Over the years I have taken much pleasure from
finding antique or classic items of interest and
restoring them to pristine condition. From the
1957 MGA roadster to the 64 1/2 Mustang Convertible,
the home we currently reside in, various old boats
and most recently, the Granger Champion banty cane
I purchased here on FAOL. Each of these restorations
has brought me much pleasure and sense of accomplishment.
Now I have commenced an especially important
restoration, at least in my eyes. That restoration
is none other than me.G I have previously had my
right shoulder restored and regained function not
unlike when new. Tomorrow, the bone mechanics are
going to attempt a similar restoration on my right
knee substituting stainless and space age plastics
in my right suspension elements.G Next, we have
already scheduled the left shoulder for 90 days down
the road. Meanwhile, through chemicals and willpower, we have restored engine compression to
normal specs and have made progress on a recurrent
smoking problem.G
I’ll be in the garage for about 4 days but should
achieve a considerable improvement in mobility as a
result. While I’m not sure there is enough bondo
and paint available to fully renew the original
appearance, I’m hopeful of regaining a bit of the
classic looks and performance I originally enjoyed.G Wish me luck!G Warm regards, Jim
I had an MG-TD (black) way back then. Sold it as they said “the vibrations would burn out both of my knees!”. Go figure…
Just kidding, Jim. Best of success.
Hello Jim Hatch, well I got some helpful advice when I started playing around with Corvettes. Someone said that no matter how old or worn the frame and suspension is, someone will always have the knowhow and parts to make them just like new. So good luck to you while you’re in the shop !
JC, the MGTD was my all time favorite! It’s been on
my wish list since I learned to write.G But I’d
decided to go with 57 Caddie Eldorado Green on mine
as I did with the MGA. Similar to the British
Racing Green but with a shine so deep ya couldn’t
see the bottom of it.G Warm regards, Jim
Wow Jim New shoulders, new knees, a fuel pump tune up, compression re-stored. Now all you have to do is add a K&N air filter so yOu stop smoking and your ready to go racing. LOL
Wishing you well during your time in the shop.
Tip: If you see a mechanics certificate on the wall instead of a Doctors certificate get right up and get the Heck out of there!!
Hang in there, Jim. You will be better than new before you know it. I had a indigo blue 1965 H.O. 289 Mustang Notch back. You will be purring like those pony cars in no time.
Jim;
1959 MGA, 1957 Morgan, Sebring Sprite, TR6, 19… Zink Forumla V (we’d wax over the tire marks to let the newbie’s know we ran close!!). What a hoot we had as young men. Ya’ know what it’s even more fun now that we have aged…well… we have remained those young men my friend. Young at heart and young at mind. God Speed!!
Hey Jim, I meant to call you this evening, but the time difference came up, and it’s too late now
We’re all pulling for you! Darm, JC and I really want to fish with you.
And just so you guys don’t think you had all the fun,
I had a fire engine red 1970 Sunbeam Alpine convert with a black top. Man it was a fast car :lol: Real wire wheels too.
Hey Jim, We’re pulling for ya here on the left coast, Buddy.
Must be something in the water we all fish. Austin Healey Bug Eye Sprite, 67 Austin Healey 3000 (roll up windows on the 3000). Loved those cars, I want another 3000 when I grow up.
Hi Jim,
From reading your posts it’s obvious the young man living inside of you is in great shape. Here’s hoping your “garage time” will get the outside guy to match the inside guy.
Prayers and best wishes.
Bill
I offer a quick prayer for a speedy recovery. My bone guy says the worst thing about arthritis is it won?t kill you. Lots of laughs that guy. Ice will be a good friend.
definitely good luck and a speedy recovery in all this. sounds like you’ll be the new six million dollar man when they’re through. lee majors better watch out. :lol:
Thanks for the kind words and well wishes. Much
appreciated. I’m off to the “garage” for the next
stage of the restoration. See you folks Monday or
Tuesday when they let me out again. Warm regards,
Jim
You’ll do well Jim. I think you’ve got this thing wired. Like I told you in a previous post, do what your rehabbers tell ya. Grit your teeth and work hard at it, and you’ll be back better than before in no time. I’m curious to know how many plastic joints there are amongst the bunch of us. As for the car thing, my first car was a '51 Ford three speed that I inherited from my dad after he wore it out. It took 11 quarts of oil to make the round trip from SLC to Idaho Falls and back. Can you say “wing and a prayer”? Good luck Bud. Yellowstone and Island Parks beckon!
Here’s hoping and praying for you to be better than ever!