To: metropolitan@listserv.azstarnet.com
From: JAKIEFER@aol.com
Subject: Sarah's 56 Metro
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 14:50:46 -0400 (EDT)

Hello, I'm John, and I'm a metroholic.  (Recently adicted to be sure.)
My daughter Sarah (16 yrs) was just given a '56 (?) Metro convertible,
red/white and the two of us fell in love with it at first sight.  So, to be
sure you understand, we don't know nuttin' about Metro's -- yet.
I think (?) the car is physically in pretty good shape.  Couple of small
dings here and there, 30k on the odo (original mileage !!) and was garaged
the last 12 years.  so if there are problems it is associated with sitting.
 I have concerns about the fuel and radiator, it needs a battery (unless
there is a short in the electrical) and the rest is cosmetic.  New paint,
ragtop, upholstery etc.  The radio is gone, and I'm believe the car must have
originally been Yellow, although all the seats and such are red???  Was
yellow used as an undercoating?  The hood and enginge compartment are also
yellow.    I may have some surprises once we begin to dig into the car a bit.
We were given a after-mkt manual (of sorts) , published by Floyd Clymer which
seems fairly complete. but covers all Metro's, not just ours.  Is is a bit
moldy, as well as fragile, so I may be looking for better documentation.
 I've begun to hunt for the missing parts, the radio, steering wheel hub
assy., jack and lug-wrench, decals etc.  
We intend to try to be as faithful to the original car as possible, but don't
anticipate making a museum piece of it.  We'll keep the engine/drivetrain
color and styles as orig as can be but may have to compromise as ,we replace
stuff.  
First question for the group,  Can the red/white motif have a white ragtop,
or was black the only offered option?

Thanks for this opportunity, we will appreciate the new friendship and
comradery.
John Kiefer,
Sunnyvale CA (near SF)
jakiefer@aol.com