DIY Disasters: Fixing It Sometimes Makes It Worse
As someone who believes in the power of DIY, I have learned that the road to success isn't always smooth. From tile the windshield of my 1957 MGA to building a garage too close to a property line, there have been several instances where my best intentions led to an outcome far from ideal.
What’s Something You’ve Ruined by Trying to Fix It DIY?
One of the most memorable incidents occurred when I attempted to replace the windshield on my 1957 MGA. The corners of the metal windshield frame were held together with screws, and one screw was just too long. This simple oversight resulted in a crack on the windshield. The damage grew, and as a result, I had to replace the entire glass. Despite the inconvenience, the original windshield is still in place, even today, more than 50 years later. The cost of the new windshield back then was substantial for me, but experience was invaluable.
DIY Car Repairs: A Learning Curve
Thinking back, one mistake I made was when I tried to change the thermostat on my car. The resulting damage left me with a snapped-off specialized screw, which required a new purchase. Throughout the years, I have faced numerous challenges and mistakes, often linked to car repairs. Hence, I had to replace the entire original part.
A DIY Architectural Mishap
Another instance where things went awry is when I built a garage without the necessary permits, too close to a property line. Once discovered, I had to tear it down, resulting in a significant financial loss. The project was a 4500 dollar mistake, and two weeks of wasted effort. Unfortunately, in the end, I had no garage to show for it.
DIY in Action: Trial and Error
There have been other DIY mishaps that lead to hilarious outcomes. Once, I was tasked with hanging two new doors for my then-girlfriend. Excited by my chiseling prowess, I recessed the hinges into the first door but then realized a critical error. The hinges were on the wrong side of the door. After much swearing, my girlfriend suggested trying the other door, which opened in the opposite direction. To everyone's delight, it fitted perfectly. This experience taught me that sometimes, the simplest solution is the one that works best.
DIY Car Restoration: A Case Study
One of the most significant DIY disasters occurred when I attempted to restore a 1960 Bug-Eyed Sprite sports car. My experience with a 1955 Plymouth had equipped me with the knowledge to restore a car, but I made a grave mistake. My friend, who had guided me through the restoration of the Plymouth, emphasized the importance of returning the car to its factory specifications. This approach was warranted for such a classic piece.
Without his guidance, I succumbed to the temptation of customizing the Sprite. Fueled by enthusiasm, I purchased excessive amounts of Bondo body filler, epoxy, and fiberglass. The result was a complete mess, and to this day, I still feel ashamed of the damage I inflicted on a classic car.
DIY Bodywork: A Cautionary Tale with Bondo
The lessons from these DIY disasters have been humbling. I now approach any project with a clear understanding of its potential pitfalls and the importance of proper planning and execution. DIY isn’t just about the outcome, but also about the invaluable learning process.
Conclusion
From cracked windshields to misaligned doors and redundant labor, DIY can be a double-edged sword. However, these experiences have taught me the value of patience, precision, and seeking guidance from those with experience. No matter how prepared or skilled one is, accidents and missteps are inevitable. The key is to learn from them and move forward with a smarter approach.