[cscobra]

Thank you, Sam--I'll look through my pictures from that ERA visit and see if I can find your car.

I like your idea about sending it to my painter the way ERA does--gives me more to do that way! I had also planned on painting the frame, etc., myself but I will rethink that, as well. Per our previous conversation last month, Peter had already agreed to drill every aluminum-to-chassis, aluminum-to-aluminum, and body to chassis rivet hole for me so that all I would have to do is rivet--it seems that everything should be located pretty well that way, but I'm willing to reconsider.

I'm afraid the toploader is here to stay since I already have it. I do appreciate the great advice from all of you--your arguments make good sense. I'm looking forward, though, to experiencing the feel of the original as much as I can recreate it. I've enjoyed that same process with my MG for over fifteen years.