Good luck Greg. It’ll be intersting to see your results.That said, I’ve been driving my Duchess since 1983, with the original style TD latches and have NEVER had a door pop open.

THANKS

 Greg, I’m  glad someone is looking into this problem and finding a fix. The fact that our doors open from the front makes it VERY important that they stay closed. My London Roadster has very light weight striker plates but at least they do have a second latching point. I like the look of the original MG latches on my BCW, but am amazed that M…[Read more]

Try this link. I ordered the Manual, small unit http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/product.lasso?prodinc =bearclawdoorGreg

The issue is that the bolt, that part that actually holds the door closed, is VERY stiff, and will not engage the striker plate easily. Forcing the issue by slamming the door will only crack the fiberglass, which we all know is VERY bad. I ordered the new latches yesterday, along with the new striker plates. These actuators are well known in the…[Read more]

 
  Ed & RS   I have a BCW, 1985 with Chevette front engine configuration.  serial number just like yours RS, except the L3G  part is L3F  and the last three digits are 272.  There is also a number on my title   which is not in a “field’, and it says original  653  065305.  Tomorrow I’ll do a little more research on the vehicle.  My VIN is attach…[Read more]

  Greg I had the same trouble I just adjusted the lock strike plate with some thin brass stock and  moved it in  and a 1/16 inch out , the bottom hinge needed a shim also ,now they all work fine . better than buying new    I have also seen sliding bar locks used .   Dan R

Your doors fly open on the highway, Greg? The latches you have now differ from the TD latches? I ask ’cause Bridget’s driver’s door seems a bit loose. I’m thinking maybe I might adjust them, or replace them if that doesn’t work.

I can get in the car, but only if I bend my knees in ways I probably won’t be able to do too many more years. If I raise the column an inch and a half then the bottom of the new wheel will be only a quarter-inch lower than the old. Original TDs had that kind of “relief” for the steering post as well (see below). The top of the steering wheel was…[Read more]

 Ed, You are correct, that wheel does indeed look TD ish. I’ve always admired them on the original MGs. If the steering wheel is as low on the VW based BCWs as it is on the Chevette based ones I can understand why you need to raise it . I’m already wondering why I didn’t raise mine when I reworked the dash but hindsite is always clearer.I like…[Read more]

I use Monroe 32153 on the front and Monroe Gas-matics 32126 on the
rear.

Bagged the “make your own” idea; too many projects going. Sprung for the HUUGE (17-inch) Bluemels Brooklands replica at SoCal. Almost a bolt-on for the old Grant 3-hole hubs–just need to take the hub apart and drill out the top piece so the wheel nut can cinch up.Of course, now I’ll have to cut the dashboard and re-mount the thing about an inch…[Read more]

Hi Don,From a good friend in PA who has built or restored literally dozens of kit cars:You need to go through a MV 426B vehicle inspection process at a PennDot Enhanced Inspection location. i.e. a private garage. This involves having receipts and a donor title in hand ….. best to have just bill of sale stating that the vehicle was purchased by…[Read more]

Hey Don, welcome. We’re practically neighbors (I’m just north of Baltimore). Here’s a link to some registration info. Looks like a joyous process. Inspections, “enhanced inspections,” all safety requirements, yadda yadda. The safety requirements must be pretty lax, though, since people still build kits and street rods in PA, and the state has…[Read more]

RS, thanks. so May, 1984 is your MFG date? And number 324. That would make sense. Seems like these BCWs are a lot rarer than original TDs. Seems to me they ought to be considered MUCH more valuable, as collector carsHave fun with yours. I just affixed a new 4-spoke steering wheel to mine. Gonna need mods tho…. Always more mods.

THANK YOU for your responses.
Yes, it’s a 1986 as per registration.
I found the VIN# that matched the pink slip – it was assigned by the State of Arizona.
I also found the paper that was taped to the body: MFG by British Coach Works, LTD 5/84, VWR 2150 lbs. 
The BCW VIN is 1B9AT12-L3G1074…etc
This is BCW # 324.

 Hi Don, Welcome to the forum.
 I’m in NC so I cannot give you Pa . requirements but I believe some owners just use the VW title for their replicas. This may be what the previous owner of your car did and you may be able to do that as well. However if Pa. requires an inspection before they will register a vehicle from another state you may run i…[Read more]

Welcome Glad to have you aboard, Im not from Pa but in Vt it is registred as the model of the car and it you don’t have a serial number they will either use the Engine # or assign you one. I think if you go to the search engine here(Its VW powered so it will take you right were you want to go) and type in registration there are several threads on…[Read more]

Doing some work for a mining company in columbus

Hey Richard, what city in Ohio?  I just got home from the Dayton airport..