Project Car Avoidance And Burnout - We Stalled On Our '67 Charger Refresh And Just Figured Out Why

Getting Stalled, sidetracked or just flat burning out on a project vehicle is something that happens to all of us at one time or another. Here we talk about a couple of instances where rapid forward progress came to a screeching halt for reasons that weren't really apparent until after we stepped back and assessed the bigger, deeper picture.
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[@sl33per1]

The "just dive in" doesn't usually work for me. What does though, it tackling small things that don't take a lot of time. Baby steps. Taking a few baby steps each day really adds up after a while. Next thing you know, after about a couple of weeks, you'll notice that you've made some really good progress. And making progress builds the motivation and interest to tackle some of the bigger tasks.

[@toughcustomergarage4767]

Different strokes for different folks, I can't do anything unless I dive in head first.

[@ohnoitisnt]

nice tip, ive noticed this suddenly after an hour here and there youve crossed off a days worth of todos and all thats left before shes done is that avoidable task

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Absolutely. This method has gotten me out of a rut many any times. My dad got me to do this when I was young and burt out on a project. He told me to just do something. It don't have to be much, just do something. And do something tomorrow and the next day. Each day may not be much but, over time it all adds up.

[@albertgaspar627]

every mind works differently. some people focus on the end goal, and plow through (though what they don't realize is often, it's really a matter of they finally got the "wind"). But others do what you said--like i just shoveled a 220 foot driveway of snow. so i said lemme get the end around the mailbox so i can get the bills. after that, i worked a little bit more up to the car. took a break to swipe off the car, and decided, "hey, this far, might as well shovel the turn-around" and now it's done. but if i had climbed out of bed this morning thinking i was going to do it all, i would have gone back to bed and put it off. instead i did the necessary, and once accomplished, i realized i could do a little more since i was already outside and wet. and then some more after that.

[@bobthompson4133]

I needed to hear you say this stuff. I’ve been avoiding several major house repairs because I’m old and have zero energy. It’s good to know I’m not alone. I’ll do the repairs and finish the small stuff on my ‘63 Land Rover so I can sell it. Thanks Tony

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I've been slacking at everything else , except the car I'm building. Once it's on the road this summer , I'll catch up. That will take till winter probably, to get caught up.

[@cutl00senc]

When you are young, you have energy, but no money, or experience. When you’re older, you have energy, some money, and some experience. When you are old, you hav money, experience, but no more energy. It’s always a struggle….

[@stevieb.1473]

Try not to look at the whole picture. The whole picture can be extremely overwhelming!! Break the project down into smaller pieces. Even try setting a timer on a certain task. When the timer stops, you stop. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

[@bobthompson4133]

@@cutl00senc seriously, 100% correct.

[@dirkmanning8621]

@@MrTheHillfolk power to you brother. I am working on my 67 Satellite. Going 400/526 and going from Auto to 4 speed. It is consuming all my thought and energy. I love it. But yeah there are other things I need to do too. Stay on your mission. Get some other stuff in too. Lol

[@blitzerman8]

I didn't know how much I needed to hear this, Tony. It's been cold and rainy here for so long and I barely have any space to work in the garage, but my Celica needs a custom fan shroud before it gets warm. I've been so burnt out on it for over a year with everything that's been happening in the world on top of the burnout and not having a clear method for getting the job done.

[@DrewLSsix]

I had a 4 day weekend and brought home a box of tools to work on my project, ended up snowing and even in the attached garage with a heater going it was just miserable.

[@BrewBlaster]

And this has everything to do with anything you consider a "project" and or anything you may procrastinate on. Like you said; "bite the bullet and if you at least start on it, you will probably finish or at least do enough to motivate yourself to make good progress and want to finish soon. Believe me, I do get it.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

Why does it need a custom radiator shroud? Can you not find a electric fan for it? Some come with shrouds.

[@blitzerman8]

@@lynnrunningdeer7364 short answer is that I'm not interested in an electric fan setup. Long answer: From what I've seen out of Z Car Garage, the most reliable thing is to keep a clutch fan and still get to beat on the engine with no worries about reliability. I'm also far more mechanically inclined than electrically. My RA64 doesn't have a kit that I know will work out there for it. I don't want to take power away from the rest of the system and risk things like running out of power for adequate spark or the stock ECU not getting enough juice to do it's job. I gotta build a balanced car that can stay reliable as a daily but with enough guts to get absolutely flogged in a California summer.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

@@blitzerman8 fair point. However your alternator can be upgraded. There should be a universal electric fan that would serve its purpose. That being said. It's your baby not mine.

[@HarleyHawk1]

I understand the feeling of dread to work on something. The ergonomics of the vehicle and it's serviceability make a huge difference. Sometimes I have to walk in the garage, lock the door and just not leave until I start making progress.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I've been building this car for 3yrs ,and I have a hard time figuring out how much time I've actually got in it. I will sit and stare and drool for an hour trying to figure the next step.

[@jeffnorbert1871]

I hear ya. Have 2 '90s Ford vans with issues. Ergonomics and then some. Many things appear to be impossible and the only way is to "make" it happen. Just getting to the point where you can actually diagnose a problem more work than I care to do. My problem is I am the type who thinks things through and have everything I might need before I start taking things apart. Take it apart, fix it and put it back together. One episode and I'm done. Not a fan of take it apart, find the problem and fix it later.

[@clevelandmortician3887]

The most important thing is to start. If you're lucky and prepared sometimes you lose hours and can't believe how much you got done

[@albertgaspar627]

it does. my father an engineer taught me every vehicle is designed to be built in hours on a moving assembly line. i just have to figure out what angle they approached it on, and how they sub-assembled it. and then there was the time i had to work under the dash and realized working first on the four bolts holding the passenger's seat in my way was actually going to be a good investment of time by not having to work upside down.

[@sirjhonson8218]

Thats why I loved my 1970`s Ford F150`s with the 300 inline 6 . You could stand in the engine compartment to work on it

[@RMJTOOLS]

Yes! Back in the ‘80’s had a friend with an early ‘80’s GMC full size pickup and a straight six. What a joy to work on.

[@leonardhirtle3645]

300 six- best engine ever made!

[@ericbrawand1079]

I know what you're saying Avoiding projects has always been my biggest issue. Breaking the "ice" is the toughest part of most jobs.

[@chevystuffs5971]

I love this type of content. It's great to talk about all those little battles that go on in our heads when we tackle a project. I really appreciate your real talk Tony.

[@bluecollarfox913]

I just experienced this. I was dreading changing my valve springs on my f body Camaro with the motor in the car. Avoided it for months. Just decided Saturday to suck it up and get it done. Now I’m back to being all-in. Love it

[@cliffordreeves2018]

I know where you are coming from. I have a 2006 Pontiac Solstice with 487,000 miles on it that recently required a head rebuild. The engine needed rings, but I did not have a place to do it, but wanted to anyway. Long story short, it sat for 18 months without a head on it because I couldn't make up my mind to pull or not to pull the motor. Meanwhile I got a new job that required me to commute again and I was putting mileage on my 2006 Mustang that only has 47,000 miles on it. This gave me the inspiration to leave the motor in the car and slap the rebuilt head on the old motor. I regret not ringing the motor because it has an appetite for oil! But it runs good and it's saving my Mustang!

[@chriscadman6379]

Nothing like using a scraper to clean your rear end.

[@lilmike2710]

That made me bust out laughing. The wife looking at me like I'm crazy

[@Ripsaw17]

Moral of the story is don't procrastinate because no matter what you're still going to have to do it

[@dongeorge4037]

And, year by year, doing it gets physically more and more difficult.

[@Aceman597]

I almost died last year and was not feeling well long before. I am better now but get worn out. Sometimes I just feel you gotta bite the bullet and just do it. As in projects. Today did my Camaro vacuum lines over , painted alternator and changed oil and filter also topped off trans fluid after a new deep pan. But had more to do. Took a break in the house. Then just said f it. Went back out around 830 pm and changed the blower motor . My carboard list to get her tip top for spring time is getting chiseled down . Good sharing this video with us.

[@madmh6421]

I thought these stumbling blocks only happened to me! Something as meaningless as that stool struck me in the heart! Thanks!

[@westing123]

I was avoiding my restomod CJ project for not having a place to work. I lived in an apartment building, I had to put up with neighbors saying "this is not a shop" or giving me the shit looks. Now I live in a studio where I have a prívate garage, I don't have to put away tools, nobody is gonna complain...

[@SirVarnish]

I'm just about 50 and cars have been my main hobby since my teens. I know myself and that I have about a 2month attention span. I have been able to manage that by having multiple projects like I'm sure a lot of us do. If I can just take a break and work on something else for a month or two, history has shown that I'll come back to a project I've burnt out on raring to go again. No judgement, no feeling like I'm quitting, just taking a break that is completely predictable. Recognizing when the desire to even finish a project is gone vs burnout or avoidance. Think ahead, if it is done the way you are thinking, does that excite you? When a desire not to quit meets a project that is dragging to a certain point it can be quite a crisis. I've only ever "quit" one build and it was because I finally recognized after much avoidance and procrastination that I wasn't just burn out, I wasn't avoiding some hard work, I just plain didn't want the end result anymore. It was hard because of that drive to finish what I've started, not to be a quitter, but you need to be reasonable. Yes I had invested tons of time, effort, and money but there was no point in going on. I let it go to somebody else that was enthused about it and moved onto something I was hot for. That was a VERY hard decision but haven't regretted it. These projects can take time and occasionally there will be a build that just needs to be let go like his ramcharger example in this video. Every major project is wear and tear on your body, there is risk of injury, valuable time of your life that has an opportunity cost and at some point it just isn't the right decision to soldier on with a build - let it go - move on. Three is just to recognize Tony's advice here to get in and do something little on a project you are avoiding. I am 3 yrs into a very cool project that I do still want but have completely burned out on - i thought it'd take a year and am WAY over time and WAY over budget - have been dreading painting the thing and been avoiding it. Forced myself to just get out there and get back on it and the mojo came back. Its good advice - just get out there. Good video Tony.

[@donaldfreet713]

Very understandable. I'm the opposite. 6"9" I have to raise the car to work on it comfortably.

[@williesweetjr8713]

I wish I could credit the KZbinr that said, "two hours a day, goes a long way." I adopted this on a major trailer rebuild that was like your description of the Charger, pretty rough. With a watch and a two hour limit, I noted what I was able to do, figured where I should be in a week, etc. It didn't take very long to completely strip, acid etch deck, primer, paint, wire, install shocks, wiring and other things wanted for the build while still allocating time for work, time with the wife and recouperating from up and down on a creeper. Yes there were days I spent more than 2 hours working owing to the progress that was made in previous sessions so this concept served me well and the trailer came out fantastic.

[@michaelbaka4777]

My avoidance technique was getting the car in the air. I didn't have a good shop jack at the time, too expensive. So I didn't do the work until something broke. Bought a nice floor jack and BAM. Changed my whole outlook!

[@craigbenz4835]

I always loved engines, but hated working on cars. That made motivation hard.

[@OldcarsNmusic]

One thing that keeps me from accomplishing the things I want to do is, "before I can do this I have to do that first." I usually beat that by just doing SOMETHING that's related to the task. Once I've accomplished that it spurs me on to do more.

[@Pico-hq7ws]

Another reason one wants to forget a completed project is that you didn't do it all exactly right - in your mind. You didn't have the right model year X member, but if you enlogate the holes on THIS one, it works. Job done. Move onto the next bit of work. Then, at the end of the whole thing, the car's done except YOU know it isn't EXACTLY right The love dies and it's sold and then you buy another project that's the same car to do it right....

[@davidiverson]

Uncle Tony, as soon as I saw the image for this video I knew exactly what you meant by "step stool of death". I have a '78 D200 and that same exact step stool. It has slipped out from under me so many times leaning over that truck it makes me hesitant to start tinkering under the hood. I get it!

[@ryanfp5657]

I just moved past the avoidance due to lack of facility and the lower control arm bushes being in the frame of my isuzu pick up. One of the worst jobs I've ever done and mentally I felt like walking away from cars, yet the other day just brought home a roller 77 2stroke suzuki lj50 and happy to say I'm excited to get into the nuts and bolts again! Very useful video for us diy mechanics.

[@scotcoon1186]

You on planet isuzoo or isuzu trader?

[@americanpatrol4603]

I got to the point where I just yank the front clip off of any truck I work on. I got real tired of standing on my head trying to figure out which part of the black engine in the black engine compartment covered with an octopus of black wire runs and then dipped in 25 years worth of black gunk I was looking at. Let the sun shine in. It's worth 2 hours if disassembly and 3 of reassembly at the end of the project.

[@davido3497]

What a great video, I’m glad you touched on this! I have a unique Pontiac that turned into a pro street car with all the bells and whistles, and everytime I fire it up I get burned out because I can’t enjoy it on the street, or take it out on a Friday night.. makes me want to focus on converting it over to a street car again.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

I took 2 milk crates, turned upside down, screwed 4 feet of 1X12" plank to it... Best step bench thing for working on trucks! 😊👍

[@Bobdole4373]

Clever. I’m going to try that. Thanks

[@randyklieman7272]

Some times I just have to stop, put all the tools away even if your going to get them back out, clean the garage and the project, then you're interested again.

[@minnesotatomcat]

When I have a project that I don’t wanna work on but need to finish I will park it in my garage so I have to look at it every day.

[@lanepyeatt5848]

wow what a coweekadink, i was just thinking about this on my drive home from work. I am general contractor, and boy oh boy this video is my life in a nutshell. its just a juggle of "want", "can", and "need"... and for those of you still doing hard labor that have serious life changing injuries such as myself (broke back) the "want" and "can" don't always line up to make a big picture job come to life.

[@Santor-]

I recently started a project that sat for 10 years, baby steps, refurbing the interior first to make it more pleasant, many many broke and non functional items, but it's improving. Will do startup and bodywork after. Difficult to reassemble stuff that was taken apart 10 years prior. But with OT's motivation booster, it will continue. Struggled with brakes, missing parts, steering, electrical under dash, PO hodgepodge wiring adders and removals, removal of old non working alarm system wiring spaghetti, refurbed dashpad, repainted dash, installed working head unit, pulled new wiring through body cavity, replaced 6 missing dome lights and deleted wiring, redone headliner, gathering correct color coordinated interior plastics, vs the mismatch that was there, repaired/painted many plastic interior items, got a battery and maint charger to keep up with it all. Refurbed pedal box, HVAC, booster upgrade/leak fix etc Car had been through 2 moves, 1 divorce and 2 kids. At least it's moving forward.

[@davidjames2788]

Damn, didn’t expect to get called out so hard.

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

I'm currently avoiding putting a water pump on the Magnum in my 96 Ram (sport 4x4 , 3" suspension lift , 32" tires) for the same reason . Even the stepstool isn't enough , I have to use an actual stepladder to get up there ! God forbid I blow a head gasket and have to reach in there to pull off a head from UNDERNEATH the overhanging cowl ! I used to own a set of metal steps from a singlewide trailer , and those were AWESOME to work on 4x4s , but I loaned them to a friend and they were never seen again . . .

[@LifeisGood762]

This is so true and useful. Bought a house last year and it's nothing but projects. Burnout is real and it's easy not to stick to a single project, there's so many. It's demotivating to have a goal that's 3 projects away because I need to do this and this and this before I can get to that so in the end I'm here at the kitchen table watching KZbin on my phone after work, too tired to do anything.

[@dale3990]

Thank you Uncle Tony for saying that...I've been doing auto restorations since the mid 70's, and I have been there several times. I've developed a system that works for me. I access the project, and develope a plan of action. Starting with disassembly and accessing parts for damage, repairable or to be replace. Using a whiteboard, I then list everything needing to be done. I then start refreshing and replacing ground up. Important to remember...it does take time to correctly restore a project...don't delude yourself...expectations lead to resentments. If you don't know something ask, KZbin is a great resource of information. Or Find a professional, that would be willing to provide instructions . Pace yourself and be realistic in your expectations.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Not related to cars but about 17 years ago I renovated the kitchen in my ~100 year old house. Spent maybe 9 months building all new cabinetry/furniture/flooring for it in advance down in my basement workshop, then a month solid working almost every free hour of my day on it. Enormous amount of many different types of work (gutting it, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, tile work, etc.) One night I finished adjusting a drawer, stood back, and realized that I had actually finished the remodel. I immediately went down to my workshop, dumped all of my tools on my workbench, and then didn't step foot in my workshop for 6 months. Burnout is real folks. There's no shame in it and no shame stepping away from something until you're mentally ready to return to it.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

"It's all mental if you stop and think about it" That was trippy

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

I avoided installing the fuel pump on my Buick for simple fatigue. At this point the only thing that hasn’t been done is a rebuild of the drivetrain. Once I did I had to retune the carb and timing etc etc. Then the power steering pump started leaking 🤦‍♂️. It’s not expensive. It’s not hard…. I’m just over it 😅

[@fortyseven1832]

I have a car in my garage that went from "I'm gonna throw a motor in it had have some fun" car to a rotisserie restoration. It's about 70% completed but I do body work for a living and boy when I hit 52 it went from a fun hobby to drudgery.

[@redmondjp]

Life/old age really sneaks up on you like that! I remember when I was 15 years old, and I had a 1941 Chevrolet project car, and my mom told me "Some day you may not want to work on cars any longer" and of course I told her that would never happen! But mom was right! I still do it, but don't have the same level of enthusiasm that I used to - I did a manual transmission swap on a FWD car a few years ago and honestly, I never want to do that again. So I am trying to dial back my personal project scope to something that I know that I can AND WILL actually get done in a reasonable amount of time.

[@MG-oo3xg]

Get a pneumatic scaler to help with knocking off the clay and mud you'll get it done very quickly.

[@dongeorge4037]

Yeah, I've been thinking on that.

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

Under a car is my Zen place. I hear what you're saying and I'll re start mine maybe tomorrow.

[@TexasStrong-ez9jv]

Great talk. I have the opposite of your truck. I have lowered my 240sx and my back screams whenever I bend over for more than 30 minutes. I am stuck with the indecision of what motor I want to swap in. It is just a weekend fun toy.

[@erikstrawn3885]

A week ago I dropped the transmission in my truck. I got my rebuilt transmission under the truck and ready to go in, and because of shoulder surgery last year I couldn't lift it to get the jack under it. It sat for a week, but this evening I bolted a piece of angle iron across the front and used a smaller jack to raise it so I could use the larger jack. Boom! I was on fire and got it stabbed. Then I crushed the throttle valve cable. Two steps forward, one step back. I gotta get back on it tomorrow or it'll sit for another week while I find other projects.

[@richarda996]

I understand your pain after both shoulder surgery. If I pull too hard with my right arm I feel the muscle pulling off the bone. At 76 my get up and go has gone.

[@warmstrong5612]

Brass bristle brush on a cordless drill will help get a lot of the crud off the underside.

[@agustaa109]

One of the most important videos you have ever done.

[@Fljeff7]

Got a cutlass have had for years I've wrenched on it more than any car. I'm done turning wrenches on it . The best memories have already been made with the car

[@toddbreitenstein8522]

I have a 91 Z/28, original owner, 43,000miles. I rebuilt the engine in 2000. Aluminum heads, cam, intake, fuel injection, headers, and on and on. Bought a house in 2001, family, kids, divorce…finally back to the car a few years ago. Needs all fluids changed and the regular maintenance stuff from sitting. Also wanted to take the headers off and create some strategically placed dents to make a little more room for plug boots and sensors. Realized I hate working on the thing because everything is so tightly packed under the hood it sucks the fun out of any task. Now I use any excuse to not work on it. Too cold, too hot, too busy, too tired…just need to do it and enjoy the car again!

[@toejam503]

I worked at a Chev dealer for 21+years. I got a plywood box, from a customer who was getting on in age, who had a hard time getting in and out of his Dodge pu. It was mostly to help his wife get in and out. 24"×24" top, 12" high. I used this " step" for over 18 years and passed it on when I retired. I sure miss it when I work on my own pu.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Build 1

[@domnicclassi3823]

I've got a lifted 86 checy Blazer. I have to crawl my ass in the engine compartment to reach the distributor. I was helping a friend with his 67 gto, life changing! It's so easy to reach the engine. I just got back from a mud and snow 4x4 session with my son. It's worth it, I don't get speeding tickets.

[@M_Phipps0520]

Wow , I have been avoiding projects to! Now to figure out how to get started

[@deankay4434]

In well over 40+ years, I have a little rust, some long term oil seal seepage and dirt. A pressure washer works good on round of cleaning the bottom. Between dollar store oven cleaner and diesel fuel spritz works good on the rest. You can't procrastinate or find excuses because it will never get done. I am doing the same thing to my 67 C10, then disassemble, wire wheel, sandblast some parts, but tag them, zip lock bag them them and spray pieces to big to store in epoxy. 1k in tags with SS wire will note their position, one for service manual and one on parts. I don't have a proper garage after retirement brought home 4?tool boxes, MIG, torch, 20T press, A/C service and 34+ metal & plastic boxes of tools. The scariest thing in my life was to be surprised with a new huge top - bottom SnapOn tool box, the fill it up from trade in. I kept the trade-in and paid no difference. It was worn out but put slides in it and filled it up as well. Another one is all pullers and #4 is all electrical. I am not buying anymore. Commercial shelving and 14' of peg board over door with large metal book shelf finished the walls. Stainless Steel 14' bench with rolled drip edge and 3 drawers w/tool box and compressor on either ends. 6 large small parts bins and 7' table W/2 Sewing machines finish out walls. I work outside because my finished 5.3L engine and transmission are floaters. Space, open the door! I have to since it looked bigger at 1 1/2 car garage empty when my wife bought it with my income, then took a job! This sucks. It was good UTG's garage. ASE Master Tech, Retired!

[@jerryhall3004]

I so much have this struggle lol. Break it down into smaller steps and goals. Do one step and go to something else. I have a personal mantra that I say to myself,..."just keep picking at it"

[@desertduck4177]

Needed this video.❤. My wife’s been mocking me, because I keep talking and not doing. I’m going to start chipping away, no more delay. Thanks UT.

[@robertspence831]

Good stuff here. My '66 Charger has been on jacks for over a year and it's all easy stuff. Job went to crap, Mom died, dealing with a few personal problems. I think I'll get out there tomorrow and at least accomplish something.

[@ssnerd583]

Tony...you are one of the most REAL guys on YT....no doubt.

[@edwardpeterson5996]

Had a niebour like you as kid late 70s 2 70 challengers I was always riding bike there he taught me so much so clearly like you. This reminds of those days. Much needed and well done love you guys !

[@craigbenz4835]

I bought a '73 Dart Sport once that I really got into. Somehow the space between the transmission and the tunnel bottom was completely packed with red clay. That was all I could think about watching the opening scene.

[@WyoCutlass71]

I feel this. I think the biggest problem I have is it seems like every time I go work on my Cutlass I start working on it, but then I notice the money that I am still needing to spend. It makes it hard to explain that to my wife haha

[@chumleye1112]

Yep that is my problem as well. She is the banker and unfortunately there are other priorities.

[@Mursaat666]

I think I struggle with my motivation to work on my car, because every time I touch my project I manage to accidently break something, and that's another part I need to add to the list to replace.

[@sfcd4757]

I am starting a group for those who break things while trying to fix things. This will be a Free Membership. Im projecting 1,000's will join. We can swap stories of how we managed to snap, crackle, pop, break, mutilate, bend, warp or damage thingsso bad it doeant even look like the same part anymore in the name of trying to repair them. For i am the king of breaking things while trying to fix them. Cars or household items.

[@claytonstoolbox]

I have a 1953 International 4x4 that has been almost done for about 5 years. Totally get it. I started and finished other projects since. Maybe next season I will finish it...

[@Zach_A]

I get it. I'm going through the same thing with my project truck. My mental block is the money aspect of it but not for the normal reasons. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford this project, pay all my bills, and have some leftover but to me it just feels so irresponsible to be dumping money into anything that I'll never see a return on. Also the "while I'm in there I might as well..." mentality is something I struggle with too. Recently, a simple oil pan replacement turned into replacing the rad, the rad hoses, the heater core, fan hub, fan drive, engine belt, idler pulley, a full AC system, and new fluids. I maybe made the mistake of adding up all the cost on that and now I'm stalled on it even though it needs more. One thing that helps me, as odd as it sounds, is to get the car out and wash and wax it. Seeing the truck looking its best helps me to see what the truck can be when it's done. I remember years ago watching one of the David Friburger shows and he said to paint a car before you dig into the mechanicals and thinking that's silly, thinking paint should be the last thing you do to project but he was right, I get it now.

[@stvkomer]

yea bro I feel you on the burnout I have had a few cars that I let go because it was just to much.

[@paulking6404]

Nail, head.. I've been restoring our '65 Chevy C10. Blew everything off the frame except for the cab. Took the body down to bare metal. Wired wheeled and painted the frame. Now, it's Winter and the nerve damage I have revolts when it's under 50° in our shop. So, I put it off, and it makes me nuts...

[@Cstoreri]

It’s mostly old age….. it sucks ! Anyone dealing with it knows this. Our brains tell us one thing but reality is another!

[@rickkings2071]

Yeah, does the positive experience outweigh the negative one.. I won't buy the truck I want for that same reason and I'm over '6. Also, that stupid plastic step stool it handy until it slips so you got to be extra careful stepping back down on it. I'm glad you broke it down I can see what I need to do again. You don't happen to have a bottle of Excuse Away laying around

[@andypdq]

If you have a lot to do under a car and if you have the space, drain the fluids and flip it on it's side, everything is much easier and quicker than crawling underneath, cleaning, welding, painting etc. I have a four post ramp, but I still flip them if enough needs doing to justify it, far more pleasant work!

[@ROYALPRIX]

I'm tearing down my first project right now, a 302 out of a maverick (it's caked in 50+ years of passed on oil changes and gunk). And almost everything isn't going as planned, but I tell myself if I don't do it, it won't get done. Sometimes it's good to take a break, but now times then not, my "breaks" turn into weeks where I realize, I'm just avoiding the damn thing. I hopped back on it this week.

[@2112slee]

Man, tight ass garage you can hardly squeak around in and 8 months of freezing weather takes almost all my will to work on my car.

[@mattdavis822]

That same step stool almost broke my shoulder

[@schmediumperformance]

This video is spot on. I’ve experienced every aspect of this topic. You eventually get over the mental hurdle and get it done though.

[@Doc_Fischer]

For years I had different trucks , every one had a identical item to them that never differed. Cut out holes in the wheel wells so I could work in the lower portions of the engine below the cylinder heads . Later covered with old rubber mud flaps from my cousins 18 wheeler . A few rivets and a couple self tappers, voila! Access .

[@oldsjetfire8975]

After each restoration I do, I am burned out for at least a year. I finished my 62 Jetfire in May 2021 and just now starting another project.

[@zilksmooth]

Recently did a sh*t ton of engine work on a ‘66 Galaxie. Farther into an engine then I ever went before, including pulling the motor (one thing was replacing the flywheel). While it’s out, maybe a full rebuild? Why not? Well, I was covering so much new ground, I needed to limit the work. So I didn’t do the full rebuild. Took me 2 months, because I was ahead of my skis (which was the plan). Any longer, and I think I would have been overwhelmed and burned out. I stayed just inside that though, finished the job but sold the car. Definitely worth factoring in during the planning phase. Push yourself, learn new things, get in over your head, but be realistic about your time, energy and budget.

[@donaldfrederick1557]

Amen brother; my 69 El Camino sat all last summer. Winter too cold. Lost trans fluid sitting too long 350-400 turbo thing. Don't crank over; bad wire or something. Not motivated. It happens

[@maxhorner2409]

The way I work on the older pickups is to crawl into the engine bay. I am 5'6" and that is what I find best. That way I can move round without gettin down every time I need to move to nother spot.

[@josephszot5545]

That 67 Charger is growing on me Didn' t like the whole look but now I'm diggin it!!

[@bennyboyy7]

Tony you shouldve lowered the ramcharger. It wouldn't look that unnatural, I have a dodge Dakota with the 5.9 and it came with "sport" suspension. I seen people lower them even more but I want to keep the utility aspect of the truck so I won't lower mine. An inch an a half at most, but my point being I can reach everything except the distributor without climbing. I've become accustomed to climbing on the bumper if need be, Its still efi so I don't need to worry about reaching back to the distributor. I wish I didn't have to climb up but I don't mind because I love the truck. Midsize with fullsize power, the Dakota's are my thing. Been trying to find a set of leather seats, bench preferably. But the leather seats were an extra. Very nice addition to it though if I can find them.

[@mozzarella-king]

This is so true of any hobby. I play with little trains in my basement and there are periods where I cannot stand to touch the layout or any part of it. I think of all the unfinished project associated with it and they pile up. Then I feel guilty about avoiding something I have lavished time and money on, which makes me avoid it more. The idea of wading back in gradually and accomplishing small things is one good way to get back in the swing - complete small tasks and soon you are rolling again.

[@oldtimerf7602]

My late brother was famous for buying a car, getting everything done he could without spending more than 20 bucks, and then parking it. And buying another car, doing the same thing... and parking it.

[@karlbishop7481]

Man did this hit home. I have a classic boat project that has stalled. I know what needs to be done and willing to work on it but...... The outboards on it are old enough where there are no cables available for throttles or shifting. I can't for the life of me come up with an alternative. So I am stuck with that and that keeps me from doing the rest of the work. I think I am going to just replace the twin motors with a bigger single motor that fell into my lap. AIt came on a whole ugly boat but it runs and has all the controls so I have renewed interest just waiting a bit for weather to pass. I am already searching for seats, carpet etc. Thanks UT for helping with my stalling. Edit: I should add for all you gearheads the boat I am redoing is a knock off of a '57 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser.

[@eugenecandelaria4651]

I am doing the same thing ....project avoidence...I have my Dad's 1972 C20 Cheyenne and all it really needs transmission cooler lines...it started with replacing valve seals...and a transmisson swap....🙄 I hate cold floors...

[@laneandangeline]

Great video. I have been taking care of life’s priorities which will always come before projects. Taking care of my daughters needs, my sick brother, sick sister and disable mom always came first. Life still comes first but with retirement I finally have time to tackle the projects. It’s great for the body, mind and soul. God Bless

[@hankblossom]

It's good to see you have your priorities set, but while you're doing all that you need to take some time and do things for yourself that way you're better able to help others.

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Get a plan. Patience, Focus, Perseverance, Discipline. Realize life is short and resources are finite. The journey is more important than the destination.

[@debblooth3490]

I know what you mean ,I will keep it short . My Dad just passed away ,I have his 98 k3500 454 , has the passlock crudola . Oil sender,fuel pressure regulator ,then the distributor is broken (bosses holding the dist cap screws) . Never ends, I even avoid walking around it or looking at it LOL.. Real Talk Thanks Uncle Tony :)

[@budspaulding7121]

I did car repair for 40 years, about 20 years into it, I was done with the fun & project stuff. I fix my own junk to keep them running, and help neighbors & friends. No love for it anymore

[@greglind8370]

Excellent skew on everyday mechanics dilemmas. Burn out is real. I find the best way around burn out is to drive one of my finished projects to know that I've succeeded in the past. lol. thanks

[@rustybritches6747]

Man I fell ya! I do this stuff everyday for a living and I've been building a couple project cars on the side for the past 5 years that are all 90% done except for some final bodywork and I just don't have the ambition, energy or motivation to finish them! I can do body work I'm actually pretty good at it but I hate doing it! I like turning wrenches, I like doing mechanical work or wiring but something about bodywork drives me nuts, it's just such a slow process and it takes a while to see results! I just got to keep telling myself a little bit at a time!

[@superman20029]

I was burned out on my square body project until my daily driver broke down. Then I got my project truck done in like a week and drove it to work today

[@josephszot5545]

It's pride in a job well done, and the real potential is now obvious and attenable

[@Tommy_Mac]

Years ago I swapped small block Chevys into 3 different, lifted, FJ40s. I agree working on trucks is a pain. Someone suggested letting air out of the front tires to make it easier. That helped. Eventually, I would take the front rims off completely and set rotors or drums down on a couple of short pieces of 2X10s just they weren't sitting directly on concrete. Made it much easier.

[@MVPisME383]

I was going to do a paint job on my car in two weekends and 7 months later I just finished it now I have to put it back together, old beater car is turning into a nice ride

[@ninjajunpei1984]

For me at the moment it is funds I need. Plus I'm constrained by the weather until a friend of mine gets car port re-arranged. And with both of us working different schedules, it really makes it hard for to get motivated to do any more work on my 68 Dart. I want to get things done to it, but some things need to fall into place first. My next step is to work on the brake system and get it working properly again. I need some wheel cylinders and some soft line brake hoses. If I can do that, I can get the car moving under it's own power and at least load it up on a trailer more easily. I think when my income takes come back, I should be able to get started on at least that much of it.

[@oxyfee6486]

I’ve been ordering parts for my 67 Camaro all winter, I think I’ve become a collector, because I’ve yet to put any on the car.😂

[@dshaeable]

I have issues with this too. I put off my projects for a long time but life finally taught me to tell myself any time I started complaining about doing something "just shut up and do it" and now all my projects at least run and most of them drive too

[@tonymaglio9376]

Easy to get lost... Concentrate on the task at hand... I agree some of them are mental hurdles.

[@scotty3478]

Thanks Tony, the talk I needed to get back into the garage and work on my project car.

[@dwightwaldvogel2783]

I don’t have the money, time and most importantly the room to work on cars any more , so I watch these channels and live vicariously through what guys like tony do . GET OUT THERE AND WORK ON YOUR PROJECT !

[@Jaybird66sweptline]

It's fuckin true dude, all of it. After I got my 66 PW mostly done, it got the juices flowing for another project. I bought a 67 Coronet and then...wham. Hit a wall. Part of it is money, part of it is it's at a buddy's house and he's got too many projects himself. No room in the shop. And then it's just life: it's winter, it's cold, it's your job, it's other things. Before you know it, months have passed. I think everyone can relate. Good honest vid, UT.

[@gregcameron9953]

This was such a great video an d definitely got me thinking. Gotta get mine done to enjoy. Thanks for the awsome video

[@tomendert9807]

You are so straight forward, true and human Tony. I was struggeling on my car rebuild and House renovation… you made me confident to just break myself loose and get going!

[@scotcoon1186]

When I was younger and trucks were primarily trucks, I could sit on the fender and work on the engine.