- This topic has 14 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hi, just thought I would take a minute to introduce myself. I’ve been lurking on the site for a couple of weeks and am very impressed with the information sharing and helpful nature of the posts I have seen. I do not yet own a TD Replica, but have recently realized that the time is right for me to try to make the leap. I live in Nova Scotia, and am only aware of one TD Replica in the Province. I have a question that someone may be able to answer to help me narrow down choices: Anyone willing to comment on the fit for a person 6’4″ in a TD? Is there any difference in legroom between a Chevette and a VW chassis? I would appreciate any input. Thanks.
Hi Groncher,
Welcome.
Just leave the top down and you’ll be fine!
I’m 6’2″. And since body proportion would matter, I’m a 34″ inseam. I have a Classic Roadsters Duchess on a VW chassis. I have no problems fittign in roof up or down.
I relocated the VW pedals per Classic Roadsters’ directions and they are fine. The pedals could be moved at least two inches closer to the firewall, probably even three inches, and still allow for full pedal travel.
Headroom with the roof up is fine to. I have to slouch a bit to see traffic signals and the like. But it’s not bad.
I think your challenge will be that a lot of TD replicas have fixed seats and the owners built them to their own size. So you might have to go in there and move pedals.
None of this applies to front engine replicas. But I am sure we will hear form other members soon enough.
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)
Hi Groncher,Welecme to the forum. I have a British Coach Works Chevette based replica and unlike Paul I am a 28” inseam and 5′ 8” tall.The problem I have is the steering wheel is too close while the pedals are too far away.I am looking for an adaptor to move the wheel closer to the top of the column, than I can move the seat forward as well. I have already moved the bottom of the seatback forward which helped to move me forward while still keeping my upper body as far to the rear as possible.One other problem the front engine cars have is that the clutch,brake and accelerator pedals are in a very small space,. I have small feet ,but I still must be very careful not to get on the wrong pedal.Having said all that ,I still love the car,if I wanted luxury I would be in something else but would be missing the enjoyment of this fun car.
Larry makes a good point.
We all make some compromises to build/drive these things.
Part of the build/buy process is figuring out those compromises.
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)
Hi Groncher,
Welcome aboard. I didn’t have a TD replica when I joined the Yahoo group (somewhat part of this site). It was in my posting where I mentioned that I did not have one, but some day I would. Another member just happened to read the post and sold me my TD Replica. I hope this works for you too. I am but 6 foot tall and I do fit in my car, but after some modifications to the seat. My modifications can be found in the Photo Gallery of this forum. Larry is right about the pedals and the narrow space. If you have big feet, you may want to test fit a front engine car before buying it. Mine is a front engine and I do love it, but the foot space is narrow. My feet do fit, but tightly. I am not familar with the VW version, but pictures seem to indicate more foot room. The steering wheel fits me fine with a 34″ waist, but after Thanksgiving will be a different story
.James
James…put your hands in the air and step away from the table.
Here in NJ, we hear words like that a lot.
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)
Paul, it’s tough to do, especially when you are so thankful for the TDReplica and this site,
.Groncher, I just remembered that Bill Collins has his fabulous VW powered replica running on ebay right now. She’s a beauty.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGTD-1952-Replica-on-VW_W0QQi temZ150369631617QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item2 302ba7d81&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245#ht_1176wt_958
Bill has a stunning car, a beauty for sure. She even has the TDReplica.com badge! Bill has done a wonderful job on this fine automobile. Worth a look
, priced right too at only 7k 
Groncher,
I have no stake in Bill C’s car. And it’s not just us NJ guys sticking together. But….
I can vouch for the quality of the build. You would not go wrong!
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)
Thanks to you all for the information, some very good points to watch for. As for the beautiful Angelica, I have been watching the car and recognized the e-bay ad from some posts on this forum. Right now I’m on a countdown to leaving Sunday for 6 weeks overseas for work, and can’t see that I could bring together all the paperwork needed to import the car to Canada. Not so much about money, but time. It sure does look like a prize machine. Having you guys vouch for the build really has my drool factor climbing. Will be thinking hard through the day.
Hey Bill, we’ll be looking for our commission checks!
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)
Well, I did send Bill a question about the age of the car-some law of ours prevents importing a replica/kit car that cannot prove being registered in its current form (build date as TD Replica) for at least 15 years. If the car has less than 15 years registry after being altered, it is subject to some pretty intense safety requirements, and could cost a fortune to meet those requirements. Bill tells me Angelica was built and registered in the late ’90’s, which unfortunately puts it outside that window. So I guess I’m pretty much bound to get a car that was built and registered pre-1994, or find one already in Canada. Open to any suggestions that are out there. This thread has taken a bit of a turn, more toward looking for a car. Please feel free to move it if that suits better.
Groncher,
No need to close this thread. But I suggest you start a new thread under “MG TD Cars Wanted”.
Forum members or guests that are looking to sell a car or kit are likely to look in the “wanted” section to see if anyone here is looking for what they have to sell. They would probably miss that info if you only state it here.
We look forward to welcoming you to the owner registry some day Groncher! Good luck with the search.
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)
Paul,
I took your advice and have posted a message in the “MG TD Cars Wanted” section. Thanks for the feedback. I look forward to going in the Owner Registry too. It has been a lot of years since I first saw the Fiberfab ads in magazines and caught the bug. It has never left, just got sidetracked for a while.
Hey Out there–Im new to forum but have had my Duchess for over 15 years! Love her still but she needs some work and finally found some time to give her! – Custom crafted a lovely walnut dashboard a long time ago but switches are sticky now – VW chasis but not sure of year–bought it “built” and she runs – except last night had a lovely leak from the fuel tank – grrr–she had a paint job about 10 years ago and looks lovely–makes me feel “young agian” – anyway love the site and is so helpful with parts, suppliers, and genral advice – thanks to all!
Hi Lil Red.
I’m a Duchess owner too! Welcome aboard.
The number stamped into the pan is the VIN for the donor car. YOu will find it on the center tunnel, under your seat, near the access panel for the shifter rod to transaxle joint. Once you find the VIN on your chassis, here is a VW Type 1 VIN Decoder table:
http://www.lightner.net/ybdb/serno.html
And once you have that info, head over to the registry (link is in my signature) and post your name, location and car info. We’ll update the registry and add you to the map!
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)
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.