I Got a Problem....My Jeep is Done.

[athawk11]

My Willys Jeep is pretty much done�.and I think I�m having withdrawals.  During this rebuild, I so desperately wanted to get it back on the road.

 I remember running into complications that caused delays. I would screw something up, or find something wrong and have to wait for parts.

I would lose my patience and start rushing through something and constantly having to remind myself, �what�s the rush?�
 
But now, I feel like I want to go back.
  
 Don�t get me wrong, I love being able to come home from work, jump in and take �er for a spin on a nice Spring evening.  And getting another one right now may cause a bit of friction with my wife.

I guess I just miss the journey.  I read the recent posts about frustrating steering boxes, and T90s that won�t go back together right�and I get a feeling like I want to drive over and help solve the problem.

 Then I get jealous.  

I think to myself, �those guys are getting all greasy.  Those guys have a T90 opened up.  What lucky dogs they are.�

I guess the experience and the journey are all a part of it.  I just want a bit of the journey back.  
 
I suppose, reading and writing with you fellows is the next best thing.

This addiction is tough.  I suspect I�m not alone.  There are the �collectors� among us who always have something torn open.  And there are the guys like me, living precariously through �your� next challenge.

I will stop rambling now, with one final comment. To some of you that are facing complications:  Laugh about it, learn about it, and enjoy every freakin minute of it.  Cause your gonna miss it.  Or, be forced to rescue another.

Tim

[p3ferris]

Now this is where you return the favor.  You will be one that gives helpful advise here for someone that is haveing troubles.

[Gunslinger]

Tim,
You are welcome here brother, I too found out just how much time I was in the garage, and I realize why my other wife is jealous  

I think I've got her talked into "his and hers" Willys --- ohhhh raaaaah [size=16][/size]8-) 8-)

[garage gnome]

Thats why mine now has a soft top and trailer. I felt the same way you do after I finished mine. So I thought, Hmmm, what else can I add to it to make it all the cooler?  8-)

Or.... you get another project. At least the jalopy is a full time project..  

[bretto]

Tim you take the words out of mouth.  I am not to the point you are at yet but I to have felt those thoughts already.  I to want to hurry this along and get behind the wheel but at the same time I always tell myself, all I have is time (within reason).  Its fun to see others post questions about certain steps and whatnot and think back that I was at those points.
I agree, put on the other shoe now and become a mentor of sorts and pass the favor as someone did to for you in the past.
Brett

[Carls_jeep]

Sometimes it's hard to enjoy the moment when your cursing the problem.   The act of getting the Jeep on the road and running right should be enough satisfaction but alas, many of us crave a rehash rather than enjoying the moment.

[Matto]

Last summer I "acquired" a 54 3B from a friend that was in pretty good shape. I wanted to clean it up alittle bit and make a dailey driver out of it to use while I resumed work on the 3A. After the 3A is done I plan to sell the 3B. (although am becoming quite attached to the little bugger) I am still dialing in some little odds and ends but have been using it alot with the mild winter. I will resume work on the 3A this summer but will take it slow. Old motercycles make good projects too, they take up less space in the garage.


I hate to keep posting 3B pictures on the 3A page. You fellas will think I've gone over to the "high hood side"
Matt

[athawk11]

Geeezzz Matto,
That's your daily driver?  That 3B is beautiful.

Tim

[Macgraham]

I enjoyed your post and printed it for my wife. Might as well get her prepared for the next one etc. I had a small setback on the T90 today. Went to the machine shop to pick up the bearing I was having honed out so I could see how much endplay in the mainshaft before I pressed on the final bearing. Turns out they ground the shaft instead of honing the bearing. No sense in getting upset cause I have made many mistakes too. Like the saying goes "one time I thought I made a mistake but I was wrong". The last thing I have left to build is this.  trans. All else is complete and ready to be assembled . This T90 has been quite a tussle but I have learned a lot and been in contact with alot of helpful folks too. Looking forward when I can announce that I have the same problem you have. Mac  waiting for parts again!!!

[Gunslinger]

Now that mine is pretty much done, I too have gotten that longing feeling for elbows full of grease from time to time.  But I decided to fill my time with modifications to TripleX.  I've seen some pretty cool mods on other pages, the ones that are top of mind of course are: A new summer top from Jpet - ont the way.  A Warn overdrive - this winter, maybe a winch, we'll see; a drivers seat that actually slides to allow some room for growth; A jerry Can modified as a cooler- that one was neat- 2A page; a larger gas tank- not in the near future; a compatible trailer with the look and feel of a CJ;  more gizmos and gadgets.. and of course I can spend hours and hours chaseing oil leaks, rattles and squeaks.. a lifetime of dirty elbows awaits.