Value Added Costs

As we await Johnny's exit from paint and body I thought it would be a good time to catch up on some of the finer details of the journey thus far.

I just ordered a new Virginia license plate with the same letter and number combination Johnny Carson had when the car was registered in his name in California. Avril and I decided this was more historically accurate and a better choice than some kitschy vanity plate.

As you may recall, once Johnny was in Virginia I turned him over to Simon at the Auto Haus Williamsburg Classic Center. Simon’s initial evaluation was simply to get the car through the state inspection, remedy some initial concerns, and fix a few problems either found along the journey from California and/or not addressed by Rafi’s before the cross-country trek. To wit:

State Safety Inspection

Replace Front Suspension Lower Ball Joints

Replace Front Shock Absorbers

Replace Front Wheel Bearings & Seals

Replace Rear Shock Absorbers

Replace Rear Accumulators

Replace & Bleed Rear SLS Hydraulic Fluid

Replace Rear Stabilizer End Links

Replace Steering Damper

Transmission Service (Includes Fluid & Filter replacement)

Replace Left Rear Window Switch

Replace Wiper Blades

Replace Driver’s Side Seat Belt Retractors Gears

So, not an inconsequential amount of work, especially when you consider the amount of work Rafi’s accomplished prior to departure. But that’s not all folks…

As previously mentioned, with Malcolm’s help I now have the correct wheels (since refinished), lug bolts and a Becker Grand Prix radio in very good nick. I’ll be sending the Grand Prix to Becker for refurbishment prior to installing it in the car. But wait, there’s still more…

The next update will be the rest of the mechanical work done prior to Johnny going into the body shop for repairs and a list of minor, but non-critical things yet to do. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the body shop. The first picture is of the left rear fender, which had a ripple in the sheet metal, being brought back to straight. Those God awful chrome wheels are on their way out. The black sheet metal piece you see in the second picture is the replacement panel for the rusted out rear window lip. Pic number three shows it was pretty dirty behind the cladding, but fortunately no rust.