grandson wants granpa's help

If this is his first kind of project like this I would say whatever he can get on the road the fastest. If it is some project that will take five years to complete he may lose interest or move or whatever partway through. If he can get something and get it going relatively quickly and he wants to do another one then maybe you take on a longer term project.

I also agree about making him pay for parts. He'll be more inclined to take care of it when it is done if it is his money rolling down the road.

 

This is awesome regardless to which wagon you guys decide on. And Whiskey thanks for becoming a regular around here.

 

get him a driver so he can enjoy it now. those look like they'd be years off completion realistically.....

 

loudmouth i do see your point ..but the fact is that neither he nor myself cant really afford to buy a finished vintage car..he is young and makes minimum wage and i am a poor wore out old mechanic... right now he is driving my old(1995)shop truck but loves the old cars i have and wants one for himself.. i told him if he wants something fast the volari wagon could be made road worthy in a few weeks or faster.. i do believe with my experienced help and what parts i have laying around, and the cash he could chip in. the vega could be made road worthy in say 2-3 months.. that is why i dont think he should tackle the rambler at this time. because it would be a very long process... complete weatherstriping, interior, body and paint suspension work, plus the engine has not been started in many many years and would need at least a complete disassembly lots of new parts and reassembly.. i would be afraid he would lose interest in it half way through

 

Thank God for grandfathers. The world needs more. I would be lost without mine who will be 78 next month. He and my grandmother practically raised me and I am thankful for everything that they sacrificed to make up for my screwed up parents.

Whatever car you decide to go with, I hope it is a fun, memorable, and bonding experience for you and your grandson. Best of luck. I think that Vega has the potential to look pretty slick with a coat of black paint and some chrome wheels.

 

teej... i didnt mean to make it sound like the vega dont matter or not worth restoring.. it is just it dont matter that much to me it is kinnda on the newish side.. but to a kid born in the 90's a 1974 seems old and vintage to him..

 

I'm really leaning toward the Vega for all of those reasons. Kids and adults often have a short attention span. If things get boring or don't go right, many lose interest.
Now my attention has shifted to your avatar. Is that a Mackaw over your left shoulder or just leaves of fall?

 

how right you are merc woody... i am very aware that parents have it hard trying to work and support their families, pay for a home and medical care.. while us grand parents are lucky we have the time and maybe a few resources to really make a difference in our grandkids lives that as parents we couldnt do

 

a ha ha ha cat.. that is a bird feeder.... i should change my avatar that was just a handy pic..

 

Wasn't that easy to make it out. Our oldest son has a Mackaw. Noisyest damned bird alive. We usually spend 2 or 3 weeks there. One day last summer son asked me how I like the bird, while we sat next to the large cage watching TV. I looked at our son and said he was good fried!
But at 5AM when they are going to work I am really tempted as that bird sqwauks goodbye Ruby.

 

ha ha ha ha tell him you would like him .....with potatoes and gravy..

 

This is just a thought, but what about talking him into one of the cars that will be easier to get roadworthy and then saying if he likes the process, he can drive it (which ever one is chosen) and then save some money for doing the Rambler later on down the road? That way he has a driver, learns the ins and outs of a resto job but isn't turned off or turned away because he can't get what he really wants.

If it turns out he's not really into restoring something, then at least he'll have cool/vintage transportation and will be glad he didn't hold out for the Rambler. If on the other hand he really digs turning wrenches and bringing something back, but knows the hard work that goes into it he'll make the asspiration of having the Rambler even more of a goal to work towards. Then when the time comes he can sell what he's driving and use the money from that sale plus what he has saved up to finance the Rambler build.

 

sounds like you think alot like me orthman... that is similar to what i was thinking.. he can get his hands dirty on something for himself (instead of just doing it on his moms car) and who knows maybe he will have the talent and desire to do more.. i have already told him that i would love to have someone to pass on my shop, tools, cars, and what little knowledge i have. his brother and cousins dont seem to be interested..i know swinging wrenches is a hard way to make a living.. but my family have always had a roof over their head, nor missed any meals, always had clothes to wear.....we have always stood tall and never had to beg for welfare or unemployment

 

And for all of those things you should be damn proud! The world needs a few good mechanics more than they need another unemployed kid with a masters degree.

Oh, and I went back and took a good look at the Vega and I agree with you and OrthmannJ. As long as the Rambler isn't going anywhere, let's see how much interest the kid has. It could be a pretty cool car...

If he doesn't, I might still be up for adoption. (Is 45 too old?)

 

You won't even have to leave Florida if you move in with us. You are welcome to live in the garage or small RV if I can drive your Safari wagon.