Hobby over for me I fear.

[roadrunnerh]

Hopefully your surgery will help enough and you'll have more stability.
Then assess what you can or can't do?

 

[r4sedan]

It's hard getting older and even harder with a disability. I can relate. I pray your surgery goes well. Those surgeon's can sure do remarkable things today.

 

[Hey-O]

we will all have to go through this, it's just a matter of time. I hope your surgery goes well

X2
Nothing is fair and we do the best we can, good luck!!

 

[Kern Dog]

The mere thought of losing my ability to work on and enjoy these cars frightens me.
I do hope that the OP meets with success in the surgery. That would restore confidence and satisfaction to his life.
I agree though, if he can get into a larger Mopar that still carries the same theme as the performance themed cars had, it sure would help.

 

[moparedtn]

Yeah, I might know a little about having the hobby (and life in general) threatened to be taken away....
(6 times cancer survivor, 3x flatlined so far - this "vessel" has been scrambled pretty good!)

I won't pretend to know what you're going through - but suffice to say, this site (and the hobby in general)
is chock full of people like us who have overcome some pretty serious shiyat to not only remain active to
one extent or another - but in some cases, to remain upright in general.

All we can do is give it hell, every damn time. I sure as hell do.
I will hope and pray the best for you and what you're going through!

 

[Kern Dog]

I'm sure that many of us have dealt with cancer but have hesitated to comment about it. The topic still makes me shrivel up just thinking of it.

 

[moparedtn]

I'm sure that many of us have dealt with cancer but have hesitated to comment about it. The topic still makes me shrivel up just thinking of it.

Does it bother you that I do write about it?

 

[fesser]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

I've only had one back surgery and am trying to avoid another, so I don't know your level of pain. I wish you all the medical miracles that can possibly happen for you.
As far as muscle cars not working anymore due to physical limitations, maybe there is a happy medium. What about a Mopar pickup. They can act a lot like muscle cars depending how they are set up, but getting in and out of a pickup, even a lowered one, might be a lot easier since you don't have to bend parts of your spine that don't bend so well anymore.
I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Kern Dog]

Does it bother you that I do write about it?

Ha, no....
I can't blame others for what bothers me. More to the point I almost live in denial that it happened to me. I've had it hit family members enough that every thought of it brings on a sad mood. It pains me to know of others that also fell victim though it is great to know of those that fought and got through it like we did.

 

[moparedtn]

Ha, no....
I can't blame others for what bothers me. More to the point I almost live in denial that it happened to me. I've had it hit family members enough that every thought of it brings on a sad mood. It pains me to know of others that also fell victim though it is great to know of those that fought and got through it like we did.

Sadly, it affects a large percentage sooner or later, to the point nearly everyone is either directly or closely
damaged by it before we're done. Not only has it tried to take me out several times, it's managed to do so
to many family members including both parents, so....
I have an unreasonably deep hatred for that evil ****; it's about the only thing I'll get damn near mental
about when "the fight" is on with it.

Apologies for the tangent here OP. Again, prayers for the best of outcomes with your upcoming surgery!

 

[1STMP]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

In the same boat, my friend.
I've restorded a number of
vehicles in my 69 years, but
started with physical
detriments since I was 17.
I'm paralized on my left side
after breaking my neck.
After I hit about 60, past
injuries caught up with
my bullet proof days.
Please don't give up on
what knowledge you've
gained, and are able to
pass on. My advice is to
find yourself a serrogate.
My son is my pair of hands
now. And with my coaching,
we still manage to get things
done.
Depressions hit me also, as
I've got an extra set of
urgency to see things done
since I probably won't be
around much longer.
Number 1 rule in trying
to teach someone what
you know about cars.....
patience.

 

[WileE]

My sincerest empathy for you and what you have gone through. And my thoughts and prayers for you on the upcoming surgery. In life, we always have to adjust and compensate. Nobody gets younger. We strive to maintain, and do the best we can under difficult circumstances. Always keep in mind the joys you've experienced in the past, and look for ways to keep it moving forward to the future. It may not be the same, as it almost never is. But it could, and should, be in some form that makes you happy. And I'm sure many wish it for you. As I do.

 

[not so famous bob]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

said a prayer for you , I understand , I have trouble getting in my 68 fastback ,and my Polaris rs1 also...at 78 ...

 

[not so famous bob]

The mere thought of losing my ability to work on and enjoy these cars frightens me.
I do hope that the OP meets with success in the surgery. That would restore confidence and satisfaction to his life.
I agree though, if he can get into a larger Mopar that still carries the same theme as the performance themed cars had, it sure would help.

Agree, I have often thot about trading my 68 fastback for a B body , the 66-67 belvedere and gtx`s were fantastic cars ...

 

[barbee6043]

Prayers foir you my friend.
Close to 50 years in the Mopar hobby, and 76 with health issues that have me barely able to walk, get up and down, etc. But the doc says try to stay "active"! OK.

I will say this. Find in life what makes you happy, makes you look forward to another day, and live life as best you can while you can. No matter what your age.

NEVER say I will do such when I retire. 95% of my friends and relatives never lived long enough to retire.

God Bless.

 

[RJRENTON]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

I feel your pain and anguish.....fortunately (?) I only have a couple of skeleton issues....knees, right shoulder rotator cuff....but my issue is the heart...I've inherited the Renton heart genes....which affects the first born of each generation....my namesake, First of that generation, died after his 4th heart attack ....he was 54....but the current technology did not exist then. I'm the first of my generation......my issues are: several cardiac catherizations, a 100% blockage of the LADA (left anterior decending artery and two distal branches, which were stinted), the Aeortic valve was replaced with a bio-prosthetic valve (titanium frame with cow valve flaps), by open heart surgery, i was on the heart/lung pump for 3.5 hours (my heart was stopped) to install the new valve, I have a pacemaker/defibrillator set to 70 beats/minute, in 2013, all the time, due to a right AV Node ablation to control atrial fibrillation....making me pacemaker dependent....but over the years, I'm 79YO, the heart has deterriored to 30% ejection fraction.....a measure of the volumetric function of the heart's blood volume output per beat....like fuel pump volume in gallons/minute....and running out of gas and a lean out condition at the top end of a run....i fatigue easily, like running out of gas. From day one, or as soon as the heart begins to function, shortly after conception, the ejection fraction is ~ 68%, as the heart is a positive displacment pump. I'm going to have a Bariostim device implanted/installed b4 the end of the year, which supplanfs or enhances the volumetric function of the heart by ~ 30-35% increase and is programmable as to rate function. I've got to keep the heart functioning because nothing else matters......but time is inevitable.......and all my affairs are in order.....but, who knows (only God or whatever your belief is) ???? Take care, Sir, and enjoy your time with your wife/partner and family and things that REALLY matter....and its NOT the old cars......life is precious and to be shared with your special person. But this is just my philosophy and outlook......Sorry for the ramblings........
BOB RENTON

 

[kiwigtx]

I wish you all the very best for a successful surgery @Viper2005 and I hope your future looks brighter so that you can enjoy the hobby for many years to come.

Swapping out to an easier car to drive and enjoy sounds like a good option.

 

[Don Frelier]

Let's pray for a successful outcome.

Everyone wants to feel capable and productive.
But you have knowledge and experience that you can still contribute here or share as a mentor to someone close by.

Stay positive and look for opportunities.

 

[Cranky]

So in 2019 I broke my back. 3 spinal surgeries latter and I still try and work on cars / trucks.
Now I am going in for 4 th surgery.
Currently fused L2 - L5 …. New plan
Remove all the old hardware and replace it.
Fusing me from L2 - S1 and then fusing my spine to my pelvis.
Pretty much eliminates all movement in the lower 3rd of my spine.
I am a big guy 6’4” and 280 I already find it difficult to get in my old car. And having a 4 speed car wasn’t my best choice.
After 40 years in this hobby and 100’s of old muscle cars, it’s very difficult to face the fact that it’s probably over.
Seems like such a waste I have 40 years of knowledge building engines, transmissions, bodywork, painting. On and on but my old body just gave out to soon.
Sorry for the rant…. Just feeling a bit down.

I started messing with cars in the mid/late 60's....and know what it's like to try and get into a late model car these days. I'm learning though. I'm blessed that I can still row a stick car and I hit 235 a few years back and am 5' 9" and knew something needed to be done about it. So far, no back surgery but Mr. Arthritis has been taking over my body for the last 30 years....

I so get it! Unfortunately, the sad truth is that the vessel we are given at birth only has so much time, as it wears out faster than I think most people want to accept. I revel in getting older as I believe it is really neat to be so. What erks my shorts, is that the Damn Aging is so damn crazy in what it does to us all. I left the hobby per-say, a couple of years ago and now work on selling off my parts stash which at least keeps me in it...somewhat!!! Laying on concrete all those years and my back is toast. My knees are shot...at least still intact but arthritic and cranky, and not as supple and nimble which limits what I can and cannot do. Even had to give up my Golf game as it is more difficult to play a round of it so my clubs are collecting dust in the corner. But the thing I am so grateful for is to wake up each morning, to be able to get up and stand tall...still...and know that one more day is a gift that only God can provide, and the mind is still sharp and busy with pursuits that I do enjoy. Stay positive and best of luck with your 4th surgery. Ain't no fun having to go under the knife...DAMHIK...and then just maybe get a Big Ol' C Body and cruise if ya feel like it...cr8crshr/Bill

You sound pretty much like me!! Only I suck at golf and didn't want to spend the time or money to try and get good at it lol

I've only had one back surgery and am trying to avoid another, so I don't know your level of pain. I wish you all the medical miracles that can possibly happen for you.
As far as muscle cars not working anymore due to physical limitations, maybe there is a happy medium. What about a Mopar pickup. They can act a lot like muscle cars depending how they are set up, but getting in and out of a pickup, even a lowered one, might be a lot easier since you don't have to bend parts of your spine that don't bend so well anymore.
I wish you the best of luck.

I have 3 pickups....all are very easy to get in and out of but they are a 95, and a 96 Dakota and a 97 2500 Ram. My wife has a 2022 Colorado and it's a pita to get in since it has a much more raked windshield but after nearly a year, I'm getting to where I can adjust to it.

Prayers foir you my friend.
Close to 50 years in the Mopar hobby, and 76 with health issues that have me barely able to walk, get up and down, etc. But the doc says try to stay "active"! OK.

I will say this. Find in life what makes you happy, makes you look forward to another day, and live life as best you can while you can. No matter what your age.

NEVER say I will do such when I retire. 95% of my friends and relatives never lived long enough to retire.

God Bless.

Lots of my friends that retired decided to sit in a rocking chair or a recliner and they didn't last much longer....

I feel your pain and anguish.....fortunately (?) I only have a couple of skeleton issues....knees, right shoulder rotator cuff....but my issue is the heart...I've inherited the Renton heart genes....which affects the first born of each generation....my namesake, First of that generation, died after his 4th heart attack ....he was 54....but the current technology did not exist then. I'm the first of my generation......my issues are: several cardiac catherizations, a 100% blockage of the LADA (left anterior decending artery and two distal branches, which were stinted), the Aeortic valve was replaced with a bio-prosthetic valve (titanium frame with cow valve flaps), by open heart surgery, i was on the heart/lung pump for 3.5 hours (my heart was stopped) to install the new valve, I have a pacemaker/defibrillator set to 70 beats/minute, in 2013, all the time, due to a right AV Node ablation to control atrial fibrillation....making me pacemaker dependent....but over the years, I'm 79YO, the heart has deterriored to 30% ejection fraction.....a measure of the volumetric function of the heart's blood volume output per beat....like fuel pump volume in gallons/minute....and running out of gas and a lean out condition at the top end of a run....i fatigue easily, like running out of gas. From day one, or as soon as the heart begins to function, shortly after conception, the ejection fraction is ~ 68%, as the heart is a positive displacment pump. I'm going to have a Bariostim device implanted/installed b4 the end of the year, which supplanfs or enhances the volumetric function of the heart by ~ 30-35% increase and is programmable as to rate function. I've got to keep the heart functioning because nothing else matters......but time is inevitable.......and all my affairs are in order.....but, who knows (only God or whatever your belief is) ???? Take care, Sir, and enjoy your time with your wife/partner and family and things that REALLY matter....and its NOT the old cars......life is precious and to be shared with your special person. But this is just my philosophy and outlook......Sorry for the ramblings........
BOB RENTON

No reason to say you're sorry for the 'ramblings' here!!

 

[Jerry Hall]

Prayers for you on your pending surgery. None of us know how long we can continue wrenching on our cars. Just keep your spirit up and find ways to adapt. I know from experience as I have many issues myself. I just get up every day, do what I can and have found a guy that loves these old rides as much as I do. He's now my hands for what I can no longer do. This makes us both happy. March on friend and share your knowledge. Helping others is what it's all about. God bless......