No Money, Mo Problems

Every car guy/gal gets frustrated when it comes to money, especially when there is something that he/she wants. Either it comes down to that they don't know where to spend the money or they just don't have it to buy what they want, which is where my dilemma is.

Since I was a kid I have always wanted a Tri-Five Chevy, but now being an adult I can see that slipping away unless I have $20k-$30k sitting in the bank. I have scoured the internet looking up cars for sale day in, day out and everything I find is always way out of reach. I've seen junkers for $8,000 to pristine restorations for $50,000 or higher. As most car people know, classic cars have reached a ridiculous point in pricing. Everybody thinks they have a car that's going to fetch them a King's Ransom just because its 60 years old, even cars that aren't desirable. Boy, have the times changed.

For the last several weeks I have been passing a '55 Chevy Bel Air 4-door sitting outside of a farm. Before I get into details, I must tell you that at one point in life I didn't like 4-Door cars, it was either 2-Door Coupes or nothing else. That all changed when I bought my 4-Door '65 Chevelle Malibu back in high school. I realized they were good for something. My mom used to have a saying: "4-Doors, No Waiting". Boy was she right.

Back to the Bel Air -

When I finally stopped, I saw that it was ratty and it definitely was a "fixer-upper". I have to say though, I fell in love. I saw a possible future project car for myself, which I have been yearning for. I looked it over and even though it was lacking an engine and transmission, I saw potential. Straight body, solid frame, a little bit of cancer to be concerned about, and it had most of it's trim and glass. I have restored cars mechanically and body wise for years, so this particular car didn't look too be like a too much of a hassle.

But the price, the price is what sold me. Only $800. That's right, Eight-Hundred. When I pulled up, I expected to see $2000, but was I wrong. I thought about all the possibilities, how much repro sheet metal and interior parts would cost, and the blank slate I had in front of me. Then it hit me, I don't have $800......

It's not that I don't have the $800, it's that I don't have $800 to go spending on a car. Money has been so tight, especially for the last couple years. You always want to get something fun or exciting, but you always have that gremlin gnawing on your conscious that your money needs to go to important stuff. I know I'm not the only person this is happening to in this day and age, but it sure feels like it. I hope that one day everything can get back on track and I can reach for the cars I want.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to let this one slip through my fingers.........