Quote:
Originally Posted by cscobra
Congratulations, Dan--looks great. Thoughts:
1). Gas cap looks great--I should have done that, too.
2). If your trunk latch is closed, the "arms" on the handle should be horizontal.
3). Take your time with the top and you'll do well. Be sure to start the lift-the-dot fasteners on the sides and work toward the center of the car, finishing in the center. Also, be sure to have the side curtains in place while you are installing the top.
4). I had to drill and retap my windshield stanchions to take a larger screw for the top latch hooks--the standard screws are miniscule and stripped the threads in the stanchion with extremely little effort applied. Be careful, but know that you can easily remove the windshield from the stanchions for the redrilling (should you decide to do so) and thus not lose the angle you have chosen.
5). I still regret getting the heater--it should not be leaking after only 700 miles/9 months.
6). I like your blue "sill protector" on the driver's side 
7). Enjoy every drive--amazing how well it rides, don't you think?
8). Last thought - I added round chrome tailpipe covers for a typical period look on the dual undercar exhaust. To me, it gave my car a more finished look. Opinions, of course, may vary! |
Re: the trunk lid - this is actually a picture from last month when I backed it out into the driveway, before I got it tagged and yes, the trunk was unlatched at the time.
I had thought about adding chrome tips but I kind of liked the look of CSX3334 with black pipes so I'm going to stay with that awhile.
I didn't have a problem with the top latch installation (yet) but I still have to fit the top to the front top bow so it could still arise.
Glad you like my sill protectors. I've gotten so used to having blue tapped scattered all around the car for the last couple of years, that it's hard for me to remove all of it - just doesn't look right.
I haven't opened my hot water valve up to the heater - guess that is something I better do to verify no leaks.
Yes, it does drive great. I'm still getting used to the pedal position but the last time out I wore a pair of Sketchers with narrow soles and it worked out much better. Still thinking about a set of real driving shoes.
A couple regrets - maybe future projects: I didn't know at the time about the sheet metal kit for an authentic appearance trunk. I probably would have done that. I'm not sure if that can be retrofitted or not. I did carpet my trunk so unless I was going to leave it in aluminum it wouldn't really matter anyway. I do regret not going for the leather seats. The vinyl are fine but the leather look better and more correct due to all the light creases they eventually develop. That may be a future project. And finally I wish there could have been an option for a narrow hip rear fender section - but I know the market for that is just too small to warrant the effort. I toyed with taking a cutoff saw to the fenders myself as I've done a reasonable amount of fiberglass work and repairs, but I hated to cut up the really nice ERA body. Metalmorphis is saying he is going to develop molds and narrow hip fender sections for the ERA. That's a tempting thought - but not sure how many more paint jobs I have left in me.
Again - thanks for all the replys and compliments from everyone.
Dan