My journey into the world of cars began with my dad and his 1976 Jeep CJ-5, a vehicle that had seen its fair share of adventures by the time I was 10 in 1989. The rusted-out floors allowed me to catch glimpses of the road below, the aroma of oil and gas permeating from the engine, and the sounds from the failing exaust all creating a unique and unforgettable experience as we cruised down the highway. As the body started to separate from the frame, my dad decided to undertake a restoration project, a decision that would spark my lifelong passion for cars.
While my dad spent months invested in restoring his Jeep with rebuilt engine and new fibergalss body, by the time I turned 14, I somehow managed to convince my parents (and my grandpa) to invest in a beat-up, rust-covered 1966 Ford Mustang instead of inheriting his Jeep. It was to be my first car, but it was far from roadworthy. The engine was on its last legs, the trunk had rotted away, the brakes and suspension were in dire need of attention, and some parts of the frame were missing altogether.
Over the next two years, I worked closely with my dad, combing through junkyards, scouring countless aftermarket parts catalogs, and poring over oil-stained Chilton and Haynes manuals. We called in favors from my uncle, an expert welder who helped piece together the missing sections of the frame and trunk. My friends and I pushed the engineless chassis up and down the driveway, pretending we were racing down the open road.
We were able to salvage an old engine from a junkyard, had it meticulously machined and over-bored, and painstakingly assembled it from start to finish. We replaced every worn-out brake and suspension component, turning the car into a drivable machine.
While it was never a showpiece with its faded paint, patches of primer, and body panels that I repaired and bondoed, that didn't deter me from adding racing stripes to the hood, upgrading to a stylish set of wheels and tires, and driving it like a race car wherever I went.
As I prepared to leave for college, I made the difficult decision to part ways with my beloved Mustang. It needed more restoration work, and I couldn't bear to see it sitting idle for four or more long years. Regrettably, that decision has haunted me ever since.
I've longed to recreate the cherished memories of rebuilding that car with my dad and hoped to share similar experiences with my two sons. Unfortunately, our limited space at home made it impossible. That's precisely why I embarked on this Garage Condo journey and initiated Third Car Garage.
As we make progress on our first site and it nears completion, stay tuned for my upcoming blog posts. I'll be documenting the build-out of a Factory Five Shelby Cobra kit car in one of the finished Third Car Garage Condo Units, alongside my dad and my two sons. It's a project that signifies more than just a car build; it's a journey filled with memories, bonding, and the fulfillment of a lifelong passion.
In the world of garage condos, it's not just about cars; it's about the cherished moments you create with your loved ones. Picture this: You and your dad, side by side, working on a new restoration project, the air filled with the sounds of tools and laughter and the scent of fresh motor oil. Your sons, wide-eyed with wonder, watch, learn, and help as the generations come together in the garage condo—a place where memories are forged, and family bonds are strengthened.
A Time-Honored Tradition
Restoration projects have a unique way of bridging generations. They're not just about fixing up a vintage vehicle; they're about passing down knowledge, skills, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Working on cars with your dad becomes a time-honored tradition, a rite of passage that connects the past, the present, and the future.
Lessons Beyond the Toolbox
As you and your dad share your expertise, you're not just teaching mechanical skills; you're imparting life lessons. Patience, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the joy of seeing a project through to completion—all these values are woven into the fabric of your restoration journey.
Building Bonds with the Next Generation
Having your sons by your side is more than just quality time together; it's an opportunity to ignite their passion for cars and craftsmanship. It's a chance for them to learn from the best—their dad and grandpa—and carry forward the legacy of automotive enthusiasm. These moments in the garage condo become stories he'll pass down to their own children one day.
A Treasure Trove of Memories
The garage condo becomes more than just a workspace; it's a treasure trove of memories. It's where you share stories of past projects, where you reminisce about the cars you've owned, and where you plan for future adventures on the road. It's a place where the bonds of family grow stronger with each turn of the wrench and each stroke of the paintbrush.
So, as you embark on your garage condo journey, remember that it's not just a space for cars; it's a canvas for creating memories, strengthening family ties, and passing down the love for all things automotive from one generation to the next.