Lessons in originality from a '59 spider.

jburning17 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:07 PM

Hi guys,
I have this '59 spider in my grasp for now, and it has all sorts of crazy original, unmolested bits to it. Many I didn't know about at all. Anyway, I am convinced that these details are worth documenting in a public sort of way.

So, if you will indulge me, here I go...

JB

jburning17 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:10 PM

I have heard that these screws are Philips for 101 cars, and it was a surprise to an old sage on this board when I informed him that they were originally flat-blade.

This screw is original for certain as there is crusty bits of the rubber strip still under it. note the chrome backing finish washer.

jburning17 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:12 PM

I had no idea that I was missing this little dude! Does anybody reproduce these?

If not, I could try to take some good measurements for someone who could do it. (hint, hint, terry)

jburning17 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:15 PM

These are little brass straps that function like zip-ties. They hold the wires for the horns close to the cross member.

I had no idea I was missing these on my car. Are repros available?

jburning17 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:17 PM

This car has the original cheese-head (Filister?) screws for the front license plate holder. Just crazy!

jburning17 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:19 PM

Ok, I have seen one other example of this, but still....

jburning17 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:21 PM

I don't believe that my '57 had this item, maybe it is a transitional feature. It would be great if someone could verify/clarify.

jburning17 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:23 PM

My car must have had these filled in. I figure that many people know all about this feature, but for the benefit of those who don't...

More coming...

**alfabits** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:33 PM

Great blog JB. Lots of little tips for those trying to get it correct. Any others?

George

jburning17 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:38 PM

I once went hunting for this answer myself. Here is a picture of an original one...

jburning17 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:41 PM

I didn't know that this piece was supposed to have fabric on it. I guess that goes on the list of things to fix....someday...

jburning17 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:43 PM

I didn't know that my car was supposed to have this. Now I will have to check for screw holes. The turnbuckles are identical to those that hold the top to the body, right behind the door.

jburning17 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:48 PM

I noted that the perforated holes on the back of the chair did not go all the way to the top or bottom. I wouldn't have guessed that....

Then there is a mat under the rubber mat behind the seats. It is backed with fiberglass. It sure looks original to me...

Edit: the mat goes up the rear wall of the cockpit.

jburning17 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:50 PM

Ok, not the highlight of this thread....

jburning17 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:52 PM

I believe that this bracket steadies the oil pressure tube. Again, I didn't know that I was missing this item...