Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums  

Got them ole blues again..

August 16, 2010, 04:07:41 AM

Was in the shop today (well, yesterday) to get the mower out, saw the ole 'Sport sittin' there, looking like it's about 5 minutes from the syard, and had this funny feeling come over me, like "ughh".

I'm almost disgusted with it. No time for it, and when I do have time, I don't have money for the simple stuff like new axle seals for the 8.8, or for tie rod ends.

I'm the only money-maker in the house, with 2 kiddos, but I am NOT complaining. Well, except for the fact that it's taking me a lot longer to build this car than I care for.

I could sell it, but I wouldn't get back what I have, not that I consider it an investment. Then there's the regrets I'd most certainly have. I could trade it for a complete, running 'Bird...but who around would want to swap...and I couldn't blame 'em.

It needs: rear axle seals, bearings, new calipers, pads, and shocks.
For the front: new bearings, seals, tie rod ends, ball joints, fenders put back on, and an alignment.

Interior needs put back together, and I have everything either here, on the way, or about bought to finish it, save for the headliner.

It's not going anywhere, and it's not in the elements, but , I hate being impatient and all.

I'm about to the point of tearing everything, and I mean everything off, and start sanding, priming, and painting it all.

It obviously won't be on the road this summer (now known as '10- the Bummer Summer) so why not tear it apart, sand, paint, and reassemble over the winter?

Not if I just knew of a feasible, cheap way to level my dirt floor...

I'd lay down some 4x8 sheets of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood, hang heavy plastic from the rafters, throw a fan in for ventilation, a space heater so my ass won't freeze solid while I work on it this winter.

Anyway...that's my whine, lol :hick:

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Got them ole blues again..

Reply #1 – August 16, 2010, 05:57:51 AM

Hang in there, I parted out my old Cougar, causeI needed the money, and I still regret it:punchballs:. Seems to be alot harder the second time around.

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Got them ole blues again..

Reply #2 – August 16, 2010, 06:55:19 AM

Beau,I'd feel sorry for you,BUT,My Sport was in the same boat.I've swapped EVERYTHING except the unibody,and front and rear window.One piece at a time.I've had MANY times when I lost interest due to no funds,and nothing seemed to be getting done.Axle seals and such are fairly cheap.Don't look at the big picture.....if you have a few dollars,buy one seal.....then another....then one piece at a time,it'll get done.Focus on what you CAN do....assemble what you can in the interior,fenders,start getting the trunk in order,detail some parts,whatever. Every single screw you tighten,or part you clean and/or paint is still one step closer to getting the car done. You're not in a race,so don't worry about it. Try to sell some of the parts you don't need. Even if you only make $20.00,that's the rear seals right there.Every small amount of progress is still just that.....progress.Heck,I'm STILL assembling my car after 3 1/2 years.....You have to look at the project as a project.If you have a ride to work,then you have no issues. Get outside,start doing what you CAN do. That's why I have a book with all of my lists....

-Parts on the way
-Parts I want/need
-What I need to do
-Ideas for other projects for the car

As I think of something,I add it to the list (which sometimes becomes a long list),and as I receive a part or complete a task,I draw a simple line through it,then,as I look at the book,I can see the progress being done,although at times I couldn't see it on the car because there's so much going on.Surely if you stand back from the car,there's a hundred things that need to be done that require no cash........I have,at times,had parts an individual wanted,but said "I'll tell you what,I'll trade (instead of selling) my "whatever" for a pair of "fill in the blank". That way,I got what I need,they got what they needed,and we all walked away happy.There's always a way,it just takes time and patience.Now,go get to your Bird and get busy.

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Got them ole blues again..

Reply #3 – August 16, 2010, 11:36:54 AM

If I could have my '86 GS sitting next to the house instead of sitting at the junkyard, right now, you know where it'd be. Sitting next to the house. Probably wouldn't have anything done to it, but it'd be next to the house :(

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