Midlife Classics

05/07/2023

We're out at White Rock Lake today participating in the annual All British & European Car Day show. Bob finally finished a Return To Service on his 1990 Jaguar XJ-S V12. It only took 3 1/2 years for us to carve out some time to get it in roadworthy condition. If you're in the area, stop by and see all the cool cars.

10/01/2022

I rarely share. But this...

Florida Man's day of vindication.

10/18/2021

Last week we finished painting the last of the components of the 1969 Austin Healey Sprite that we're restoring for a client. This was done using the same "Flash Red" (1989 Chrysler color) that used was used to paint Bob's own '68 Sprite back in 1990.

07/13/2020

115 F with the heat index at 1:00 pm - and not much better through the week. It's going to be one of those weeks where we won't be able to get much accomplished in the shop, but we're still on target for our July goals. Ugh!

07/07/2020

04/04/2020

COVID-19 UPDATE

Everyone,

Given Texas Governor Abbot’s statewide Stay At Home order, we at Midlife Classics have had to face the fact that although our federal NAICS code classifies us as an “automotive repair” business – which technically puts us on the “essential” business list, we can’t in good conscience consider ourselves to be – as the governor put it – “essential to the infrastructure of Texas”. So, we will be closing our doors today for the last time until the Stay At Home order is lifted and it is safe again to poke our heads outside and work in close proximity to each other

While we do consider this business to be essential to the wellbeing of all of us who spend our days fulfilling the dreams and fantasies of our clients, we feel it is of greater importance to be responsible as a business and adhere to the governor’s order if for no other reason than to encourage others to do the same so that we can minimize the fallout from this pandemic.

I will be here on the premises daily and available to answer questions. And, as much as my worn-out body can stand it, I will be “piddling” with projects both personal and some client-owned. Being as how I’ve been an office-jockey for several years now, I’m not quite up to speed with each project to the level of detail I would like to be if I were to be completing them myself. However, I’m sure some progress will be made on those projects that are very near completion and it may be possible to arrange for them to be able to be finished over the course of our closure and made ready for clients to take delivery. I can’t make any promises at this point, but an honest effort will be made.

On a personal note: Most of you that have spent time with us are aware that I care for a family member of advanced years (Jerry) that suffers from Alzheimer’s. He also has C.O.P.D. and loss of function in one lung. In addition to taking these precautions to protect the health of our staff and their families, I have a personal responsibility to ensure that Jerry does not fall victim to this virus as it would surely prove fatal. If that were to happen, I could not endure with the knowledge that my recklessness or stubbornness to keep this business open through this crisis could have led to his demise. I have no doubt that all of the people I choose to do business with would not hesitate to put their family first when it comes to their safety.

We will emerge from this ready to continue on with our mission to fulfill long-held dreams of being on the road with something that provides each of you with your own special kind of pleasure that can only be experienced with your classic on the road – or just sitting pretty in your garage. We’ll get there. We just won’t have it any other way.

Thank you all for your understanding and support. Please stay safe and do what you can for those who can’t help themselves during these trying times.

All the best,

-Bob Carroll

03/25/2020

We want to assure you that we take the health and well-being of our community, clients, and staff very seriously. Like you, we're closely monitoring the quickly developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Midlife Classics is currently open and continuing to work during this difficult time. Our staff is very dedicated to completing your while remaining healthy. While some work must be performed in close quarters as a team, we are doing our best to practice social distancing in the shop by working on independent projects as much as possible. We ask that, for everyone's safety, you please not visit the shop over the next few weeks or until further notice. We will continue to update our clients via email and phone as we continue to make progress on your projects.

We are experiencing shortages of some parts due to our suppliers being shut down or working with a limited staff. Shipping is also taking longer than usual. Much of our work requires the use of personal protection equipment. As you are surely well aware, PPE products are in short supply at this time and we respect that priority must be given to those that are fighting the battle against this virus. This may limit our ability to perform some work safely and we will do our best to conserve and prioritize work and resources effectively.

We are monitoring the almost-daily changes in local and federal orders and mandates that may make it impossible for our staff to travel to/from work or possibly close us down entirely until this pandemic has passed. If we are forced to make changes from our current operations due to changes in public policy or are forced to quarantine due to contraction of the virus by any of our staff or families, We will reach out to let you know where things stand.

We remain optimistic about the future and expect that we and our nation will emerge from this disaster stronger and perhaps with a better perspective of the priorities of life. Our staff and their families depend on you all to make our payroll on schedule as well as covering overhead. If you are experiencing a need for us to slow down on your project, please let me know. We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone and we thank you for your support and understanding.

Keep safe and trust that we’ll all get through this.

-Bob Carroll
Midlife Classics, Inc.
2351 CR-447
Princeton, TX 75407
972-736-3560
972-736-3561 fax
972-837-0215 cell
[email protected]
www.midlifeclassics.com

02/29/2020

Nearing the end of a Mustang project. It started out as a Return to Service (RTS) project, then turned into an engine swap from a straight 6 to a 302 V8, AOD transmission, 9" positraction rear end, 4-wheel disc brakes, new wheels & tires, upgraded steering box, full suspension rebuild with upgraded front & rear anti-sway bars, and modern A/C. As we neared then end of the RTS, the client decided to do paint and interior. So - as often happens, a relatively short project turned into long and involved one.

We still have some touch-up and clean-up after we finish reassembly, but our client will be driving home in a very nice, virtually-new Mustang in a matter of weeks.

07/13/2019

Posed form my "Gangsta Painta" portrait after painting the rest of the '67 Mustang project. LONG day!

07/07/2019

Our biggest project to-date just finished it's biggest challenge - completing the 10,000 mile Peking-to-Paris endurance rally! We're thrilled for our clients and proud of the car we built that will be continuing on its journey around the globe.

Congratulations Erik & Mary-Anne!