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Author Topic: I have a dream (too)  (Read 1463 times)

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Offline Wittsend

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I have a dream (too)
« on: January 18, 2016, 01:41:27 PM »
I've always lived in the suburbs within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area. In fact, the two most populous cities in the nation where land and housing is congested and expensive.  I've always dreamed that I could move to a more rural setting. A place where I could have a moderate sized house, but a HUGE barn like structure. I'd spend my free time acquiring 50's, 60's and early 70's era cars. Nothing elite, just your basic Falcon, Comet, Maverick, Fairlane, Pinto, Nova, Dart/Valiant, AMC American etc. In addition a select group of foreign cars too.  These would not have to be pristine cars, just serviceable. Then I'd either economically modify them, or do engine swaps.  In this dream I saw the cars costing no more than about $2,000 each even after the alterations. Everything sourced from junk yards and swap meets. It seemed that $100,000 would have bought me just about every car I'd attempt and I'd acquire that cash from my suburban sell-out.

Currently I have a daily drive, and..., a Turbo Pinto, 64 Studebaker Daytona (350/700R4), and a 73 Valiant, all of which run and are registered and insured. In addition I have a Sunbeam Tiger, Datsun 510, Rambler American and a Corvair station wagon.  All these are not (yet) roadworthy. They are part of the dream, but not the complete dream.

 Today I'm a hop, skip and a jump from 60. And, even though I have more tools than I've had in my life and live on 1/3 of an acre (large for suburbia) to store cars, I see my dream fading - F-A-S-T.  I can't even get projects going that have been in the pipeline for 20 years now.  Yet, I seem to spend hours each week trolling Craigslist for that "irresistible" opportunity. I mean I need another (project) car like I need a hole in the head.  15 years ago I had a similar group of eclectic cars. Back then I thought I had come to my senses when I convinced my wife that if I bought ONE significant car I would wisely divest myself of the others.  That significant car was the Sunbeam Tiger. It checked a lot of boxes for me.

  Well..., I never divested myself of the other cars and even acquired a few. I was still holding on to that dream.  Today my body is starting to show its limitations. Cars that were $500-$1,000 not that far back are now $3,000-$5,000.  Junk yard prices are rising.  My wife still NEVER wants to move.  I'm torn between reality and what is now seeming to have been fantasy.  I see these mega buck guys on TV and their toy boxes full of high dollar cars.  2% of what they have would likely have fulfilled my dream. It isn't that I'm jealous, but sad. I have had a dream. Are there others out there like me?

Offline Pintosopher

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Re: I have a dream (too)
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2016, 02:49:58 PM »
As a former So Cal born native of Hotel California, I too had a dream. My Parents panicked and moved us to Oregon in 1970 just as the Boeing layoffs kicked in, plunging our family of 7 into abject poverty as the economy tightened its grip, and the Jobs went south to CA. My family never returned, but I did try SoCal just once more and left in a panic again. Later , my Job did bring me to NorCal in 1983, and it was perfect timing. My wife and I had enough money to buy our first New Car, (still have it) and bought the 72 racer and began Solo II racing through the late 80's I jumped into hillclimbs , and eventually bought a tow vehicle and was trying to get all the Ducks quacking in harmony. THEN 1990 kicked the door in and the Defense base closures kicked in and drove NorCal into a recession.
 Years later, almost had the right job and Money to restart the Racing Dream, BAM...911 and the Dot Com bust. In 07 the next bubble in Real estate popped and the new ride into oblivion carried on. It's pathetic that my native born home state isn't ever going to restore the "Golden Dreams" I feel the pain as I too am nearly 60 and think it's time to choose a Motorhome and plot out of the state.. yes, we'll move.. Like so many that have grabbed their PERS and ran to the exodus states..

Pintosopher  ,Living next door to the Lie in Sacto , Calling for an Inquest , Getting more disgusted daily :-[
Yes, it is possible to study and become a master of Pintosophy.. Not a religion , nothing less than a life quest for non conformity and rational thought. What Horse did you ride in on?

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Offline dick1172762

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Re: I have a dream (too)
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2016, 05:16:40 PM »
NW Arkansas! Little or no crime / cheap housing / $153 gas / Wall Mart home / low cost of living / Ozark mountains / car friendly / live in the country. We've got your spot picked out.
Its better to be a has-been, than a never was.

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: I have a dream (too)
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2016, 06:59:40 AM »
Well, I think most of us have that dream and I managed to get to the place, now to fill the second dream, win the Powerball, lol.. ;D
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