sfc rick

I get quite a few comments about my car over the last few years. Most make the assumption I'm made of money or should be for driving this car. But the fact is I'm on a strict budget like most here. I'm disabled and live on my VA and Social Security so spending huge sums of money on my mods are not in the cards. Hence this is why I actually do everything myself and cannot just afford to pay a shop to do it. Big ticket items are planned for and I save to get the items, then figure out how to do the labor myself. I don't know many limitations that I can't overcome given the time to think it through. It seems that when I tell the people who look at my car I did almost all the work... they don't comprehend.

We all have hobbies, and we all must deal with monetary limits, and yes even lack of skill sets needed to do the work.... but always try to do what you can.

IMXCITD

FrankLP

I totally hear ya Rick. I'm in the same boat for the most part. I'm also on a tight/strict budget, and also have to contend with a disability that's left me with very limited use of my left hand/arm.

That said...I take pride in the mods/jobs that I've done (and will do) myself...especially knowing that the work would likely be much easier/faster to do with two good hands! But like you said...I always try to do what I can.

You've done a great job with your car...keep it up!

Vetteman Jack

You've done a great job on your car Rick and for being able to do a lot of those things on your own.

neutron82

I feel the same way, some people think I'm rich which in reality I am far from it... I am proud of what I have but I worked very hard for it... I am also not married, have no kids, and have been responsible since I was a teenager... some other guys I work with have been married multiple times, have a handful of kids they are paying child support for, or can't act responsibly, so to me it's no mystery

1Willy1

Its amazing how "shopping smart" can really get you the most bang for your buck.

I paid less for my car then the average person paid for their Honda, family van or pick up truck.

Modding on a budget is half the fun

Stealth02

To Rick and others. You work hard all your life. Serve your country. Still life is a struggle to make ends meet . The C5 is to me the generation that really made the Corvette stand out. They are more affordable to own now and modding them is just a total enjoyment. I have to budget as well. I'm inching closer to retirement, work my a** off and make a decent living but I cannot just pay someone to do all the work I've done to mine. I think you earn a sense of pride by doing the work yourself as well. You get to know your car inside and out as well.. Your car is a monument of your labor of love and sfc rick I see a lot of love when I view pics of that white beauty. Enjoy it and maybe one day I'll get the chance to see it in person instead of just admiring it from afar.

sfc rick

Thanks for the compliments guys/gals. I'm in my dream car and still remember the years of driving used cars and trucks that were always just a mishap from the junkyard. Rolling down the highway on "may pops" and seeing how far I had to go on gas fumes while the kids and the misses needed clothes, shoes, and the next meal. I would have never imagined living such a blessed life now, and driving this magnificent car is the icing on top of the cake. Having the knowledge and the resources to enjoy my hobbies is a great pleasure. I really love my guns, leather making hobby, and playing with this C5. Life is great and I really enjoy sharing it with fellow Corvette owners at car shows. God Bless America and all of you!

R1 Rider

I hear ya brother, I live in a small town where there are few jobs, I've worked at the same garage for 10 years and make $10 an hour but I drive an 02 Z06, a nice motorcycle and a jeep.. I owe nothing on either, I've had MANY nice cars and bikes but haven't owed on any vehicle in over 15 years, I just trade/barter plus I have 3 kids, one in college, one driving and a 7 year old

runner140*

You've done a super job on your Vette.....always loved your car.
Congrats to you.

JR-01

You can't take it with you.

JEH03Vette

Thanks for your service Rick Your car always looks great. I do the same thing as my budget allows, and try to do all the work myself, much more rewarding that way.

johnson-rod

"may pops" - those were for the high-rollers. I've always used "sure pops".

Mike98SilVert

You are a true Corvette enthusiast and car guy. I watched your threads and admire your DIY skills. You've done a great job and made it your own. And you drive it too.

bikeriderga

One of the nicest modded C5's out there Rick. You have done one super job on that car!

I think most of us are budget limited.

Mickeyrx70

Your Vette is one of my favorites!

neutron82

so we shouldn't be able to spend our hard earned money on something we enjoy while we are here?... what do you suggest we do, become slaves and forfeit all of our earnings?

Black 02

I am on a budget too. If I wasn't into cars, I would probably be rich though

Black 02

I think you misinterpreted his response. He was saying to enjoy it while you are here and buy the things you want since money has no value after your number is drawn.

neutron82

I might have misinterpreted it but going off the comments he usually makes it seemed negative to me, like he was saying the money was wasted or something