Hmmm. If you have no storage units close by, maybe one of your patients has a garage with some space available that you could rent for a few bucks a month, or in exchange for the occasional drive. 

Unique, and truly excellent! I like the shift boot, too.

That is absolutely gorgeous, Mark! I don’t know what the “before” version looked like, but this one blows me away.
One question: Can you fit side curtains on it with the mirrors mounted on the cowl like that? Or do you, like me here in Southeast Texas, rarely run with windows at all?
 

“Spendy” — an odd word that I’ve only recently started to see. I like it. I used to consider this hobby “expensive,” but “spendy” seems much less judgmental.

I don’t know where you are, Tom, but have you considered renting a storage unit? Here in Houston there are even some made and marketed especially for collector cars. I’m fortunate to have garage space, but will confess to taking a slow drive through one of the nearby car storage layouts on a Saturday morning just to eyeball the various rides.

Amen to that, Tom! This past week has been some of the best top-down smiling weather we’ve had in ages, and it looks like plenty more in store. Even so, I keep my Lafer garaged year-round, with no pets or critters allowed as overnight guests.

Great to have you, Roy! Just stick your arm out and merge into the slow lane with the rest of us (or at least, those with VW powerplants). Here’s hoping you get some decent cruising weather in North Carolina before winter shuts you down.  

Thanks, Mark. Sometimes I can remember how to set up the links properly, and sometimes I can’t. 

Congrats to you both! And, as the father of a former marching band daughter, it’s nice to know that we have something else in common besides being TD replica drivers. (No comment on football, though.)

Sure wish I could’ve joined you. Looks like you had a great time. 

Tom is right, sadly. Here in Southeast Texas, the closest we’re seeing to fall color is all the dead and dying trees because of this miserable drought (although we did get a couple of good rain days over the weekend).  

Mathew: PM me if you decide to check it out. I work odd hours, but would be willing to go along or meet you there and give you the benefit of what (little) I’ve learned about TD replicas since buying mine in 2007. If nothing else, a second pair of eyes can’t hurt.  

Nicely put, Ed. I tell people who ask that at my age, it’s less about speed and more about style.  
Oh, and welcome, Gary!TexAg7140823.5626388889

I’d say the plus side of the ledger (it starts, runs, rolls, turns and stops) more than outweighs the minus side (brakes need attention, no top, various cosmetic fiddly bits to fix). On balance, I’d say you’re sitting pretty — if maybe a little tight.As for doing 100 mph, maybe your speedo is like mine, and is marked only in kph.Thumbs up, Mark!  

Thanks, Don. I’ll check that out right now!

Yep, StayFast is the way to go if you have the extra bucks. Like you, I first considered vinyl, but with my wife’s encouragement ended up with the cloth. No regrets.Nice color choice, too.
TexAg7140821.7166087963

I have no suggestions on your steering wheel situation, but I do have a question about your dash: How did you manage those labels on your switches? Very slick! 

I know they were a factory option on the Lafer, and almost made an offer on one for sale in Norman, Okla., awhile back. But it was white, and I finally decided it wouldn’t get all that much use down here. Maybe a boat shop could make one?

Just a hint, Tom: That photo gallery button at the top of the screen is there for a reason. 

Thanks for the tip, Tom. I’m aware of the Houston VW Club, but hadn’t heard about the Air Coolers. Will have to check that out. The San Jacinto Battleground event sounds interesting. Shoot me a PM if and when you get ready to go there.
Enjoy your cruise — and don’t forget to take pictures.