At what age do you stop personally fixing your Stag?

[Tdm]

I still like to get my hands dirty and enjoying adding and fixing things on my Stag, except for the underneath which I can't get at and get a Garage to do on one of their ramps (such a track rod ends, bushes, ball joints etc.).

I recently personally fitted a new high output Alternator, changed the bolts for studs for the power steering bracket, and wired in new parking sensors, and my new stereo system etc.

However next month I am 74 and am thinking - "should I still be doing this at my age?". I feel fit and healthy enough, and the steroids I am currently taking for my Polymyalgia seem to be working fine, but are there others on this Forum who are circa my age and who still fix their Stag themselves I wonder?.

I think living in a Country with the reputedly "best climate in the World" helps, as I am sure I wouldn't still be doing the things I still do here if I had remained in the U.K.

[mole42]

I have made a decision to stop crawling around underneath now that I'm 61 - but I do have access to a two-post lift to rent by the hour, so I still do all the work myself.

Richard

[Stagless Steve]

I am a spring chicken by comparison (57) but I say do it as long as you can and still enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it any more (for whatever reason) then get someone else to do it regardless of your age.

Steve

[Andrew S]

In your 70's is still young, my Fathers looks after his Stag and he's 84 at the weekend

[Lingen]

Tdm.
As nobody will know who I am (!), I can admit to also being 74, and starting to think the same thoughts as you. I reckon I am ok for a while yet for repairs above floorpan level, but have now accepted that a garage lift is necessary for stuff underneath. Fortunately I have a very friendly local garage who make theirs available if they aren't busy.
On the medical front, I didn't know steroids could help with your particular complaint. I have something similar, without the "Poly" which I was told several years ago that I would have to learn to live with. I have just about done so, but would far sooner be without it. Perhaps I should investigate further. Having visited Tenerife on a couple of occasions, I am sure the climate must help a lot as well.
Mike, (Anon).

[Tdm]

Tdm.
As nobody will know who I am (!), I can admit to also being 74, and starting to think the same thoughts as you. I reckon I am ok for a while yet for repairs above floorpan level, but have now accepted that a garage lift is necessary for stuff underneath. Fortunately I have a very friendly local garage who make theirs available if they aren't busy.
On the medical front, I didn't know steroids could help with your particular complaint. I have something similar, without the "Poly" which I was told several years ago that I would have to learn to live with. I have just about done so, but would far sooner be without it. Perhaps I should investigate further. Having visited Tenerife on a couple of occasions, I am sure the climate must help a lot as well.
Mike, (Anon).

When I returned from a recent trip to the U.K. I could hardly move without pain - so I looked up my symptons on the Net and it suggested Polymyalgia. Went to the local Hospital and they then confirmed the diagnosis. The recommended accepted treatment is a course of steroids (in my case Prednisona plus Omeprazol to counter the effects they can have on the stomach). The Rheumatologist I also saw later re-confirmed what I had and she told me to take a Vitamin D & Calcium supllement every day as well which I am now doing. Currently on a countdown of the steroids with a view to eventually coming off them altogether, and they definately work as I feel my old self once again (no rude comments please!). I am told though it can take up to 2 years of treatment in some cases. The good climate does help as well, as I can swim every day in the sunshine if I want to..

PS. If Andrew's Dad can still work on his Stag aged 84, then that's something to aim for, providing I can pass my next compulsory Driving Test here in 2019.

[Bandit1200]

I'm 64 this month and currently in the process of renewing head and IM gaskets as a prelude to fitting and EEWP which involves relocation of alternator, removal of standard water pump. Previously I had a trusted local garage work on my Stag when a ramp was necessary for jobs such as clutch replacement, suspension polybushes etc, but prefer to do the jobs myself if I can.

Three yrs ago I had operations on my hands to rectify Dupuytrens constricture including carpel tunnel surgery and I am struggling to perform the tasks which 10 yrs ago represented no problem such as reaching that IM bolt behind the distributor.

In truth, this is the last job I'll be attempting on the Stag beyond oil changes. I'm not at the stage where I intend to sell my Stag but I can understand why Martin from Northampton sold his when he found it impossible to work on his own car.

Steve

[mjheathcote]

Three yrs ago I had operations on my hands to rectify Dupuytrens constricture including carpel tunnel surgery and I am struggling to perform the tasks which 10 yrs ago represented no problem such as reaching that IM bolt behind the distributor.

Steve

I was diagnosed with dupuytren's contracture in my right hand in my late thirties (at a very young age for the disease), that got to a stage with surgery last year 10 years later after my hand reached a critical angle of non straightness!
Fortunately the operation was a 100% success resulting in getting a normal hand back.
I just hope it does not return...

[chopperman]

Well I'm 75 and in the process of changing the inlet manifold gaskets. Oil and filter change, then I have the lower swivels and track rod ends to change, then the front brake pads and discs. I must admit that I do take frequent breaks, sometimes for a few days at a time, especially in winter. Oh how I wish my garage was in Tenerife.
Keith

[1959terry]

At 57 when you buy a DB9

[jbuckl]

I'm not convinced I've successfully started fixing it yet

[StagJonno]

At 57 when you buy a DB9

You obviously managed a satisfactory negotiation, Terry. Well done - I hope you're happy with your new toy.

Jonno

[1959terry]

You obviously managed a satisfactory negotiation, Terry. Well done - I hope you're happy with your new toy.

Jonno

Jonno, test drive was awesome however don't collect it until next week as they are taking it back to AM for a service.

[Tdm]

Well I'm 75 and in the process of changing the inlet manifold gaskets. Oil and filter change, then I have the lower swivels and track rod ends to change, then the front brake pads and discs. I must admit that I do take frequent breaks, sometimes for a few days at a time, especially in winter. Oh how I wish my garage was in Tenerife.
Keith

Quite a while since you have been over Keith, and thanks once again for the Stag logo badges you brought me once before, one of which is on the front panel of mine. Garages are like Gold Dust in Tenerife - I wish I could find one at a reasonable price for myself.

[jakesmig]

I'm 62 and still happily dithering away at the Stag. I'm also the second youngest on our 4 man service crew of a Mk2 Escort on the SRC rally championship and we must be doing something right, our driver became group champion and 2 wheel drive champion for this season. I can change all 4 wheels from car stopping to going again in under 4 minutes, and change the gearbox in 35 minutes. The youngest is 55 and has serious diabetes issues and the eldest is 72 and has a heart condition and serious grumpiness issues. Me and the other lad (66) do it for the beer.

John.