I feel your pain...

I don't know if this will help, but here are my experiences with X-1/9's:

My first car was a new '75. Light Blue with saddle interior. Absolutetly no problems for 75,000 miles, until it caught fire and completely burned before my eyes.

Major heartbreak.

Next was a used '79 Brown with saddle interior. I was looking to spend the insurance check from my '75 when I passes a used car lot with this baby out front. It was love at first sight.

I was still single and had time to keep it in good running condition, but this car demanded a lot of my time. My girlfriend gave me an ultimatum. She went packing and the X stayed.

I put 175,000 mies on the car until it gave up the ghost in '85 (Also I got married and had a son that same year). Unfortunatly, as you are finding out, the two lifestyles seldom mix.

I went X-less until '93 when I bought my current car, a '87 Bertone. I learned from my earlier experience with my '79 and simplified.

No A/C, no FI, no Emmissions, just a hot carb, cam and header.

I use this car as a fair weather ride and is stored during the New England winters.

To make a long story short, I have learned a few things about the X:

1. It does not like to be your daily driver
2. It does not like to be alone. It wants your undivided attention.
3. As a part time ride, and full time companion, it is very rewarding.

My humble advice to you is spend your time wisely. Your family is the most important item on your schedule. The X will keep until such a time you can give it it's due and it will reward you accordingly.

Hang in there and keep the faith.

Joe F
87 Bert