OK guys (and gals) just going to post an update, not that much has been going on.
I mean, since I last posted (forever ago), I have replaced the dog bones, wired up some stuff, somewhat attached the dash (though the speedometer is still not hooked up – will probably go GPS on that after it's running), seats are attached (but no belts), bought a hardtop (I believe the type of Alvin's) that needs all weatherstripping (and painted, but so does the rest of the car), bought a throttle cable (though I'm honestly not positive how it is supposed to attach, need to look into that), put in a nice shiny Nissan oil cap, got a vintage 1967 Indiana license plate, and probably a few other things.
Here's the thing though. I can't find the steering wheel nut anywhere (the one that actually attaches the steering wheel). This is obviously important, so I've been trying to source it before bothering to do the things I need to do before attempting fire it up (a few wiring things, draining tank, changing fluids/priming engine).
I have tried buying aftermarket nuts of sizes I've seen posted as being the sizes used in Roadsters (5/8-18, M16x1.5). Those don't thread on. I've contacted at least 4 site vendors, heard back from 3 of them, asked for info on other parts from them as well...and they disappear on me. I've tried (in my mind at least) to be easy to work with, so I don't think I'm being unreasonable about anything. One of the few vendors I haven't yet tried, well – I haven't tried because in their site order policies, etc...they make it sound like a huge inconvenience to order from them. And like if I don't manage to place my order perfectly, it will cost me dearly (this on top of the fact that shipping to Indiana is going to cost me a good $35+ minimum).
Is this just how life is with Roadsters (ie less common older cars)? Or am I just having unfortunate experiences? When I bought dog bones from Ross, it was a nice quick pleasant experience (unfortunately he must not have the nut). But either I'm not communicating well with the others, or something. I had a poster with a '69 2000 who had a nut available...but I've read that the nut was changed on the later collapsible columns, so if that's accurate, it wouldn't do me any good and I'd be wasting more money on a NUT (I've spent a good $20 so far on nuts that don't fit – not that $20 is a fortune, but still).
It's kind of discouraging and making it hard to have any motivation to work on this car, having that much trouble for such a small (seemingly easy) part/fix. I have been starting to consider just selling it off, but I hate to give up on it. I'm sure I'd really enjoy it when running. Just seems far in the distance if I can't even accomplish something simple.
I suppose the answer is just to pay $40 the next time one is on ebay and get over the fact that I'd be paying $40 (more) for a $2 nut, and stop complaining...
Sorry for the long, pointless rant.
EDIT: Here's an old picture from around this time.
It was actually a tough decision whether to buy a "project" car or put some money into the GTS. But, it's less stressful working on a car that doesn't "need" to be driven! I've had around 10 Celicas over the years...including a few All-Tracs, with the 3sgte. Tough, fun engine.
