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I have found this forum to be invaluable in my newest project. Although I had a VW-based Migi some 25 years ago, I sold it and started building Lotus 7 replicas. When I had the chance to pick up another unbuilt TD replica kit, I jumped at the chance to try again, but this time I wanted to convert it to the front-engine format. I had always admired the looks of the early British Trials cars, so I thought I might build my own. So this is my story: While surfing the ‘net I ran across the design of the John Cowperthwaith’s “Midge”, which reminds one of the older MG J2, with cycle fenders and Brooklands windscreen. Basically, John produced a design that utilized a Triumph Spitfire frame (one of the last British sportscars to use the body-on-frame method) and marine plywood sheets to build the body. He finished the original one and then offered plans for a reasonable price. Some 3,000 sets were sold, with over 300 completed cars reported finished. This is a picture of a Midge:
So, I purchased the rusty remains of a 1964 Spitfire with a solid-looking frame and hauled it to my hobby shop. It took a couple of days to locate all the rusty bolts and removed the body, leaving me with a frame that I could push around. Much, much faster than building a spaceframe for a Lotus 7 replica!
Then, to see where to modify the VW-based TD body, I sat it upon the Spitfire frame and began to make cuts:
Since the Spitfire wheelbase is 83″ and the TD needs to be about 94″, I plan to cut the frame and extend it 11″.
More later.
I don’t know about anyone else, but your pic didn’t come through.
Anyway, good luck with your project. Keep us pic’d and posted.
Amor Conquista Todo
Wow! This is a pretty ambitious project. I look forward to following your build!
Not sure why your pictures didn’t link. I was able to copy the links and open them directly, so it’s not a security thing with the forum. And usually, linking to pictures is the easiest way to get them into a post.
Hope you don’t mind Tom, but here is a link to the Flickr album on your TDr Spitfire build:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bartlett_tc/albums/72157668548455662/with/31085460466/
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
I’m looking forward to reading about your progress! It’s great to be in a club with such creative and brilliant minds, now if we could just get you all to Washington DC. Quite ambitious for a project and I can’t wait to see the finished work.
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