by Michael Satterfield - 07/24/2009It’s been a busy few weeks juggling projects in the shop, but I’m finally making some headway on getting things organized. With the ongoing work on the Fiat, my garage was starting to look more like a chaotic parts warehouse than a workspace. So, I decided it was time to tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of car restoration: building a proper storage system.
I carved out a little time to put together some new cabinets and storage solutions for the garage. The difference it’s made is night and day. There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a clean, organized space where every tool and spare part has its own place. Not to mention, it frees up valuable real estate in the shop, making it easier to work on the cars without tripping over wrenches or misplacing parts. The cabinets aren’t finished just yet—they still need a fresh coat of paint—but that’s on the to-do list for the coming weeks. I’m thinking of going with a classic industrial gray to keep that professional garage vibe, but I’m open to suggestions.
With the shop coming together, I’ve also started turning my attention to the Formula Vee project. For those not familiar, the Vee is a true gem from the golden age of amateur racing, and mine has been patiently waiting for its return to the track. This particular Vee had its heyday tearing up SCCA circuits back in the 1960s, and my goal is to get it back to that same level of performance and period-correct style.
I’ve begun the process of ordering parts, and it’s been a bit like treasure hunting. The goal is to stay as true to the car’s original racing setup as possible while incorporating a few modern touches for safety and reliability. Finding vintage components that match its SCCA pedigree isn’t easy, but when those boxes show up at my door, it feels like Christmas morning. It’s a slow burn, but that’s part of the fun. Little by little, the Vee will come together, piece by piece, until it’s ready to roll back onto the track.
Restoring a historic racer like this isn’t just about the mechanics; it’s about respecting the car’s legacy. Each part has a story, and I want to make sure that when this Vee hits the asphalt again, it does so with the same spirit and style it had when it first lined up on the grid all those decades ago. I’m envisioning a revival of its original livery—a bold color scheme that pays homage to its 60s roots—along with a period-correct interior that blends nostalgia with functionality.
Between the Fiat and the Vee, my garage has become a hive of automotive activity, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something deeply rewarding about bringing old machines back to life, each turn of the wrench a step closer to honoring the craftsmanship and passion that defined these cars in their prime. Stay tuned for updates, because once the garage is fully sorted and those new parts start going in, I’ll be sharing more on the Vee’s progress—and maybe a sneak peek of the Fiat as well.
For now, it’s back to the grind, but I can already see the finish line in the distance.
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