Enjoy Your Car While You Can

[Norm's Coupe]

We should all enjoy our cars while we can. You never know how long you have to enjoy them until it's too late.

Just found out on New Years Eve a member of the old Ford V8 club locally was given only 3 months to live. Has cancer. Real nice guy and would do whatever he could to help a friend. He did get another opinion and that one gave him about a year. The guy owns a beautiful 46 Ford convertible that he restored his self. Also had a 36 Ford Coupe project going and another project Ford about the same year next to it. Just a few months ago he also bought a 48 Nash coupe that is just a nice old car that is just ok for driving around. He has all kinds of nice parts laying around in his shop too. In fact he gave me a real nice pair of NOS aftermarket universal rocker panel moldings (stainless) still in the wrapper a few years ago. He thought I was missing the left side for mine at the time because it was off when I drove the coupe to the Goodguys show. Told him I had the stainless, but.........he insisted I take his NOS rocker stainless. He also had a real nice pair of 49 Plymouth bumpers on the rack in his shop that I could have had real cheap. The list goes on for the stuff he has laying around.

Now, he's sold the 36 Ford project he was working on. Has a buyer lined up from the NSRA show for his 46 convertible and is also selling the other Ford project. Sold the 49 Plymouth bumpers to someone else he knows last week for only $100 for the pair. Said he wants to get rid of everything he can so his wife doesn't have to contend with it after he's gone. He's going to hang onto the Nash to drive around in as long as he can though.

He has gotten a lot of enjoyment out of his 46 convertible the last 6 or 7 years. He drives it quite often.

The point here is, not only should we have fun with the old cars while we can, but try not to have a lot of extra stuff for the wife to get rid of when we're gone. That can be a real burden to a wife, especially if she doesn't know anything about the cars and parts, like most wives.

[rearview]

Well... that sucks. I think I know who you're talking about.

[Young Ed]

Norm you are very right. A few years back we lost one guy in our POC region. We have another guy with cancer at the moment. I wish your friend the best.

[Norm's Coupe]

Bob,

Didn't know you were in that circuit too. Anyway, I was talking about the guy in the blue and white shirt next to my coupe.

[55 Fargo]

You are bang on my Friend, enjoy life and living, these cars were meant to be enjoyed as long as we are in the game for.

My step-father was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with inoperable stomach, bowel, cancer, he had been fairly healthy till now, he is going down hill fast, he is 76, had a decent life so far, we hope he gets this summer yet, but it doesn't look good.

[billwillard]

It hits home fast. I felt like I was 16yrs old until 6yrs ago. I was pushing trees snapping them in half behind my house when one jumped over the front of the bucket and came back pinning me in the seat. I have no idea how long I was there before my wife found me. I do remember waking up several times trying to free my self and thinking I would die there before some one found me. With all the achs, pains and operations I have gone through since I still have life, can and do enjoy my cars and all the great people I get to meet through cars. What I am trying to say is forget all the petty bull and enjoy today because tomorrow you may not have the chance. If you have been close I do not have to tell you what I am talking about. You can be stupid so easy. Make someone elses life fun today.

[PatS....]

I was tearing down an old rickety greenhouse and loading it onto my pickup. Was at it for 2 full days whacking it with a hammer, crowbar and sledge.

Three days after my arm is in excruciating pain and there is no strength in my right arm or hand and everything from the elbow down is numb.

They can't pinpoint the problem after MRI's and ultrasounds etc etc.

Bottom line is I have been unable to do anything because they don't want me making what they don't know is wrong, worse

Overnight, everything changes and just being able to the tiny things is a big thing. Unable to do anything on the Chrysler since October

So, you bet, if you are enjoying things now, damn well enjoy to the hilt.

[Don Coatney]

This past weekend I took Lisa to see the movie "BUCKET LIST". The movie theme fits this thread well. Excellent movie and I recommend it to all. Stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman two of my favorite actors. Follow the link and watch the trailer.

[BobT-47P15]

I go along with those sentiments, too. So far (knock on wood) my health

has been pretty good. However have been having pain in my right shoulder

off and on lately---don't know if it has any relation to playing the bass

guitar more regularly and carrying the musical equipment around more...but

it could.

And, the fellow I play music with, Max, was sitting at his breakfast table

last Saturday.....had a t.i.a. or mini stroke sort of attack. Got dizzy,

couldn't speak for a moment and other things. They took him to the

hospital for tests.....nothing conclusive yet. He has always had good

health and stays active nowadays......in his early 70s.

So....things like these are why we decided to go on a few cruises and

enjoy the ol Plymouth, and do as much as we can with the kids. While

we can.

[knighthawk]

I'm 61, never been sick, my brother is 64 and has had heart attacks, by-passes, and prostate cancer, was treated, now has bone cancer. He is making his ''bucket list'' . Which is ; for those not familiar with the movie, is things you want to do before you 'kick the bucket' . Wife and I went to Florida for Christmas, nite before we were to get on the plane, I had a' panic attack'....it's like a buz you get from too much coffee, but 100 times worse ! Wife took me to hospital , had all kinds of check ups , etc...mostly due to clostrophobia........anyway , really gets you thinking.........so................what would be on YOUR 'bucket list '????

[Jim Yergin]

Before I kick the bucket I would like to finish my '41 Plymouth Woodie and get it back on the road. 19 years and counting since purchase.

Jim Yergin

[knighthawk]

my 'bucket list' would be to finish my'48 chopped project, and my '48 Ford COE, then to give my ''stuff'' , (old parts and tools ) to someone who would appreiciate them, and not just a 'scrap iron' guy at my auction after I die !

[Plymouthy Adams]

this movie, have not seen yet has two excellent actors..should we now become concerned this will now become a "catch phrase" and a cottage industry for people trying to make huge profit seeing these older people trying to experience this and maybe evening shortening their lives? I guess for the terminally ill that is not as much a problem but how many could have heart attacks because they really experience a much larger rush than they anticipate..or even owrse...getting injured and then really be in a position that the bucket list would not even be something they could experience when terminal...

[Norm's Coupe]

I'm pushing 64 in May. Still working but decided to take more time off starting this year. Unlike a lot of people I do enjoy my work, so I'll probably keep working as long as I'm able, just not as much. Wife likes to travel so we'll be taking more trips while we're still young enough and healthy enough to enjoy them.

I'll keep tinkering with my coupe as much as possible. However, I also like just putzing around fixing or building small things out of wood or metal. So, I'll also do more of that. I also enjoy playing music but got out of that when the kids came along. Up until my early 20's I played trombone in a small 5 piece band and rearranged music for the band. I can also get around on the Baritone, Piano, Drums, and Guitar. Picked up a Mandolin a couple of years ago and can get around on it now. Just decided the other day to pick up a nice full keyed electronic keyboard (doesn't require as much room as a piano) to start trying to write music again. Not for profit, not that good but just as a hobby. Plus, with the electronic keyboard I can plug in earphones to keep the noise down to zero and won't need a soundproof room.

The whole key is to keep the mind and body active as much as possible when we get older.

[rearview]

The whole key is to keep the mind and body active as much as possible when we get older.

I think you hit the nail right on the head. I'm not that old (only 42) but had a reality check almost 9 years ago. Had a little bump on my neck... turned out to be cancerous. Had to do the whole chemo and radiation thing, tons of checkups and more needles that you can shake a stick at ( I now *HATE* needles) You never know what's coming down the pike, and something along that line when you're in the "prime of your life" does seem to change perspective. I do things that I probably wouldn't have done before, but I am more cautious at other items (I no longer have a crotch rocket or spend evenings sliding corners and outrunning johnny law)

[Normspeed]

Norm, glad you started this thread. It's good advice. You'll never find someone more anxious to retire and enjoy the car, boats, and other toys more than me. But I'm not waiting. A couple years is a long time and anything could happen in between. So my P24 is my 100% weekend driver. I spend most of my spare time tinkering with it and finding excuses to test drive it. Once I do get retired, I'll have the time and workspace to tackle the paint and body work.

The P24 is the best money I've ever spent, and I love the looks, smiles, waves, thumbs-up and even peace signs I get from other folks.

[Don Coatney]

should we now become concerned this will now become a "catch phrase" and a cottage industry ..

Tim;

I think most mature people know how to avoid trendiness espically if faced with a terminal illness.

I'm pushing 64 in May. .

Norm;

Better to push 64 that to push Dasies:D

[Plymouthy Adams]

you're right Don..mature people should...I have seen some of the elderly do some pretty drastic things..seen some stupid things done..sometimes by the urging of the younger (inheriting) family members. Tha's the part that troubles me..and service industry preys on the elderly..however I think tehre is going to be a rise onrisk taking of the lederly after this movie..could be wrong..have been before...lol

[47heaven]

This is why I'm always out driving my car around. Even though I'm 43, you just never know. Some people spend thousands of dollars on restoring a car that they only take to a show once in a while or go out on a drive around the block on Sundays. I haven't put in nearly a fraction of what they have put into their cars and I take it out whatever time I get and enjoy the thing. Life is short.

[Rodney Bullock]

Let's see, There is only one thing I would like to do before I.....KTB. I want to walk on those long stilts like in the Ringling bro.and Barnum Baliy circus:) I would like to walk up and down penn av.

[PatS....]

I guess someone is looking out for me. According to this, I am now set for life. I can finish the Chrysler, travel, buy a house and a harem...lucky me!!!

Received via email today: (I hope it's not a scam...I'd hate that! )

Good Day

I have been waiting for you since to come down here and pick your package box which contents your $800,000.00, but did not heard from you since that time.

Then I went and deposited the package with UPEXPRESS COURIER COMPANY here in Benin Republic, because I travelled to Iraq to see my boss and will not come back till next year.I want You to contact the UPEXPRESS COURIER COMPANY to know when they will deliver your package. I have paid for the delivering charges and insurance fee.The only money you have to send to them ist here security keeping fee which is $120.00 Us Dollars to received your package.

BELOW IS CONTACT INFORS OF THE COMPANY

Contact DR.JOSEPH RIGGAR

E-mail: info_payment@webmail.org.in

Try to contact them as soon as possible to avoid increasing the security keeping fee. For your best information don't let their diplomatic agent knows the contents of this package, Is only you a n d the director DR.JOSEPH RIGGAR knows the contents of this package as he is the helps me to cash your bank draft in bank. I gave them your delivering address but you have to reconfirm it to them again to avoid a ny mistake on the delivering.

Reconfirm below information to the company.

Your Full Name-----------------------

Your Address---------------------------

Home telephone---------------------

Office telephone---------------------

Your pic----------------------------------

Let me know immediately you receive your package and check the contents wheather the complete of the total $800,000.00.

Thanks.

Mr.George Norbert

[Don Coatney]

you're right Don..mature people should...I have seen some of the elderly do some pretty drastic things..seen some stupid things done..sometimes by the urging of the younger (inheriting) family members. Tha's the part that troubles me..and service industry preys on the elderly..however I think tehre is going to be a rise onrisk taking of the lederly after this movie..could be wrong..have been before...lol

When my dad died (he was wise way beyond his years) he left me a journal of his thoughts. He told me "the love for your sister should exceed any monetary value of material things. I expect no squabbling over monetary matters".

This is a rule I have followed. It shames me that others have not followed this rule.

[Don Coatney]

Let's see, There is only one thing I would like to do before I.....KTB. I want to walk on those long stilts like in the Ringling bro.and Barnum Baliy circus:) I would like to walk up and down penn av.

Rodney;

Stilts are easy to make. Not so easy to use. Make some and try them out.

[PatS....]

When my dad died (he was wise way beyond his years) he left me a journal of his thoughts. He told me "the love for your sister should exceed any monetary value of material things. I expect no squabbling over monetary matters".

This is a rule I have followed. It shames me that others have not followed this rule.

Wise fellow, your Dad.

It's my experience that almost no-one follows that rule. Squabbling over estates makes lawyers rich unfortunately.

[knighthawk]

Pat S, you know that it is phoney, I hope ! When I listed my '55 Merc on a couple of those 'free' cars sales website, I'd get at least one a week. Asking for part of the shipping or something in advance. Most of them were comming out of Africa ! You can usually tell, if they can't speak (write) very good english.............Nothing is free !!!!