i have an '88 convertible that has served me reliably since the day it rolled off the showroom floor. i've done the maintenance, had it painted once, and replaced the top, but now i'm at a new point in our "relationship".

the old girl has 208,000+/- miles on her as i write here, and i've made the decision that she will not go quitely into that good night (aplogies to dylan thomas...).

i know i'm talking to people with lots of viewpoints here. i'm going to tell you what i want to do, and ask you for advice about what you'ld do, and where i can get materials, good craftsmanship, etc. take mine pov for what it's worth, and try not to be too judgemental, and i'll thank you for the advice.

things i want/need (not necssarily in any order, or proability of actual execution):

trick paint that looks "almost" like the red she came with

new tires and wheels - do i need the body changed to get sufficiently wide tires on this car to make it more attractive?

i need new seats. should i just replace the old ones? have them recovered?

the speaker system is shot. are the headrest speakers worth keeping those seats?

the suspension has always been, well, adequate. should i go with a racing setup?

how long should i stick with this engine before re-doing it. this car runs fine, and doesn't even manifest the cold start problem very often...

the transmission and rear-end don't seem like something to worry about if i'm just using this car on the street... thoughts?

should i consider adding a roll-bar assembly as a way to hedge the body stiffness slop that it seems to me will come soon in an old convertible body like this one?

i live in the baltimore, md area. who would do a good but reasonably priced job of cosmetic surgury on my baby?

has anybody heard of someone who offers a fiberglass winter hard-top? it wouldn't be that hard to make one...

 

I think the headrest speakers are over-rated and unnecessary... Get your self some nice separates... You can put in larger wheels... Go to any tire and wheel store, they can tell you the largest you can fit. Racing Beat sells a suspension package for under 400 bucks, but you will need new shocks/struts... Hell, you probably need them anyway, if you never changed them.
Only take care of the engine if you are going to hammer on it... Or, if you want to get a ported motor... *thumbs up*

 

i only wish my mate woul come on here

hes got a 10.2 sec s5 turbo II
scares the **** outa me

 

are you an aussie?

 

"Location: Perth"

(Come on man.... I'm hung over and I caught that one... lol...)