Project Down Time

[louisb]

So how do you guys deal with project down time? You know, the times when you can't make any forward progress on your cars due to lack of money/time/parts etc. For me I end up rereading my entire VW mag collection, hanging out on the boards, and sitting in my garage staring at my car. It is actually for me one of the most dangerous times in a project since I some times make rash decisions or lose interest all together. So how do you pass the dead times and still keep the enthusiasm levels up?

--louis

[Sam K]

Between all my cars ('67 bug, '68 camaro '89 mustang and lots of others that seem to come and go) plus my house, it seems like there's always something to do. When I do have some downtime however there's always the car magazines, movies and internet porn. 

[danny gabbard]

drinking!

[Rennsurfer]

So how do you guys deal with project down time? You know, the times when you can't make any forward progress on your cars due to lack of money/time/parts etc. For me I end up rereading my entire VW mag collection, hanging out on the boards, and sitting in my garage staring at my car. It is actually for me one of the most dangerous times in a project since I some times make rash decisions or lose interest all together. So how do you pass the dead times and still keep the enthusiasm levels up?

--louis

Do what I've been doing since I was a kid; skateboard (skateparks & pools), surf, and fish. They're all free, clear my mind, keep me in shape, and I stay content. I can relate... it's gonna be a long time till save up enough money to build a 1915cc for my car. Oh well, some day. In the meantime, I'm stoked to have a Beetle again. Do whatever you can to deal with the long spells of low funds. You can also get really into cleaning your car(s). That's provides a lotta therapy for me.

[Rick Meredith]

drinking!

I was hoping you were gonna say "Working on other peoples projects." 

[nicolas]

i can relate to the skating and another thought is to stash some parts so good you can search for them for hours. that is what i have been doing yesterday and some hours today...

[danny gabbard]

that to rick! a man got to have fluid's

[Rick Meredith]

Of course... can't do any work if you're parched! 

[John Rayburn]

They were all drunk when they cut the hole in Mason's roof, and that turned out great! Let's try it on Rick's car, in Stanton , maybe...

[Rick Meredith]

LOL I'll bring the beer!

[Rennsurfer]

LOL I'll bring the beer!

Well... there ya to, Rick. You've always wanted an open air Cal Looker.

[louisb]

They were all drunk when they cut the hole in Mason's roof, and that turned out great! Let's try it on Rick's car, in Stanton , maybe...

Wait, Mason's car was not originally a sunroof car? I didn't know that. You guys can practice on my car first. I will even bring good beer. 

--louis

[Rick Meredith]

LOL I'll bring the beer!

Well... there ya to, Rick. You've always wanted an open air Cal Looker.

Yes... especially after a ride in the Schwimmermobile... 

Plus as long as we have the tools out, maybe we can look at the front end too. 

And I WAS gonna bring good beer... PBR!!!
Just Kidding... name your brand and I'll provide.

[John Rayburn]

I rest my case... Hanging out with these guys is how I keep my enthusiasm up!

[Rick Meredith]

I rest my case... Hanging out with these guys is how I keep my enthusiasm up!

It's hard not to.. isn't it!!

[John Rayburn]

Mason in a pizza parlor, it doesn't get any better.

[Rick Meredith]

Mason just about anyplace!! 

[John Rayburn]

Mason in Stanton.

[Rennsurfer]

All joking aside, it's rather easy and quite common to graft either a ragtop or a metal sliding sunroof onto a Beetle body. The place near my house, Sun Motors, does 'em frequently. I watched them do an oval window last month and currently, they're finishing up a '67 Beetle. Both are turning out excellent. All you're doing is welding the outter skin on. Long as you have everything measured out and aligned correctly and are handy with a welding torch, you're good to go. Also helps to use one of the roof pieces that were cut out for something to trace on the roof to be cut. That way, they match almost perfectly.

Or, if you want it done to look factory, take your car to Sun Motors in Bellflower, So Cal. Tell 'em I sent ya. They do great Volkswagen restorations from the ground up.

[danny gabbard]

wouldn't they start from the top to the ground on restoreing car. and mason's car started out to be a steel sliding sun roof and the hole just got bigger and bigger! we cut twice and it was still to big.

[Rick Meredith]

Maybe if you cut it a 3rd time??