im close to giving up
Posted by CableMartini@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 120 comments
2001 mustang v6, and i got nothing left. 90% of the way through removing the engine, and its giving every bit of fight to stay in for some fucking reason. i have to remove the headers to exhaust connection, and the starter. detach thye motor from the mount and its out
i got 3 of the 4 exhaust bolts out no issue, but the last one has taken me 3 fucking days, and just will not come out. so the logical answer? sawzaw. but starters in the way, gotta remove that first. nope, starter connector stuck to the bolt, so when i spin the bolt, the starter connector goes with it, so it just jams intself on its own wire and wont spin anymore
im at a lost for words. this couldnt have gone from going so good, to going so bad. genuinely have no clue what the fuck to do, and im so close to actually losing it and breaking something, and i dont claim to be a violent person usually
grundlemon@reddit
Been reading your posts after stumbling across one. Just wanted to pop on here and say that despite being desperately over your head, you're awesome for sticking with it. I'm in my 20s now but I remember being new to wrenching and everything was a small crisis. It will be a pain in the ass, and the problems won't necessarily get better... But you will learn how to adapt to these situations, and they won't feel as shitty as they do now. There might come a point where you will have touched every single bolt on your car, and that means you then know how to deal with every bolt on the car.
Best of luck to you dude, please pop a v8 and a manual in there. A coyote if it's in the books. That first startup is an amazing feeling.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
thank you, coming up on the last steps of removing the engine, and it hasn't gotten any easier lmao, got linked in the head with an impact drill socket, so I guess the tools are fighting back now
I am very much in over my head, but honestly having a great time. there are ups and downs, but overall, every step is a step forward
and I have a family member who's trying to sell me a 5.3l LS for $2k (that definitely needs some bottom end work), so unless I can find something for less, might end up running that. I just dont have 5-10k to drop on a coyote, and won't for a veeery long time, but we shall see
grundlemon@reddit
Imo i would find an engine that doesnt need a rebuild. Replace timing chain or belt while its out, but otherwise don't do much internally if you can help it.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
I saw one like 15 minutes from me on car parts.com for 400. so prolly.gonna get that one. while I have you, what is the significance of replacing the timing chain "while im here"
grundlemon@reddit
Forgive me since i dont know fords, and don't know if those use chains or belts. It's usually way easier to do engine work like that while its on the stand, and if you don't know when it was done last, it's not bad to do preventatively. Again, not sure if those engines are interference or not, so a timing chain/belt breaking or stretching and skipping a tooth could be engine ruining or it could just mean you need a new timing belt/chain.
While you're in theres have their own issues though, and can often delay the project and cause more headache. Totally valid to just slap a motor in there and not touch anything timing related.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
for $400, and me being an... average intelligence teenager, I think imma go the "throw it in, fix it afterward" approach
grundlemon@reddit
Its probably not bad to do in car since its rwd and the engine is longitudinal. Just remove radiator to do it in the future. In my case, i did it on a subcompact fwd while new engine was out, since theres 1" between the timing cover and frame rail.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
I appreciate the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of fwd, but I can imagine how much of a fuckinh nightmare they have to be to work on. hell, even in video games, they super suck. have the steer, the drive, and the shift, all up front.
grundlemon@reddit
Yeah i sorta played my summer car irl with this car. Luckily no ac or power steering to deal with. On engine #2, and pulling the trans to replace the clutch fork next week. Doing lightweight flywheel, stage 1 clutch, and poly bushings all around while im in there.
jw1933@reddit
Brother it sounds like you need to stay away from cars.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
contradiction to the rest of the comments, why do you say that?
seems like a pretty normal reaction, based on what everyone else is saying
jw1933@reddit
Because a manifold bolt stuck should never result in sawzall. And a ring terminal being stuck is literally 30 seconds of cutting it off and replacing. Neither are big issues that are holding you back.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
no no no, not the manifold. the bolts connecting the manifold to the exhaust
and for the starter, cut that off either yesterday or the day before
this morning, cooked the fuck outta that exhaust bolt and it finally managed to come out. really wanted to avoid cutting it, so borrowed a torch from my brother in law
Proof_Lengthiness185@reddit
I feel your pain, man.
I spent 3 days on a wash-tub nut when I replaced a tranny in an old washing machine. I knew it spun off clockwise, but that little fucker just wouldnt give.
Pentrating spray, torch, cold chisels, hammers... I even bought the specialty tool for removal. It still hangs on my pegboard. A reminder that next time I'm just buying a new one.
Strange_Rub_2687@reddit
Can’t be stuck if it’s liquid expensive but if you work on old rusty cars it is literally irreplaceable.
https://www.vevor.com/magnetic-induction-heater-c_10315/1kw-magnetic-induction-heater-hand-held-induction-heater-for-bolts-removal-p_010875262199
Strange_Rub_2687@reddit
Or you can always try to drill out and retap; it’s scary the first couple times but once you get the hang of it it’s pretty routine. If the bolt is harder than the block or heads I use a snap-on punch or dremel to shape the bolt first so the bit doesn’t slip off into the block; plenty of oil and patience. I recently had to drill out a snapped grade 8 bolt out of cast aluminum - not fun. But definitely something to do with a clear head, sometimes you just have to surrender to the process.
Glad_Release5410@reddit
Get a good penetrator for that last asshole bolt, i like free all and kroil. Drench it and let it sit a while, hit it again. If the ugga dugga and a wobble wont fit, try a breaker with as much cheater pipe as you can fit.
If its still stuck, hit it with the juice again and use one of those benzomatic torches, and heat up the surrounding area a bit. The theory is the hole will expand a touch and let the oil in deeper.
Maybe try to smack it with a hammer? Sacrifical bolt or extension if you need some room. Might loosen it up a bit.
fotowork3@reddit
There may be a more skilled mechanic in your area that could encourage you. What part of the country are you in? There’s always somebody who has more tools and more experience and frankly more skill.
If you were here in Seattle, my son would be happy to stop by and look at your project and answer questions for you. Encourage you.
Far-Wave-821@reddit
There are absolutely times where i go “whats in the way of my progress and how much does it cost”
And then i hit that item with an engineers hammer until it isnt in the way anymore.
Seriously. Why spend three days letting a $100 starter that is readily available impede you.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
wonder how much it costs to rent a angle grinder? wont have a stuck bolt, or starter, much longer...
Hansj3@reddit
I know it's been a day, but harbor freight has new ones for like 13 bucks.
If it's not making you money, just buy a cheap one. If it works once it's paid for itself
Inahall@reddit
You can probably get a cheap corded angle grinder abd few cutting disks with 30$ or so
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
after a but more trying, angle grinder simply won't fit in the area i need it to, even the super duper small one 😔
merrystem@reddit
I bought a corded angle grinder for like $35 a few years ago. Nothing special, just whatever was in sale at Lowe's. Bearings didn't sound great even when new, but it's chewed straight through every bolt, bar and piece of sheet metal I've ever needed it to... And that's a lot. Good discs aren't cheap but they last a long time. I wish I'd bought it a decade ago.
It totally changes your perspective on situations like this when you can just take 5 minutes to cut through a rusty bolt that probably needed replacing anyway, or chop out parts you already plan to replace rather than fighting them.
The trickiest job I've done with it wasn't all of the ways it came in handy replacing the entire 35 year old suspension on my van, it was removing rear seat mounting bolts without setting fire to the carpet. Turned out the solution was just dumping a half gallon of water on the floor and then letting it air dry.
enadelb@reddit
Harbor freight is your friend
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
bought a grinder and a pack of 10 for less than $30, that felt reeeeal good lmao
ryguy32789@reddit
Did you get safety glasses?
SausagegFingers@reddit
oh you've got to go buy a battery grinder
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
and angle grinder isn't enough to cut a measily bolt in half?
ryguy32789@reddit
It is, I think they're saying get a cordless one?
Prancer4rmHalo@reddit
I believe they call this hitting it with your purse.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
I love that lmao, this project has been me beating the every loving daylight out of it with the pocketbook
Far-Wave-821@reddit
Handy tool to have, good for cutting, grinding, surface prep etc. i use it often. Actually i have two or three 🤣
Engineerasorus_rex@reddit
Cheapest grinder at harbor freight is $15. Buy the good cutoff wheels for it though and good safety gear. Good consumables and safety gear is cheaper than a visit to the ER.
juwyro@reddit
I've moved into the "remove everything in the way" camp for working on my car now.
Hansj3@reddit
Take a break, take a day, take a nap, sleep on it, rub one out, have a snack, smoke, stardew valley, etc.
Do what it takes to take a deep breath and find your zen.
It's nuts and bolts. The only way they can hurt you, is if you let them. The only way they can win is if you quit.
Your best bet with an exhaust anything is to heat it. You'd be amazed at how much easier exhaust comes apart with a propane torch. MAPP gas can be almost magical. And it can't be tight if it's a liquid with oxy acetylene.
As for the stud, sometimes it's easier to just disconnect the battery and flop the starter to the side.
Sometimes you're just going to lose, break the stud internally, and just have to buy a new starter. If you've got thin wrenches or cone wrenches, that'll fit the size, you can use it to hold one nut and try and back the other one off.
I've been there, Fords have a stupid tendency for this.
Absolute worst case scenario, cut the fucking wire and replace that. Wire, even that big, can be patched together too, and it's not that hard. But it would be just as easy to make or design a new harness to go from the battery to the starter.
Deep breaths. Find your Zen. Center yourself before continuing.
A clear mind is a puzzle-solving mind, and you are neck deep in a puzzle that most wouldn't even attempt.
ForgotHowToGiveAShit@reddit
lol i felt this in my soul. its part of the game, eventually you learn to laugh at the bullshit.
Lanpoop@reddit
This is one reason why I work mostly on vintage vehicles. Not enough room to work on them haha. My only experience with modern stuff is cutting down EFI harnesses to put a modern engine into a project but still that’s vintage and plenty of room to work with. Id take a break, maybe a few days, and then slowly start back at it. Or you can distract yourself by working on a different part! I’m sure pulling the engine isn’t the only thing you gotta do. Watch some YouTube videos on it, then hit it hard again. Maybe this time with some food and beer on the side.
BeigeDuck72@reddit
You just need a break, I been there where I get weeks of being super motivated to time where I’m like f this, just come back to it later
DrIceWallowCome@reddit
Lmao I've done the same job on a 98. It's an awful job on those cars.
Slap a normal 5.0 or LS in there and be so much happier about it all
smthngeneric@reddit
Car guys: working on cars is how I relax it's so peaceful
Also car guys: this post
Jokes aside stick with it man. Give it a break and maybe do something else on the car for a minute and just take a step back and look for either different ways to get it done or new ways to approach it. A little heat on the exhaust bolts always help. And remember if you're not almost pulling your hair out you're doing something wrong
scuba_steve77@reddit
I second the take a break. The amount of times I slept on something and then quickly figured it out the next day or week, makes me stop when I get frustrated.
Inahall@reddit
Me too. Also, talk about this with a coworker pr a family friend or something like that, if possible. It's okay to ask for help, that's how we all learn more tricks for these kind of situations.
smthngeneric@reddit
I usually just go to something else that I know will be easy like removing spark plug wires or something even if it’s not 100% necessary to the task at hand and by the time I come back im cooled off enough to look at it from a new perspective and figure it out
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
luckily im shaving my head for kids with cancer soon, so a free hairpulling session :D
unluckily, gotta be more careful about dinging my head on sharp object...
juwyro@reddit
Take a break and come back to it, burn out is real.
LifeWithAdd@reddit
Exactly take a break by buying another project car that you’ll definitely get done faster.
murdermaro98@reddit
This guy project cars!!
thelastundead1@reddit
I've been turbo charging a car for 5 years. But instead of working on it I bought a stock XJ and now it's on 35s with 6" lift. End up doing everything else but working on the og project at this point...
juwyro@reddit
Guilty right here. Bought another car in the middle of an engine swap, fixed up the car, then came back to the engine swap.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
this sounds like a dream for me, I think I found the issue with me 😭
jkenosh@reddit
Spray the bolts with some pb blaster and move onto something else. It sucks but it will work out in the end.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
is wd-40 not good enough? gone through easily half the fuckin can i have on this bolt alone?
jkenosh@reddit
Wd40 doesn’t work well as a rust penetrant
wiseleo@reddit
Liquid wrench works well
amg-rx7@reddit
Water Displacement formula 40 is not the same as PB Blaster or similar products that are formulated to help extract seized rusty bolts.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
if it ain't obvious, very new to this lol
amg-rx7@reddit
we all were at one point :) just passing it along
SausagegFingers@reddit
every shit ass post on "i want to get a project car what should i do" should read this. Thats how working on cars usually go
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
I completely agree. im good now, got a plan in place, but God i hate the feeling of just... stuck
SausagegFingers@reddit
Yep. Had a pretty unpleasant job recently removing just the head from an engine, so many of the bolts and stuff are inaccessible or pissing about doing it blind. Working on cars can sometimes be therapeutic and rewarding. It's usually dirty, painful frustrating bullshit
InfamousMobb367@reddit
Keep going bro, I’m in the same boat and I have to dumb it really down to make sure I still got motivation for my project, I’ve got the engine(not built), I’ve got the trans, I’ve got the haltech, I need engine harness and trans/engine bracket for kseries/rx8, all I need is drive shaft to fit trans and I’m golden, I can literally put the car back together. It’s not completely gutted right now but it’s well on its way
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
if i do all this and find the trans is also shot, I might blow myself up (kidding, I'm gonna run the trans til it literally doesn't anymore. 3rd slips? dont use 3rd gear then, I dont care)
InfamousMobb367@reddit
Exactlyyyy broooo LFG. , just rage on everything if it isn’t broken, it will be, when I took my engine out for the Cadillac (v6) it wanted to hang in there too, wires, cords, and cables kept it from coming out I just got bolt cutters and cut everything after getting it from the mounts (wasn’t using stock harness anyways) I separated trans from engine first but ended up dropping the ENTIRE subframe to get the engine and transmission out with full ability to get all the way around the engine and transmission (cause of the top bolts hehe), however my starter came out with engine and I didn’t need to remove it, what’s the project for ? 5.0 swapping or just manual swapping ?
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
long term? either cobra 4v swap if 5.0 swap with manual. short term, get a 3.8 or a 4.2 from an f150 in there and keep the project momentum going
InfamousMobb367@reddit
Is it a daily? Looks like you don’t have a choice for long term project 😭
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
4.2 is a v6, the 4.6 is the v8. the 4v 4.6 is the cobra engine with the blower, and until last night, I didnt know that coyotes can have blowers on them. I know turbos are better, but I've loved supercharger since I was a wee lad, so I will have to go with a super off of principal. so the question is;
4.6 4v: easier i presume, as the motor was made for this chassis
5.0 coyote: probably harder, as it was made for a very different car, but newer and stronger
InfamousMobb367@reddit
They make superchargers for the newer 5.0 I’m not sure how to spell it but rouch? Rousch? Roush ? Something like that, although they have different types of superchargers so I’m not sure if they make what you’re looking for, 4.6 would be cheapest no matter what in terms of harness but they make motor mounts for 5.0 swaps for that model no doubt
It’s how much work you’re willing to do lol 5.0 will be better if you end up looking for more power IMO
CarGuyBuddy@reddit
man i feel you, i have sold half done projects for this reason, i have not worked on anything for months while I golfed and vacationed. You need a break. take one.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
ive honestly tried. came inside, tried playing the game, but this car is all i can think about. it has saved my life here recently, gave me purpose again, and i quite literally, physically, cannot seem to break that tie
CarGuyBuddy@reddit
HA, i mean weeks, or months break. ALso does working on your car give you relief or make you calmer? if not, maybe a project car is not what yo need. It sounds like this car is causing you stress. You need a hobby that relaxes you.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
it calms me down greatly, ive loved cars my whole life, however liking cars, and my learning style being "dive head first, think later" tends to cause some problems, source: this post
I love cars. took a minute to breathe, and now im back ready to go. didnt need to junk the car, just needed more perspective. at the store, ready to buy an angle grinder. tired of playing nice with this bolt
CarGuyBuddy@reddit
Nice, take your time. Grab a beer and sit next to the car. Look at it. Think about your next move. Research online, watch a YouTube video first to help you gain a point of attack and not everything at once.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
im 17 with a strict mother, so ill grab a coke and get to thinking ;)
CarGuyBuddy@reddit
stay away from the booze forever. but yeah grab a coke and think about it long time before you continue
wiseleo@reddit
Remove one bolt. Estimated time - 1 week :)
boostedmike1@reddit
I’ve been on the last part of my project for the last year just problem after problem keep at it tho you will get there in the end got to take the rough with the smooth
wetblanket68iou1@reddit
Tools is #1. Not having the right tool like a powerful impact, swivel sockets, or some semblance of quality that won’t deflect while removing is super important. Really shitty tools that deflect or are outta tolerance will just round off bolts every time. I’m not saying snap on by any means but securing the socket square on the head to rip it off with that buy once cry once Milwaukee 1/2” impact makes your life super easy and can eliminate posts like this.
Consider the factory installed this with the body OFF. So ya. All this shit has to come off before comin outta the top.
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. Most of us here have a LOT of experience….
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
im learning, all right lol, painfully and expensively, but im learning. starting to slowly feel less and less like a pipe dream, the thought of this thing one day spooling to life
Downmented@reddit
Not being a jerk, but if taking it apart is about to have you give up, wait until you try to put it back together...
LifeWithAdd@reddit
For real! Like death there’s stages of project cars and the initial disassembly is the second best part. It’s new you’re still excited about it all the possibilities. The worst is when you’re in the you gotta make mess before you can clean phase. It doesn’t even resemble a car anymore as it’s in pieces with half stripped paint, bags of hardware and random brackets everywhere, you’ve already dumped a bunch of money into a pile of new parts that are still months away from being installed. That’s the absolute lowest part of the project.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
the ulitmate high for me shouldnt be too tough to obtain, and thats just the thing turning over. it drove off the truck, so i at least know it drives, so once the new engine is in, hopefully thatll be enough to just *get her on the road*
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
putting it together wont be much of an issue i dont think. been staring at this thing long enbough, i could prolly reassemblew the whole engine bay in my mind. however no amount of thinking can unstrip a bolt
justin_memer@reddit
Saws-all, lol
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
nah, i meant zaza. we getting high today
Bullet-Wolf@reddit
Is the bolt seized or broken? Did you strip the head?
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
sure did strip the head, been going at the same botl so long, and out impact drill sucks major nuts, so it just went round and round, and now the bolt head is round and round
Bullet-Wolf@reddit
My 'no more mr nice guy' approach soak it with ATF+acetone 50/50 mix and let it sit for a day.
If the head is fucked, try clamping with some good vice grips. Apply some torque in the tightening direction before you try to loosen it with force.
If all else fails, grind off the head and your manifold should at least be able to come off. Then you will just have to remove the standing bolt stud left behind.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
tried fitting some vices to it this morning, and no dice, not enough room, especially not to actually turn it. gpt said to try and pry the starter terminal off the bolt with a screwdriver, and i really like the sound of that. half of this removal has been me prying shit from shit, old washers and bearings n whatnot
Bullet-Wolf@reddit
The ring terminal off the starter is in the way? Cut that shit off and crimp a new one on later.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
I wanna say "nah, i hopefully won't have to blah blah blah" but knowing this car, that'll prolly be the easiest option after dropping $200 more dollars on parts and nothing working 💀
butt_huffer42069@reddit
Get an angle grinder and cut the bolt on the exhaust manifold. You're not using this engine again anyways, and even if you were, you could get the stump out later with a torch and heat. You can get an angle grinder second hand super cheap from somewhere like Re-Store or goodwill (I can't recommend re-store enough if you have one anywhere close. They are dirt cheap, and all proceeds go to habitat for humanity). A blow torch from lowes or hone depot is also pretty inexpensive. Both are great additions to your tool collection, and youll absolutely be finding uses for both along this journey.
siberian@reddit
You know you are getting somewhere when you finally give up.
Just step away for a week or two, its not going anywhere.
Also, heat on stuck bolts is magic. Try it.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
what about stripped bolts?
planning a trip to lowes to rent a angle grinder, and seeing as i dont have any source of heat like that, dont think i have another option
siberian@reddit
Grab a map torch at Home Depot for $50. I use them all the time.
My machinist dad will cut new heads into stripped bolts using an angle grinder, sounds like you are on that path as well.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
not new head, but similar idea. more of the decapitation route myself. Just angle grinding the sum bitch off, tired of playing nice
amg-rx7@reddit
Angle grinders are about $20 at harbor freight
my_old_skeleton@reddit
I've been seeing your posts. You've been working on this car for what, a couple of days? You can do this, people do it all the time.
That level of frustration will turn into relief when you get past these issues, to happiness when it starts to go right again, and then to satisfaction when the job is done and the thing works.
You need to learn more than just mechanical stuff to work on old cars. You need to learn patience, and perseverance.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
patience and preserverance is the big one for me. all my life, ive always given up on basically everything. this is the first time im forcing myself, come hell or high water, not to give up.
the getting rid of the car was a half joke, half not joke. and yea, only been truly on top of this thing for like a week? maybe 2? but ive made a lot more progress in that time than i ever thought i could, or would
my_old_skeleton@reddit
Hey that's a good sign if you're further along than you thought, means the work is working!
Try thinking about the project as nothing more than a bunch of little tasks, and not as a complete project you need to get done. You've got a bolt that you cant get out? Great. That's the whole job, get the bolt out. Once you're done with that you move on to the next one.
If everyone looked at their whole project as a complete project every step of they way they'd all get overwhelmed. One headache at a time is my motto.
Obviously don't lose sight of the big picture, but when you're deep into it, just break it down into bites you can manage.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
that is actually on the money what I've been doing! sections, subsections, smaller pictures, bigger pictures, etc.
let's see, right now, its this bolt. then its the starter. thats the currently main section, also, the section the video covers. after that, its engine mounting bolts, and then the engines ready to come out
after that, new engine, but until then, I can focus on the brakes. front brakes are seized, and I plan to replace both front calipers, and save myself a little bit of headache finding why their seized
Hopefully by this point, ill have an engine sourced, and can throw it in. bolts, harness, fluids, gas, and then if God willing, it'll turn over
oh yea, and a battery. fuckers been dead for many, many months lmao
GNARBEQUE@reddit
TWENTY MINUTES A DAY AND NEVER GIVE UP
WorldWarTwo@reddit
You got this big dog
rawkguitar@reddit
Every problem is solvable, it’s just about sticking with it until you figure it out.
If you keep at it, someday you’ll be working on something, you’ll do something like it’s no big deal, remeber back to a time when that same thing would have been a huge PITA and you’ll take comfort in knowing how much your skills have improved
OceanGrownPharms@reddit
Get an acetylene torch. Bolts aren't a problem when there's no bolt 🧠
titsmuhgeee@reddit
I relate to this post on a cellular level.
I've learned that however long you think it will take and however difficult you think it will be, reality will be 2-3x worse than whatever you expected. To the point that when things actually do go smoothly, you start to get concerned.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
dunning kruger runs strong within the people of this community lmao
Exact_Yogurtcloset26@reddit
I liked the V6 in those mustangs. Wasn't something you show off but it felt fast.
Lots of good advice here, another one is set boundaries with how far you take this and know when to throw in the towel. If its just a fun side project, just keep at it. Worst case scenario is you break things, learn alot, sell it as is and move on.
What did you end up deciding for the swap? If it were me id just put in a working 3.8, just to keep it simple.
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
honestly, havent. will wait until i get the motor out to start making decisions. i like the idea of the 4.2, extra displacemnt basically for free, but at the same time, thgrough all this ive learned i will like the ease of dropping the motor in and knowing itll work.
and for throwing in the towel, kinda never? honestly. as ive said to a few people here, im tired of always giving up on things, always been more of the quitting type, and that simply isnt condusive to how the world works. trying to teach myself to be patient and work with a problem, rather than constantly fuck up, realize i fucked up, and immediately back out
A12851@reddit
Projects cars are a marathon, not a sprint. Just take a break. Mines taken almost 4 years and just recently could be driven down the road.
Tough_Apple_2058@reddit
mine has taken me 10 years and I still haven't been able to drive it
trimbk@reddit
We have all been there. I had a 4 year restoration on an old BMW. But for every car, it’s the 1 hour job that turns into 2 days that area the most frustrating - any more common than any YouTuber would have you believe. For me, what works is (1) reminding myself that there is no deadline, and (2) walk away to do something else. The have been a large number of times that a break (an hour, a day, a month) has lead me to the right next step.
SendLGaM@reddit
Those (with the exception of patience) can be easily acquired.
Take a calm down break then go watch some YouTube videos of how other people solved like issues then get the proper tools for the job and get it done.
Or alternately start calling friends and acquaintances to see if they are capable and willing to help.
But either way take a calm down break before you do something that can't be easily fixed.
cat_of_danzig@reddit
It's amazing how much the right tools add to the enjoyment of working on cars.
basicKitsch@reddit
You probably can borrow tools from either the library or rent them as well if you don't want to splurge on things right now
TardisPilot1515@reddit
I was there with my winter beater/daily 4wd grand Cherokee. Bought it 3 years back, lots of work but 2-3 weeks ago was full front end rebuild. 217k miles, all OEM suspension parts. Nearly every bushing sleeve was seized solid to the bolt. It sucked hard.
jo1588@reddit
I know your pain. I went through a similar process the first time I pulled a motor. You'll get through it, just take a breather and come back with a clear head and watch some YouTube videos or check out some forums and learn some more. The first time I pulled my motor in my E46, it took like 4 hours. I can now pull one in less than 30 mins. Practice makes perfect and you'll get there eventually!
BackgroundRecipe3164@reddit
Rip the starter off and just hand crank the engine from now on. Easiest short term solution
CableMartini@reddit (OP)
throw on the fuggin: "Awooogggaaaa" horn for period correctness
juwyro@reddit
Don't forget to pull the plugs!