How to get Motivated???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
How to get Motivated???
Haven't posted for awhile. I bought a '73 4 speed back in January at what I thought was a great deal. Needed a lot of interior, mainly dash and console fixes done, which seemed to be a good fit for me to work on.
Problem is, I just can't get motivated to get started. The car is still covered up in the garage. (thank GOD the cat moved back to the neighbors from whence it came), so no issues there.
I don't know why I feel this way. I'm not lazy, in fact I've been working on one house/yard project after another. Just when it comes to getting cranking on this Vette, I would rather leave it alone.
Beautiful to look at though- -
Problem is, I just can't get motivated to get started. The car is still covered up in the garage. (thank GOD the cat moved back to the neighbors from whence it came), so no issues there.
I don't know why I feel this way. I'm not lazy, in fact I've been working on one house/yard project after another. Just when it comes to getting cranking on this Vette, I would rather leave it alone.
Beautiful to look at though- -
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer Alberta
Spend some time on this Forum. Just seeing what and how others are doing jump started me. The fear of the unknown is probably holding you back. Once you get started it's a great hobby, beats watching the idiot box and Momma appreciates you when she gets her turn !
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: destin fl
Haven't posted for awhile. I bought a '73 4 speed back in January at what I thought was a great deal. Needed a lot of interior, mainly dash and console fixes done, which seemed to be a good fit for me to work on.
Problem is, I just can't get motivated to get started. The car is still covered up in the garage. (thank GOD the cat moved back to the neighbors from whence it came), so no issues there.
I don't know why I feel this way. I'm not lazy, in fact I've been working on one house/yard project after another. Just when it comes to getting cranking on this Vette, I would rather leave it alone.
Beautiful to look at though- -
Problem is, I just can't get motivated to get started. The car is still covered up in the garage. (thank GOD the cat moved back to the neighbors from whence it came), so no issues there.
I don't know why I feel this way. I'm not lazy, in fact I've been working on one house/yard project after another. Just when it comes to getting cranking on this Vette, I would rather leave it alone.
Beautiful to look at though- -
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Uncover it and sit in the driver's seat after doing a search and reading a few threads on 'interior restorations'. While you're sitting there, have a digital camera, phillips screwdriver, zip lock bags, and Sharpie pen nearby ... take a few pics and remove a few screws. Make sure you label the bags. There are too many that look almost the same to remember where they go.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Columbus GA
I started a complete rebuild/restoration in Feb 2006. I went ***** to the wall for a year and a half and got burned out. Car sat in the garage for a year. Then out of nowhere, I got re-energized...It is still a long way from being done, but the running gear is done and the body is back on and almost ready for paint..Lots of interior work to do, but when you are ready, you will just dig in and go..By all means,use the knowledge of the people in this forum.Someone has graciously answered each and every question or concern that I have had.Would still be floundering without this forum's help.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Usually I'll quit working on my car when it's very hot or cold outside. The motivation to get back into the swing of things usually takes me a while. My inspiration comes from watching old episodes of Rides or Overhaulin'. When I watch those shows I see people doing what I want to be doing so I finally get off my backside and wander into the garage. After that it's just about trying to find time during the day to sneak away.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 181
From: NC
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
HOWEVER, ON THE OTHER HAND, SOMETIMES IT'S BEST TO SELL THE PROJECT AND BUY A DRIVER THAT YOU CAN TAKE OUT AND ENJOY.
I LIKE PROJECTS, BUT SOMETIMES THERE'S NOTHING LIKE GOING FOR A RIDE AND JUST ENJOYING.
I'M SURE YOU'LL FIND YOU SWEETSPOT.
BILL SR
I LIKE PROJECTS, BUT SOMETIMES THERE'S NOTHING LIKE GOING FOR A RIDE AND JUST ENJOYING.
I'M SURE YOU'LL FIND YOU SWEETSPOT.
BILL SR
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 37
From: Green Bay Wisconsin
Hello,
Best to sit down and write down your goals and objectives for the Corvette.
Break down the goals into individual projects, maybe 6 or 8 different projects.
Then do the research into the cost of materials for each project.
Organize the projects into logical order. For example if you are recovering the seats you might as well replace the worn carpet when the seats are out.
Then order parts for the projects you decide to tackle, set aside a weekend.
An important consideration, estimate the amount of time it will take do complete each individual project, whatever number you come up with you should double. Example: If you think 5 hours to replace carpet you should plan for 10 hours.
Take your time and do each project correctly and when your done with each project you will have accomplished something.
Any project that you feel is above your ability you should seek help or pay a professional.
Problem most people have getting started is that they look at the entire project and it seems overwhelming. Break it down and go to work!
Good Luck with your project management,
Douglas in Green Bay
Best to sit down and write down your goals and objectives for the Corvette.
Break down the goals into individual projects, maybe 6 or 8 different projects.
Then do the research into the cost of materials for each project.
Organize the projects into logical order. For example if you are recovering the seats you might as well replace the worn carpet when the seats are out.
Then order parts for the projects you decide to tackle, set aside a weekend.
An important consideration, estimate the amount of time it will take do complete each individual project, whatever number you come up with you should double. Example: If you think 5 hours to replace carpet you should plan for 10 hours.
Take your time and do each project correctly and when your done with each project you will have accomplished something.
Any project that you feel is above your ability you should seek help or pay a professional.
Problem most people have getting started is that they look at the entire project and it seems overwhelming. Break it down and go to work!
Good Luck with your project management,
Douglas in Green Bay
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: McDonough GA
No problem getting started on a project - finishing is tough.
In the South, we turn the stereo on country music, pop a cobeer and work on the little things first. When you get frustrated, stop and let it rest a while (or overnight). Gotta be country music now to work on cars - it's the law.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Finksburg Maryland
My motivation came when a guy at work bought a C4 and drives it in all the time. Now I have to get my 72 on the road to show him what a real Vette looks like. I agree with doing the small projects first. Once you complete a few projects, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment, and you'll want to continue. I still have times when it's easier to sit down and drink a couple beers, instead of dragging myself out to garage, but once I get started, it really is alot of fun. Just remember that everything doesn't need to be done in a week. Slow and steady and you'll be on the road in no time. Now all I have to do is take my own advice. Good luck with your project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 2
From: Kearneysville West Virginia
Sometimes projects such as this can be overwhelming. What I do first is make a list. I write down all the things I need to do to get it on the road on one list. Then, I make another list of all the details that are left to do and the items I need to buy. I agree with others, start small. Gain some confidence and some self satisfaction from finishing one task and having it turn out well. As mentioned above, once you do these basic things, the snowball will begin to roll. These are fun cars to work on, you can get all the parts, and the cars are not complicated. One of the best things is, there are a lot of great people on this Forum willing to help. Have fun!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
Here's my 2 cents.
Do you have interior leaks? If not, rest assured you have 90% of the project already accomplished!!!
I've had my '81 for almost two years now and STILL can't chase down a nasty water leak on the passenger side! If we get an inch of rain, I get an inch of water! That has been the "project stopper" for me. I've bought most of the items I need for the interior restoration and will go "***** to the wall" to complete it - if I could only find the leak. Until then, no interior work.
If you have a dry interior - GET GOING! List all the work you need to do and start with the easiest. You'd be surprised at how gaining confidence one task at a time is going to help!
Good luck! ...Alan K.
Do you have interior leaks? If not, rest assured you have 90% of the project already accomplished!!!
I've had my '81 for almost two years now and STILL can't chase down a nasty water leak on the passenger side! If we get an inch of rain, I get an inch of water! That has been the "project stopper" for me. I've bought most of the items I need for the interior restoration and will go "***** to the wall" to complete it - if I could only find the leak. Until then, no interior work.
If you have a dry interior - GET GOING! List all the work you need to do and start with the easiest. You'd be surprised at how gaining confidence one task at a time is going to help!
Good luck! ...Alan K.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Can you drive it? If so, go for a ride. Bang through the gears. Listen to the roar as all 4 barrels are at WOT! Sounds better that the wife's voice sometimes, right!
Spring is here now. Did you buy the parts you need?
Lay them out on the floor arranged as if in the Vette. Imagine it all installed and looking awesome!
Look at some of the restoration threads here and you'll see that it's not that huge a job and you'll see results Immediately!
Go have a beer and sit back and admire your work.
Post a few pics for us so we can see what you need to do.
Glenn
Spring is here now. Did you buy the parts you need?
Lay them out on the floor arranged as if in the Vette. Imagine it all installed and looking awesome!
Look at some of the restoration threads here and you'll see that it's not that huge a job and you'll see results Immediately!
Go have a beer and sit back and admire your work.
Post a few pics for us so we can see what you need to do.
Glenn