The 5 Stages of Project Car Grief: A Support Group Guide
Every project car tells a story. Usually it's a story of spiraling costs, broken promises, and a suspicious amount of time spent on forums at 2 AM. Let us walk through this journey together.
Stage 1: Denial (The Purchase)
"It's really not that bad! Sure, it needs some work, but I watched a YouTube video and this seems totally doable. The guy only wants $2,500, and once I fix a few things, it'll be worth way more. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but she just doesn't understand potential."
Duration: 3 days to 3 weeks
Common symptoms: Uncontrollable optimism, bulk ordering of parts, telling everyone about your plans, creating Pinterest boards of completed builds
Budget estimate at this stage: $5,000 total
Stage 2: Anger (The Discovery)
"WHO DID THIS TO THIS CAR? Why is there silicone sealant where gaskets should be? Why does this bolt look like it was installed by an angry raccoon? The previous owner should be in jail. Actually, maybe the owner before that. This car has been through a WAR."
Duration: 2 weeks to 2 months
Common symptoms: Midnight forum posts that are just screaming, purchasing specialty tools for one specific bolt, discovering rust in places you didn't know could rust
Revised budget: $12,000
Stage 3: Bargaining (The Justification)
"Okay, if I do a partial restoration, I can still make this work. I'll keep some of the patina—it's character, right? I don't NEED perfect paint. And I can probably get another year out of those brake lines if I'm careful. The previous owner's wiring 'solution' is creative, actually."
Duration: 3 months to 3 years
Common symptoms: Convincing yourself duct tape is acceptable, creative interpretations of "roadworthy," hiding receipts from spouse
Revised budget: $8,000 (lying to self)
Stage 4: Depression (The Stall)
"The car has been on jack stands for eight months. I walk past it every day in the garage. It stares at me. I stare at it. We both know I'm avoiding the transmission job. There's a tarp over it now because looking at it makes me sad."
Duration: 6 months to infinity
Common symptoms: New hobbies that aren't cars, telling people "it's almost done" for 18 months straight, considering selling it at a massive loss, starting to look at other project cars (red flag)
Actual spend so far: $15,000
Stage 5: Acceptance (One of Three Endings)
Ending A: The Phoenix
You finally finished. Against all odds, after all the sweat, all the skinned knuckles, all the marriage counseling, the car runs. You drive it for the first time and cry a little. It was all worth it.
Final cost: $25,000 (worth it for the memories, you tell yourself)
Ending B: The Passing
You sell it to another hopeful enthusiast. You are now the previous owner that someone will curse. The cycle continues. You wash your hands of it and immediately start looking at another project.
Financial recovery: 15% of investment
Ending C: The Forever Project
You accept this car will never be finished, and that's okay. It's part of the garage now, like a very expensive, slowly rusting family member. You and the car have reached an understanding.
Final status: Permanent art installation
You Are Not Alone
If you recognized yourself in these stages, congratulations: you're a real enthusiast. Project cars aren't about the destination—they're about the journey. And the frustration. And the unexpected expenses. And the 2 AM forum posts.
But mostly, they're about the moment when it finally works and you remember why you started.
Track Your Project (All Stages Welcome)
Whether you're in Stage 1 optimism or Stage 4 depression, My Garage helps you track your project car journey. Log modifications, set maintenance reminders, and document your progress—so at least you'll have evidence of how far you've come (or how deep you've gone).
