It's been a while...

Back from the Gathering (see StormBear's blog on the right for a great report and some beautiful pictures) and I want to get back working on the car. Well, as you can see, we've accomplished much (not!) since the last post. However, I've answered enough questions about "where is the car" that I figured I'd better update the blog. The good news is that I have some new sheetmetal, and I am progressing with cutting out the old metal. You'll notice in the picture above that the lower valence is no longer attached to the car. Contrary to what you may think, this is actually a good thing. The original valence had much bondo and bends...now there is a genuine NOS Stanpart lower valence panel waiting to be welded on. And the nose panel, also a NOS Stanpart panel, has arrived from England. The large box on the hood contains parts from Chris Witor from England, the only specialist I'm aware of in parts for the 2000/2500/2.5PI line. So far, I've sourced just about everything I need except a driveshaft...even new weatherstripping hasn't been an issue.

I'm shooting to have the car completed by November...that will be the 40th anniversary of it's delivery! With all new polyurethane bushings, the Stag anti-roll bar, new shocks and struts and 15" TR6 wheels, the car ought to feel pretty good on the road. The Stag front brakes (Ted Schumacher of TS Imports is rebuilding mine right now) should help keep it safe, along with the new seat belts.

Since my daughter Allyson will be spending a lot of time in the back seat, Cheri and I are currently considering installing a DVD player in the roof...I'll bet, if we do it, that it will be one of the very first times one's been installed in a 2000. BTW, although it's really not correct, I've started to refer to the car as the 2500, since that's really what it will end up being.

If you take another quick look at the photo at the top of this entry, the TR6 engine on the left hand side of the picture is what will power the car. As I recall (it was rebuilt over 10 years ago but has been turned over and kept oiled since) the engine was balanced, slight shaving of the head, 20 over pistons and a "stage 1" cam that was only slightly more aggressive than stock.

Enough for tonight. I hope to show real progress by the next entry!