How do people stay motivated to restore???

[gavinnz]

Anyone out their with clever ideas on how to stay motivated to keep going on the jobs of a restoration when sitting doing nothing comes to stay!

I have things I could be doing but need a kick in the.....

Regards

Gavin

[Guest stephen48]

No clever ideas just a few basic principles.Stay focussed on the end result.Keep the momentum up.Progress motivates more progress.Aim for a high standard.If its worth doing it is worth doing well.Do it once do it right. Thats about it.

[Guest fordy]

Sometimes I have to shut the door on the shed and walk away for a few weeks and do something else. I have been mucking about with cars for 36 years and done many ground up restorations all from basket cases, all to my standard and not someone elses ideal. I see my hobby as a respite from the stress and demands of my work a day week in a paid job but realise that I also need to have a break occasionally - the longest lasted several years! If we were doing it for financial reward it wouldnt happen, we all overspend on a restoration more than the value we could sell for. My pleasure is resurecting a pile of junk into something that I can be proud of and I tend to ignore the criticisms from some in the movement who insist on finding faults no matter how minor and not knowing what the starting point was or the effort taken. For weeks on end I muck about and see little progress for the effort but then someone will visit who will see a dramatic change from thir last - it may only be a couple of weeks - they help to put some perspective in place.

Steve

[trimacar]

It happens that we start a restoration, disassemble the vehicle, and soon get overwhelmed by the enormity of the project.

View the restoration is a couple thousand tasks, or projects, each an hour long, give or take.

Every day, do a task, however small, and get it behind you. You can take a break as mentioned, but never more than a week, or it'll turn into years.

The secret is to complete all the small tasks, and the big project will come together.

[Restorer32]

If we don't restore we don't eat. Hunger is a great motivator.

[Guest fordy]

If its your living and someone is paying the bills then yes, if its your relaxation then it can get on top of you and seem to be a money pit and feel like you are putting champagne and caviar on someone elses table. I dont begrudge paying for what is beyond me and I know what hourly rates are these days and accept them realising the costs involved in business.

Do what you can yourself and pay someone for the rest.

I do what I can myself to the best of my abilities and within my resources.

The best advice I can put forward is to get somone else involved because they motivate you into doing things. A mate coming to help every so often will be quick to tell you that you have been slacking off if he sees minnimal progress. I also find when they are there "helping" things move along as long as you bounce ideas and suggestions around.

I have put the word helping in quotes as dear old dad in his 80s is always about doing things but I havent the heart to tell him that his standard is a lot lower than mine and I spend a few nights a week reworking his efforts.

[Dynaflash8]

Once you tear it apart, then you have nothing, and if you value the money you spent to buy it, then you realize that you have to grit your teeth and get it back together finished to have even a bit of your money back someday. Nothing is worse than having a torn down car that you can't force yourself or your restorer to get finished.

[Bhigdog]

Break the job down into a series of smaller parts and celebrate the completion of each. If you are doing a body off work on the frame, body, and mechanicals at the same time. Work on one part until you get bored or frustrated then switch for a while to the other. Take some time every day to just sit a while and admire your work. Reward your self/wife for each major segment completed by taking your wife out to dinner. When I was doing my 55, a MAJOR restoration, the only goal I focused on was replacing the entire floor. When that was finally done I spent a few hours just sitting, smoking a very expensive cigar, and looking at the completed floor.

All that said, I'm burned out. I've done 6 body off restorations in 15 years, most to Grand National level. I've done it till I've made myself sick. I've sold my rotisserie and the thought of painting and sanding another car makes me ill..................Bob

[jscheib]

I have another thought. I have heard of several situations and seen some, where someone gets into several cars at one time. Instead of one pile of parts, or sub-projects, it becomes multiple, and to me, that is scary. My suggestion is to avoid that situation, and stay foused. If you can find photos of a finished car, keep them at you workbench, or other spot for a reminder that the pile of pieces will look like that only if you continue work. I even had the photos when I was paying someone to do most of the work.

John

[jscheib]

Gavin,

I just looked at your list of cars. If some are finished, and only one is under restoration, I can well see why the variety of cars might be the distraction. I certainly to not suggest you stop enjoying those cars to focus on one restoration, just that I know I would certainly become distracted with that variety. I am not sure if one of those is the restoration in question, bu if you are out having fun, and one languishes, I would not worry too much.

John

[1937hd45]

I rolled my cars out last weekend and washed them and pushed them back in the garage in different places. The Lyndwood project is entering its 20 year, painted, upholstered and lettered it is 80% done, last raced in 1962. I could have it finished and on the field at Hershey running for the first time in 50 years, but just can't get motivated. All the machine work on the engine is done, parts are in plastic bags, just haven't be able to put the block in the engine stand and start assembly. I figure $2,000 in tires and parts would get it finished, but I'm sure it won't happen. Bob

[R Walling]

I had noticed that I procrastinate on just about everthing since I retired. I would spend a lot of time just thinking about it. To counter that, as soon as I think of doing something, even as small as getting up for a snack or a glass of water, I get up and do it right away. This is getting me in the habit of not waiting to make a decision.

When I think about working on my car, I get up and go to the garage, turn on the lights and then starting a task comes easy, even if I diden't have something in mind to do when I went out there.

[Restorer32]

I may never have a restored car of my own. Interestingly the owner of the restoration shop down the road also has the same problem and coincidentally he has a 140 Jag Drophead virtually identical to mine. I suggested he send me his car to restore and I will send him mine to restore and we can just swap bills. Likely the only way either of us will ever have a restored Jag.

[trimacar]

My buddy Greg is a great motivator, both by example and by preaching, so the "buddy" system is good.

The hard part is just getting started on a task. I made seat bases, and cut the leather, for my Hupmobile seat cushions, and they sat in my parts room for 6 months, for some reason I just dreaded having to work on them. One Saturday morning woke up and said to myseld "this is the day", 5 hours later they were complete and sitting in the car.

To get it done, you just have to do it, but it's tough sometimes. And multiple project cars can easily overwhelm you, as mentioned. You have to try to not get distracted, concentrate on one car and get it going, then move to next project.

[Guest SwiftBuicks]

For what it is worth let me add my two cents to this thread. First of all restoration remains a labor of love. You will never do a perfect job, either. Your love will not be forgiving as it is not a person. Consequently, you have to be easy on yourself.

[Paul Dobbin]

I've been doing this as a hobby for almost 40 years now. here is my two cents

worth.

Trimacar said "It happens that we start a restoration, disassemble the vehicle, and soon get overwhelmed by the enormity of the project." He's correct in that assessment and here is how I beat that.

The sound of the engine and the thrill of driving the project is my motivator, but long period of non-operation cause a loss of interest. Solution, I keep it operable a much as possible. No point in having it all apart at the same time.

I get them running before I start he restoration and keep an operable chassis

available for a motivation ride around the block. Then I don't do the chassis

until I can stay on that part until it will drive again. Example: Rebuild the engine and put it back in the chassis for a test drive, then do the suspension

differential, brakes etc. and re-install them for another motivational ride.

Then down the road a doorless, fenderless, windowless ride always builds

enthusiasm.

A totally disassembled car is just a pile of parts if Ican't hear it run or ride on it.

[Ron Green]

All that said, I'm burned out. I've done 6 body off restorations in 15 years, most to Grand National level. I've done it till I've made myself sick. I've sold my rotisserie and the thought of painting and sanding another car makes me ill..................Bob

Similar thoughts here. Have done both major projects and restorations continuality for 17 years (6 since 1997) while still working 10 hour work days at my job. No motivation left and when my final project is complete (which is going on 2 years) I am done. Paint in 3 weeks and assembly by spring of 2013.

To keep motivated go to AACA national events, marque shows, etc and take pictures of a vehicle you are restoring plus speak with their owners. Remember if you only can do something a half hour a day on your project it’s a half hour closer to being finished.

Edited April 20, 2012 by West Peterson
corrected marque (a marquee is a sign on the front of a theater) (see edit history)

[poci1957]

Lots of good advice on this from those who have been there. As a guy approaching 18 years on a restoration I am hardly the best motivator on this, but I agree with those who say break the focus into bite size tasks, including some you can complete with a few hours time to keep momentum going. Also, if possible when you are at work or away use your "mental" time to think ahead on planning and organizing your limited time with the car.

Now ask me next for advice on weight loss and child rearing..... Todd C

[poci1957]

I may never have a restored car of my own. Interestingly the owner of the restoration shop down the road also has the same problem and coincidentally he has a 140 Jag Drophead virtually identical to mine. I suggested he send me his car to restore and I will send him mine to restore and we can just swap bills. Likely the only way either of us will ever have a restored Jag.

That is funny, good idea, Todd C

[Amphicar BUYER]

I think we all have experienced burnout. When doing my 1st Amphicar 13+ years ago, there would be months that I did nothing. Then I could re-ignite the flame and bust butt. Now I have 3 Amphicars in process at once. I don't usually do that but 2 of the 3 have health issues that will probably make this season the last time they will be able to enjoy their cars. I have to do all I can to give this to them. The other customer is patient and understanding so he is a gem! I am so fortunate to have too much work and several in line when too many can't keep the mortgage paid.

At least now I am at the reassembly stage for 2 (the next one is just weeks away) which is the most fun for me. This makes the late nights no so bad. I was out painting parts at 9:30PM last night so I could install them this AM. Now I am waiting for the 1st coat to flash so here I am on the PC.

Step back and take a break, imagine your finished car as motivation, have a friend help you. A friend can make work feel like fun and be a great motivator. You'd be surprised at what gets done when you work with someone and don't feel the hours go by.

[keiser31]

It helps to have a friend around....even for just moral support. I always need a "push" to keep up the momentum on my work. The right equipment like a shop heater helps, too. Who wants to work all alone in a small, cold shop?

[RansomEli]

We all have the same problem of motivation. Restoration is fun until it becomes hard, and then you don't want to do it.

Every time I have a motivation crisis, I remember the words of Jack London:

"I don't wait for inspiration -- I go after it with a club."

[Restorer32]

As Blaise Pascal so eloquently said "Most of a man's problems are caused by his inability to stay quietly in his room"...or garage and piddle. The Northern synonym for piddle is putter.

[trimacar]

Nice article, and does indeed describe some of what we do with the cars.

My father was Southern for sure, and more accurately Cajun French, from a small town in South Lousiana.

Funny, because I was just an hour ago telling someone the tale of his retirement. My brother and I had bought a cotton gin and cattle feed business from him and his partner, and Dad was retired. To give him something to do, we outfitted one of the offices as a kitchen, and he'd cook for us and the farmers and cattlemen who happened to show up that day (and it seemed the days we had duck or venison, it sure got crowded!).

He'd come in at 9 am, and leave at 3 pm, to cook and serve lunch.

Now, the actual ACT of cooking lunch wasn't piddling, but everything leading up to it, and after, was piddlin' at its best.......

On the cars, figuring out what's piddling and what's not might be tough.....as even the simplest of tasks can have so many layers to it, and it's easy to get distracted in a garage full of projects!

[Chris Bamford]

...The sound of the engine and the thrill of driving the project is my motivator, but long period of non-operation cause a loss of interest ... a doorless, fenderless, windowless ride always builds enthusiasm

You got that right!

[oldcarfudd]

My one-lung Cadillac has fenders, but it's doorless and windowless and will stay that way. And it always juices my enthusiasm to take it out for a chug!

Gil Fitzhugh, Morristown, NJ

[Guest dminer]

I've been experimenting with ways to motivate others (like my wife) to help me get this car done. She likes little intricate work and painting. First I went out and got shiny new spray guns for her, still in the package. Then I got an industrial sewing machine because she was going to do interior things, never plugged it in. Finally, I brought 2 carbs in the house and laid them in the kitchen sink, put the rebuild kit on the table and went to work. Came home,"Honey, where'd my parts go?" She said,"these?" Two polished rebuilt perfectly functioning carbs!

Sometimes the garage is just too far away I guess. If only I could get the car in the living room somehow...

[Guest PunkRivi63]

The first step to motivation is to be broke. Then you can only buy parts every few months and by the time the parts and supplies come in youve been itching to install them for so long you cant wait to work on the car.

[Guest bofusmosby]

I agree with David (Trimacar). I try not to look at the entire job, because that can be overwhelming. I do one thing at a time, put everything into do that one task, get it done, sit back, admire it for a few, then start on something else. I doubt I will ever complete the enitr rebuild/restore, but hey, better to make some slow pregress, than none at all. I'll sure be glad to get my car back someday!

[keiser31]

Good music plying in the shop really helps. Let's face it...if the shop is not somewhat comfortable to work in, it will take you longer to want to finish your car.

[Guest Kingoftheroad]

Usually, I find I get the most done when I just go out & start tinkering with the car. And before I know it, hours have past, don't have enough time to finish what I started but look back in shock to see all I got done. When I just started out to do some small job.

[Guest]

Lots of good advice on this from those who have been there. As a guy approaching 18 years on a restoration I am hardly the best motivator on this, but I agree with those who say break the focus into bite size tasks, including some you can complete with a few hours time to keep momentum going. Also, if possible when you are at work or away use your "mental" time to think ahead on planning and organizing your limited time with the car.

Now ask me next for advice on weight loss and child rearing..... Todd C

The bite size task with completion help tremendously. If you have more than one antique vehicle is another plus because it allows you to go to car gatherings and see friends.

Talking to friends who have antique cars about projects keeps you motivated.

If you are married, having a spouse that is supportive is a huge plus which is my situation, and on the other hand a spouse whose always saying "when are you going to get that THING out of the driveway" doesn't help one bit. There is nothing worse than contending with something difficult on a car and also contending with a person who doesn't share your passion and lets it be known. The best is having a spouse that is supportive and likes cars and wants to help.

To single people, choose wisely.

D.

[Guest bofusmosby]

There is nothing worse than contending with something difficult on a car and also contending with a person who doesn't share your passion and lets it be known. The best is having a spouse that is supportive and likes cars and wants to help.

D.

Well..........I can dream, can't I?

[junkyardjeff]

After having my 37 Chevy p/u apart from 1977 to 2000 I doubt I will do another frame off,I got so side tracked with little projects that ended up being much longer that the 37 would sit for months not being touched. I got tired of looking at the 37 sitting apart and quit bringing other projects home and quit working on other peoples cars after work too and it and my 55 Ford got done,I did miss the extra money but my cars were not collecting dust any more.