u/whenEMP

Been sitting in a barn for years. Recently got her out and stopped to fill up. Smelled fuel more than normal. Looked underneath and saw that the tank was saturated and dripping.

Popped the back seat off, popped the cover off, and here's what I've found.

This is rodent damage right?! There's no way this is normal wear and tear. I've never had any fuel pump issues or maintenance so I can't quite understand where the scratch marks have come from besides critters getting in.

I could be wrong. It could just be age?

Will it be a loooooot of work? Absolutely!

Will it be worth it? Absolutely!

My mom passed away in 2007 right as he started working on it. Past life as a body man, and was waiting until retirement to get it back out, but it's been almost 20 years since he's been In the garage. And it breaks my heart because this was their 1st child before me.

He's become reclusive, and even tech wise. So I'm trying to introduce him to reddit and this will be the start. Hoping to break him away from the couch and tv routine. If y'all could, give some motivation/constructive criticism. He's the type of man that used to take peoples shit talk as a test, so let's turn the tables and see what we can do.

Edit: mad love and respect to y'all 🤘 thank you.

Never stop pushing forward. Don't give up.

I lost my property during the pandemic. The land owner passed away and his family sold off the property for development without a word. The sons of the owner and I were very close, so I made a wrong assumption in thinking I'd be in the clear even in the unfortunate event he passed away suddenly.

We had a verbal agreement, which really bit me in the ass at the end. I took care of his many miles of fence line in exchange for a 25acre woodland patch to do as I please. Over the years I stopped working full time as I had built a sustainable living space with self sufficient means. I made enough through my side work and at the farmers market, I had no reason to work a 9-5, as the life I wanted required my full attention on the property.

6 years later I still wake up everyday longing for the life style. It will never leave me. I'll get back to it. It's just a lot more difficult than it was 16years ago and boy am I feeling the age. I don't think I have the tenacity and energy as I did then, so I may just buy me a Tahoe and vanlife it on BLM land a few months at a time. Just to get back to nature.

Thanks to all who share their experiences. You give me hope & motivation. Peace be with you all.