By Charles Dull

          How many times have you found yourself sitting at a traffic light and seen a classic car pull up beside you and your mind goes back to your youth? Invariably these are great thoughts of easier times being accompanied by the fairer sex. You then come back to your current condition and think, “I would like that”. You could go out and buy a classic to drive, but you probably would not feel the connection with the car as you did in your youth. Or you could build it. That’s right, you can do this. If you can change a light fixture in your home and can read a manual, you can do more than you may realize when it comes to mechanics. Now remember, this is a hobby that may take years, but the gratification is immeasurable. For me, I have always had a fondness for imports. In my teens I purchased a TVR Griffith which concreted my love for the exotic. This was followed by a Jensen Interceptor. In my twenties, I found myself driving a 1956 Porsche 356 A. The car was in decent mechanical condition, and the body was clean.  The Porsche was white with tan leather interior, fast, and an attention getter. There was also a tall beautiful woman with mousy blonde hair and brown eyes. I knew she was the reason Van Morrison wrote “Brown Eyed Girl”. She would be the only one I would want to sit in the only other available seat. What memories.

          Inevitably, the 356 A would have to be sold for a diamond engagement ring. Decades have passed, and that brown-eyed girl has been with me ever since. The exotic cars gave way to Volvos, baby seats, and tight budgets. Like me, many of you have had that same type of experience, and you begin to wonder if you can get back to that passion you once had with cars. You can.

          Restoring cars is a long, time consuming process. It requires acquiring tools, work space, and books: lots and lots of books. I have found that many of the tools needed to work on the vehicles can be acquired at flee markets. Often these are specialty tools. Pneumatics are in plentiful supply at these weekend swaps and can be purchased for a fraction of their original cost. It is important to know good quality tools. Do a little research. You may also find complete sets of sockets. For example, I have come across Craftsman professional sets as well as Snap-on sets for pennies on the dollar. A good quality mig welder can be found used and can save you hundreds.

There will be constant learning curves; welding, metal work, and engine repair. As long as you don’t count your time in labor and you don’t put yourself on an unrealistic time frame, you will enjoy the experience. I picked up two cars. One to learn with and one to complete in showroom condition. The practice car is a 1973 VW Beetle. It need more love than I realized; cutting out floor pans, replacing interior front quarter panels, and purchasing fenders. The parts come cheap since the vehicle was so plentiful and produced in Mexico. Used parts can be acquired through junk yards or on the internet. I am now finishing the body work and will have to learn how to prime and paint. By going to a professional auto body and paint store, you can begin asking questions from a knowledgeable staff. They will happily answer your questions and help you make reasonable purchases for your project as well as give you tips on what to do or not to do.

It has been six months since I rolled the Volkswagen into the garage, and it has become a family affair. My teen-age daughter, who is a girlie-girl and home coming queen, has become a great welder, and my wife can sand blast like a pro. The bug will probably be complete and road worthy in 3 more months. The other car is a 1967 Volvo Amazon coupe. This will not be so inexpensive. Some parts are reproduced yet very expensive. Others I will have to get through hunt and scavenge.  I plan on tearing this one down to nothing and bringing it back to showroom condition. I will probably have to take 3 years to do this. Understand, the car you choose will determine the cost.  Everyone knows that restoring a Ferrari will far outweigh the cost of restoring a Ford.

          But at the end of a tough day at work, I can light my favorite German pipe with fine English tobacco, and lose myself for an hour or two cutting metal, sanding, or cleaning parts.

By Charles Dull

          In today’s market uncertainty and with work weeks stretching into the 60 plus hours, the last thing you want someone doing is to tell you that you need a hobby. But in reality, it could be the best thing that is said to you. For years you have been working like a dog to build up that retirement and get to the place that you can rest, if you haven’t already gotten there. Now, with  banks closing, buy outs, and markets teetering on the edge of existence, your stress level grows. 

          Hobbies are a necessary part of your well being. I know that when I was working long weeks and taking no vacations, my health slipped. By the age of 42, I found myself being rushed to the hospital with the thought that I was having a heart attack. My blood pressure was sky high, my heart beat was irregular and my breathing was racing. To make a long story short, it was simply stress. The cardiologist told me in no uncertain words, “You need a hobby. Get out and away from the office so that you can clear your head and relax.” He was right. Immediately, I began walking on a treadmill every other day and playing golf twice a month. That little bit of time away from work and clearing my head was great. I am healthier and have kept up the golf now for years and have expanded my hobbies. Just because I have taken up golf, does not mean that I intend to break the bank, although it could be very easy. Believe it or not, you can play affordably. Remember, you are probably not going to play on the P.G.A., so why spend like you are.

          Golf clubs are the biggest expenditure you will face. A set of irons alone can run in the hundreds or thousands. Buy as if you are not planning on playing every day. Try being conservative on your spending. I have found that Adams irons are designed for and preferred by us boomers. You can often find them on sale and for under $ 200.00. When it comes to drivers and putters, consider going to a local golf show and trying out demos. I found a great Srixon driver that suited me. I also found a Ping putter demo with head cover for $15.00. At the end of the day, you know your budget. Sets of clubs can be bought used for under $100.00 or new for thousands.

          Possibly the most important thing to remember is that you are out there to have fun and relax. Step on the tee box, look around at the scenery, and remember that a walk in the woods for a golf ball can also be viewed as a pleasant short hike.

          Over the next few articles, I am going to examine different hobbies that you may want to consider. Taking a little time every week for yourself, whether you are retired or not, will benefit your wellbeing both mentally and physically. I am going to offer detailed tips on how to make some of these hobbies cost efficient so you do not place additional financial stress on yourself.   

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