Dino Saga 080127 _ Getting Old

I have the greatest sympathy for you John, having 2 slipped discs in my back (downside of being a heating engineer) I know the aggro it causes, at 52 i struggle so god knows what i will be like at 72.

However you should try living in the UK (dont), last year it rained every time i wanted to go out in the dino. I have to put her to bed for at least 6 months because of all the rock salt they throw on the roads.

Anyway it gives me time to redo the interior, never been happy with the work i did some years ago when the door side panels fell apart. This time i am doing the whole lot so all the trim matches. Slow and tedious but i have until at least end of April before it is safe to venture out.

 

When I lived in SoCal, rainy days were something to enjoy. The rain cleaned everything out and created a nice, quiet mood. AND you knew the sun was going to come back in a few days.

Take your time in life. Things may take longer than they use to and be more difficult, you just have to have more patience.

Your car looks great. When you can't enjoy the sounds and feels, just enjoy the looks.

-F

 

Hello John,

This may or may not work, but Pegasus Racing Supplies sells what it calls an aerospace backsaver. Here is their description and the link:

The Backsaver was originally developed for military combat pilots. The Backsaver's fluid yet firm support was found to be the best material to minimize discomfort and greatly reduce fatique under very grueling conditions. Backsaver foam absorbs up to 97% of impact energy with low rebound. Although the cushion is only one inch thick, it will not bottom out because of its high energy absorption. Special materials that are bonded to the Backsaver act like a gasket between driver and seat which insures perfect contact for precise feedback. Either size can be cut with sharp scissors or a shop knife.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=BACKPAD

Maybe a small pad in the right spot might work? Warm regards,

Andy

 

I have had all kinds of back problems from riding horses, the gym, golf -- you name it. My favorite thing in the world tends to be the lumbar supports and seat heaters in my new SUV's. Maybe you could get one of those aftermarket heating/support pads and hardwire it? Or just use the disposable adhesive heat pads when you're out for a long drive? Of course, I'm a Northeasterner, so that might be too warm in Santa Barbara.

 

+1 on the back saver. They're expensive but I think they're worth it. You could probably remove your seat cover and replace some of your seat cushion with it. No one would know it's there and you wouldn't have to worry about the loss of head room.

 

I feel your pain, John. I started driving and maintaining my current Dino in 1977 and now, at nearly 68, the driving is going fine but the maintaining part is a tad more difficult, but just as enjoyable. For the seat & back problem, I've been using a small pillow that came from our living room (with my wife's permission, of course) about 12 years ago. I figure it's got about 24,000 miles on it! ) That really helped with the herniated disc back in those days. This past Friday I had surgery to repair a hernia in my right groin area so I won't be doing much garage work for about a month. However, for the 4 weeks prior to the surgery (wearing a support truss for the hernia!) I managed to remove the radiator, A/C condensor, the cooling fans, the A/C compressor, do a check on the valve clearances, make an adjustment on 6 valve shims and clean and paint all the chassis parts in the now empty area up front. Whew! Felt great! So, as you say, we find ways to cope. It's a labor of love and it gives us all great pleasure.

Forza Ferrari!

Bill

 

What a nice car John - Solvang/it sound Danish for me - I have had my Dino for 20 years (I found it 12. august 1988 the date when Enzo died) in 1996 I was operated in my bag, and for 2 years I could not get into my car - I was offered the car for sale, but nobody want to buy it - but I am very happy today that I keep the car in the garage, and 2 month ago it get compagny with a TR512

 

John,

Best wishes for health and strength, your posts are helpful in many ways.

I sympathize with the overwhelming California weather, I'm not sure how you tolerate it! (tongue firmly in cheek as I take this photo of the outside weather...)

Scott
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John,

I think all of us 50+ yr old guys feel your pain.

Bad shoulders make it difficult for me to do work from under my cars. Even reconstructive surgery on one didn't really solve that problem.

One of the reasons I sold my Dino was it became increasingly uncomfortable for me to drive. Two bad discs in my lower back cetainly don't help that, but it's easier to get a more modern, adjustable seat car, than it is to have those discs fixed right now.

I guess I'm a walking poster child for why contact sports aren't a great idea for someone my size. I think I've had seven orthopaedic surgeries over the years. (I've actually lost count, another sign of age I guess) Knees, elbow, shoulders, UGH.

I'm going to look into the backsaver product.

DM

 

Wow Sir, you are an inspiration to us younger guys. I'm 26 and hope to be still be involved with and interested in cars when I get your age. Awesome post and thanks for the pictures.

 

i know i am immature, but this really made me laugh

 

nice photos

 

I also feel your pain- I have owned my Dino since '74 and before I tore into it to restore it, my hands would fall asleep due to my carpal tunnel. My back needs a plate and screws due to sports I played in my youth as the pain in the lower back constantly reminds me.

Every time I think of giving up on my Dino due to the pain or due to my lack of money-I find myself opening up the garage door of my tiny garage and being pulled back in time to the many perfect all night rides we shared. Logic goes out the window and I know that I have to finish the restoration and experience more perfect drives.
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Hey John,

Knock off that old talk. I'm 68 with the usual sore back in the morning. I use to have a 246GT (3118) but gave it away (no numbers, please) and now have a 328GTS. These mechanical things keep you young. However, I'm running the Kaiser 1/2 Marathon in San Francisco on Super Bowl Sunday (an annual event and one of many in the year) and I'm starting my 10th year in triathlon. You are as young or old as you choose to be. My recommendation: pick young.

 

Robbie,

Not everyone is as fit as you, but you gave good advice. Think young indeed.

Warm regards.

Andy (59 turning 50, and no complaints about the weather)

 

Recently here in NewZealand the papers ran an article about a gentleman who just emigrated here from England at the ripe old age of 102 with his wife of 12 years who is a Kiwi by birth.When he was asked why move at his age he said "What's important is that when I'm 105 I don't want to be thinking `I wish I had moved to the other side of the world when I was 102'. Heres the link
"http://www.stuff.co.nz/AAMB6/aamsz=275x15_TEXTLINK/4344602a4560.html I think that proves there is hope for us all and as i now feel like a junior member in this section as i only became a dino owner last year at the age of 47. I have to ask the question who says when your too old to do something ? I dont think any of us is sensible or normal or we certainly wouldnt own these oily old relics but thats the problem with passion it defies common sense and i am willing to bet that John and all the rest of us are only 20 years old when we are out driving.Find a good garage with a first class mechanic if thats what it takes but keep driving. I for one like to read John's sagas and see the pics and i hope i can still be doing the same things when i reach his age. I look forward to seeing your contributions here for a very long time yet John thanks from us all.