Grease, gears and good mates

The way we customize our cars is unique. It’s personal. It stems from a vision you have that only you can see. And the day you finish that project and get to drive it for the first time gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling of accomplishment.

Now, for most, the build is never really finished. There’s always something that needs to be adjusted or added to make it even better. This isn’t limited to just vehicles that can be driven on our roads, it applies to any project you’ve got on the go: a race car, motorbike, winch challenge vehicle, off-road buggy, boats, etc.

The communities around the builds of these machines are beyond anything you’ll ever experience. You’ll meet up with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and talk all things related to your builds until well after the sun goes down. It’s like having your own health and wellbeing support unit. You may not realise it, but being able to talk about your projects and grab ideas helps with your mental clarity. If you’ve ever built anything mechanical, you’ll know exactly what I mean, and being able to chat with your mates about it is awesome.

For some, joining a group or talking to someone they don’t really know about how they’re feeling, isn’t up their alley. So being able to join in on a cruise or head to a motorsport meet where you’re competing, sitting around between events chatting, or even catching up after the events have finished, is a great way to find clarity.

If you’re wired a little bit like me, when you get to drive your project around and see all the smiles, waves, and young kids waving, it gives you a great sense of pride. Not only are you smiling because you’re driving your car, but you’re making others feel good too.

I can’t remember ever owning a vehicle that I haven’t done some sort of modification to. We even owned a Kia Rio wagon in the early 2000s, and it had to have a set of alloys and low-profile tyres. These days, the builds we’re into are a little more complex with projects on the go including a SWB Patrol with a Barra swap, a Patrol Y62 that’s always receiving extra off-road gear, a Ford Mustang, and a project Falcon ute that’s just sitting, waiting for the right time to get stuck into.

Having these projects and being able to make new friends in all areas has been awesome. The camaraderie you get, the banter you receive, the good times you share is all part of it. The ideas that start out as just a conversation and end up actually running, are great to be a part of.

You’ll find you’re never short of mates willing to offer a hand and vice versa. Clearing out a day to go and work with a mate on a project and accomplish your agenda? Maybe a refreshing beverage during or after is on the cards. Plenty of laughs and loads of work.

If this type of lifestyle isn’t for you and you need to talk to help your own health and wellbeing, reach out via the various options around CQ. We’re lucky to have such a great community around us and it’s one that’s willing to hear you.