Bob, That quote wasn't a mantra I enjoy...just a built-in thing I can't shake. If I could, I'd be out having the kind of fun the guys that install those crooked rivets have. And I wasn't suggesting 'factory-stock' was the only way to be 'perfect'. I've got pics of a few customs that I'd be PROUD to own, even after seeing the cars IN PERSON. But I'm talking HIGH dollar projects (six figures, sometimes). Now..as for getting your Gremlin 'right'...I challenge you to name a part I can't locate (given reasonable time to hunt). I agree money is a major issue, but given patience and tenacity, I've always found what I need. If you didn't, it's only because you haven't made the right contact with the right person YET. If you prefer not to settle, let me see your 'needs' list and I'll see if I can't make a dent in it. If you're fine with the decision you mentioned, that's cool, too. In the end, it's your car- YOU have to like it first. Oh..and when I 'critique' an AMC, it should be understood that I'd still prefer the worst one to the nicest GM. I over-analyze out of love....and anal-retentiveness. :) I may have slammed the green car harder than I should have. It's isn't exactly hideous....but the 'bad' simply blinds me to the good initially. If I didn't still 'like' it, I wouldn't have bothered doing the photo edit at all. :) Anyway- keep at it. Your stick-to-it-ness will pay off eventually. John W Rosa www.JavelinAMX.com -----Original Message----- From: BaadAssGremlins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:BaadAssGremlins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Robert John, you are correct when you say "if it is not going to be done right , why do it at all". I agree on what you say, especialy about having the money to do it "right". I have owned my Gremlin for 18 years and finally started the ground up "restoration" in the fall of 2004. Even though I have the ability, the fully equipped shop, the time, the ambition, the love of the hobby, I lack the funds. I have already spent close to $15,000.00 and I am just starting to go back together with the car. I am very picky on what I do and I have already realized that I can not make it Factory original due to parts availability, so I chose to do what I can to make it a Gremlin to be proud of, but will never be "factory" restored. It will be a screamer and it will look good, but if you and/or I were the judges, it would be just a Gremlin with shiny paint and loud exhaust. Everyone just do your best and make your AMC be the car that everyone notices, who cares if it is "factory perfect" they never were "perfect" from the factory. Bob from Minnesota. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BaadAssGremlins/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: BaadAssGremlins-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/