Thinking of getting out....

[musclecarjohn]

As crazy as it may sound,I have been contemplating selling off my cars and getting out of the hobby.Lately,these cars have brought me little pleasure and the upkeep and maintenance which used to be fun is now draining of my time and patience.I haven't shown the cars this year (don't plan on it either) and I'm just getting to the point where I don't want to lift the covers off of them...let alone drive them.I worry about them at night when I sleep and especially when I drive them.Not having fun here...

At 49,maybe I've reached the point where I want to do something different with my life and hobbies.

Been feeling this way now for the last couple of months and I've decided to think long and hard on my decision until the first of the year and if at that time I still feel like I do today,I'll start cutting them loose.My wife thinks I'm insane but once I start thinking this way,I've usually sold myself.A good buddy of mine suggested I sell two and keep one but I could never choose one over the other...these have been dreamcars for me ever since I can remember...and I've been in this game starting with my '70 Z/28 back in 1979.

Never thought I'd hear these words exit my mouth but things change.Am I alone or has anyone else feel like I do?

Confused in Marina (but not doing anything hasty),

John

[69LM1]

I would definately keep one. Things change, then they change back!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Rich

[Don_Lightfoot]

You are definitely not alone in your thinking John. This is a decision that we will all likely need to make at some point in time. For some that "age" could be younger than others. Also, sometimes it's a matter of outside influences like health, funding retirement, etc.

I tend to agree with Rich - sell off a couple and keep one for a while and see if your attitude changes as "you never know". Good luck with whatever you decide.

[KENNY_PASCOE]

LIKE YOU MENTIONED, WAIT TIL THE FIRST OF THE YEAR AND SEE HOW YOU FEEL. YOUR WHOLE PERSPECTIVE COULD CHANGE .... GOOD LUCK ! KP http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Late BrakeU2]

If the thrill is gone perhaps the time you gave yourself to decide will make the decision easier.Maybe there is some truth to the boomers leaving the hobby.You are on the late end of that cycle and maybe it's why the steam seems to be evaporating out of the market this year.Hope you snap out of it,but if it's not fun anymore I'll be waiting for Jan to relieve you of that 70Z http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Zedder]

You are certainly not alone in your thinking. I have spoken to a number of people this summer who are also contemplating getting out of the hobby for various reasons. Most feel that the prices have gotten so crazy that they are now afraid to drive their cars on the street. Others are tired of the politics and BS that is so prevalent in the hobby now. Personally, I always thought that I would have 5 or 6 collector cars, but I am focussed on 3 now and once I have them, that will be more than enough - too expensive now and with new cars like the Z06 or new Camaro coming out, the idea of having both old and new is attractive to me.

My only additional advice would be to sell off one at a time starting with the one that you are least attached to and leave 6 months or so wait time between each sale just to make sure that you are OK after the car is gone. Best of luck with your decision.

[musclecarjohn]

Thanks guys for the advice,I really appreciate it.
I've only told two friends locally of my thoughts and both suggested I keep one car (one said the '69 and one said the Chevelle)and that's something I'll consider.I cut a '70 SS454 El Camino last year loose last year (wife's car...wouldn't drive it anymore)and that was painful as all hell.Luckily it went to a friend so it's in good hands and I get to see it...but that doesn't make it any easier.

I can't possibly choose one car over the other...how could I?All my friends are into these cars too (11 '69 Z/28's in this area)so there would be some lifestyle changes to be made for sure.

I'll continue to think hard on this,we're going on an 11-day cruise in December so there'll be lots to consider while on the high seas...hopefully my decision will be clearcut by the time I'm back home.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Well if you still feel this way later and decide to seel them! Put them all up for sale and the first two that sell are gone and keep the last one.This way you don't have to make the decision of which one to keep.Keep the one that has not sold.

Bobby Dodson

[ssl78]

I have been thinking the same a couple of mine will be going on the block soon. I just havent decided if I want to sell the most expensive one and keep the others or visa versa. As long as I can have one I can still cruise I should be happy.

[Mr70]

I saw this & thought it was referring to a divorce.
I didn't realize it was something much more severe.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Dave Rifkin]

Have you considered loaning them to a collector car museum? This way you still own them, they aren't in your face causing stress and if the feeling truly is gone you can sell them at that time.
At least this way; if you get the itch back by having them out of your hair for a while you can always go pick them back up and enjoy them again.
There are too many people with "the one that got away" stories; only in your case it would be "the ones that got away".
I would think long and hard about letting these cars go.

[budnate]

no big deal, sell them if you like, I went crazy and got out in '94 played with boats and came back in '99, the hunt is the most fun anyway, there will always be cars for sale.

the loaner idea is not bad if you can handle it.

[Belair62]

You can never really "get out" anyway...sell one.

[Pacecarjeff]

[ QUOTE ]
I saw this & thought it was referring to a divorce.
I didn't realize it was something much more severe.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL...

Yea - sell them. This might even be the right time.
The market is pretty high right now.
If you are not enjoying them, it is time to take a break.
I would be very interested in the 69Z. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you considered loaning them to a collector car museum? This way you still own them, they aren't in your face causing stress and if the feeling truly is gone you can sell them at that time.
At least this way; if you get the itch back by having them out of your hair for a while you can always go pick them back up and enjoy them again.
There are too many people with "the one that got away" stories; only in your case it would be "the ones that got away".
I would think long and hard about letting these cars go.

[/ QUOTE ]
That is an interesting idea...and one I had not thought of.

I do realize being a recent new homeowner,that once I get out of this game,it'd be very hard for me to get back in and...all of my friends are car guys http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gifso there are considerations to be made there as well.

[Denis]

If you don't need the money, find someplace nice and warm and covered and safe and set 'em up for long term safekeeping.

[Charley Lillard]

Denis...I think you should part with that ugly 67 old ladys car you have....my address is.........

[Denis]

she's too incontinent for your purdy floors

[Bill Pritchard]

I used to have 3 collector cars. By the time I hit my mid 40's I knew it was time to cut back. I never had the desire to completely get out of the hobby, but sure had had enough of maintaining all of them. I thought about it for better than a year, and wound up selling my Hemi car. That was 10 years ago and I have had no regrets, since I used the proceeds toward something else that my wife and I have derived much pleasure from. After a few more years, I knew what direction I wanted to take, and sold the other two cars, only after buying 'the one' we really wanted. So, I would advise you to think about it til at least the first of the year and then act accordingly.

[njsteve]

Back in 1986 I felt like you and just got tired of the series of 71 Cuda Convertibles I had amassed over the years: 383, 440-6, 426 Hemi... I sold them all, thinking I was getting out of Mopars completely and bought a Ferrari. (everybody say BIG DUH here) After 6 months I was tired of the Ferrari and went back into Mopars but this time concentrated on Chargers. I found the 70 Hemi Charger R/T-SE that I still have today and a few others that I have sold off over the years, long before the prices skyrocketed.

My advice would be sell them and maybe try a new auto venue. (Not Ferrari though http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif) Every three or four years I try to pick up a new project that I have no experience in, learn everything I can about it, and then restore it. I did that with the Z11 pace car, and more recently with the 72 Trans Am I am currently playing with in the garage. It keeps you and your mind fresh. You only start growing old when you stop learning new things. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[John]

...I have thought the same thing ...but I still want to have something to "cruise" in if I sold my camaro
.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[njsteve]

Maybe we can all start the SYC Timeshare Club and just rotate the cars between members whenever we get tired of them. Sort of like wife swapping, only without the constant nagging. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[ANDY M]

John, take a quarter, then choose heads for keeping them, tails for letting them go. When you toss the coin, call it in the air. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
That's how you really feel about the whole deal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif
Good luck either way, things can always change in a heartbeat.
Remember, it's a good day if you can look down and see the grass, rather than be looking up at the roots.
Andy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[musclecarjohn]

Well...I went over tonight and started and drove both '70 cars.The Z/28 could use a nice tune-up and a fresh set of plugs but it ran fine and I blew out some carbons there.The SS is a whole different animal and I was able to put my foot into it and drive with the flapper open most of the time...certainly did blow out some carbon tonight.

Tonight went about as good as possible and it was nice being behind the steering wheel(s) again.It would be very difficult to part with either of these cars...very difficult.

[69RSZ]

KEEP ALL OF THEM!!! I sold a certian car back in 1988 for a new vette because I was bored with it and been kicking myself ever since.So cover them for a while,and maybe you will be glad you kept them.

[Pacecarjeff]

[ QUOTE ]
KEEP ALL OF THEM!!! I sold a certain car back in 1988 for a new vette because I was bored with it and been kicking myself ever since.So cover them for a while,and maybe you will be glad you kept them.

[/ QUOTE ]

In 1988 the prices had just about peaked.
You must have gotten top dollar at that time.
Could have replaced it whenever you wanted over the next 10-12 years.
Prices did not really start to climb until the "Turn of the Century" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

I believe the outlook is the same right now.
Prices have seemed to level off, and I think they will fall dramatically in the next few years.

Sell your Z/28's to me, because I will take really good care of them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Seriously, it might not be not the worst time to get out.
See what the economy does.
maybe next year you will wish you sold last year - maybe not.
I still like my cars more then the money.

Only you can decide for yourself.

[BARRY]

HI I WOULD BE RATHER BE LOOKING AT IT;;; THEN FOR IT

[Pacecarjeff]

Maybe here is another way to look at it:

The cars are like a Country Club Membership.
So many fun things to do, and many friends associated.
Lots of activity fees, but great equity.
Always an event or a party to go to.

If you are not interested in playing anymore - why stay?
Sell a few, and keep the junior membership.

You can always get back in.
However, if you truly believe that the prices will continue to dramatically rise, then keep them as an investment.

If not then no reason to sell.

We are all going to get out at some point in time. I just hope when i do that the market is high. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Lately,these cars have brought me little pleasure and the upkeep and maintenance which used to be fun is now draining of my time and patience.I haven't shown the cars this year (don't plan on it either) and I'm just getting to the point where I don't want to lift the covers off of them...

[/ QUOTE ]
Not having them out at all this year sounds like part of the problem to me! And I'm probably the exception to the rule, but there are *very* few car shows that interest me...I'm more of a cruise-in, racing kind of fellow. Art in motion, I guess. Like the Pure Stock Drags...the cars there are nice enough to win any show for their particular marquee, but yet the owners aren't afraid to jump in them for a quick adrenaline rush...and who cars if the car runs a 16 or an 11 second ET, that's not what the car's about...the pleasure from driving them is where it's at...otherwise, you could just go to the Peterson museum, or Floyd Garrett's, or wherever, and get your fix.

Here's my prescription...pick a car, whether it be flipping a coin, eenie-meenie, spinning a bottle, whatever...pick a car, and go for a drive, or go to a cruise-in...heck, take it by local high school auto mechanics class! Whatever it takes to put your butt in that seat for a bit...then, you'll have your answer... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

I'd like to get out but there are still too many cars on my "I'd like to own one of those" list.

[ORIGLS6]

If you ever consider getting out, think about this Charley. How many horses would that car barn hold? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[bad1racing]

Dennis,Not as many as are under the hoods. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Kendall

[Tommy]

[ QUOTE ]
As crazy as it may sound,I have been contemplating selling off my cars and getting out of the hobby.Lately,these cars have brought me little pleasure and the upkeep and maintenance which used to be fun is now draining of my time and patience.I haven't shown the cars this year (don't plan on it either) and I'm just getting to the point where I don't want to lift the covers off of them...let alone drive them.I worry about them at night when I sleep and especially when I drive them.Not having fun here...

John

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we all get frustrated with the maintenance and upkeep. I like to walk around shows but don't like showing one myself as I get bored real quick. The worry part... I take it your cars are super nice and probably matching numbers and all that good stuff. I wonder if you would be happy with A couple of good clean drivers that could be beat on with out worries? If you didn't have to worry about numbers matching and rock chips and all the junk associated with driving one on A regular basis you could still have A great time. Maybe sell yours and buy A couple of high horse daily drivers and just start playing and cruising instead of the whole "show it and clean it" deal. As much as I love A chalk mark resto or original unmolested car (which I do not have) I really like A good daily driver or day 2 car. You could get an automatic if the clutch is gettin to you and vintage air and all that other stuff really makes driving much easier than before. Good luck which ever way you go with it.

Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif