey1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 404	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... At least drive it enough to keep everything in working order. __________________ 1972 Chevy short bed ZZ4 350/355hp GMPP crate engine. 1972 Cheyenne K-20 454/400hp big block 1988 Jeep Wrangler 2010 Jeep Sport Unlimited

04-25-2013, 05:58 PM	#10
ole dollor Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Anton, Texas Posts: 2,364	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... we need to see the pic's....that way we will know why you don't want to drive it....we love pic's..

04-25-2013, 06:02 PM	#11
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... What's the point of owning a vehicle that you don't drive? Plan a three day weekend trip somewhere, load up the truck, and head out. If it rains, it gets wet. After I rebuilt my M38A1 people asked me what I was going to do with it. Get it dirty was my answer. And I did. Couldn't be happier as it runs great and looks even better "broken in". __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-25-2013, 06:19 PM	#12
big mike71 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: independence mo Posts: 2,111	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... I didn't build mine, So it's alittle different, But I drive the hell out of it. __________________ I'm not as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was.

04-25-2013, 06:26 PM	#13
Madtat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hell Paso TX Posts: 804	Re: Please help me stop the insanity...

04-25-2013, 06:27 PM	#14
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Yelp no point in having it if your not going to drive it atleast on the weekends. I can see not making a DD out of it and putting a ton of miles on it but you gotta use it and if it gets scratched it sucks and move on. Posted via Mobile Device

04-25-2013, 07:03 PM	#15
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... These things we love are also just trucks! Drive it and be proud of it. They will hold up better than most newer trucks. U have one ? to ask yourself...why did I spend all this money and time on it if I'm not going to drive it! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

04-25-2013, 07:27 PM	#16
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,543	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Oh we can't solve your problems with just one visit. You've got it really bad. You need to come here for regular appointments for the next year or so. Then we can reevaluate your condition. You need therapy my friend. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross



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04-25-2013, 08:21 PM	#17
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Mine is still in the bodtshop for 2 years now but when it comes home from the frame off restomoding its going to be my daily driver .

04-25-2013, 08:27 PM	#18
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Sell it. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

04-25-2013, 10:06 PM	#19
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Sitting next to one in a parking lot watching over it and dusting it a dozen times a day isn't much fun.Cranking the windows down,the stereo and pipes up and letting it run is the best therapy for your"afraiditis".It will get some rock chips,it will get dirty,it will need the oil changed,it'll also be a lot more fun. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-25-2013, 10:18 PM	#20
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... There's nothing wrong at all with having one of these, and trying to keep it nice. You know how much blood, sweat and money it took to get it right where you want it. Savor it, and take all the time you want, I don't blame you a bit. __________________ Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro

04-25-2013, 10:19 PM	#21
mac808 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Honolulu Hawaii Posts: 313	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... Here's a column written by Wayne Carini out of Hagerty's monthly magazine. Although I'm sure he's relating it more to true, high caliber collector cars and such but I think it can easily apply to our trucks. It sums up the issue and addresses the dilemma and the 'fear' of how to own one of these classic/collector vehicles. Reading it really put things into perspective for me. Hope it helps.

04-25-2013, 10:38 PM	#22
Wizo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 274	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... One mean nasty ass 2 minute burnout with all your friends watching and then some cold beers afterwards should fix the problem

04-25-2013, 11:02 PM	#23
KellerMAC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Keller, TX Posts: 143	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... You guys are awesome! I am going to break out of my comfort zone and start driving it and working on it regularly. Thanks for the support - I am coming down off the ledge. I will post some pictures tomorrow. Thanks again, KellerMac __________________ Texas - Don't Let The Size Scare You!

04-25-2013, 11:17 PM	#24
69moneypit Divorced .....WITH KIDS Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: mississippi Posts: 619	Re: Please help me stop the insanity... I was in a similar situation after my frame off , but after a 400 mile trip to cruising the coast ( first time truck was outside overnight ) , couple weekend cruises and multiple burnouts , the fear wore off. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 GMC SWB 1975 Chevy Malibu 80k 1963 Ford Galaxie 63k (inherited) 2005 Nissan Armada (wife's idea)

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