wildstar

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.

1983 - I was in third grade, watched Knight Rider religiously, and all I wanted was my very own T/A, with a Ferarri engine of course.

1991 - Junior in highschool. After flipping millions of burgers, bought an 83 firebird. Did the typical things that highschoolers do with cars when they don't have any money. Pretty much destroyed that car. Bought it for $2700, sold it for $950. Bought 71 firebird for $1000, sold for &500. Bought moped for $300, sold for $250.

1993 - Army private. All the time in the world, but not much money. Bought an 83 T/A. Painted it. Good car but after a while, I wanted more power. I had all sorts of plans.

1995 - Finally pulled engine and transmission out. Started dating a girl. No money or time. Car sat.

1996 - 1999. Went to college, started restoring an old Porsche.

199 - 2007. Car moved from one storage area to the next. Ended up at the old TollyCraft factory. Grass grew up around car until you needed a machette to get at it. I was in Germany/Kosovo/Afghanistan.

2007. Reunited. Lots of money, no time. I've got a re-built engine and a t-56 waiting to go in.... and I have to ask the question, what was I thinking?

I should have just left it as is. Now that I'm thousands into this project, I feel obligated to just get it over with. Meanwhile, I have a wife, child, one more on the way, house, job, etc.

We spend so much money and time on our cars. It would be alot easier if we could just be content. I read these posts and I wonder, how many of these projects ever amount to something? Many do, I'm sure, but I bet their still the exception.

I guess my point is that deciding to take on a project should not be taken lightly. Granted, it can be a great pastime, but if speed is what you're after, it's probably cheaper just to buy a faster car.

If I did it all over, I would have just kept it as is. When I do finally finish with it, it will be as if it just got out of prison... we both missed out on a lot of memories. It was a great machine. Now, it's worthless.

Kevman

It's not 'Worthless' persay, it has value to you, doesn't it?

Blackknight

iTrader: (1)

It is a time consuming and money eating hobby we have but it's your hobby, I mean some people collect stamps, pay money to get rare pieces and we have our T/As, Firebrids, and Camaros. As long as you enjoyed the time you had with the car even if it was only a short time then it should be worth it to you. As Kevman said it has value to you. Ok some people might think we are crazy but does it really matter what others think? I mean if you are happy with it or where happy with it that is all that counts. I was the only guy in my age range when I still lived in Switzerland that drove a 5.0l car, why did I buy my Formula? Because I loved it and to me it was worth every penny I spent on it. I don't regrett anything about it, no money I spent on it, nore any of the time I put into it, even though I had to sell the car because I moved. For me it was worth it and I'd do it anytime again. Maybe you will get reaquainted with your TA once you spend more time with it again.

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

"Lots of money, no time".

Hire a shop to do it or pay someone to help you finish it up? Don't sell it if you enjoy it and has sentimental value.

DillonRager

iTrader: (1)

giving away t/a ill take one

pairtoe

iTrader: (4)

man ive wanted to sell my camaro a million times because of things like school and it not working, only being able to drive it in the summer, blowing the motor(head gasket 2 times.) But its all worth it for the first time i take it out in the summer and go for a cruise, and my gf can tell you that every time i always say "i cant believe i wanted to sell this"

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Sell off your T56 & engine, split the $ between your family & the TA,and just build it is a simple driver. 305? Just keep it simple asnd enjoy it, without building it for superior speed, handling, etc.!

stagefright4

+1 youll regret selling it in the end. like others said we all have special attachments to out 3rd gens.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Trust me on this one...The day you wake up in the hospital, and find out your wife is dead, because you bought a "cool" car, instead of considering safety, you'll hate yourself forever. Trust me...

I'm not talking about a 3rd gen. If you spend your $ on cool stuff, you'll hate yourself. The attachment to the wife and kids is more important.

Stimpy

don't get rid of it as you will someday regret it ,I did with a old 2nd gen firebird , now I am rebuilding a second gen ( twice as much in cost ) and just bought a 3rd gen , life is short slow down and spend some time with yourself and your family working on my car turned a non car group into one , make a list of what you want to do and do it little by little or like someone else said send it out to have someone do the mechanics and body for you .

scottmoyer

Not related to the cars' history. All your looking for are opinions and that can open a nasty can of worms!