This page lists, in roughly chronological order, what I’ll need to do on my convertible to get it into the condition I’d like it to be in, i.e. running, street-legal, mostly original, and somewhat presentable.

• Get it to where I live so I can work on it. Done.
• Clear out the garage so it doesn’t have to live out in the weather.
• Clear out the car.
• Assess any rust damage.
• Remove bumpers, fenders, and running boards. Scrape away the undercoating from the body in these areas, and paint them body colour.
• Prep the replacement right rear fender for painting.
• Paint insides of fenders body colour.
• Get the replacement fender painted (professionally).
• Dismantle brakes, assess necessary repairs. Replace brake hoses.
• Get second set of wheel rims, paint them, and get new tires installed.
• Polish up pitted chrome.
• Touch up paint where necessary, and polish body.
• Check electrical system.
• Dismantle stored engine, and assess necessary repairs.
• Convert engine to doghouse oil cooler.
• Reassemble engine, with new heat exchangers and exhaust.
• Install transmission.
• Install engine.
• Test drive!
• Pass TÜV inspection.
• Get convertible top renewed (professionally).
• Pass historical vehicle inspection.
• Register.
• Have fun!
• Find and install missing US-spec parts (speedo, rear reflectors).
• Find and install cylinder head temp gauge, oil temp gauge, and oil pressure gauge.
• Someday later: Install trailer hitch.
• Someday much later: Get car repainted in Diamond Blue (L50).

Whew. Way to go. But apart from the convertible top thing, nothing that’s financially out of reach. There’s probably going to be a way around that obstacle, though.