I'm at a point in my sorta T-bucket project where I don't know which way to turn.
Building a car of my own design has been a bucket list project before I was old enough to know what a bucket list is. I grew up watching my uncle build a car of his design, and ever since I wanted to do the same. The idea of attempting something like this got set aside for 30+- years, while I was doing the corporate workaholic routine.
4-5 years ago I started having mobility issues of unknown origin. By the time they diagnosed the problem (a bone spur pinching my spinal cord) I was paralysed from the waist up. The neurosurgeons said that there was a one time only operation they could do that might help. If it helped there was no telling if, when, or how aggressively the problem would return. 6 months, the surgery and a lot of PT & OT later I was back to where i was before the whole ordeal started.
2+ years ago I stumbled across an engine and transmission from a running daily driver for less than their scrap value. I bought them without a clue what I was going to do with them...and they were probably near the bottom of the list of what I would have picked for any project. A GM 60°V6 and a 700R4. While they were being unloaded, my best friend (a mechanic) asked what I planned to do with them. I told him that what ever it would be, it had to be light because of the low power of the little V6. Almost in harmony we both said T-bucket. It took a couple of days of persuasion from my friend, and encouragement from my wife, before I decided to tackle the project.
Back when I was trying to explain to my wife what I was wanting to build, I said that I wanted to keep it simple...very simple...that it would be closer to a 4 wheel motorcycle than to her dream car, a Chrysler 200 convertible. My wife's brother was an avid motorcyclist. His health as declined to the point he can no longer ride...but he can drive. About a year ago, it struck me that possibly my 4 wheel motorcycle idea would be a vehicle that could get him back in the wind. My wife has really taken to the idea, and fueled her anxiousness to get to a driveable vehicle.
Over the last 2 years I've been acquiring parts and developing probably 5 generations of CAD plans. I have the majority of the major parts except the following:
- Frame
Radiator
Front spindles & brakes
Rear air suspension bags & schrader valves
Rear wheels
Front & rear Tires
Ancillary gauges
Shifter
Bench seat
This project has become my obsession. Most of my days are spent fiddling with my CAD plans or tracking down bits and pieces that I can afford. My heart says I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to do this. My excessively frugal nature says to cut my losses and give it up. My wife says I better not give up, with all the time and parts I've accumulated...she wants to come home one day and see the car in the driveway. If I give it up, I'll be at a loss for what to do with my time.
I really don't know which way to go.
<End self pity rant>
LOL. 
