What a difference a year...err 41 years makes

[DAC21]

Back ground: My 1967 SPL311 was originally purchased in April 1967 from Boyd's Imported Cars in Rosemead California. The Buyer was the Vice Principle at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton California. My Father (still with us at near 93 years old) was a Teacher / Coach at Sunny Hills.

1980: My Sister (2nd owner, purchased the car in 1974 through my Father's Sunny Hills HS contact) had no interest in driving a clutch Car in San Francisco were she had just moved to. So for $600 this Roadster was mine as a non daily driver project car. At the time the car drove welI, no real issues other than a little leak from the rear transmission seal at the drive shaft. Aesthetically the car was another issue. I cleaned up some fuel and water lines under the hood (see photo) Then I commenced to pull chrome to send out, painting the Dash and getting ready for paint. Alas work, college, hanging out with friends, career, yada yada yada.... got in the way and things stopped cold in 1981.

After some hose work - 1980

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A very slow fast forward to 2021. The car has literally moved two feet in 41 years via a tow strap (locked up Brakes) to accommodate a new washer / dryer in the family garage . My Mother has now passed and the Homestead now belongs to my Sister whom gave up (very easily I might add) San Francisco life to move back to Orange County, So. Cal. My Mom, the pack Rat, has had most of her stuff cleared out of the garage and you can actually see the car again.

Last Fall before the clean out.

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Yesterday while visiting my Sister I could actually physically get to the car, and hurray for small miracles. Both the Trunk lock and front hood release mechanisms worked after 41 years! Secondary wire releases are in my future.

Now what I'm looking at under the Hood, 4-5-2021

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A lot of dirt and dust, petrified original braded radiator hoses. Brake and Clutch Master Cylinders are dry. I guess after 41 years that it evaporates away, I doubt I was smart enough to drain the lines back in the day. Interestingly the SU Damper Pistons when unscrewed still had fairly thin red tranny fluid present.

One thing that I found on top of the car I have no clue what it is, and is probably not from the Roadster, but to be sure I have added a photo below. It is rubber and probably is stretchable (at one time) maybe some kind of hold down strap? Any thoughts?

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Anyway this car in the next couple months will be towed out to my locations for the slow rehab back to life. I have been procuring parts and rebuild kits over the last five months. This should be an experience. Fortunately I have a good buddy of 45 years whom is a Maintenance Dept. Manager whom is a good wrencher. He has all kinds of tool access and is ready to throw down as well to help out on Sunday's when we manage to put down our Beers. And of course all of you on 311s for your wisdom and experience. I'm sure you will be called on to the point of pestering, LOL!

[spl310]

Awesome! The rubber gizmo is not a Roadster bit.

[Gregs672000]

Ha! Greatl story, much like the ones I read in the latest Hagerty mag... onward!