ossw1:

I purchased my baby in August '04.  She has 69K and is an automatic. I am the third serious owner since the seller I bought it from is a non-dealer who buys and fixes vettes for sale.  True story (I've checked it out) - He bought this from a couple (second owners) who had the car in storage for 13 years, somewhere in Iowa. I have the complete papers on the history of the car, maintenance records, small purchases, mileage records, everything except the window sell sheet.  Anyway, the seller took the car and spent a small fortune bringing it up to sellable standards, new tires, tune-up, shocks, rubber bushings, etc.

Ironically, I found the car on eBay.  I had owned an identical Vette several years before and sold it to an LA collector for an offer I couldn't refuse.  It was in showroom condition and had a 7k paint job, complete stock restoration; probably one of the nicest of its type in the state.  Anyway, last summer, I got nostaligic and was cruising eBay when I came to one that looked like my old girl.  In the description the seller said he would deliver withing 100 mi of my hometown. That got my attention and reading further realized we lived in the same town.  We made contact through email and I arranged to look at the car at a local show that weekend.  We made contact and after inspecting the car, asked if I could test drive it.  He reached in his pocket, tossed the keys at me and said, "keep her all afternoon if you'd like." That blew me away, so I did a very thorough drive. She was terrific and the rest is history. I vowed then and there I would NEVER sell this one, ever.  I've put a few bucks into her, minor engine tweaks and some cosmetics but nothing major.  The paint is original and she looks very good but I'm going to put new paint on her next spring.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it - how about you?

Paul

Hank:

Tried the Sharpie pen and it did the trick - perfect. I am picky and this passed the test.  The faded chrome lining on the console seems to fade first, I'm guessing due to constant sun exposure and the activities of daily driving. The sharpie restores the liner to a "sharp" (couldn't think of a better word) color more consistent with uniform "fade". I'm not describing this well, anyone would have to give it a go to see what I'm trying to say. From the standpoint of "authentic" restoration, I think it is more accurate than the bright chrome of a new console.  I still plan to try the mylar transfer later, but this worked out great.

Thanks,

Paul

Ron:

I too have had questions about the China thing. The one most pressing though, is, if we have to use Chinese reproduction parts on our original Vettes, do the Chinese have to use original parts on their reproduction Vettes? I'm so confused.

Paul

I suppose this quandry could result in an entirely new line of philosophical thought. Like: If a tree falls in a Chinese forest, and its a reproduction tree, does it make a sound, an echo, no sound at all, or the duplication of silence?  Perhaps my old Simon & Garfunkle album holds a key.  Now my head hurts, 

must.....stop.......deep...........thoughts. 

If a Chinaman speaks in a Chinese Forest, and there is no Chinawoman to hear him, is he still wrong?  Or if He is a reproduction, is he live or Memorex?  Is he now wrong repeatedly?  Does this promote the recording device trade industry? Do I pay import tax when my wife says I'm wrong?  If it's all backwards, am I really right?

I'm so confused........