There is a difference between never getting started or progressing on a build and just taking a long (long) time to finish. I bought my ERA in raw replica form and even did the bonding and riveting myself. Since I also did all the body work and painting that dragged in out, expecially working out of a slightly oversize residential garage. Things come up - bought as a retirement project over 3-1/2 years ago, my employer decided they had not had enough of me and hired me back. I actually just finished up 40 hrs/wk as a re-hire and retired a second time last week. That slowed me up a lot. Then we added a pool last year and I try to do as much labor on everything as I can muster - layout, re-routing sprinkler, dressing soil, laying sod, landscaping, minor electrical, wanted a small pool house, etc. There went a few months.
After 3-1/2 years of building off and on, I finally got the motor running and car moving under it's own power in and out of the garage in August. But, the expansion tank leaks, one brake can leaks, the top loader cover plate gasket is seeping, the clutch engagement throw was too long, the black ceramic coating on the primary pipes failed and they have to be completely removed and returned to be re-plated. Charging system still isn't charging. So at this point I'm going more backwards than forward.
But, I will get it finished if I live long enough and stay mobile enough. And actually I probably enjoy working on cars as much or more so than just maintaining them.
