Let me begin by stating that this car was GBP3,300. Body is great, frame is corrosion free but the interior is tired, it needed a clutch and other things, and I broke the back glass panel (maybe being too careful). It is back on the road now and just in time. Why? Well, this car had to move under its own power by the 23rd. It needs to go to the registration office to update the tags and pay the tax and the 23rd is the drop dead bottom line deadline. If I miss it I have to start the registration process all over and lose the equivalent and your MOT. Not good. It is going to make it
Now, my thoughts on working on this car. I am ashamed to admit it, but I used to be a mechanic. Heavy equipment, diesel, forklifts and the like....but it's been 15 years since a job like this has really challenged me. I have owned and restored a few cars over the years and my MGA requires a lot of attention. Had the engine and gearbox out and back in twice in one day for 2 unrelated issues. I did that in my parking spot in front of my apartment at the time. It took me a day or two to modify the car to install a supercharger. Anyway, while I am out of practice I can still be of some service.
Now, the Alpine. This car kicked my butt. No hyperbole, every nut, bolt, brittle wiring connector, hose, cable, everything gave me issues. Access is tight, but not as bad as some cars. It was an exercise in frustration. Some of the most seemingly easy jobs took hours. But after a little fiddling, I got the lump bolted back to the gearbox in relative record time. Ironic. While I wanted to quit, many times over, I thought back to you guys and the time and advice you provided me and it kept me going. Last night I quit after 13 hours not knowing if I would finish today. Do you know what? I finished in about 2 hours. Today was a good day for sure.
Anyway, I'm just glad I found this site and I am glad to finally be back in the road. I'm sure to have more questions and I am looking forward to more answers.
Thank you all.
Tommy
