I agree with most everything my distinguished colleague from across the aisle
has said. And would like to propose that we vote on a resolution proclaiming all
Alpines as being good (the ones with fins begin gooder).
I do think however, in my opinion and with all due respect, a numbers matching
car is better than a stock car without a numbers matching engine which is better
than a conversion. With that said, I am saddened when I see an original car used
as a conversion. I am happy when someone takes a basketcase and returns it to
the road in any condition.
I am really glad that Tim is going out of his way to keep this car as original
as possible. I wish I could help him out. But I am still trying to get my new
baby home from San Diego. On that subject I got an email from Bob telling me
that it has been picked up and is on the way to it's new home.
Kurt Eckert
Jumping up and down with excitement
-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Laifman [mailto:Jay_Laifman(at)countrywide.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 1999 12:00 PM
To: alpines(at)triumph.cs.utah.edu
Subject: Keeping them alive
Here are my thougths, which by the way are a very recent 180 degree change
from my position for the last 35 years. Tim should go ahead and do it.
These cars are over 30 years old. The market for them has never been large
and it's going to keep getting smaller. Engines and transmissions wear
out. There is no denying it. At some point, no matter what we do about
it, a block, crank, head, etc simply cannot be fixed. New replacement
parts do not exist; no one is going to start making them again. And really
good used replacement parts for these are not widely available. So, if we
want to see these cars keep going for years to come, we need to accept and
welcome whatever it takes. I applaud Tim's offer to get a car without an
engine. And I agree with Kurt, except that I think this is "loving these
cars" and "saving them." But, why not use the nice car he has to restore,
and make the engine and transmission available for someone who wants to
keep their old engine going? Does it really matter that the engine number
and the body don't match? Maybe for cars worth much more than the Alpines.
Ok, so that's my soap box.
Jay
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