Hello,again.
Had a young friend (Good friend of my son)come by the house Fri.He has a 71 Nova that I've been trying to buy for 5 years.Now he's turned 17 and wants me to build a 383 for his car.That's not a problem.However,the car has been sitting in an old shed for the better part of 15 years.I said,Dustin,"Why don't we make the car drivable and safe again and then we'll build you an engine?"But he'll have no part of it.
I've seen this happen way too many times.You build the motor first,which is the wrong thing to do,and then the dang thing sits on a stand for 10 years while you make to car sutable for it.I tried to explain this,but he's 17 and knows it all.I know for a fact that the car needs brakes,new tires,a turbo trans,new fuel lines,and a thorough going over,before he should even consider building a new motor. But as I said,he's 17.
What do I do?:confused:Thank you.

Restate your opinion and hold firm.

Kids, I remember when I was a teen the only thing I wanted was a rockin' sound system. My father kept telling me to get it road worthy, but I had to have the tunes, even if all four tires were bald. You can try and talk him out of it good luck!

i'm 25 but I still think like a 17 year old. I bought my 71 chevelle. I thought life was going to be good. The motor ran alright, but then I realized this 3,600 lb. sled doesn't stop worth a *insert word of choice*. So now I've dumped over 1,300 in power brakes and new front suspension trying not to kill myself. I just think he's going to have to drive it and realize on his own its a death trap unless a little time and effort is placed outside the motor. I do admit however as soon as I got it safe, I'm back under the hood.

If you feel passionate about it then I would tell him you will not build a motor until the car is safe to put it into. If you offer helping with the other things and he really wants that 383 then he will grudgingly accept your offer.

If you feel passionate about it then I would tell him you will not build a motor until the car is safe to put it into. If you offer helping with the other things and he really wants that 383 then he will grudgingly accept your offer.

I agree.

[QUOTE=zeke67;1362661]I agree.[/QUOTE

Thanks guys.I told him that I'd help fix the car.And next time I see him,I'll just let him know that we'll have to make the car drivable before he gets a motor.I really don't want to see him hurt because of something stupid,that I did! Thank you again,Eric.:thumbsup:

Hello,again.
Had a young friend (Good friend of my son)come by the house Fri.He has a 71 Nova that I've been trying to buy for 5 years.Now he's turned 17 and wants me to build a 383 for his car.That's not a problem.However,the car has been sitting in an old shed for the better part of 15 years.I said,Dustin,"Why don't we make the car drivable and safe again and then we'll build you an engine?"But he'll have no part of it.
I've seen this happen way too many times.You build the motor first,which is the wrong thing to do,and then the dang thing sits on a stand for 10 years while you make to car sutable for it.I tried to explain this,but he's 17 and knows it all.I know for a fact that the car needs brakes,new tires,a turbo trans,new fuel lines,and a thorough going over,before he should even consider building a new motor. But as I said,he's 17.
What do I do?:confused:Thank you.
=
You do your very best to see he makes it to 18,,, & building him an engine to put into something unsafe is not the best course of action.

Tell him you will be glad to help him build his own engine, try your best to guide him, talk to his parents,,,
Take him to the races with you, put him to work in the pits, let him see what others do for safety,,,

If he goes elsewhere for the engine you will at least be able to sleep,,,, if something does go wrong.

I guess you can only do the best you can

And good luck,, I too was 17,,, about a zillion years ago,, but fortunately I made it through even with all I "knew",,,,, :D

Thanks,Mike.
My whole delema was how to help him without turning him away.