Not happening as planned

[Flashback]

After a lot of things happening over the last few years, and age creeping up on me, my Grandson and I decided to abandon the idea of all the expensive paint and finish work on my 53 coupe. If I ever hope to finish it enough to enjoy, it has to go the cheapie from here on out. We are starting to work on it this week. I will try to post some progress soon. I have decided to sell some of the "stuff" I am not using and other parts. I have a 4bbl offy kit posted now, and I am posting a radio, speaker kit, and antenna today. I will be posting other parts. Watch for our progress soon, I hope.

[junior]

So often 'keeping it real' is better than dreaming 'how cool will it be when its finished'. Sounds like you're keeping it real to me, and getting it back together and on the road always works for me. Even if its not a perfect car, driving a 53 coupe is far cooler than looking at one sitting in the garage. Mrs. Junior has a motto..."while you can, when you can". Words we try to live by in our house. Looking forward to progess pics! cheers, junior

[Jessie J.]

Willingness to adjust plans to better suit current circumstances usually results in a far more satisfactory outcome than an endless delay to achieve perfection.
Old cars are not getting any younger nor are we. An old car that has been maintained or returned to 'hop in, and drive condition' will always beat a undrivable 'project' and a pile of expensive parts stashed away in ones garage and attic.
Even driving an oldie with a brush applied paint job, with blankets over the seats, beats having it languish for years in the garage waiting for that $$$$$ paint job and $$$$$ interior that it will likely never get.
Whatever you got, concentrate on returning it to safe driveable condition first. Trinkets and goodies, if you can afford them, can come latter.
I have to remind myself of this daily.

[ddub]

I regularly remind myself that the perfect is the enemy of the good.

[DEEPNHOCK]

(opinion)
Just an FYI ...
I liked your '53 just the way it is/was... Slightly raw, semi finished..
True 50's style and attitude.
Get 'er running and go have fun with it (while you still can)..

[Dick Steinkamp]

Willingness to adjust plans to better suit current circumstances usually results in a far more satisfactory outcome than an endless delay to achieve perfection.
Old cars are not getting any younger nor are we. An old car that has been maintained or returned to 'hop in, and drive condition' will always beat a undrivable 'project' and a pile of expensive parts stashed away in ones garage and attic.
Even driving an oldie with a brush applied paint job, with blankets over the seats, beats having it languish for years in the garage waiting for that $$$$$ paint job and $$$$$ interior that it will likely never get.
Whatever you got, concentrate on returning it to safe driveable condition first. Trinkets and goodies, if you can afford them, can come latter.
I have to remind myself of this daily.

X2. Plus, running/driving projects with plenty of "patina" get more attention at car shows than the shiny ones. I think more people can relate to them, and feel the owner will be more approachable for conversation.

[Noxnabaker]

Same thoughts here; when Sonja went & got Josephine tested they were overjoyed about the old rough paint on her & I've had loads of people telling me not to repaint her. & yes: we have blankets on the seats... to save 'em.
(But I will paint her anyway since she's the wrong color!)

[sals54]

I'm with ya too brother... Great decision for now. Get er running and driving. Smoke the tires once in a while and make loud noises enough to scare women and children. Then.... later.... and maybe not even then..... make it pretty and docile.
Good luck and congrats on the very real decision. I'm still living that lifestyle too.

[wittsend]

X2. Plus, running/driving projects with plenty of "patina" get more attention at car shows than the shiny ones. I think more people can relate to them, and feel the owner will be more approachable for conversation.

I drive what might be the equivalent of 60's-70's Rat Rods - less the flat black paint. Mechanically I get them running "decent." Internally I'll put in the indoor/outdoor black carpet and maybe swap with clean junk yard seats. I'll find some upgrade steel wheel (like Crown Vics). I'll park on the edge of the local Cars & Coffee and people drift by often saying, "It will look great when you get it done." But dare I had put $20K into the car and I'm sure the magnifying glasses would come out. Humbly Happy Here.

[pinehurstbob]

My favorite line at a car event is "mine is here, where is yours"
Bob

[TWChamp]

IMHO the 53 C and K can easily be voted the world's most beautiful car ever built.
Do what you can to get it on the road and show it off.

[Flashback]

I see most are in agreement. My Grandson, my son, and myself spent this Saturday morning picking up miscellaneous fasteners, paint, thinner, etc. for the 53. Of course this was after breakfast at fast food. We came back and got the core support, radiator and fan shroud mounted. Filled with coolant. Fired it up. warmed up, checked for leaks. Then, we had to tie up the wires and go for a test drive (after two burnouts). I'll try and post progress pictures in the pictures section.

[Jessie J.]

Way to go! Quality time that your Son and Grandson will treasure for life. Many many more to ya!

[Noxnabaker]

This sure makes me happy to read!!!
Pictures of a burnout would be lovely!

[junior]

A test drive with two burnouts tossed in for good measure?...way to go Tex. Good to know old hot rodders don't grow up! I always love to hoon but don't get a lot of opportunity to do when Mrs. Junior is with me...but if my youngest daughter is with me, or my nephew then all reserve goes out the window. Good thing I don't own any high horsepower vehicles or I'd be in real trouble...ha! I'm too scaredy-cat (or caso) to do anymore burnouts with the Stude though as the transmission has led a hard life and is not all that strong to start with (its a T5) and is making some noises as it gets older...which reminds me...didn't you tear-up one of your transmissions with a burnout or two a few years ago? Good to hear that the Sat. night Special is back in action. cheers, Junior