It's been awhile since I've been on the board and while I was never a heavy poster, I enjoyed reading about the lunatic hp freaks here and wrenching on my Vette from time to time. I just got back on the board to list a few parts I had for sale and to reignite the flame so to speak, yet now I realize something: the fire is gone.

I no longer have the will to wrench all night with numb fingers trying to wrestle upside down with a rusted bolt. No longer do I dream of sidepipes cackling away to the tune of a solid lifter cam. No longer do I want to rebuild yet another carb. and lay down a tune for some late night cruising. What happened?

A 2009 Corvette is what happened. I got to drive one for a weekend and since that time with the most beautiful woman sitting next to me hitting 160mph on a cold January night with the top down and the heat turned up, I no longer have the fire to wrench, only to drive. Maybe I got too old, too fast. Maybe I'm just a schmuck. Maybe I lost. Eh...that's not the truth though. That girl sitting next to me is what happened. As beautiful as the dawn she was named after, that's what really happened. I'd rather spend my time with her.

With that said. I know what will unfold in the next few months: I will only turn a wrench to get my 'ol '71 back on the street and when she's ready, I'm going to sell her. This month is our 13th year anniversary. Maybe it's just an unlucky omen. Maybe it's just a sign of the times. Maybe I've just been putting off the inevitable.

I hate to say it, but I think I fell out of love with my Corvette.

Coming soon: 1971 Corvette 454 with turbo 400 & 3.73 gears. Once loved. Once cared for. Now forgotten.

 

Sounds sad

 

 

That is a very sad story.

I have friends like that. We that still turn wrenches (lovingly) call them wine and cheesers. Those who don't want to work on the car anymore, just drive. They may add a few power devices, but never too deep. Sometimes if you add it all up; they add 1000 hp worth of air bridges, cold air intakes, pulley systems, exhaust, wheels, and stickers. I truly wish you well in your future Corvette adventures. Just don't forget to wave at the other Corvettes as you pass us by.

 

I feel your pain.

I'm actually thinking about selling the '68, I've driven it twice since I got the '08 Coupe. It's nice to drive a car that you don't need to worry about breaking down (although it's never left me stranded) or sitting in a hot cabin.

I do most of the maintenance on all 5 of our cars. I don't mind doing oil changes,brakes, etc, but no desire anymore to take on a restoration. BTDT, now it's time to enjoy the ride.

 

If you sell the old girl...you will kick yourself in the butt later.
Might not be the next month or the next year...but eventually you will.
Isn't that kind of like selling your labrador? How do you do that?

The flame might be hard to locate now...but she never really dies.
I think you need to seriously reconsider and think things through.
JMHO.

 

I know how frustrating things can get. I almost gave up on the '56 restoration a dozen times. Now here I am starting over on the '74. One thing that will always be true: women can come and go, but the classic american muscle car will always be waiting for you in the garage.......

 

I tried that. Went many years working on cars, then a better job came along and I swapped. Sold the good stuff- tools, cars, depleted the stock of parts and everything. Everything right down to the 5 gallon bucket full of odds and ends bolts and hardware.
Then one day I realized something was missing. Some of the tools I can't replace, The odds and ends have made it back to a 3lb coffee can, and I can never find what I need.
Back to not enjoying the thought of spending a weekend laying on my back looking at the bottom of a car, but it's really much needed therapy too.

 

I'm in the same boat , been wrenching for 30yrs and lots of vettes, I'm thinking on selling the car and getting a newer one , maybe I'm getting old, Ron

 

Make sure to buy those matching Corvette shirts when you and wife are cruising in the 09. lol That's what old people do, right. Personally, I like old cars and the smell of high octane fuel, the thumbs up at the stop lights, and the sound of cracking mono fm radio.

My father inlaw drives a 64 1/2 Mustang that is perfect and he is in 60's. He loves the car and shines every bolt. The fire will come back.

 

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Your approach is wrong. Hand Dawn a couple of wrenches and the two of you can get back to work.

 

Some times I feel the same way ....but ..even if my car sits for a few weeks,I know that when my wife and I feel like riding in a classic car with the T-tops off and let the breeze blow through our graying hair ( yeah ,we're both 60 + ), that it will be there waiting ...
Maybe someday I'll get a C-6 ..but... I don't think I could ever get rid of the C-3... ( too many fun memories ..)

 

Ive rebuilt several vettes/cars and my wife swears im much easier to get along with while I have an old car to work on....

I honestly think I enjoy the working and planning of my direction on these old cars more then I actually enjoy driving them. Ive solved most of the worlds problems (in my mind) working on a C3

If I didnt have a C3 to work on, i would have fired alot more of my employees then I have....

 

Temporary insanity is not uncommon.... As with any 'life-crisis' situation, you shouldn't make major decisions until things have 'settled- out'. If you don't need the money right now, just put a cover over the old girl [the Corvette!] and let her sit a while.

I was going to suggest that this might be a "Low-T" problem...but then you mentioned your 'other' girl.

Enjoy life, whichever way you go.

 

My dream is to one day have a 70 LT-1 AND a NEW Vette. Best of both worlds. You'll never get the attention in the 09 you get in the 71.
Don't sell the 71! There will be times you will want to tinker with it, rebuild something at your leisure, even teach the lady some things.
Glenn

 

If I ever get the flippin' switch I ordered a week ago, my lovely bride will be requested in the man-cave for re-installation of one side of the wiper door.

 

I guess it probably could happen...maybe you are just going thru a trial separation? I fell out of love with my Harley Softail Custom after 15 years. Too crazy riding the streets these days with all the text messaging going on. Hardly even look at it sitting in the corner of the living room. Same with my boat...such a PITA every time I want to put it in the ocean. We all know how difficult these old vettes can be to get along with. I'm trying to find the money, energy and ambition to crawl underneath mine and finally finish wrenching the rear half apart. Right now I'm in love just driving it around...but not at 160!

 

This one killed!