Not sure what an Abarth style is in this context. If it’s the 4-tip GT style probably not.

We’re free to use any exhaust of course. There’s an EMPI single tip setup that puts the tailpipe in the exact right place for an MG TD. Works fine and relatively quiet. It’s not ideal for horsepower though so if you’re running a hi-po engine consider other…[Read more]

Make sure your Gen light is good. If that bulb fails the whole circuit won’t work. Yes, it’s usually that simple.

To test the new generator, remove the fan belt and give it power from the battery using alligator clips: D+ to + and then – to case and DF (field). A good generator will spin like an electric motor (because it is). If that works,…[Read more]

The knock-off adaptors are easy to get, and it’s not much to have a machine shop drill and tap the 4 x 4.5-inch pattern. I used bolts screwed from the inside of the drums and rotors to mount. All straightforward.

But the wheels widen the track by an inch at every corner.

On the front you can fix that with a narrowed beam. In back you’re…[Read more]

Having done it, I advise against real knock-off MWS wire wheels.

Procedure:

Step 1: Leave the car over night somewhere safe where you can work on it without moving it. You want the engine cold for this.

Step 2: pull the valve covers and check the tappets. Use the Bentley Manual procedure or the one found in Muir’s “Compleat Idiot” illustrated manual. Be careful to note whether your pushrods are the stock…[Read more]

The port most people use is on top of the engine just behind the distributor. There should already be a sender switch screwed in there with a wire coming off it. That’s your oil pressure (green) light. To get a proper gauge you T that port. Screw the idiot light sender into one hole and the gauge sender (either oil temp or oil pressure) into the…[Read more]

Yes. Keep them away from brine.

Awesome slide show, Bill. Thanks for that!

I blogged the journey on the Spyder build site: https://alongcameaspyder.wordpress.com/2023/10/11/air-auto-classic-11/

HA! Did not realize you changed out your R&P. Fun.

I finished installing new control arm bushings in Bridget a couple weeks ago, then she wouldn’t start. Chased electrical gremlins all week and she finally fired right up, then would not go into gear! So I bought a new clutch cable, and also welded the cable tube more firmly into inside of the…[Read more]

Good on ya, Adam!

Most VW air cooled engines leak a bit of oil. If you rev them up. especially with bigger cylinders fitted or stroked cranks, they tend to blow a little oil through the front behind the crank pulley. There’s no seal there from the factory, just a screw groove spinning to carry the oil back toward the crank case. 5000 RPM overwhelms it. Leaks at the…[Read more]

Could be good. Note the engine tin goes to the edges of the engine bay. That’s how it should be to keep the motor cool when you’re rolling slow. A dual-carb 1776 should be peppy, I recommend a test drive—and see how recently that motor was installed. Google GEX engines & check reviews on the Samba.

Looks like a better bet. I see a bit of rust on the pan in one of the usual spots. If the engine is right, maybe offer a bit more than half the asking price to start…

Counterpoint: Run (do not walk) as far away as possible.

1. We do not see the chassis. It was made by a guy is all we know. He let it go. Did he know how to build chassis? How to weld? Unknown. The time for driving a bed frame with 400 horsepower on public roads is past.
2. The headers are amazing in that they’re routed away from the starter.…

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TD replica on a Bug pan is fun to autoX but not very effective because the rear weight bias is so substantial. It’s about 65-35, so getting the front wheels to bite is tough. Loads of laughs though: highly recommend.

The various “brands” of this kit—CMC, Fiberfab MiGi, Allison, Grand Duchess, BCW, etc.—are all functionally the same, with one cav…[Read more]

You can drill (or have a machine shop drill) your brake drums to the BMC 4 lug by 4.5 inch lug pattern and then use Triumph TR2/3 bolt on hubs to mount the legit 48 or 60-spoke MWS wheels to your car.

That is what Roy did, and I did the same on mine. Our hubs were 4×130 late model VW hubs though, not your earlier wide 5s.

Given the bolt spacing…[Read more]

To reiterate: This event is held at one of the premier private warbird museums on Planet Earth. There are four or more huge hangars full of WWII and WWI aircraft, and every plane flies. During the show there are usually cool planes taking off and landing. One year the big boss flew his Mustang.

Plane rides can usually be had (not in the Mustang though).

Looking forward to it!

The original top might fit. But I wouldn’t chance it. All the different kit brands are a little different from each other and a little different from the original item.

Best thing is find a place that makes Bimini tops for boats. Extra points if the old top is good enough to take a pattern from.

I would not DiY this job without a big walking…[Read more]