tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650119295847958806.post4397833247058828695..comments2023-08-24T04:38:14.601-04:00Comments on The Early Connection: Automotive Burn Out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650119295847958806.post-15309676104329867672012-11-13T07:45:51.789-05:002012-11-13T07:45:51.789-05:00I, for one, am glad you're back. my sister all...I, for one, am glad you're back. my sister all but abandoned me with our 'Cuda project, so i was excited to see some helpful info in your blog posts! <br />Jen@Barracuda Diariesjenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02196664248681716427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650119295847958806.post-52481588367280073182012-10-21T22:02:08.247-04:002012-10-21T22:02:08.247-04:00Roger,
This post is eerily reminiscent of wh...Roger, <br /> This post is eerily reminiscent of what I was going through about 2 months ago. I was at the end of my cars rope. After doing all that I ever wanted to do to it, short of installing a 4 speed, I took off on a wild tangent and installed a 6 cylinder just to do a turbo setup. Now I had a built to the gills 408 stroker on a stand and a running Turbo 6 in the car that received far more attention than "another V8 in a Barracuda". So where next? Actually drive it somewhere? Well its been non-op'd for 3 years now and the thought of driving it with its new disc brakes and taller rear end was enough to make me sweat behind the wheel. Not from its abilities, but for how much of my time and energy was put into this car, only to have it subjected to the "other" drivers out there. Uninsured, under-insured or even insured but to the blue book of the car if damaged? Imagine a "written off" check for 1200 bucks from an insurance company? Well, during that low point, My car was no longer a retreat from the daily grind.<br /> Then something happened: My lousy radio in my garage went out. Small boom box with 5W speakers (if that) and a cassette player. I needed something in there when I was working on any other project that I could find. Sensing my funk, my wife forced me to take a few needed days off and clean the much neglected garage. I cleared off my workbench, tossed 2 cans of scrap and regained my workspace and found about 15 tools that I had written off too. I bought an old receiver off craigslist and a set of nice speakers that needed to be reconed and refinished. After I finished the speakers, I had a sound in that garage that I had never experienced. Loud, quality music from a repaired turntable, CD changer and even internet radio. I found myself listening to old music with an appreciation that I never gave it. Being able to rattle the garage door with "Hot for Teacher" re-ignited memories of blasting the same song 25 years ago in my first Mopar, ironically a '65 Barracuda. Not the same one resting quietly on jackstands in my new man cave, but one in far worse condition, one that I had such fond memories of in high school. That was it, the spark I needed to get "back in the game". I have since been to a large Mopar show out here and the passion is back. Im installing subframe connectors tomorrow and flaring some new brake lines, and 2 missing center caps as well as some Valiant side spears for a little bling are in the mail to keep the drive alive. Im back, baby! Steve Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01828709593986455431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650119295847958806.post-14225912582377853232012-10-20T23:15:35.623-04:002012-10-20T23:15:35.623-04:00Roger, you're not alone. I think anyone who ha...Roger, you're not alone. I think anyone who has been involved in the old car hobby has their ups and downs. Especially if you don't have the resources to see a project to completion in a timely fashion, it's easy to loose the enthusiasm (I've recently switched jobs and just don't have the spare money to throw at a hobby car anymore). I've personally cut way back on car shows. Lately I'm just finding it boring to hang around for eight hours looking at the same cars. Of course, Carlisle is a different situation because of the variety of cars but more importantly, I'm sharing the experience with my EVBC friends. <br /><br />I've been to maybe two other car shows this year. I try to make more cruise nights, hanging out for a couple of hours. But you know what? I still enjoy tinkering with my Barracuda from time to time. There's always minor things that need attention. How about if we plan a drive together for local EVBC members? A drive through the countryside with a destination for lunch or something? Doesn't have to be this year. <br /><br />Take care,<br />DonDonC1965https://www.blogger.com/profile/13083418188790027257noreply@blogger.com