A tough decision...

[CarFreakGT]

Well, I've been thinking hard about this, but I may be coming to a tough decision. I'm very seriously contemplating selling the Mustang. I haven't even mentioned it to my wife.

It's not that I don't want to work on it, or have it to drive, or that it has to be completed ASAP. The understanding has always been that it's a long-term project. But, as I think about it, I've barely had a chance to do anything to it in the 6 years that I've owned it.

And, although other personal projects and work are definitely coming along, I just don't see the time being there to get it to the state that I want it and to be able to enjoy it. And I don't like to see cars like that just sit. They're meant to be driven and enjoyed.

Collecting pieces and parts for these last few years in anticipation has been fun. It would help if it were in condition to at least be able to take it for a spin now and then, or drive it while I work on it. Truth be told, it's not even close. But I guess I bit off too big a bite w/ this project.

I may change my mind. Who knows? But, I think I'm headed in the direction of selling it, the 351, and the rearend for it. Sitting on my garage floor is not doing any of them any favors. I'd probably take the money that I make from it and put it away in hopes of saving up over time and getting something that's more complete--whether it be another classic or something similar to the Fox Mustang that I had.

Not looking for a pity party...just thinking out loud. Any thoughts?

 

[Falcon79]

I think you are making a lot of sense, I would do the same if I was in your shoes. If you don't have the time to work on it, sell it and try to find something more complete that you can enjoy. I have felt the same way, but unfortunately my 68 coupe is an heirloom, passed down through my family since 1968. So, I'm stuck with it, lol.

Bottom line, you are supposed to enjoy your mustang in whatever state it is in, if you aren't enjoying it then its time to let it go.

Just my thoughts.

 

[331efiblue66]

I fell your pain and your thoughts. I'll share my story with you.
I've wanted a classic stang since I was 13(almost 30 yrs ago now!). I bought my '66 coupe in March '03. I bought it in pieces from a guy at work who took off the fenders, bumpers, tore out the interior, glass, trim, and lost interest in it. I put it in a buddy's pole barn thinking it would be there 6-12 months. Then I started college in july, that took 2 nites wk/3 semesters yr/4 yrs. While I was in college my now ex started spending every dime I could make before I could make it, took me 2 yrs to dig out of that hole. Even had to buy out her 1/2 of my pile of parts! Finally drug the car home sept '10, finished tearing it down, and it was a pile of crap! Not enough metal left to make it worth fixing. I bought a car off ebay from texas and had it shipped to my house and started all over.
I have NEVER driven a classic stang! Never even ridden in one. Not once, but I have always wanted one. The bodywork on my car has been more than I could have ever dreamed. It has taken a year longer than I wanted it to, but I want to be able to say the only person to touch it other than me was the painter. It is a true labor of love and money(lots more of that than I could have dreamed too!).
I understand your point of wanting to enjoy it, or want someone else to enjoy it. It would have to suck walking by it all the time knowing its condition. I guess my point is, you own it, its paid for, it doesn't owe you anything. If it is what you have always dreamed of, hang onto it, you will get to it. Involve your wife now rather than later. Get her thoughts and feelings on it too, she is involved in it as much as you are, she will be affected as well. Good luck!!

 

[iskwezm]

you might regret it selling it. But then again, you might be in a better position to buy another one that needs less work so you dont lose interest. My car hasnt been driven for the past 4-5 months.I took it out on sunday and wondered why i dont drive it as much as i should, but NEVER thought of selling it.

 

[WTFO]

I'm in the same boat but I'd never be able to sell it and make my money back.(chopped off the back half of the car) It sits in my garage with a huge pile of new metal and other parts and I go out there and tinker when I get the chance or motivation. I crank up some ZZ Top, crack open a couple of beers and work on it a bit and THAT'S my therapy away from the world. It doesn't get any better.

 

[Bryan83taco]

Tough call. It really sucks when your spending ALL your time working on the car and not driving it. I've been feeling that way about my fox lately. See how much you can get for selling it complete or parting out the chassis, engine, rear end, etc. And if you can make enough to buy a better project car then sell it, save up some more money and find a more complete project.

 

[woodsnake]

"

I'm in the same boat but I'd never be able to sell it and make my money back.(chopped off the back half of the car) It sits in my garage with a huge pile of new metal and other parts and I go out there and tinker when I get the chance or motivation. I crank up some ZZ Top, crack open a couple of beers and work on it a bit and THAT'S my therapy away from the world. It doesn't get any better. "

+1...
Part of the value of restoring these cars to any level, is the therapy in doing the work. Not a lot of guys do this for the money, and for those that do, it's a tough buck to earn!
I would say if you are in a tough spot. I have been trying to get my projects done for over 20 years, and they are just now starting to actually show some kind of progress.
But for me, it is a matter of being to stupid to quit while I am ahead....​

 

[RogerC62]

Haven't driven mine since 1986. Different priorities pevailed and my rebuild plans have changed a couple of times but I enjoy getting out and working on it when I can. Going to pick up new quarter skins and taillight panel at the end of the month and should be able to finish up the back end of the car. Then I'll procede on the front half.