Cars, tools and hobbies

[GMCAMARO]

I am totally into cars and tools. Currently I am restoring a 1958 Chevrolet Apache. I was talking to my father last night, he lives about 2.5 hours away and he is retired. He was telling me how board in retirement he is.
He is not into cars, only as a statice symbol, so at one time he had BMW 3 series, and never really pushed the car, so as to understand it.
While he does not have the room for cars I was wondering if you good folks could help me with ideas to motivate him.
He is into fishing, RC model airplanes, he is handy just not motivated for the types of things that folks on this board are into, so any ideas or suggestions please.

 

[1967lemans]

Have you asked him to give you a hand? Burgers and dogs or whatever afterwords?

 

[coal_man]

My parents both recently retired. They ride their Electra Glide trike as much as possible now, but their yard, landscaping, etc. looks as good as it ever has. I didn't think my dad would be into that as much as he is, but it seems to keep him busy. They also raised a small garden last year. Would he be interested in any of that, or would it just be work?

I'm fortunate that they live less than 2 miles away. If I need any supplies picked up during the day or any running around done for my projects, they're always glad to do that.

coal_man

 

[Stuart in MN]

If he's into fishing and RC planes it sounds like there's already plenty to keep him busy - if he really wants to be busy.

 

[Outlawmws]

What kind of fishing? If trout, fly tying, making bamboo rods, and the like. If a bass fisherman making lures, Does he camp? Or is he an RV camper?

If not cars, what about an old Honda trail 90 to get to the better fishing holes?

you need to tie this into what he already likes..

 

[bobadame]

Feed him some strong coffee.

 

[oilslick]

Dads are stubborn

 

[cgv69]

How about woodturning? It has a lot of pros going for it...

Does not take up a lot of room. It's even reasonable to do it in an carpeted spare bedroom if need be because its quite and does not make a lot of fine dust (if you do it right). Mostly you just make a lot of large shavings.

He can get going in it for under $1k and even full blown you won't need a lot. A lathe, a bandsaw and a chainsaw are really the only major tools you needs (and you don't even need the bandaw or chainsaw to get started). Good turning tools, sharpening tools, chucks and other accessories can add up but those can be bought slowing over time as needed.

Its also great for people who don't have a lot of time or attention span as you can be really productive with just 1/2 hour worth of time.

The sky of the limit as far as things he can make with it and use or give as gifts such as bowls, pens, rolling pins, pepper mills, mallets, etc., etc..

Depending on where he lives and who he knows, he should be able to get a lot of material free. Its really a great hobby for those who like to make things and use tools but don't have a lot of time, money, space, strength or endurance for other more complicated time or resource intensive hobbies

 

[GMCAMARO]

Thank you for your responses and help.
As for gardening they live in one of the strictest places on earth for that. The answer is no. The none sense of cape code hoa's is absolutely ridiculous.

The idea of inviting him to help me is a good one and I will ask.

The wood turning probably would not interest him.

As for the model planes and fishing, both date back to the 1940's and his father before him.
Back in the 40's it was control line flying which is were it started.
He is interested in both and does both but I am not convinced about his commitment.

 

[road]

since this question is about your dad and you connecting,
what did he do for a living ? How is his health ?
if he was a very focused bussiness type then maybe some things are just not in his realm.

have you asked him what he would like ? or tell him you would like to have the time together, doing what you both like?

how about 1 day of car play for 1 day of flying , or fishing.
life is give and take, give him your time he will take the opportunity to connect. even if you just end up talking, its worth a try.

 

[santagary]

since this question is about your dad and you connecting,
what did he do for a living ? How is his health ?
if he was a very focused bussiness type then maybe some things are just not in his realm.

have you asked him what he would like ? or tell him you would like to have the time together, doing what you both like?

how about 1 day of car play for 1 day of flying , or fishing.
life is give and take, give him your time he will take the opportunity to connect. even if you just end up talking, its worth a try.

Ditto, but don't fall into his "pity party" titled "I'm bored". Ask for his advice on your projects and see if he follows up with a visit to "supervise" you and see if you're following his suggestions.

 

[JUSTA50]

Not to get off track but you said you were restoring a 58 Apache? Got any pics. Need motivation. I've got my Grandfathers 58 Apache sitting at my house needing restoration.

 

[ears]

He may have really loved working. When my dad retired he became a volunteer 20-30 hours a week. When mom retired, she promptly went back to work. Same field, less pay lot more flexibility. Now she tutors and takes occasional things for CPS next county over. She will get up at 2:00 a.m. to help with kids whose parents went to jail etc. She loves it.

Retirement is not for everybody. Not all Walmart greeters are there because they didn't plan for retirement.

 

[wouldworker]

Like the volunteering idea. How about volunteering at the local hospital, library or school?

 

[RPH]

If he is into rc planes, then try him on the rc copters. These will be new to him and he may enjoy buzzing around. As for control line that's what I started on in the sixties. Good luck finding something but it is critical for his long term happiness.