Loss of car tinkering mojo confessions.

[wesacosa]

I completely downed tools last August, I got into a huge downer about the ULEZ expansion effectively wiping out the viability all my fleet and most of the cars I love and covert 

I have since picked up little bit but I'm so far behind now I'm stuck with a huge backlog of jobs across 5 cars (plus growing to do list on my ulez compliant daily), a still low level of motivation and confidence and 5 cars I can't drive without paying £12.50 and I can't sell because seemingly nobody wants to buy in their current state.  The fucking abysmal weather for most of the early summer also didn't help but hopefully I'm close to getting two of them in a slightly better condition for sale than when I first tried selling them earlier in the year 

[comfortablynumb]

Rear door replacement on my rrc, had the doors for about 3 years, not even painted, let alone fitted.

Better than my 1600e tho, owned it for 36 years, moved house twice, never actually had it on the road.......

[eddyramrod]

On 15/08/2024 at 10:35, JMotor said:

It can be a big mojo killer is when your faced with large chunks of rotten metal to sort out.

I don't know much but I do know this! ^

On 15/08/2024 at 12:06, Rust Collector said:

I’m so far invested into it in terms of time and money that the only option I’ve found I can deal with now is to keep the bastard thing and hope that one day it becomes a good* car.

Exactly where I am with the Handsome Bastard.

On 15/08/2024 at 14:55, Popsicle said:

have a laugh at how much the trades want (can't afford it).

House trades, car trades, it's like every one of them wants to say Fuck Off but manages to spell it £££££££.  Where I am it's worse because BAE is having a big recruitment drive, and people are taking the easy money in the submarine sheds rather than whatever else they were doing, so the few tradespeople who are left are ridiculously busy and can afford to pick and choose.

On 15/08/2024 at 15:29, captain_70s said:

driving in this day and age is just generally unpleasant so the "reward" of driving the cars after repairs isn't much of a reward.

 

I tend to get home from work, immediately fall asleep in my chair, wake up for dinner and then fall asleep again...

Absolute agreement on both counts.  Except I don't come home from work, I come home from my various support groups.

On 15/08/2024 at 16:04, egg said:

 Adult life is essentially having a list of jobs in your mind that you should have done.

Ditto married life!

[junkyarddog]

Yep,completely lost interest in doing anything car related unless it is absolutely essential.

Mondeo is due it's Cambelt,and I really am tempted to just ignore it completely.

205 is out of test for the last 4 months.and I recently mustered up enough enthusiasm to give it a once over and book it in.

Test is on Monday morning at 8am!

My Mk2 Golf project has stalled,likewise my interest in getting the Capri mobile again too has waned.

I dunno.

 

 

[Wibble]

I can relate to all of this. I really want the Cortina sorted and the Senator but apart from starting the Cortina once, I haven’t touched either since before Christmas.

Apologies to @Peter C and @egg, I really want to meet up and still intend to be ready. I will try and put some effort in but my arms are still a problem, not being helped by all the strip out works and van prep I’m doing at work, so I’m buggered by the weekend. Got to be honest, the work situation and Mrs W’s condition is also a dampener on car mojo, must try harder. 

[egg]

12 minutes ago, Wibble said:

Apologies to @Peter C and @egg, I really want to meet up and still intend to be ready. I will try and put some effort in but my arms are still a problem, not being helped by all the strip out works and van prep I’m doing at work, so I’m buggered by the weekend. Got to be honest, the work situation and Mrs W’s condition is also a dampener on car mojo, must try harder. 

It's cool, it's still possible I could be flaky about this too for 'personal reasons' which I won't post on the open forum, but let's see how it goes.

[Wibble]

8 minutes ago, egg said:

It's cool, it's still possible I could be flaky about this too for 'personal reasons' which I won't post on the open forum, but let's see how it goes.

Thanks, hope you’re ok.

[chodweaver]

While the entire rest of the internet is jam packed full of people with boundless enthusiasm, getting stuck right in doing UTTERLY POINTLESS THINGS to their HORRIBLE, AVERAGE, MODERN motors. Some of them might even be monetising their sickeningly productive hobbies!
(I'm looking at you, Tavarish)

[The_Equalizer]

Rather comforting to find this thread as I am very much in the same boat. Having gone from 2/3 fleet working to 0 in the space of six weeks hasn't helped in the slightest. Moreover, in the case of my Land Rover which dinked up the backside last week, I am not even sure it is possible to find people to fix the bodywork as it involves TIG welding and/or very careful panel fettling. @Datsuncog I appreciate it's not your bag, but I don't suppose you'd have any leads? 

Still on a positive note, some kind soul at work has lent me an ugga dugga gun which will hopefully break free the calliper carrier bolts and I can press on with the Merc suspension refurb. As my wife (who does have the patience of a saint) points out, best take it one step at a time.

[comfortablynumb]

I saw something on one of the YouTube channels a while ago (fuzz? Can't remember) saying that you should cover up a car, and only uncover the section you're working on, to stop yourself becoming overwhelmed. Seemed like quite a good suggestion to me

[comfortablynumb]

Also @The_Equalizer, we usually just unbolt panels and fit different ones, there's a huge 4x4 autojumble happening on the first weekend of October at chieveley showground near Newbury, berks if you're anywhere near?

Edited August 17, 2024 by comfortablynumb
Bloody autocorrect

[SEATMad]

With everything I've had going on in recent months has taken my tinkering mojo completely away. My poor old Ibiza desperately needs some love and attention before I rest her for the winter yet i cannot seem to get back "on it".  Getting back on here and going to some shows has helped though. 

[The_Equalizer]

12 minutes ago, comfortablynumb said:

Also @The_Equalizer, we usually just unbolt panels and fit different ones, there's a huge 4x4 autojumble happening on the first weekend of October at chieveley showground near Newbury, bells if you're anywhere near?

Cheers for the message and the heads up. Unfortunately, I'm not near, however, I could take a trip to see my folks and then it would be in relative striking distance. I've actually had a bit of luck today in that I've had the rear cross member looked at and there are three options; heat it and pull it straight, cut the corner off and welding in new or a complete rear cross member replacement. I've also remembered about a paintless dent removal chap who has experience with aluminium panels. I have to say that I've never seen anyone so good with dent removal. He worked miracles with two front wings for my CLK and that been heavily damaged in the post. Even if he could get the worst out that would leave me somewhat on the right track. Oh and finally I managed to get the new rear lenses on and removed the damaged fog light. It's starting to look just a little bit better. 

[comfortablynumb]

MK1 son got heavily rear ended in one of my rrc's at the end of last year, wrote off an Audi Q7, but the rangie just drove away. However we've had to replace the complete lower tailgate, towhitch and bumper, and welded up the rear bumper mount on the chassis.

He's not happy, says he thinks there's a ripple in the chassis rail above the rear axle, wants to rechassis it.

I'm not convinced the damage is as severe as he thinks, but it was a heavy impact.

If you're interested in the autojumble, look at vintage and 4x4 autojumble, it's through land rover monthly (?) mag

[JMotor]

Maybe an inspirational post? Or maybe not.

I met up with a pal I hadn't seen for ages and just chatting shite about cars and life helped quite a bit. 

Afterwards I wasn't wanting to do much, but thought I'll have a look see at the back box on the Maestro and might sort it. Buggered exhaust clamp and removal of a horrible exhaust hanger to remedy.

I not only got the job done quite quickly. I also got it looking how I wanted it. Was quite pleased I got that niggley wee job out of the road. 

Sometimes you need a quick and easy win. Fully understand it's not always possible to get the enthusiasm built up. In fact it's a bloody struggle, but sometimes it's worth a wee extra push.

[Datsuncog]

On 15/08/2024 at 14:41, Datsuncog said:

I need to change the oil and filter on the Corolla. And the cambelt.

I've been putting it off for two years.

 

On 15/08/2024 at 15:34, IronStar said:

Group help idea - we all tackle one small job we have, and post it back here as an encouragement for the others suffering the same? 

Oil and filter now done. Finally.

I hooked up the Lidl version of a Pela pump, only to find it did bog-all.

The tube seemed to be down deep enough into the sump ok, and I could feel plenty of suction when I put my thumb over the end of the draw pipe, but hardly any oil made its way up and none passed into the outlet tube.

It's since occurred to me that maybe I should have removed the oil filler cap too, to avoid creating a vacuum. Probably not ideal, that.

But either way, FAIL.

Then it started to rain.

Hard.

So I thought I'd put the car in the garage, for the first time ever.

It was a tight fit.

And I had to crawl out through the rear hatch because the doors wouldn't open.

And then I realised my wrenches and sockets were now inaccessible.

So I had to take the car out of the garage again, slide the tool case out, and reverse it back in again.

At which point I grazed the washing machine door, taking a neat line of paint off the back bumper.

Then it stopped raining anyway.

Got the oil out the good ol' fashioned way.

It looked like liquid Marmite.

No sparkly bits in it though, so that's good.

Filter seemed to fit ok.

I've had this on the shelf for two years. I bought an air filter at the same time and it didn't fit, so my hopes weren't high.

I refilled it with the finest motor oil that ClubCard points could buy.

Kinda shocked that these 4E-FE engines only hold 2.8 litres of oil; no wonder it sounds kinda rattly whenever I let the level get low.

DONE.

Just the timing belt to sort, then...

[IronStar]

1 hour ago, Datsuncog said:

 

Oil and filter now done. Finally.

I hooked up the Lidl version of a Pela pump, only to find it did bog-all.

The tube seemed to be down deep enough into the sump ok, and I could feel plenty of suction when I put my thumb over the end of the draw pipe, but hardly any oil made its way up and none passed into the outlet tube.

It's since occurred to me that maybe I should have removed the oil filler cap too, to avoid creating a vacuum. Probably not ideal, that.

But either way, FAIL.

Then it started to rain.

Hard.

So I thought I'd put the car in the garage, for the first time ever.

It was a tight fit.

And I had to crawl out through the rear hatch because the doors wouldn't open.

And then I realised my wrenches and sockets were now inaccessible.

So I had to take the car out of the garage again, slide the tool case out, and reverse it back in again.

At which point I grazed the washing machine door, taking a neat line of paint off the back bumper.

Then it stopped raining anyway.

Got the oil out the good ol' fashioned way.

It looked like liquid Marmite.

No sparkly bits in it though, so that's good.

Filter seemed to fit ok.

I've had this on the shelf for two years. I bought an air filter at the same time and it didn't fit, so my hopes weren't high.

I refilled it with the finest motor oil that ClubCard points could buy.

Kinda shocked that these 4E-FE engines only hold 2.8 litres of oil; no wonder it sounds kinda rattly whenever I let the level get low.

DONE.

Just the timing belt to sort, then...

Great job on throwing in the towel despite the setbacks! Congrats on getting it done man!

 

[The_Equalizer]

8 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

 

Oil and filter now done. Finally.

I hooked up the Lidl version of a Pela pump, only to find it did bog-all.

The tube seemed to be down deep enough into the sump ok, and I could feel plenty of suction when I put my thumb over the end of the draw pipe, but hardly any oil made its way up and none passed into the outlet tube.

It's since occurred to me that maybe I should have removed the oil filler cap too, to avoid creating a vacuum. Probably not ideal, that.

But either way, FAIL.

Then it started to rain.

Hard.

So I thought I'd put the car in the garage, for the first time ever.

It was a tight fit.

And I had to crawl out through the rear hatch because the doors wouldn't open.

And then I realised my wrenches and sockets were now inaccessible.

So I had to take the car out of the garage again, slide the tool case out, and reverse it back in again.

At which point I grazed the washing machine door, taking a neat line of paint off the back bumper.

Then it stopped raining anyway.

Got the oil out the good ol' fashioned way.

It looked like liquid Marmite.

No sparkly bits in it though, so that's good.

Filter seemed to fit ok.

I've had this on the shelf for two years. I bought an air filter at the same time and it didn't fit, so my hopes weren't high.

I refilled it with the finest motor oil that ClubCard points could buy.

Kinda shocked that these 4E-FE engines only hold 2.8 litres of oil; no wonder it sounds kinda rattly whenever I let the level get low.

DONE.

Just the timing belt to sort, then...

Nice one and good to see the Toyota still lives. If you can get it in the garage it does make a huge difference. The again that really was a tight squeeze. If you ever do need a bit more space, tools or a hand I would be more than happy to help.

[IronStar]

On 15/08/2024 at 16:34, IronStar said:

Group help idea - we all tackle one small job we have, and post it back here as an encouragement for the others suffering the same? 

Reporting in with washers washering again on 307CC. Polisher has been ordered from Temu and I’ll get to that as soon as it arrives. 

[Wibble]

49 minutes ago, IronStar said:

Reporting in with washers washering again on 307CC. Polisher has been ordered from Temu and I’ll get to that as soon as it arrives. 

Glad you’ve made some progress. Can’t report the same. Trying to empty a building as big as ours, with equipment and machines having to be dismantled and forked down from the first floor and being on my feet all day, generally leaves my back fucked. Normally I would be out and about, visiting damaged properties, or combining reports/quotes emails & replies, or be on site packing or in the workshop restoring but now just on my feet all day. Back is fucked every night but ok by morning, to start the whole cycle again. Still finishing a few bits of brass polishing but not worth posting in my thread.

[Low ontime]

Interesting topic, I’ll toss mine in;

Cost of living going through the roof slowed my progress big time…..as well as the last grandparent passing at the same time. 
 

the daily family hack is modern so nothing to do there really

Ive one massive to me project of welding up a e30 but I just can’t get to organising transport to a more suitable work area with power to crack on  & my driveway is a bit  steep to leave jacked up for days on end- plus scrotes have nicked bits before now off it which really annoyed me when I did the front end welding so it’s now the complicated backend new to me welding . I stripped everything off years back for access, however it is now rolling ( tank off, prop & exhaust off coz RWD) blanked off  the brake master for rear brakes but kept handbrake on & trailing arms. 

i have thought about the Clarke pop up garages on the drive and just jack it up when working on it but I reckon more parts would disappear with one of them as it’s hidden… police round here are a bit… disinterested about low level theft in their eyes.., transit got broken into and nothing done.

oh and I’m constantly bogged down by work and domestic house jobs like the rest of the grown ups … toying with the idea of the rest of the family crack on with holidays etc and I’ll just sort my wreck out!  Harrumph! 

[Merryck]

On 15/08/2024 at 11:21, bunglebus said:

The other problem is I work much better when there's someone else there to bounce ideas off of, even if they're not actually doing any spanner twirling, but I just don't really have anyone. I can go and do bits in my mate's garage but all my tools, parts etc are at home so that's not ideal either.

This is called body doubling, and can even work over the phone. It’s a common thing used by people who are neurodivergent (ADHD, ASD etc.) to complete tasks. It really works, I’m so much more effective when there’s someone else there. They don’t even need to be doing anything.