Help! So many questions ahead of us yet!

[isp2952]

Originally Posted by Katie

THANK YOU! everyone for such kind and encouraging words!! We were thrilled to read all the positive comments you had for us. This one rang especially true and made us laugh...



Seriously, there were several times along our journey that we stopped and had to talk ourselves into not parting it out and scrapping the metal. To this day we can only chuckle at how HUGE this undertaking still is... geez, Patrick is just getting into the engine. We would actually have free time and money if we would've scrapped it, but I know there is no price to be put on all the memories we'll create in our super custom BB! Looking back on all the work finally behind us will make the miles much more enjoyable and the road trip back to the MidWest so much easier

I just looked up these photos from one year ago this week (it seems so long ago)...


Under the tarps of a leaky, messy, rainy season of gutting and de-molding.


The inside. Man, I'm so glad we're not here anymore!


Moving forward, when we have updates and general or specific questions, should I add to this thread or create new ones?


Cheers,

Katie

P.S. We'll take you all up on any invites

You said all that needs to be said in the red quote. That in and of itself is worth any amount of money and time spent, getting this Bird on the road. Looking at that photo of your son makes me recall my kids crawling around my RVs while I was working on them. My wife and I created memories that not only will last our lifetime but our children's lifetimes. My kids are in their 40s and still talk about going places and being a family, no matter if we went 5 miles to the local state park or a 7,000 mile cross country trip(which we did twice). You will never regret it. Trust me

[Suska]

FANTASTIC!!!!
Glad you are here on the forum.......It is so awesome to see an old Bird coming back to life!!
And, as said before, the info and support here is priceless.
You ROCK!!!

[MRPutz]

I've gone through what your doing with a '63 Bluebird schoolie about 30 years ago when I was in my 20's. My question to you now that you've finally understood what is needed, how long it will take, and the expense of time, money, and life...

Is the person that "gifted" this to you still your friend?

Keep up the good work, it IS worth it.

[Katie]

Originally Posted by rtpn60

I've gone through what your doing with a '63 Bluebird schoolie about 30 years ago when I was in my 20's. My question to you now that you've finally understood what is needed, how long it will take, and the expense of time, money, and life...

Is the person that "gifted" this to you still your friend?

Keep up the good work, it IS worth it.

Ha, Ha, Ha!!! We curse them often for this so called "gift". They tend to destroy nice things and we should've known that this was no different.

You are right though it IS worth it... or will be anyway

[ironmike]

You both should be proud of yourselves for tenacity, optimism, and the wisdom to see the value in the old 'bird under all the mold and crud. Congratulations...

[Don & Kitty Bartlett]

"OMG" I have done some building ( Hot Rods) and rebuilding (totalled cars), but nothing, NOTHING like this! Some would say that your "Gifted Bird" was a throw away... But just look what a LABOR of LOVE can produce... Memories for a life time. My hat's OFF to you both!!! Don

[gcyeaw]

I couldn't help but notice there is a short guy standing amongst the rubble. When you two start traveling and taking him to the wonderous sights and sounds of Oregon and beyond it will clearly all have been worth it.

[78bbird]

It is like our 69 BB INN, 3 years in the front lawn in San Jose to get it rebuilt. You guys did a great job and will enjoy the BB much more! I know I could never do a rebuild that big now. Great pics

[MRPutz]

One thing for sure..

Once it's complete and working good there is no other feeling in the world like you get when you put something together with your own hands. The fact you have a partner to share the journey only amplifies its feeling. Plus, you know have the knowledge of where everything is at so troubleshooting & learning are also amplified.

Enjoy the memories and experiences.

[Driver]

Unless it's totally unique I'd keep updating this thread with progress pics. It looks like a tremendous undertaking but don't underestimate the skills you guys are learning and as that young-un grows he will not only have stories to tell but he'll absorb skills as well. Those lessons can be really hard to learn later in life. I'd give anything to go camping again with my late father at Blanco State Park and even sleep on the front seat of the Dodge Pick Up (froze). For now it's just a fond memory.

Take care, Keep up the good work and looking forward to the updates!