I see safety inspections as a good thing myself. We put too much time and effort into our cars to end up with a collection of crumpled fiberglass and a major hospital bill — or worse () — because some other driver couldn’t be bothered to make sure his brakes or steering were working right.

Yearly safety inspections, but no emissions check. Cost is $7. Registration is also annual, but can be done by mail. Cost (for the Lafer) is $71.75.

Well now, Ed, you’ve gone and exceeded my level of mechanical expertise there. Is the U-clamp to shorten a clutch cable?

We’ve had a couple weeks of mild and sunny weather here in Houston, but my Lafer is stuck in the shop awaiting a new clutch cable. My mechanic couldn’t find one to fit, so ordered a shortening kit which will won’t be here for another week or so. Frustrating, to say the least.

Can’t say I’ve ever parked my Lafer in Hollywood, but I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve returned to it while out and about and found people standing around and feasting their eyes. Once, after stopping at Lowe’s for a plumbing part, I came out and encountered two Brazilian women who knew what the car was. One smilingly asked if I’d marry…[Read more]

Nice to see a center brake light, although a loaded luggage rack would block it from view. Sorry to hear about the electrical problems. They can be a bear to track down and remedy. Best of luck, though, and congratulations on joining our wacky, happy throng.

Sorry, but no. Just no.

Thanks, guys. It’s all pretty academic at this point, not to mention lower on my “love to” list than refinishing the dash and refurbishing the gauges. Just had to replace the gearbox, which ate a fairly large hole in my hobby budget. Still, I do like those wide whitewalls and think a set of 15-inchers would fill the wheel wells a bit better.

Beautiful look, John. My Lafer came with 14-inch wheels, which apparently were an option for some reason unknown and inexplicable. I’d love to swap them out for some like yours, but it would also entail finding a lookalike 14-inch wheel for the mock covered “spare” at the rear — and then finding someone to cut it in half to replace the one that’s…[Read more]

Really fine job, Stephan. The straps and that vintage case are an especially nice touch.

Really nice little video, Bob. Made me wish we could’ve seen more of the trip.

I’d love to see some closeups of your dash, Smitty.

Thanks, Sam — that’s exactly what I was looking for. Once again, this group comes through!

Thanks, Bob. The thought of contacting local sign shops hadn’t occurred to me.

Go to the forum page, click on Search and type “luggage rack” in the box. That should bring up a whole bunch of past posts, with photos.

No, my top is only 6 years old, thanks, and as I keep the car garaged year-round it still looks new. I think Steve in Illinois might be on the market for one, though. He posted a day or so ago about losing his plastic window to age.

Beautiful work there, Jim, especially on that hood and the bed. Is it strictly a top-down ride, or do you have a top as well?

I have to say that, after following this saga since the beginning, my experience here in Texas was a cakewalk by comparison. Glad to see that it’s finally all worked out, and that you can now get out on the road and carve some curves.

What were your original wheels, Steve? Someone here might take them off your hands.

Have you relocated yours, Paul? If so, has it been worth the trouble?