Yep. Since I bought the car and spent the last 2 years rebuilding it, I have spent far more time leaning over the engine bay and underneath it than actually in it on the road. If I were to film myself working on it, the video above would be a perfect representation of what I look like smoking my lower back, getting my squats in to get underneath it, and busting knuckles. Even with the frustrating positions and tight spaces I enjoy every second of it and the garage is the spot I go to just tinker and get a little R&R therapy.

 

I do enjoy wrenching, but driving my 66fb is still my thing. I do have a friend who fits your description; restored an 87 Pantera from pieces, restored a 65 K code, in the process of restoring a 68 GT 500. We have to practically beg him to take them out.

 

Yeah, pretty much me over the last year except I use a creeper. I think the only thing I haven't done is pull the engine. I've sorta flamed out on the last little odds and ends but I'm determined to get back to it this weekend.

My car was last registered in 2006 but two of those years it was just sitting at my mom's. Hopefully it'll be back on the road by the end of this year. Probably not lol

 

There is something about a man cave. Working with your hands and brain to figure out and fix a broken whatever car part. The smell of gear oil and a new car freshener. The warmth and smell of a fire stove, keeping the garage warm while you bust another knuckle. Yes, this is MY HAPPY PLACE

 

That’s how I work on them, but I enjoy driving them more than working on them.

 

I have spent a lot of time on my two cars but once I dial them in, like @patrickstapler , enjoy driving more.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity and space to install a two-post hydraulic.lift 12 years ago and that was a game-changer. My back could not take lying on the floor any longer. I realize many do not have this option but if you ever do I cannot recommend it enough. I now also perform all maintenance and repairs on our daily drivers as well. It will be tough to give up when I eventually move.

 

I like driving them but I am a squarely a "love working on old car" guy. It's one reason I will not only always have a project in my garage but it has also been what has fueled me over the decades. I get involved in everyone's projects, usually because I have the most experience and tools and help people take their cars to places they might not get to without the help. I have several friends who at one time where tentative tinkerers that now can do full on everything restorations because I taught them. A good teacher makes themselves obsolete. The Lord bestows talents upon you in order for you to multiply Him. 🙏

 

That’s kind of how I am with my boat. I love to tinker. The Mustang is my son’s car and I have a hard time keeping my hands off it.

 

Yup, with my Dad when I was a kid, then with my own vehicles since I was 18. Getting parts together for this winter projects now. I'll have the Mustang up on jack stands in a couple of months from now.

 

Just this morning!

 

I've got probably a 1000 hours so far into working/messing with my car, certainly do not have a 10th of that driving it, not even including the hours spent with it sitting in car shows gets me caught up. Every winter is project time where copious amounts of time and a little money are spent for the few short driving months of summer.
So you're not so different.

 

If I ever get my 66 Fastback on the road it will be my daily driver. I also intend to drive it to California to visit my brother. One of the reasons I am now considering downgrading my cam choice. I have 3 E cams but think I will use a stock one. I'm almost 62....I have done it all and stop light Grand Prix is not my bag.

 

I do enjoy working on it. I do enjoy driving it and the reactions it gets even here in the Motor City.

 

Owned, driven and wrenched on My First Car since 1992.
Changed my oil and filter and screwed around with alignment I didn't like between the lower passenger fender and front valance last night about 1 am.
Car is clean, fresh fluids, tires checked and ready for a trip across town or across the country.

 

I've been working on my car for 15 years to get it to this point so I could drive it and enjoy it as I have been this summer. So I'm a little burned out on turning wrenches and prefer to be out cruising my car. But I have to admit when I do successfully repair or restore something on my car, it does bring me a sense of satisfaction.

 

I enjoyed making it as fast engine and handling wise as it could be without cutting sheetmetal. Never again!

 

The only way to fly:

Z

 

Somebody grab a mop, that's going to be messy!

 

Watch your back!🫣

 

That's how I've always worked on and still work on mine, but laying on concrete is sure beginning to start loosing its appeal.

Its definitely more fun with a buddy to hang out with, which doesn't seem to be all that often anymore.

Still favor driving them to working on them though.

 

I sure could use that 50 Years fender cover when I'm working on my 50th Year '15!

 

Ebay!

 

My video would show me looking for a wrench for 30 minutes and then finding it on a piece of paper to keep the wind from blowing it away…under a shop rag. 😂

 

I’ve found the tool (3/8” ratchet) you were looking for in the lifter valley when I took off the intake . Over the years have also found a shop rag, extra pushrod, screwdrivers, Bic lighter, a 25 cent piece, a telescoping (sp?) magnet and a pair of reading glasses.

Apparently the lifter valley is a common repository for tools and anything else you have in the garage.

Once it's sealed up by the intake it’s like the pyramids of Egypt in there. The secret objects are safe for centuries.

Z

 

I am definitely in the camp of enjoying working on them more....though in my case its the fabrication. I have little interest in maintenance type tasks.

 

For the past decade been driving it more then working on it which has been nice. But finally started new project of putting Ford trac lock in the rear. I hope I did it right, I guess I'll find out once installed and driving. Joked with wife, been awhile since my hands where all greasy and my back hurt. 🙂

 

It’s the trip, not the destination that counts and wrenching is a big part of that trip for me.

 

I agree. But oddly that does not apply to my daily driver F150. I work on that thing because I have to and would prefer not to work on it at all.