To: metropolitan@listserv.azstarnet.com
From: smallman@rockies.net (John Smallman)
Subject: Re: Met Mail
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 15:43:33 -0600

>
>> We've had our Met for a couple of years now.   The person that we bought
>> it from had a Chevette engine & tranny installed in it.... (G.Henry)
>
>Wmohara@aol.com mentioned that he had an non Met engine installed too. 
>How common are Mets without original engines and what are the
>circumstances usually for putting in new non-met engines (people want more
>power, old engine died, etc)?
>
>> I know, I know , I know!  It isn't original, but it sure runs nice.  I
>> am going to install power brakes & MG disks on it.  Down the line I want
>> to put buckets in the little beast.  With it outfitted like that, I
>> would take it any where. 
>
>I'd be interested to hear about anyone's modifications to a Met.  I was
>thinking about disk brakes, anyone have any stories to share about
>modified brakes?

Nathan,
it depends!  I like restoring a car to its original condition.  A previous
owner had installed Datsun bucket seats in mine, and put a non-standard
emerg. brake between the buckets.  I did a lot of work to undo his
"destruction"!
I wouldn't want to be fanatical about it.  But the real challenge is to get
the car running - as it did and should.
My car is a 1957 hardtop with 38,000 miles on it.  And - oh yes - the
previous owner also took a spray bomb of black paint to it, and painted it
all black.  That will also be undone when I can afford it, and I'll restore
her to mediterranean blue & white.

This summer we towed "Knowlton" (Likely only Canadians will understand where
I got the name from) behind a 1980 GMC school bus I converted into an RV,
and also drove her for 1020 miles.  Not a single hassle.
And so I really strongly suggest - work on all the mechanical stuff before
you worry too much about the appearance items.

Cheers

jrs

(As you'll note - I'm a minister.  But I started out as a Mechanical
Engineer, so I've been through more than one 'calling'!)

>
Rev. John Smallman, Invermere B.C. (smallman@rockies.net)
   Windermere Valley Shared Ministries (Anglican & United)
         "30 Years of practical cooperative ecumenism"
"I could no more worry than I could curse or swear!" - John Wesley
"I'm afraid with the right stimulation I can do both" - John Smallman