Paul I was suprised at how well the Novus works with just a little elbow grease. The motor cover and back of the fenders was where the dull faded was. I do suspect engine heat had something to do with it as the rest of the car looked good and the fading has occured in the 6 years I have had the car. You could feel the roughness of the fiberglass…[Read more]

I know some friends that swear against the plastic VW gas filter. But it has worked for decades on stock VW, which probably have higher engine compartment temperatures than our replicas.So, while I don’t have a melting point for you, I continue to trust them in my own TD.

The “correct” title is a question that has to be answered state-by-state.All states have a process and method for dealing with kit cars, handcrafted autos, home-builts, etc.Once accepted, the vehicle will be usually be titled as a “reconstructed vehicle” or some other specialty class.I believe some states allow the owner to title the vehicle as…[Read more]

It is likely the cracking is happening in the fiberglass and not just the gel coat. So…Any repair is going to be a tough job, potentially patching the fiberglass and repainting.

Looks great!I’ve used Novus on scratched plastic. I never thought to try it on gel coat!

Ed glad to hear you made it home safe.  I’ve limped home a couple times too.  But none the less still had a good time.

Bill,
Post a picture when you get a chance.  I agree pretty cheap set up, been wanting to do something to change mine too. 
Love your interior the red MG octagon really sets it off. 

Sounds like you had a memorable trip. Later on the good trips will make this trip fade away into the what notto have happen on a trip. Glad shes running and you got home safe.

Lafers all came with front-hinged doors and glass side windows. As I never drive in any precipitation heavier than a light mist, mine spend most of their time stowed in the garage.

Glad you made it home – it is an adventure – later you will remember the
good parts and the bad tends to dim w/ time.

Rocky,
I don’t know where you live, but I wish I would have used a new donor on my
speedster project as it was as rusted as yours. My local VW guy has IRS
frames w/ title ( he strips them as he gets them ) for about 150.00 here in
Va. – mostly bear frame
I spent huge time welding etc. and am still not ready to drop the body – I
wish I had just…[Read more]

@monte – pulled the top when I redid the interior.  

@world – did the pliers thing, got the wipers off!  Was a bit surprised on how the spline attached to the post – pretty cheap.  Got that off too, and covered the posts with a bright red bolt cap.  MUCH cleaner looking windshield now.  Thanks for the suggestions!Sorry to interrupt the moun…[Read more]

Rocky,I’m using a 71 Beetle Donor. The Car has an IRS Frame and transaxle. Body by rust . Here’s a link to mine if you think it’ll help.
http://public.fotki.com/Allen1209/mgtd-build/building-my-vw- base/newkitman40791.4188425926

BillDid you mount your doors with the hinge in the front or is that the way the Lafer comes?I like the side curtain in that it is clear. Does that improve visibility any?

Switching out the standard transmission to automatic should be illegal, unless there is a compelling health reason.

So if I were to consider a more robust donor frame where would I start to look for one.So far my search has only uncovered full cars at full price.

Thanks for advise. I purchased the kit, the spacer, and stand ,and oil filler.

 
While you are evaluating your frame options, don’t forget the TDReplica.com grill badge. It’s a beauty. Available in the “Our Store” link on the left side of the screen.

It’s not that bad.My only consern is the rusted out area on the main center tunel in the pick.If thats the worst of it you should be ok.Be sure to price out all your replacement sheet metal,I went with 14 gauge sheet steel myself.turned out to be a cheeper route,a little more work but stronger than vw floor pans.check my photo album.
The frame for…[Read more]

I have mirrors on both doors, and manage to see just fine. (Note: Ill-fitting top has since been replaced.)