Hobby over for me I fear.

[Viper2005]

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.

 

[chargervert]

I hope all goes well with your surgery!

 

[Belvedere408]

Hope it gets better for ya.

 

[toolmanmike]

Dang, That's hard to read. If you want to stay in the hobby, may be a change is needed. A nice C body might be a good route to go. Cash in on what you own and buy a done car. I like to tinker with mine but my days of building and rebuilding are over. Take care and good luck with your surgery.

 

[polywideblock]

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

 

[wahya]

I feel your pain and wondering myself. Hoping your surgery goes well.

 

[davek]

You could be a mentor with all your knowledge, look outside of the box. Hope your surgery gos well.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I suspect you'll find a way to adjust... Maybe an automatic, maybe a C body, honestly, a buddy has a C body vert that's an incredible driver... He brings it out for our drives and a few of the wives jump out of the muscle cars to ride in the spacious luxury vert...

 

[1967coronet]

Yes, i hope your surgery goes good and prayers for a fast recovery.
That said.... you do not have to be done with old cars unless you choose to.
I know you feel down at times like this but don't let it rule you.
My wife's brother a gear head teen , Came home from the service in 71 as a quadriplegic. HI. 1st then on to Long Beach for a year plus.
Through hard work on his part plus dedicated VA nurses neck down turned into waist down and a new lease on life.
He owned a drag car until he passed.
If you just tired of old cars then be done.
If you still love them make adjustments and keep going.

 

[68BabyBlue]

Hope you get a good outcome. Life, mother nature, or a combination of the above get us all if we live long enough. I had a really good run, but when the time came, I made adjustments. Still have a red '69 GTX, but my no power options four speed car got swapped for an automatic with hand controls. Still drive to Carlisle every year, but I use a wheelchair when I get there. Much better alternative to sitting home.

 

[Budnicks]

Good luck I hope it goes better for you now...

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.

 

[SteveSS]

Just come on over to my house and point at what I'm supposed to do. Better yet start writing articles. I need to swap a 727 and I'm freaking out about it.

 

[Moms68]

Maybe find a nice 300, Imperial or Dodge Royal with the swivel seat? Those cars are very cool and comfortable!!

 

[440plus6]

Viper,
Hang in there brother, you likely have forgotten more about this hobby than I know. Your knowledge and experience is priceless. Once you're up and about after this surgery and feeling better, you will find a way to pursue that in which you love and enjoy. Remember the immortal words of Jimmy Valvano. "Never give up". Wishing you the best of luck on your procedure and a speedy full recovery to all that's possible!

 

[KiwiKid72]

Good luck with the surgery.

As my dad got less agile he had to downsize, and enjoyed his new hobby of building model cars.

 

[khryslerkid]

Praying for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Maybe you could find a young person to do some of your work.

When I was 18 I would help a man who was hardly able to breathe. He would sit there and tell me what he wanted done. He loved the '62 to '65 Ford Falcons. He would buy project cars cheap. Pulled lots of engines for him. Fixed them up enough to get them inspected and he'd sell them. Kept him happy.

 

[cr8crshr]

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

 

[oldkimmer]

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well and u have a speedy recovery. Kim

 

[BigFlo]

Best of luck to you. I hope all goes as best it can.

 

[mmissile]

Good luck. I get to "plan" with my neuro-surgeon next month. I've already started to remove myself from the hobby. Everything is for sale, and I've sold a bunch in the last 2 years.