Greetings from a chilly Wisconsin!
I am a 54 year old musician (I'm a conductor of choral and orchestral
groups) who sells insurance for American Family in order to provide for my
family (my wife Susan, daughters Karin, 15, and Kristin, 14, and son Karl,
11.) I have been an Alpine owner/driver for most of the last 30 years.
I bought my first Series V in 1966 while stationed at Fort Holabird, Md. I
used it daily for about five years, only parting with it after the 2nd head
went out. (At the time I didn't know anything about the chemical reaction
between old antifreeze and the light alloy head.) It was very dependable and
performed very well for about 55,000 miles. After I sold it I went through
the usual "denial" stage, and then resolved that the only real cure for my
loss was to replace it. I purchased my second (and present) Series V in
1979 while working on my Ph.D in Music at the University of Illinois. It
needed rather a lot of work, and, with a growing family, the Alpine often
was relegated to last place on the financial priority list. Slowly, but
surely, I am getting the car in top mechanical and cosmetic condition. I
rebuilt the engine two summers ago, replaced the clutch, replaced the
non-functioning Lucas alternator with a 60 amp, internal regulator Delco,
repainted it Midnight Blue (code # 58) and put new tires on the four spoke
American Racing mags. I also re-upholstered the seats. I need to replace
both the soft top and the carpeting and I'll be about finished. During the
period May to November I frequently drive it to work, about 25 miles one
way. It presently has just over 35,000 miles. I'd like to find a
restoreable Tiger - wouldn't we all? - to have as a family project.
In addition to the Alpines I have also owned and restored a '52 Ford pickup
and a '48 Indian Chief motorcycle.
I grew up in southern Minnesota where pickups, motorcycles, and tractors
were more commonplace than British sportscars. After I graduated from
college I accepted a teaching position at Eielson AFB near Fairbanks,
Alaska. I made two round trips to Fairbanks from Minnesota in a '65
Chevelle SuperSport - black, 4 speed, posi, heavy duty suspension, etc. In
'67 my draft board contacted me and I enlisted - Army Intelligence (that's
an oxymoron if I ever heard one!). I spent the next three years teaching
clandestine photographic techniques at USAINTS, Ft. Holabird, Md. I left
Maryland for a civilian teaching position in Wisconsin and have been here
since. After 20 years of teaching I took my present position with American
Family.
I have greatly appreciated all the help provided me by various people on the
list. If you ever get to the Milwaukee area, let me know. The coffee is
always on, and, if you prefer, I can always find a can of beer and some
great cheese! (My wife said that wine coolers and pizza might also be
available.)
Go Packers!
Paul Almjeld 67 Series V B395014946 LRX Original Paint code 109 Yukky
Orchid Green
American Family Insurance now repainted 58 Midnight Blue
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