[64skylarkls1]

Well, I bit the bullet and invested in my son's future as well as aiding in the future of the "classics' car hobby. My 13 year old son and I make a road trip this weekend to pick up his first car - a project 68 Firebird.

It sure is different today. Most of us grew up turning a wrench both because we had to, and because it's what many of our friends did. Kids today grow up around computer games and couldn't tell a vice-grip from a claw hammer. I've always been a car hobbist but also the guy who saved my family many thousands of dollars by doing all the family car repairs. I'm sure the same can be said for many of you.

In my humble opinion, due to video games, cell phones, instant messaging and so on, kids today are programmed on quick, real time results in most aspects of life. It seems to me that there is little patience for anything that is to be done with your hands, projects that can't be completed quickly and easily. I'm afraid for the future of this hobby.

For me personally, my son David has fallen in this same mind set and I hope to change it, I've now made a financial investment to change it. He does love cars and goes to most car shows with me. But when it has come to working in my shop with me, he gets bored too easliy and wants to go back to the computer or x box. He has always had an eye for the Firebrds so I found a project car to his liking. The goal is to have the car driveable by the time he gets his license.

My hope is that his love for his own car will make the difference, that he will learn how to fix things and experience the satisfaction of looking at what you've created and accomplished. Needless to say, those skills will also save his own family money throughout the years.

David and I (mom too) agreed that to write a contract of expectations. Must spend a certain amount of time each month working on the car, grades can't slip, must eventually get a part time job, must still save for college...... If expectations are not met, or corrected, the ownership of the car would revert back to my wife and I.

I love the thought of working on our project cars in my shop together. If it works out it will be a major item to cross off my bucket list.....Build a car - together with my son - for him.

For those of you who may have gone down this road already, I would sure appreciate your advice and tips.

Gene