You see, I like to design rides and all of their counter parts on the good ol' drawing board. But sadly I lost that signature "focus". So I Tried and tried, for weeks, to get back that signature work. Side thing, not that I like to brag... wait, who am I kidding? I love to brag! I draw up ideas for my friend on his ride. Originally a 47 Ford called "King Cobra" (because we found several snakes inside of it that we had planned on using on the interior (very tastefully, not like an 80's prostreet)) And now I work on his 56 Cadillac 4 door that shall soon be a 2 door kustom called... something. So, to get my focus back.. I (understand I will get crap for this) but I garden a little, peppers and edible foods to get back that swing. What do you do?
I usually have at least 2 projects (rides) to work on in the ol' shop. When I get a little burned out working on one I'll switch gears and start working on the other. May stop working for awhile and focus on organizing shop or going to swap meets and collecting parts. After a brief break I'm charged up and ready to go at it again. I think this happens to a lot of guys.
I usually design and build a part the wrong way a couple times first on purpose, that usually helps dial me in.
I like your approach. I am gonna start doing this. I hear that it's actually pretty useful. Is it.. you know, useful?
I work on the house a bit. The car and the house provide nice counterpoints for one another - when I get sick of one, the other helps me recharge. Of course, I can't do that if I have to drive the car the next day, or the house isn't liveable until I finish the project. -Dave
Organize and sell some of my parts collection.. gets me the $$ and the will to work on something again. Sometimes you just need to walk away for a bit, even up to a few months.. and then the bug bites again and I go like crazy.
I too am part of the multiple project brigade. I always have a few different things going so as I falter on one, I canstep away to another and come back renewed.
2 projects in the garage is a lifesaver! Keeps the "burnout" down especially when things aren't working out too well on a project. I also like to try to look at other peoples projects and the areas they are kinda stuck on and play with them. Kinda like a virtual project car.
It varies. Every project seems to have phases. The last was like that. The Fabrication Phase. Lots of welding, grinding, dry fitting, drilling etc. Taking pcs to reality. Then the bodywork phase. Long, drawn out, not a whole lot of fun. Then the paint and upholstery phase. Things start looking up. Finish line, figure out bugs. From project to project seems to be based on need for me. The "itch" to get the 32 done was pretty good. Most of the conceptual part was done in my head so it was a matter of execute, and figure out the problem solving as you go. Trying not to change much to the original desing idea. Doing my 31 Chevy more as a need, and challenge, how fast can I turn this around, as selling it as a running driving car. The money would come in handy now. Some hurdels not as great as say the 32, less fabrication, more restoration. Parts changing mainly, wood kit etc. Plus still having the potential of one project after this one is done, and not waiting to start, just jumping in. I think what keeps me going on it is a continual buildup of successes in each phase of the "next" or "current" project. Having the "Spare" parts around ready to go also helps. Not relying on anothers help, sad to say, also keeps things going. I know I can count on myself.
I tried the 2 project thing and I just sank a shit load into one while neglecting the other. The eye opener was when I tallied up all the money on the other project...I could have had the parts I wanted for my main project...so I sold #2. My focus is watching others enjoy the hobby one way or another. I will talk with so and so about his vintage speed piece, or watch one of our guys get his project driving and it drives me back into the garage. Having a friend there to work beside keeps things moving fast too. That...and plenty of water! It gets hot in the garage!
Thought of another... Just got back from a ride on my mini bike! Oh, spun the go kart around a bit too...
I switch gears and hit up the wood shop. Those projects usually take a lot less time, and working with wood is very satisfying. I build toyboxes for all the nieces / nephews / friend's kids. Bookshelves. Shop shelves. Furniture. Gunstocks. Wood is just so forgiving after banging away on steel and trying to find your way through the rust to the good stuff beneath.
Beer or internet... usually both. My dad calls it "knocking yourself off top dead center" (which I think is funny because he's not a car guy) and he uses beer or coffee. I don't drink coffee anymore so I log onto here or one of my motorcycle forums and look at all the cool shit everyone else is doing. Also some time's I'll just sit in the garage and stare at a project and try to imagine it done and working, it helps if you have a beer.
FOR MOTIVATION- I go outside, look at the big piece of metal in my driveway and say to myself..... I am not gonna be that guy who has a project thats gonna be done "one day". Man, I may be dead before that "one day" comes. OR Watch a little reality TV; that will straighten you right out. Ever seen Hoarders, buried alive? OR Go to a local car show, focus on the ugly cars or rods that are just terrible (in your opinion). Say to yourself, this guy actually spent the time and money to build THIS?! Meanwhile I'm wasting my time just thinking about it. FOR INSPIRATION Large cup of coffee Some boobies A vacation!, always works! Retail car shopping and test driving A smoke Not necessarily in this order
for me, its as simple as taking a ride to town for dinner or lunch, then after a good meal i realize i must go out, and climb into a piece of shit 99 ford escort with a weak clutch and no e-brake to drive home. my only mode of transportation. fuck that i need to finish a car before i decorate a wall with my head.
I eat a nice big box of colon cleanser and a 12 pack of MGD, and a 2 pound polski kebasa, about three days later I'm light as a feather and very energetic.
Wow Iam suprised! Am I the only one who goes to the HAMB?This has always been my motivator and re focusing tool.Oh and I use my YZ250 and a Long day at stonyford!
If I have a big piece of equipment to build and it is estimated to take lets say 60 days to complete. I don't start until there is 59 days left till the dead line and I find that really gives me the kick in the ass to get my mind rite, and away I go. Alot of the stuff I build for industry has a delivery clause that deducts a grand a day for every day you go past the delivery date. Works for me JC
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