I feel a need to make a confession of sorts. As of four days ago, I had not done any significant work on my RF project since July 2004. I spent an enormous amount of time trying to get the door hardware right, with little success, then I ran into fitment and interference issues with the brake pushrods and steering rack, and I got discouraged. I then spent a lot of time last summer and fall remodeling two bathrooms in my house and wiring my garden shed. Then the GT40 just sat there, mocking me. When once I had known where every fastener for the car was, that information started to evaporate from my mind, and the thought of getting started again seemed more and more difficult. It got to the point where I felt bad about myself every time I even looked at the car. I told myself that I would get going again when the weather got warm, but spring and summer passed and I still let the project languish. I even stopped reading this forum, only checking in periodically for PMs and such. My wife was after me to either build the damn thing or sell it, and I have to admit I gave some consideration to selling it, and maybe picking up a newer RF kit in a couple years (I sure do like those new brakes).
I think I'm through the worst of it. My oldest brother moved back to Albany, NY from Colorado. He's been interested in the project but was unable to help out from halfway across the continent. He called me a few weeks ago and told me that he wanted to spend a long weekend working on the car with me, as his wife was going to be away on business. He knew the project was languishing, and, God bless him, he wanted to help out. So he came out last Thursday night, and he and I spent all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday working on the car. We really enjoyed our time together and he achieved his goal of getting me motivated and back into the build. We made some progress on the brakes, engine and cooling system, and while I still don't know where all the parts are, I'm back into it.
I wish I had the dedication and persistence of folks like Hershal, Rolf, Dan W. and Paul W. with his Tornado, but I do have a lot of work and family commitments that come before the car, and I personally find it much easier to get things done with another set of helping hands. I've had a few people volunteer their time to help out, and I'm going to take them up on it. There is also a certain enjoyment that comes from being alone in the garage with the radio, my thoughts, and a certain task that needs to be completed.
So I think it's fair to say that I'm out of the doldrums and moving forward again. No commitments as to when it will be done, and I will no longer be ashamed to tell people that I've been "working" on the car for over three years. It is what it is. But I am encouraged when I consider the progress that I have made thus far.
So here's the crux of my message: First, thanks to the people who have generously donated their time and effort so far - Bill Hough, Steve Miller, Pedro H., Jeff Seegar, Chris Yates, Robert Logan and the staff at Roaring Forties, Bob Lawrence, and especially Hershal Byrd and my brother, John Worthington, as well as my patient and generous wife, Jeanne. Hershal and Robert, I know you two have a particular interest in seeing this car built, and I promise you that I will complete it and that it will be one fine automobile when done. I hope other RF customers will understand that the time taken to build ths car is a reflection of my effort (or lack thereof), and not of the quality or completeness of the kit. Second, to those of you who can forge ahead and build a car like this in a matter of months rather than years, you have my most sincere admiration. Third, my apologies to anyone who has PM'd or emailed me over the last year about my car and not received a thoughtful reply. Finally, for those of you who, like me, have let your project languish, don't let yourself feel bad about it, don't feel guilty or inadequate...just build it in your own good time and enjoy the experience with as many friends as you can.
Over and out.
I think I'm through the worst of it. My oldest brother moved back to Albany, NY from Colorado. He's been interested in the project but was unable to help out from halfway across the continent. He called me a few weeks ago and told me that he wanted to spend a long weekend working on the car with me, as his wife was going to be away on business. He knew the project was languishing, and, God bless him, he wanted to help out. So he came out last Thursday night, and he and I spent all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday working on the car. We really enjoyed our time together and he achieved his goal of getting me motivated and back into the build. We made some progress on the brakes, engine and cooling system, and while I still don't know where all the parts are, I'm back into it.
I wish I had the dedication and persistence of folks like Hershal, Rolf, Dan W. and Paul W. with his Tornado, but I do have a lot of work and family commitments that come before the car, and I personally find it much easier to get things done with another set of helping hands. I've had a few people volunteer their time to help out, and I'm going to take them up on it. There is also a certain enjoyment that comes from being alone in the garage with the radio, my thoughts, and a certain task that needs to be completed.
So I think it's fair to say that I'm out of the doldrums and moving forward again. No commitments as to when it will be done, and I will no longer be ashamed to tell people that I've been "working" on the car for over three years. It is what it is. But I am encouraged when I consider the progress that I have made thus far.
So here's the crux of my message: First, thanks to the people who have generously donated their time and effort so far - Bill Hough, Steve Miller, Pedro H., Jeff Seegar, Chris Yates, Robert Logan and the staff at Roaring Forties, Bob Lawrence, and especially Hershal Byrd and my brother, John Worthington, as well as my patient and generous wife, Jeanne. Hershal and Robert, I know you two have a particular interest in seeing this car built, and I promise you that I will complete it and that it will be one fine automobile when done. I hope other RF customers will understand that the time taken to build ths car is a reflection of my effort (or lack thereof), and not of the quality or completeness of the kit. Second, to those of you who can forge ahead and build a car like this in a matter of months rather than years, you have my most sincere admiration. Third, my apologies to anyone who has PM'd or emailed me over the last year about my car and not received a thoughtful reply. Finally, for those of you who, like me, have let your project languish, don't let yourself feel bad about it, don't feel guilty or inadequate...just build it in your own good time and enjoy the experience with as many friends as you can.
Over and out.