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I'm more of a lurker than poster. Lots of good info here and some very decent people willing to offer their experience. Our skill levels range from those who prefer to just drive the damned thing to others who are out there right now mining their own ore to smelt into an engine block or something.
The (admittedly rambling) point behind this post is that three years in to my C3 is that I'm glad I have one I can work on not an expensive museum piece. Somewhere while researching a front end rebuild I ran across a detailed post from someone who made it with the hopes he encouraged someone else to do so. Wish I could remember where I read that. Suspensions, carburetors, distributors, brake systems, interiors were things I could tackle myself and I am glad to have done it.
I know that car a helluva lot better than I did three years ago and it's been a hoot.
Just got back from a quick errand and it feels great to have it running, shifting, driving absolutely smoothly and knowing I did it myself makes it that much better. Not everybody can for a lot of reasons but to anybody on the fence about stuff like that I say jump in with both feet.
Thanks for the very useful "Pep Talk" for the folks that are having doubts about such a project. I would only add that these folks need to get as much out of the 'process' of bringing an old car back up to useful duty, as they do for actually driving it. If you get good enjoyment out of that kind of work, you will do well with it, even if you only have basic skills.
"Taking the trip" is just as important as 'getting there'....
Can't agree more!
I bounce back and forth between "I'd rather be driving it" or "I'd rather be working on it"!
But I LOVE the fact that I can do both.
Thankfully, mine's road-worthy, yet not perfect.
It's fun to drive, and (So far) fun to work on!
Most of the projects that I've undertaken on her, have been leaps of faith on my part. The "process" is a learning one, and that's the most fulfilling part of this experience for me.
Just this past weekend, I was able to "cobble" the washer hose plumbing to the point that I can get the head light washers to squirt!!! Major breakthrough?? Not really. Will I use them frequently?? Not really. But the satisfaction of bringing that 50-year-old system back to working order, is what makes it all worthwhile.
Getting to drive her to a show, or on an ice cream run, or in the Memorial Day parade - those are great bonuses.
3 things that I've found to be "Gold" in my learning/growing process over the last 3 years of ownership:
1) Having the right tool(s)
2) Having the available expertise of fellow Forum members (and You Tube, etc.)
3) Having the courage and faith in myself to take on otherwise "scary" projects that I've never tried before
random thoughts
I would only add that these folks need to get as much out of the 'process' of bringing an old car back up to useful duty, as they do for actually driving it. If you get good enjoyment out of that kind of work, you will do well with it, even if you only have basic skills.
