Last Saturday, I purchased my first Alpine for $300. It's a Series 1,
number B9005148 LRX body 5181 (why don't the numbers match?).
Obvious problems:
1. The floorboards are rusted through and the driver's side
rocker panel has rust holes. I'll know more when I get it cleaned.
I assume panels are available from someone, I'm currently
waiting for a catalog from Sunbeam Specialties.
2. A Pinto/Mustang 2.3L 4 cyl. engine has been installed, but not
very well. Has anyone seen a decent conversion? How was it mounted?
3. The car had a blown tire (it exploded one evening scaring
the previous owner, who thought it was a drive by shooting) and
13 in. wire wheels. I borrowed a wheel off an MGB from a friend
to move the car, but it's a 14. He's selling parts off
a couple of cars: should I buy a set of 14s or stick with the
13s?
4. I assume the suspension is in sorry shape. Should I repair it
as is or upgrade? Any pros and cons?
5. The seats are history: cloth gone, foam mostly gone, bases rusted
out. What kind of replacement seats are available and/or desireable?
6. All the dash instruments are still there, but only the
fuel and water temp. gauges are conntected. I'll have to figure
out how to connect to the foriegn (domestic?) engine/transmission.
7. The car has been painted several times. First it was
turquoise, then white, then metalic brown, then yellow, then
"John Deere" yellow. What was the name of the original color?
This is just a project to soak up my spare time for the next year
or so. Any help would be appreciated.
Robert
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