New 1988 Owner...let the rehab begin!

[shelbyscarab]

I am contemplating changing back to a black top LOL. The pinstripe is definitely going also.

I was all set to change to 91-93 fenders for larger wheels but decided against it for now. My bodyman is going to start with the quarter panel etc. then I'll make a final call.

I will not keep the seats however...at $1500 for new covers, I'm most likely going with a pair of Corbeau GTS-II in Black leather and Grey Suede and white stitching at ~$1100.

I'm glad to hear you are going back to the black top (which was the original color, right?) I think it'll look much better than the white. (sorry Sandy)

And I agree, $1500 is outrageous for new seat covers. Due to that I don't blame you for looking at other options. Maybe someday there will be an aftermarket company that starts to produce some of the parts for ASCs and we won't be held hostage anymore......

[negusm]

And I agree, $1500 is outrageous for new seat covers. Due to that I don't blame you for looking at other options. Maybe someday there will be an aftermarket company that starts to produce some of the parts for ASCs and we won't be held hostage anymore......

If it wasn't for Hank, you'd have NO supply. NONE. These cars would be chopped and parted like crazy and you'd pay twice the price and we'd have half the asc community around.

There will never be aftermarket support for these cars. The vendors have mostly decided to abandon SVO reproductions and many thousands more of those cars were made.

-Mike

[Sandy]

Hey, it's okay. No "Sorry Sandy" is needed.

I have all my life not liked black convertible tops ON dark colored cars, UNLESS the car was matching black, in paint color.
Black is great on a black or silver convertible, or bright yellow (with black interior) - or on a red car with red or black interior.

The nicest match I have seen, just also happens to be on a McLaren is the Dark Brown a.k.a. "Chocolate" over the Royal Gold paint color, which is absolutely stunning!

With 1,806 of our 'Verts made (figuring 40% are dead & buried) or on the road, but "very well worn" --( I am being "kind") NOBODY in their right mind is going into the business of making new original duplicate parts for these cars. If not for Hank in Florida, all of the parts that he has, woulda been in dumpsters, and carted away in 1991.
ASC/McLaren is gone!!! The building is empty & 4-sale or has been sold. (ask Peter, he goes by there once in a while). The ASC - McLaren partnership has been dissolved.

[shelbyscarab]

And I agree, $1500 is outrageous for new seat covers. Due to that I don't blame you for looking at other options. Maybe someday there will be an aftermarket company that starts to produce some of the parts for ASCs and we won't be held hostage anymore......

If it wasn't for Hank, you'd have NO supply. NONE. These cars would be chopped and parted like crazy and you'd pay twice the price and we'd have half the asc community around.

There will never be aftermarket support for these cars. The vendors have mostly decided to abandon SVO reproductions and many thousands more care those cars were made.

-Mike

Hey, I never mentioned Hank, I just think there should be at least 2 "Hank"s out there.

All I'm going to say is that if prices keep going up, you can kiss originality good bye. Because people like the op here, who is going with all new seats (that look nice and are quality) compared to just new covers on average seats. and I understand supply and demand. - most parts prices are very reasonable.

If ASCs were worth $25,000 and up, I could see sinking that kind of money into them, or if you are rich I guess. Its all relative. Its alot tougher for the guy who makes $25,000 per year to justify dropping 1500 on seat covers (not to mention what his wife would say) vs. say Jay Leno who could buy a set in every color not even blinking an eye. (and more power to him.... love Jay and his collection)

[foraye]

Don't let the body man cut OFF the right rear quarter panel !
He cannot get a new one. That is THE original panel !!
it was cut to the correct spec, while on the car, by a big
computer driven machine at ascMcLaren.\Have him repair the panel ON THE CAR

Sandy,
Turns out there's something different about the new panel...my bowman called to say he will repair the original one...I wasn't there to see it ...what exactly is Different?

[Sandy]

I do not know, but I am very interested!!

I nearly cried when men carted the PURPOSE-MADE jig that laser cut the LX(s) 2-door coupe sedan roof off of the mid section of the body, and at the "C" pillar.

Only thing we owners can do, is to insure our cars to the full RETAIL value and drive very carefully.

As you all know, I do NOT enjoy taking any of mine out, becuse of he EXTREMELY aggressive New Jersey drivers!
Atfter 2O some years of watching them drive fast, tailgate, play the lanes game, and other craziness I came to name the most P.I.T.A. drivers, in no special order. Hi-Po Mopars, ANY BMW, Toyopets, Hondas and old, shabby Pontiacs.
It is difficult to find a nice, relaxing SMOOTH road, devoid of PoThOlEs and ruogh bumpy stretches, with light traffic and no deer jumping out from the wooded areas.
AND IF one can find all that in Jersey and takes out their special collector car for a nice ride....



it will RAIN or really POUR.

[Kentennis]

With the low taxes in NJ, bad roads must be a problem.

[Sandy]

Hysterical !! (For those that do not know...N.J. has just about the highest tax rate in the USA.)

[Kentennis]

This is going to hurt!

I got our tax bill today. The amount is for the entire year. And we do not have a State Income Tax.

Custom built 3/2/2 on 2.5 acres with 3 outbuildings. One is a 44' x 32' barn with a13' door heighth and ceiling even higher.

Total is $1007.56. But we also have a 6 & 1/2% state sales tax, but not on medicine or groceries. When you buy a new/used vehicles, and have a trade, you only pay tax on the difference, not the entire sales amount. That reminds me, I haven't gotten the title/registration on the Expedition yet. Been a month.

Now I understand why we have so many retired NJ, NY people here!

[03Mach1]

yeah I dont like you very much! haha 1000.00 is half what I owe a year. 8.25% sales tax on everything. good ol SoCal... and they @#&$ you at the drive thru!

[Sandy]

Ha Ha = VOMIT

Our house is OLD ! Has NOT been moderized AT ALL. Window Air Conditioners, no Cental A/C. It's a 3 floor 2-family. We rent the 1st floor and live on the 2nd & 3rd floors. The lot is very small. Small back-yard. All fenced in. 1st floor is 3 bedrooms, Living room, dining room, small kitchen & 1 bath, A few closets. Srtreet parking

OUR 2nd & 3rd floors have:
1 eat-in kitchen, dining room, living room nice den over looking beautiful park, large storage room, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, room A/C 2 car garage electric open/close garage door.

There is a huge basement, segmented into 3 sections. Ours, theirs, and McLaren parts department.

5 car paved driveway.

Out Taxes on this 78 y.o. house? Exactyly what kentinnes pays!!!!
But we have to pay THAT amount....Every Month !!!!!! Yup, $12,000 @ year. Welcome to New Jersey !!
HOW DO WE PAY IT ????

1ST, MO MORTGAGE 2ND, OUT TENANTS PAY THE TAXES
and their own electric, and their own water and tjeir RENT is
$ 1,464.00 @ month. and I could get $1,500 @ month for it -but, they are wonderful tenants, so I give them a break. Have not raised the rent in 5 years.

[Kentennis]

HOLY CRAP!!

[03Mach1]

Its time to move to Florida...

[Kentennis]

There are some fantastic buys to be had here, in Florida, at the present time.

[foraye]

Believe it or not I've just got the car back from the body man...its a long story but at least I got the quarter repaired, along with the mirror and skirt.

Sandy I followed your advice and had him pull the quarter out. I'm almost finished building my open track mustang, so I'll be able to go full bore on the ASC soon..