I have had my little project (71 cuda) for almost 30 yrs. At one point it got parked and life got in the way and it sat in the garage for 20 years. Last summer I got re excited about getting it running again--a large part due to finding this web site--and started wrenching again. Had to get a new fuel tank/sending unit to start. 20 year old gas sure has a nasty smell to it! Tore the motor down to short block and found 6 bent push rods and a few other little problems. Did manage to get running late last fall--got a cautious 100 miles on it before winter shut me down. This spring I was able to really get a good start on making the cuda more road worthy. Put in new rear leaf springs and shock,new tires/rims, elect. ign., and a few other items. Also got a new Just Suspensions poly front end kit. Last Saturday I started tearing the suspension out and got down to the torsion bars and stopped. I also orderd a new TTI X-pipe exhaust system. On Sunday (Fathers day) I took a break and went out into our local desert to collect some landscape rock. After loading a few rather large rocks I started feeling a little puny!!!! Chest Pain--shortness of breath-sweatty- jaw pain- a pain going down my left shoulder and arm-you guessed it(first 2 don't count) HEART ATTACK!!! A major artery blockage, which they opened up by putting in a stent. I got out of the hospital yesterday and have to take it real easy for 2 weeks. No exercising and I cant lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. I had planed to have every thing done by my birthday(7-13/ I will be 49) and go for my first long drive.
After 20 years a little longer to wait after getting so close really
me off, but I guess it beats the alternative
Guess the moral to this story is if you have risk factors for whatever health problem --dont ignore them--some time it takes a good kick in the a$$ - err chest to wisen up. Sorry for the long winded story---I need to go to the garage and weigh my sledge hammer. Doug
