Well, no one bought the car. Maybe next year I can get a motorcycle.
I should really take this car and do something with it. With just a little more work it'll be a great ride, and then I can start making it look good. I've just got to make a decision about it - I've been wishy-washy for the past year about it, deciding to sell, then to keep it, then to sell it, then I put it in the shop 'cause I'm gonna drive it all the time...
It's not exactly economical. The thing actually gulps gasoline. Then again, it wasn't designed to go "putt-putt" and sip fuel. It is a classic musclecar, designed and built several years before the gas crisis in the 1970s. It's my favorite automobile. I wanted a Mustang since I was about six years old, and for about fifteen years I shopped. Beth spent my money on it in 2000 when I was at NTC and I've been dumping money into it ever since.
I fell asleep at the wheel in June 2002 and spent until July 2004 getting it all back together. Overall I think I did a pretty good job. I just drove it about 110 miles yesterday without incident. There are a few more things to work out, but they're fairly trivial. The alternator needs some attention and I need just a couple more steering parts replaced. I am now trying to decide what the next big project is for it.
The power steering is still being a pain in the ass. The pump needs to be replaced and the hoses should be rerouted - they keep burning up because they're too close to the exhaust. After the steering is all done and the suspension is solid, I think it will be time for new tires. At that point I'll probably replace the rims too. That should drastically improve the ride.
I'll have to do a couple of things to the engine for maintenance, like the slight leak in the water outlet and the oil leak I think is coming from the distributor. There's also the wiring for the temperature and oil sensors - that's the only original wiring left in the engine compartment - it needs to be replaced as well.
After that it's probably off to the machine shop for the engine. With the engine out I can clean everything up front and get it ready for the new powerplant. The engine will go back in with new headers, so that should solve my power steering line problem. I'll probably go with an electric fuel pump, too.
Then I'll finish the interior and start sending it to the body shop every once in awhile to concentrate on a piece of whatever needs attention. Beth's been told to call Overhaulin' and tell them to steal my car, but I don't think she's had the time.
Like I said: I just need to decide that this is what I want. If I'm so damn emotional about it, I think I should keep it and finish my baby. All said and done I should have about $30K invested which will never be returned, but I'll have one damn sweet ride. And a daughter in college.
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