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Even though my current project is my 1956 Panther, I think this question applies to any year/model and also to non-Packards.

How much experience and success have you had hiring a young person to assist in your project? My arthritis is getting worse and I need help:

1) doing grunt work
2) jacking the car up with jackstands, etc. other hardwork like sanding and minor body work.
3) assisting in performing specific, mostly two-handed, tasks under my supervision.

In addition, I think it would be good if a young assistent:
a) wants to learn "how to" from an "old hand" so they add to their skill and experience on a real project.
b) how to restore a "classic car" rather than become a certified mechanic with all the latest tech EQ who works at a dealership.
c) (This almost goes without saying) an honest kid who is a hard worker and reliable about showing up.

I'm going to start by going to the local High School and talking to the Auto Shop teacher.

I'm willing to pay above minimum hourly wage, the exact amount depends on prior experience and progress of course.

Any other experience or suggestions?

Craig

These so called "Golden Years" aren't what they're cracked up to be are they? :)

The biggest problem is that most kids out of school want to be a manager (for whatever that means today!). They rather sit behind a computer so you don't get dirty, and if they don't do that than they're sitting there with their phone texting and being on "youtwitface.com" (that's YouTube, Twitter & fb together).
My experience is to get kids that grew up on a farm or ranch are a lot more hands on and have more common sense. That's my

In hiring anyone not running their own business today but particularly a kid, one thing I'd be concerned about and have well understood with your insurance agent or school is what happens if he gets hurt.

"on Golden Years"
I was about 52-3 and I took the car in for service and got in the shuttle van. We waited as an "octagenarian gentleman" on crutches came in. He knew the driver,a retiree. They start talking and he was somewhat heart broken had just come back from selling his summer home on the lake because he couldn't take care of it any more. He leaned over to me, and said, "sonny boy, don't let them BS you about the "golden" years". I'll never forget that one.

No problem finding any of the younger set or even early 40-somethings around here to work. My biggest problem is to get a project started, whatever it mite be, and then suddenly have to put the project on the back burner because some other problem arisses or just can't get parts or materials to complete the project fast enuf.
Availability of materials or parts is getting worse and worse. Even just simple household routine maintenance such as a faucet washer took over 9 months to complete.

What i need is a bigger house and bigger shop and at least 40 desolate acres. Then set up a kind of share cropping arrangement with some gear heads. But instead of crops, grow cars and motorcycles!!! Ba ha ha ha ha.

HH56 Quote:

Excellent point. That may queer the deal right there.

Craig

If you hire him as contracted labor than insurance will be his responsibility but you still have to make sure you have a liability policy in case something happens because of your neglect.

How does the saying goes?

"youth is wasted on the young"

you only miss it when you realize you don't have it anymore