Does It Ever End?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Crowley Texas
Does It Ever End?
I’m close to getting my ’68 convertible on the road after a very slow rebuild from a basket case. But I notice that, while I’m making progress, there appears to be an unending list of things to do. Ever heard of an asymptotic function? This is a mathematical expression that never reaches zero. Ever. I’m beginning to think this describes my little project. Yesterday, my goal was to install the left dash pad and dash wiring harness. Instead I got distracted by many other things, including, of all the strange things, the hardware mounting the backup switch to the tranny. Who uses slotted screws!!?? While thumbing through my assembly manual, I realized that I had installed the rear sway bar upside down. Fixed that. By midnight, I had worked a half dozen other items, but the dash pad still sat there on the bench…mocking me. I’m having a blast putting this car back together, but I sure would like to drive it some day. It’ll happen eventually…right?
Sorry for the rant.
Sorry for the rant.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
This is a mathematical expression that never reaches zero.
If your restoration is asymptotically approaching completion but never quite getting there, that is because you are only getting things half done each time! Get it all done! Or follow my philosophy, close is good enough!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: Hutchinson KS
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
Unfortunately your bank account follows a logarithmic function, and it can reach zero!
If your restoration is asymptotically approaching completion but never quite getting there, that is because you are only getting things half done each time! Get it all done! Or follow my philosophy, close is good enough!
If your restoration is asymptotically approaching completion but never quite getting there, that is because you are only getting things half done each time! Get it all done! Or follow my philosophy, close is good enough!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
From: deland fl
Yes it will end....sorta
I started with a basket case/wrecked 75 convertible. It took me about 5 years to complete with two of those years used entirely to build a new house. I found that to stay focused I used a whiteboard and erasible felt tip pens to make as complete a list of "to do"
as I could. I hung it on the shop wall, it occasionally needed revision, and as an item was completed I would put a check mark next to it. I could always at a glance see my progress
and gain some sense of accomplishment. Overly simplistic, maybe even goofy, but it's still working for me. I now have about 1000 miles on the car and still add and check off items.
Ya'll Enjoy ! and good luck.
Larry
I started with a basket case/wrecked 75 convertible. It took me about 5 years to complete with two of those years used entirely to build a new house. I found that to stay focused I used a whiteboard and erasible felt tip pens to make as complete a list of "to do"
as I could. I hung it on the shop wall, it occasionally needed revision, and as an item was completed I would put a check mark next to it. I could always at a glance see my progress
and gain some sense of accomplishment. Overly simplistic, maybe even goofy, but it's still working for me. I now have about 1000 miles on the car and still add and check off items.
Ya'll Enjoy ! and good luck.
Larry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I know the feeling. Took my 70 down to a bare frame in 92. It's about 80% completed now. Kids, house, work, and other seems to take time from this hobby. A bit of frustration added when I find parts I bought years before, figuring I'd install the later, won't fit.
Also run into trouble with some work I had done long ago needing to be redone due to the span of time. I figure two steps forward and one backward. The general movement is forward but there will be some set backs. Think about what you'll have when you're done. The reason you took on the project in the first place.
I now refer to the assy manual before I jump in, saves me having to do something over.
One of my kids (pre teen) asked me once if they'll still be alive when I finish this car. Hope so!! I'd be more concerned about availability of gasoline if we're talking that far out...
Also run into trouble with some work I had done long ago needing to be redone due to the span of time. I figure two steps forward and one backward. The general movement is forward but there will be some set backs. Think about what you'll have when you're done. The reason you took on the project in the first place.
I now refer to the assy manual before I jump in, saves me having to do something over.
One of my kids (pre teen) asked me once if they'll still be alive when I finish this car. Hope so!! I'd be more concerned about availability of gasoline if we're talking that far out...
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Well....no. It doesn't end. You might reach the end and complete your list; but by the time you get done, you will need to refurbish the first thing you got done....again!
Heck, I thought that was the purpose of a hobby--to keep your spare time occupied with something you actually LIKE to do! I never tire of working on the 'ol buggy'. And there is never a completion point to limit my "fun". 
Heck, I thought that was the purpose of a hobby--to keep your spare time occupied with something you actually LIKE to do!
I never tire of working on the 'ol buggy'. And there is never a completion point to limit my "fun".
