First time out after 10 years

[dirkbalter]

I am all exited and want to share.
Drove my car today for the first time after a complete restoration. Some minor parts still need to be assembled.   
All that point I would like to mention that this forum and the help of the members is priceless.
I still have a little way to go, but thank you to all who helped me along the way.
 

[lreppond]

Wow. She’s a beauty and your excitement is justified. And I bet you’re mighty proud too! Silver with red interior is a classic SL color combo.  What color will the hardtop be? soft top?  I hope you’ll share more pix once you’ve assembled the “minor” parts. 

[JohnnyC]

Congratulations Dirk, I’m so happy for you. You’re starting to see the fruits of your labor. It’s a big step forward and very memorable.  I saw you video you sent me, the engine sounds very nice too.

Cheers,
JohnnyC

[JamesL]

Congrats and well done
(Loving the rat-rod vibe😉)

[Jonny B]

A dune buggy Pagoda! Just right for the California beaches!!

Can't wait to see it at the next Pagodas and Beer.
Good Job!!

[dirkbalter]

Can't wait to see it at the next Pagodas and Beer.
Good Job!!

That’s the goal.
Thank you all

[Merc_Girl]

Bit of a dodgy area? Drive out with a complete car and thieving little b#gg%*s taken parts off as you were driving!?! Albeit one had to admire the tenacity of the theft 🤣🤣🤣

Great job for the parts they left 😁

[Pinder]

Great Work. its coming along nicely. Excellent color combo

[kampala]

congrats Dirk !

Last time I saw your pagoda it was a shell just out of paint.   Nice work.

[Leester]

A great milestone in your restoration.  Looks great!  Lee

[teahead]

Congrats!

Are your coil springs new?  Car seems pretty high.

[RobSirg]

After restoration my car sat up like a Giraffe……..looked awful.
The mechanic was fretting that he made an error with the running gear somewhere.

After we put the roof on, added some fuel and drove it a little …..it settled into the perfect height. ( I did some forum searches which confirmed this would be the likely result).

All that time on the hoist with its legs dangling and all new suspension …..makes sense.

[dirkbalter]

That’s my theory too. All new shocks, rubber …
It needs a few more miles to settle. It will also gain some more weight when the  seats, doors, soft top …. are installed.

[johnk]

My car sat the same. Took a while but it sits nicely now.