Frustrated

[crazyjim]

I spent several hours the last couple of days trying to figure out and build a 4 link suspension on a '40 Ford. I cut and measured, fitted, sanded, and trial fit again. Got something together that I thought was pretty good and would work but the tires don't fit the wheelwells very well.

I'm about ready to hang up model car building and find another hobby.

[Harry P.]

Building model cars is supposed to be fun and relaxing... not a chore or a hassle.

Geez, maybe you really do need a different hobby...

[Chuck Most]

I'd just try an easier project and go back to the '40 later. Whenever a project befuddles me, I just set it aside for a bit until I'm not mad at it anymore.

[raymanz]

I spent several hours the last couple of days trying to figure out and build a 4 link suspension on a '40 Ford. I cut and measured, fitted, sanded, and trial fit again. Got something together that I thought was pretty good and would work but the tires don't fit the wheelwells very well.

I'm about ready to hang up model car building and find another hobby.

CrazyJim-Drop back and regroup-Also take a deep breath. You don't want too give up on a project because it's not working today-tomorrow's a better day. Don't know how many times I've felt that same frustration and laid it down for awhile and then came back to it later with more idea's and fixed it first-shot better than it probably would have been. So take a deep breath and tackle it another time and SAVE your Hobby-if not dump and go but you'll be back-because it's in your blood now!-Good Luck-Ray

[DRG]

I can understand your frustration as I have had the same frustration many times. What I want to do always works out real good in my head but putting those thoughts to actual plastic and building a model are two separate things. Hang in there my friend, try again some other day, it will get better.

[roadhawg]

I'd just try an easier project and go back to the '40 later. Whenever a project befuddles me, I just set it aside for a bit until I'm not mad at it anymore.

That reminds me.....I need to dig out that pro-street Mercedes I got frustrated with in 1994..........

[Guest]

Just put it aside for now Jim and start working on something else for while. Always seems to help me out. I have a project that I was making a working four link and strut front suspension for that I still haven't finished. That was over ten years ago. Sometimes we try things that are just a little over our skill level at the time we are attempting them. Least that's what I think my problem was. Someday I'll get that project out and finish it. For now though,I'm going to keep building models that I can finish.

[Foxer]

Yeah, this reminds me too of the half dozen builds that stopped me in their tracks like your 4-link. They are just resting and I'm still going.

[novadose71]

Quit building??? :blink: That's just crazy Jim Go at it again and work through it, you'll be a better person afterwards ......or just throw it at the wall

[evilone]

When a build makes me that mad i show it how a football feels when it hits a wall. problem solved and then more room on my workbench lol.

[walt francis]

All I can tell you is that if it gets to the point where you don't even want to work on anything, then do what i do....Put it back in the box for a while or you will just stay away from the desk for anger....Don't need that.

Miss Misory is taking a break for awhile

[randx0]

That's CrazyJim.

Seriously though if you take a deep breath and think about the goals of your build and how you want it to turn out the frustration should subside when you realize that you want this to work or if you decide that stock set up is just fine. either way it only depends on what you want out of the build . I don't know about you but usually I do better the second time especially after I discover what I did wrong the first time. Keep pushin' your personal envelope and you will be happy with the results eventually!

Edited April 18, 2011 by randx0

[Carmikeman]

Quit building??? :) That's just crazy Jim Go at it again and work through it, you'll be a better person afterwards ......or just throw it at the wall

No No!!! don't throw it at the wall! Someone will turn u in for Styrene Abuse! there is a hotline for this affliction,,,,,, call Dr. Cranky!!! lol

[Jon Cole]

When you hit a brick wall... turn around.

I also was dealing with an attempt at scratchbuilding a 4 link, and all I got was more frustration than results. I wanted real aluminum rods. And while I know it is possible, I am just not there yet. So, I changed direction. I realized that my suspension may work if I switched to square plastic tube. That, and constantly referencing on sites like Google is what helps me. I don't know when I will finish it, it's a very involved build.

Maybe my link for pics of suspensions and whatnot will help? Note that it is listed alphabetically:

http://public.fotki.com/JCole/chassis_brakes_/

Hope this helps.

[crazyjim]

Thank you for the replies. I really appreciate them. In 53 yearss of building, I have never thrown a kit against a wall and I have never put away a kit for future building. I've always struggled through somehow. Scratchbuilding a 4 link suspension is way up the line for me. One part of me is saying do it this way but my fingers go a different way.

I was trying to fall asleep last night and came up with possible solutions to my problem(s). Try crimp beads on the round rod before heating & smashing. Get some small pins. Glue temporary blocks to chassis.

I've been heating 1/16" round rod (Evergreen #222) and then smashing the end with a hammer to flatten it out. That's supposed to make it look like a Heim Joint. I'm going to try adding bead crimps to simulate the nut on the threaded portion of the Heim Joint.

Later last night I temp glued blocks to the frame in a attempt to keep the rear end at the proper height during suspension trial & errors.

Those pics of yours Jon are amazing. What a great resource you have.

[Dr. Cranky]

You are supposed to have fun in the hobby, and with your building. It sounds like you've gotten great advice here, and I would simply add that sometimes it does help to take time off from the bench and or a build. Later you return fresh and energized, if not with more ideas to try out.

[crazyjim]

I am having fun, Dr. Cranky but I needed to vent. Several thoughts have been going through my head that I need to try and a member has sent a PM trying to help me out. What a GREAT place this forum is.

It reminds me of the old days with Vietnam Veterans having mental issues. We used to drill a hole in a quarter and put it on a chain for hanging on your neck. We told our brothers that when you have a problem, make the call, and here's a quarter for the call.

That's what it's all about trying to help a brother when help is needed.

Thanks again for everyone's advise and encouragement. Later today I plan and going out to the shop to kick some '40 Ford butt.

Edited April 18, 2011 by crazyjim

[george 53]

Jim, get ALOT of pics of what you WANT it to look like an go for it. It's ONLY plastic Jim,it ain't NUTHIN that can beat you, or win over you. Sit back, take a good look WHERE your messin up, an after a cuppa your favorite beverage, take it out! You KNOW you can do it, otherwise you'd NEVER have started it! Your NOT the kinda guy who lets a little plastic car beat him out. Gettcher butt BACK in there, (after the cuppa whatever....) an give that there 4 link heck!!!!! GO FOR IT!!! THAT'S why you're CRAZY JIM!!!!!

[disabled modeler]

Hi Jim... I have had it happen too like a lot of us here-I just sit back and think about it for awhile...eventually it will come to you in time. Sometimes to just sit back and look at it from a distance gives you a different perspective of the problem at hand.

[crazyjim]

Yeah George. I'm gonna do it! I'll be filling my mug with some good ole RC Cola and getting to work. Supposed to be sunny and 85 today and I need to get out the Harley and get to the LHS for more materials.

[paul alflen]

JIM, RELAX, LET THE SUN RECHARGE YOUR VITAMIN" E." WHEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM,TAKE A STEP BACK AND LET YOUR SUBCONSCIENCE FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOU. THE MIND WORKS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS. AS GEORGE SAYS GET PICTURES AND VISUALISE IT IN YOUR MIND. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS COPY HOW SOMEONE ELSE BUILT ONE!!

Edited April 18, 2011 by paul alflen

[crazyjim]

A good strong pull on some RC Cola helped, Paul. Thanks. I think I'm getting it together but need to get up to the LHS for more Evergreen - plus it's an excuse to get the Harley out for a ride.

[novadose71]

Nothing like a ride on the bike to clear your head.

[Agent G]

Nothing like a ride on the bike to clear your head.

Amen to that. You never see a bike parked in front of a psychiatrist's office.

G

[DanielG]

No reason to quit. It is just a challenge that is all the sweeter when finaly mastered (which is why the posts on the Kambach I am building have gotten a little thin lately!). Play around with something else until the erge to engage in battle strikes you again!