Build on road paranoia

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I've owned this truck over 26 years. I'm just getting started on the rebuild, though a lot invested over the last two months. So I took it out of the garage for a drive the other day (once every month if it needs it or not...ha!) and found I was nervous driving it. Need to overcome that feeling for sure. I suspect I'm not alone. Don't mind me, this beer is just settling in.

[FirstOwner69]

You are not alone. I've had mine a lot longer, but, since I completed the rebuild, I get really nervous when I drive it. I think the solution is a lot more time behind the wheel. I'll probably be more relaxed after I get it splattered with bugs a few times.

[In The Ten Ring]

Afraid something might happen to it?

[Custom/Ten]

Lmao, bought my truck for 1000 bucks and drove it home, I was soaked in sweat by the time I got there. After another 3000 in parts I can finally drive it without the sweat and the sore neck. I'm assuming this is what your going through.

Craig's list add, Road ready!
After buying seller says "uhhh... Your gonna drive that home?"

Maybe it's just the thieves bothering you, they're everywhere, don't turn around there's one behind you right now. Ahhhhhhhh!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Afraid something might happen to it?

Maybe a itty bit scared.

[Custom/Ten]

Ok guess I was off on both accounts lol! Guess your saying your afraid to wreck it haha.

[Custom/Ten]

Guess I didn't understand because I have no sentimental attachment, just think of it like a woman. If something happens to this one you can just get another!

[Keith Seymore]

Been driving mine for almost 30 years and still a bit nervous.

I'm just a very alert, defensive driver.

K

[In The Ten Ring]

I was afraid something would happen to mine but if it does, I am getting another stepside but the next one will be a long wheel base.

[Sklptrljay]

I was a little nervous driving mine after I made some mechanical changes that were new and unproven (new rear end, new engine etc..). But, after I knew they were okay, I felt fine driving it.

My problem is I can't bring myself to leave it unattended in a parking lot. I took it to the auto parts store the other day and I must have peeked out the window 12 times to check on it.

You all know a lot of time and resources go into these vehicles, and we look at them and any other classic car as a work of art. What bothers me is every one else that just sees an old truck, and would let their shopping cart slam into the tail gate and not think twice about it.

It still always surprises me when I'm at a stop light and every one isn't craning there necks to get a look at my awesome ride! When I see a cool old car, I'm fixated. That just reinforces my fear that I'll come out of Walmart and find a scratch from some morons blue jeans running down my fender.

I've actually been thinking I might get a second truck that isn't as nice as far as paint goes, just to drive around town as a daily driver.

[leftybass209]

I'm about to start taking mine out. This is my first nearly complete rebuild so it has me nervous about my work. I've done just about everything on other vehicles, but only 1 thing at a time, ie: rear end swap. That's easy to listen for and monitor. As it sits I have EVERYTHING to look and listen for! I think it's going to take me multiple baby steps around the block before I will even want it out on a main road.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Custom/Ten

Guess I didn't understand because I have no sentimental attachment, just think of it like a woman. If something happens to this one you can just get another!

Solid point. It's not like it's a dog or something.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Sklptrljay

You all know a lot of time and resources go into these vehicles, and we look at them and any other classic car as a work of art. What bothers me is every one else that just sees an old truck, and would let there shopping cart slam into the tail gate and not think twice about it.

People have little respect for things these days. If they do bang your stuff, they generally don't have the honor to mention it. I tend to park all my vehicles furthest away from entrances. In a corner somewhere.

[69moneypit]

I did a complete frame off , I'm always nervous driving it , thinking maybe I missed something or something is loose . When I'm out in a public place . I keep my eyes on it . People dont respect others property , several times at shows I've had to make someone move . Leaning against it etc . Next vehicle I build I doubt if I'll paint it and no more frame offs . I've put over 3k miles on it in 3 years . Only problem was a wheel bearing .

[Jonlopes]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Solid point. It's not like it's a dog or something.

This made me laugh out loud in the office! Funny because it is true?

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by Sklptrljay

It still always surprises me when I'm at a stop light and every one isn't craning there necks to get a look at my awesome ride! When I see a cool old car, I'm fixated.

This is funny. I am the same. I see every older vehicle that goes by, but my wife is oblivious. I'm always saying something like ... DID YOU NOT SEE THAT 68 Stingray that just went by? How could you miss that? lol

[68C15]

The solution is simple. Drive a truck that looks like mine. Then other people get nervous and you can drive with a smile

[ol'blu72]

I get nervous in a different way, I hear every noise and think, whats that, and is it OK. Or what do I have to do to fix that.

[Sklptrljay]

Originally Posted by ol'blu72

I get nervous in a different way, I hear every noise and think, whats that, and is it OK. Or what do I have to do to fix that.

If it's a "new" noise, I do that too. It's always an adventure driving an altered/dropped/suped up/ 45 year old vehicle.

[46stude]

At the end of the day, it's an old truck.

Chevy made gobs of them between '67-'72. Massive amount of repro & used parts available. Anything that happens to it can be fixed, rebuilt, or replaced.

Drive it. That's what it's all about.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

People have little respect for things these days. If they do bang your stuff, they generally don't have the honor to mention it. I tend to park all my vehicles furthest away from entrances. In a corner somewhere.

Agreed. My son and I went to Dick's Sporting Goods at the mall with the family car. We pulled in and parked, but before we could even get out, another car parked next to us. This girl gets out of the driver side and bangs her door into my passenger side. I got out of the car and politely mentioned to her that she hit my car door with hers. She threw every word in the book at me along with several F-bombs. Her mother even tried to calm her down, but she went ballistic. F-bombs in front of your mother? Really? In my day, I would never have even thought about talking that way in front of my parents. She had no respect whatsoever for my car, needless to say her own. I'm terrified to take any of my trucks to parking lots. And there's no way I would leave it unattended or out of sight.

[Ratpin]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

And there's no way I would leave it unattended or out of sight.

That quote right there says it all. I gave up on pristine exterior cosmetic vehicles years ago. Now I go for pristine mechanicals and intentionally finish my vehicles exteriors so I don't have to stress about scratches and swirls 24/7. Not that I wouldn't be a little peeved to come out to a nice new dent, but worrying about it all the time would suck the enjoyment out of the hobby for me. Life's to short to be worried all the time. It can turn something you love into constant stress and anguish. No thanks!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Jonlopes

This made me laugh out loud in the office! Funny because it is true?

Probably.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 68C15

The solution is simple. Drive a truck that looks like mine. Then other people get nervous and you can drive with a smile

Solid point.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Agreed. My son and I went to Dick's Sporting Goods at the mall with the family car. We pulled in and parked, but before we could even get out, another car parked next to us. This girl gets out of the driver side and bangs her door into my passenger side. I got out of the car and politely mentioned to her that she hit my car door with hers. She threw every word in the book at me along with several F-bombs. Her mother even tried to calm her down, but she went ballistic. F-bombs in front of your mother? Really? In my day, I would never have even thought about talking that way in front of my parents. She had no respect whatsoever for my car, needless to say her own. I'm terrified to take any of my trucks to parking lots. And there's no way I would leave it unattended or out of sight.

The world's changing, and a lot isn't for the better. Once done, should I "leave" my truck anywhere it will be "tactical".