https://tdreplica.com/members/agerholm/activity/ Activity feed for Jim. Sat, 04 Jul 2026 23:06:11 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 af34a8ff823a4366fd0be3ee0279db18 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/page/2/#post-256549 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:43:37 -0400 All good suggestions.  Monday we got the gas tank hooked up and put gas in it, and the car starts fine.   It has been a busy week, and it looks like it will be next Monday before I can get back to it.   

]]> 4b577a78631bad64b4e259b31308b42f https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/page/2/#post-256546 Sun, 28 Jul 2013 07:55:15 -0400 Thanks guys – I’ve downloaded all the manuals for Classic Roadsters and VW.  And for the other replicas as well.   One problem I am having is that the color code was not adhered to all that closely in this car.  In the worst case example, one spliced wire  changes color 3 times before it gets to it’s final destination.  In another case, the Clas…[Read more]

]]> d7c8e53225cd46864976409f1ff825ce https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/page/2/#post-256542 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 09:18:32 -0400 A little more progress:   We started it up (momentarily) last night.  
We got enough wiring done to where it should start, and spraying a
little starting fluid in the carburetor got it to fire and run for a few
seconds (there is zero gas in the tank).   
A few minutes later I hit the key for just a second to check the
warning light, and it imm…[Read more]

]]> 56868cfe6cf22fddb1e2025d00c22df0 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256540 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:48:13 -0400 I got ready to install the gas tank the other day, and found it had rust inside.   A search of the internet turned up several methods, but I opted for the scientific approach.  Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, a battery charger, and a piece of steel.  Not having anything else on hand, I used a coat hanger for the steel.   The water started to bub…[Read more]

]]> d50a32a931377beb4bfb64d42fb03c28 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256539 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:10:37 -0400 Hadn’t thought about using LED’s for any external lights…   Might have to look into that.  At present, I don’t even know how many external lights work/don’t work.  Wiring starts today!

]]> 5e1264c27aa59075cf6f4828b9b823a7 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256536 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 14:37:13 -0400 I didn’t know that – that opens up more possibilities.

]]> 94d6823a84b5046a10d900266ac0b87d https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256534 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 22:34:07 -0400 Thanks Bill.   It was quite a learning process, as this whole project has been.   The first time we stained the dash, we sprayed it with a “clear coat” with UV protector.   Turned the dash milky white.   Sanded and stained again.   The stain is a red mahogany, a Minwax product.   We finished it off with a Minwax Polycrylic.  It is supposed to ren…[Read more]

]]> 40860137deb40c87c20f8aabfbfd629a https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256532 Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:28:11 -0400 Sounds good Dennis!   We have gotten down your way a few times, once on the motorcycle.    I am hoping the Duchess will be running before too many more weeks, but still lots to do on it.Jim

]]> 65cf30dfaa33b274c0efcf344ae1f697 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256530 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 21:19:57 -0400 Man is it hot in the Ville!   Makes it difficult to get much done, but we have made some progress.The Duchess lowered back onto the chassis without incident, and all holes lined up – yea!   Brakes have been reconnected, as has the steering.    We fashioned a new dash out of Lauan, stained and sealed it up, and placed it in front of the ori…[Read more]

]]> 815bda0e10eb18168e90089bd7354884 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/battery-replacement/#post-256785 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 21:58:27 -0400 I just bought a battery for mine.  Went to Firestone to get an Interstate battery, it called for a Size 42 (73 chassis) but they didn’t have any, and it would take two weeks to order.   Ended up getting a Size 47 battery, which on occasion is substituted.   Haven’t tried sticking it under the seat yet, but it looks like it will fit.

]]> ca339994de094fe6f07f4d8d8e7e7a2a https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256529 Wed, 03 Jul 2013 17:13:47 -0400 I used tie down straps – the front strap is attached to a piece of angle iron that is fastened inside the body near the front of the car.  The rear straps are attached to where the door hinges are mounted.  (Doors have been removed). The front and rear straps were raised at the same time by using 2 come-alongs and two people.  The come-alongs ar…[Read more]

]]> 015478a8da24b5ddb6a1d4f8859a0cc3 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-fenders-removalre-attachment/#post-256800 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:44:56 -0400 Thanks, will check it out.   

]]> 6e8fbf228390a95a8e892d212304d83a https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256527 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:08:55 -0400 Dick, wish I knew where all that junk in the garage came from.  It seems to multiply at night!Paul, the body pulled up real nice – it was completely removed by just the wife and me.   This is actually turning into some good quality time – with both of us working on the Duchess.   My wife even tried a little welding.   Guess I’ll be naming the ca…[Read more]

]]> ecb6caf5aa5e4ed5628613c3d676093f https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256524 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:30:41 -0400 Progress…

]]> 01e19aa14d0e4231c33a88bd83785a4f https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256523 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:29:23 -0400 Wow – that video reminded me of getting the body off the Duchess!Only got a couple of hours in tonight, got the rest of the old pans cut out.

]]> 1de98e3a05efb13b326e0c92ba30dee1 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/duchess-body-pull/#post-256520 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:51:08 -0400 Thanks guys!   It’s good to be back.   I am actually thinking about using the Duchess to take a little of the load off our Durango.  We need the Durango as a tow vehicle, but it only gets 10 mpg in town and that hurts!  I am hoping the Duchess will work for quick trips to the store, etc. plus a few smiles along the way.   I plan to add a few photo…[Read more]

]]> eff9d3c354280582b3a176b99404e64b https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/classic-roadsters-vw-assembly-manual/#post-242095 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:01:23 -0400 Paul, this is great news!   Especially for a newbie like me…   I’ll PM you my e-mail address.  Thanks for all your work in this – this will help our efforts immeasurably!
Jim

]]> bd7b0ee8798cc74f9851975bf8658482 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242087 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:58:01 -0400 Yep, I remember the rivets but was thinking it was primarily to the other body sections.     Do most folks put rivets back in during re-assembly, or replace with sheet metal screws?

]]> c0536a4519c598c0472828a43432f855 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242085 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:44:32 -0400 Since we are guessing that this is one of the early Classic Roadsters kits (manufactured in 1979, serial #0064) maybe there are some differences in this kit than later ones?  
I am taking my first good look at removing the body.  Inside, there are a lot of rivets, not just holding the pieces of the body together, but a number of rivets holding th…[Read more]

]]> 767f3e6b756eb0fe79acb57743f0cb53 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241288 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:20:04 -0400 I wondered about that.   The top that came with mine is in bad shape and will have to be redone.   But it has 2 bows, if by bows you mean the ribs that support the top.  So I guess it would come closer to a 52.   That was the year I was born, and would be easier to be remember!

]]> 4d6d0850e84c10d3fa853ed79763c300 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241285 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:34:47 -0400 Here’s a question on the Duchess – How can you tell how old the old girl is?   My title says it is a 53.  I have seen a number of Duchess’ listed as 52, and even saw one or two that said 54.   Mine was made in 1979.  Were there variations of this model, or what year replica were they supposed to be?  

]]> ff2d79577db9fa6e35e2c2411483c38b https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242082 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:27:36 -0400 You’re right about that!  At this point, a sheet of tin foil would be an improvement.   I will miss the cool breeze, though!

]]> e257124e9f4c43a42ed516527b16d203 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-owner-of-something/#post-241993 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:31:59 -0400 Sorry, Pink MG – too late.  I had already ordered from JC Whitney before reading all the horror stories.  
I did read an interesting post on The Samba where someone ordered from Wolfsburg (in 2007) and got the same thin floor pans from Brazil that everyone else was selling.  The post said that only the Danish floor pans were the heavy ones now…[Read more]

]]> db3a6e3818552b2264f16091dffe36b1 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242080 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:25:34 -0400 Thanks Will – I may take you up on that.   I had already looked at the beautiful job you did with the pan replacement.  In fact, that is what helped give me the confidence to tackle this job.

]]> 479e0b343c4f7141577da8deaba201e5 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242078 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:25:02 -0400 We are actually looking forward to the “adventure”.  I plan to take photos as we go along, and document our learning experience.   My wife is almost as psyched about this as I am.  

]]> 0712fcd43a6cbf6cd67d331fcb85ef7a https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242076 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:52:35 -0400 Thanks Larry – sounds like this might take a while.    I sent Paul a PM and will see what he suggests.    I have a lot to learn.   I had a Beetle years ago, but went deer hunting with it.  The deer won.
 

]]> 351ec14658ac7bfebadd28245674f7af https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242072 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:39:19 -0400 For some reason, my wife, who took these photos, objects to this arrangement.   Does anyone have a step by step list of what I need to do to remove the body from the Duchess?  
 
Thanks!
Jim

]]> e83b1b65bc98803fff544ed63bf6129b https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-duchess-and-the-fred-flinstne-floor/#post-242071 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:37:53 -0400 Here is a photo demonstrating proper braking techniques with this setup:
 

]]> 4709125a66d042a18c70ac0568029f7b https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241283 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:23:24 -0400 Thanks, Paul – very interesting stuff…  Apparently I have an early Duchess.   
 

]]> 0da87000cc2529029192303809252bdd https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241281 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:19:26 -0400 I’m glad I’m not the only one that does stuff like that!  
I just took another look at the Duchess – the body is definitely going to have to come off to do the floor pans.   It looks like it is going to need some other work on the frame as well.  
Does anyone know what the numbers mean on the Duchess serial number plate?    The serial number o…[Read more]

]]> d75aa83147576af76f87972b93aa3c43 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-owner-of-something/#post-241991 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:06:54 -0400 I just ordered the one for floor pan replacement yesterday!  Arghhhhh.
Thanks, anyway, Allen!
Jim

]]> e6468d3162e4d70b1e81207413c92378 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241279 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:49:19 -0400 Actually, I just found the post where you told Jon you had them.  I thought if you already had them scanned, you might be willing to send me a copy too.  
Thanks!
Jim

]]> 1916868fb249f13fdc4e3e9e243e3d62 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241277 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:44:43 -0400 Paul, do you still have a scan of the Duchess wiring diagram?   That will get me started, as the fog lights, horn, wipers, brake lights, and turn signals are presently not working.   I guess it would have been easier to say the headlights work!
Jim
 

]]> 1916868fb249f13fdc4e3e9e243e3d62 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/dutchess-wiring/#post-241277 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:44:43 -0400 Paul, do you still have a scan of the Duchess wiring diagram?   That will get me started, as the fog lights, horn, wipers, brake lights, and turn signals are presently not working.   I guess it would have been easier to say the headlights work!
Jim
 

]]> 6c920b14a1de08e78919130c9035f224 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-owner-of-something/#post-241989 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:11:03 -0400 Thanks, Ed.  Those are some great photos of the floor pan replacement!

]]> 102024ac422317012d391faecbe407d2 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-owner-of-something/#post-241987 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:22:58 -0400 Thanks, Larry – we are both excited about this new venture.   Never thought I’d see the day when my wife was excited about working on a car!
Paul, that would be great!   The manual would help a lot, especially since we are completely new to kit cars.
This car had a couple of mods by the young man that owned it – including spark plugs and coils mou…[Read more]

]]> df088bf0e17c3a7a71f4ad1f1dff06b8 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-owner-of-something/#post-241984 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:29:37 -0400 Some additional info:
Yesterday was a very long day, and we were dead on our feet when we got home last night.
However, even that is not a good enough excuse for this:  I went out a few minutes ago, lifted up the hood, and there big as everything was a plate identifying it as a Classic Roadster Duchess.  Serial number and everything.  Duh!
I st…[Read more]

]]> 9af50d49be8a63d62a1e7f2d8980a0a4 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/migi-seat-size-bizare-questin/#post-241968 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:22:34 -0400 Again, thanks for the replies.   Sadly, we have about decided to let this one pass.   
I appreciate all the comments, and feel confident that we could ride in one of these with no trouble.   Dan, we hardly use the motorcycle any more as it is.   Pink MG and Larry, thanks for the practical info on how the seats are mounted.   The friend that told…[Read more]

]]> dbf0f2f841fa33068954fe630dfc0d64 https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/migi-seat-size-bizare-questin/#post-241966 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:44:46 -0400 Hi Larry, thanks for the quick reply, and for the information about the ability to move the seats.   I don’t think the seating would be an issue, but wanted to get some opinions from owners.   We see a few advantages to the MG replica over a motorcycle.  First, my wife could drive it as well (she has no desire to learn on the motorcy…[Read more]

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