I found two comprehensive key blank cross reference documents. Neither has a Cole GE30.

This document shows dozens of Cole key codes, but no pics of the blanks: https://manuals.plus/m/88ed988d42caa0b42c8f9c3eb732893741923435c464ddfbb9205bb6b013e902

This document shows pictures of key blanks, perhaps you will be able to…[Read more]

Are you able to share some details on the car you are selling?

Thanks!

Many on the list are no longer active, but I have not deleted anyone. History means something!

Also, I do not know how to update the map which @Ray10 created. Ray’s most recent activity in…[Read more]

Neither group is on the alpha list, so I didn’t search the map.

Sad, there is no reserved show field space for the Speedster Owners Group. Guess the numbers have dropped too far.

I’m still funding this personally. So please consider helping out!

I’m still about $200 out of pocket, and that would bring us to only zero, it will not cover any future expenses.

So please consider helping out (if you haven’t already!

My address is in the initial post.

Thanks!

I have to miss the Virginia Beach show this year. Hopefully back on the calendar next year!

That said, we incurred an additional expense for a two year extension on our WordFence security package.

Our total deficit stands at ($297.56).

I made sure our good friend Stephen Houser has been reimbursed for his out-of-pocket. So that deficit had come out of my pocket. It’s truly sad t…[Read more]

We still have a gap of $282.58 needed to cover the out of pocket expenses incurred by Stephen and me.

Thanks again to all who have donated.

But at the end of the day, only seven members have stepped up. Please consider helping out!

Leave it uncovered!

We are still in need of donations.

I’m out of pocket $395.64 for a three year site registration fee, and Stephen Houser is out of pocket $149.00 for enhanced security protection as we continue to deal with spammers.

Since I first posted on July 14, 2025, I have received a total of $100 from four forum members.
Thank you…[Read more]

Classic…[Read more]

There is not direct source for a TD replica large diameter fuel hose.

Measure the pipe (which is likely two inches but I’m not 100% certain). Then just search xx inch fuel hose. I found many sources for fuel resistant 2″ hose.

It’s been over three years since I solicited donations. But the time has come.

A couple months ago I reimbursed Stephen for a three year renewal for our domain license. That payment was $395.00. I came close to a break even point three years ago; but have now paid out $403.50.

Membership to the f…[Read more]

Hello (again)

I did find someone selling a manual. Sad that folks want to make money off this. But if you are truly in need …

https://www.mgmagicclassicmotorparts.com/assembly-manual-marlene/

Paul

Regrettably, Classic Roadsters Ltd. Closed their door decades ago. We have their assembly manual for a VW based Duchess (their TD replica). But we don’t have a Marlene manual. Sorry!

Paul

I just searched for “seat belts with mg logo” and found many vendors in addition to the traditional ones you mention. Ranged from eBay and Etsy to known parts vendors.

Here’s a history I wrote about Classic Roadsters Ltd.: https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/classic-roadsters-ltd-history/

Originals were screwed to the dash with Phillips head screws. They were also usually painted black or tan.

Nothing wrong with going with a polished plate. You might have to make that plate look worse before it gets better; sanding with increasingly fine sandpaper, then polish (similar to sanding and polishing modern headlights).

First, let’s find out what your actual gas mileage is. We’d be able to offer better opinions.

Meanwhile … I had a VW based TDr with a dual port, dual carb, 1776cc engine. Normal mixed local/highway use was a little over 20 mpg.

Rene, you can determine the year of the donor VW using this chart

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php

Don’t think I can help with determining the year of your kit.

Paul

It may have been used as the VIN for the MG replica. But that varies by state.

I have seen folks asking $15k and even higher. I think that’s unreasonable. You can get a fairly clean, drivable original TD for that money.

For a clean, running TDr, $5 to $10k seems to be in the ballpark. But it better be a very…[Read more]

Welcome!

You need a early VW bus speedometer cable. They are approx 6 feet 9 inches

Here’s one for ‘…[Read more]

I see a lot of ads in the $15k range. You can find clean original TDs for that price. And while I wish it were so, I stand by my opinion that these are not fifteen thousand dollar cars.

The eBay post Mark shared ended with no sale. Of course, that could mean the dealer sold it outside of eBay.

H5351754

H5 1968-69 1500cc 44bhp DIN, 53HP SAE M157 USA/Canada

The rest of it is just a serial number.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/engine_letters.php

Happy you found your answer here!

This isn’t going to directly answer your question…but…

Shocks should not be used to level a car or adjust ride height. The earlier term for shocks (dampers) is far more descriptive of their sole purpose. They control rebound, when your suspension is compressed.

If the car is not sitting level, there must be some other issue going on.…[Read more]

The fuse box in my Duchess was under the dash, on the top left side of the bulkhead.

I emailed you a couple weeks ago, using the email in your profile (I’m an admin, so I can see that info). Did you receive it?

How to describe sound with words… how about enhanced VW? Slightly louder than a stock VW, but a much nicer sound. Certainly not overbearing. Not sure it factors into your equation, but more info better than less … this was on a 1776 VW engine.

Top down, just a nice burble from the rear. Top up, seems the roof acts like a megaphone,…[Read more]

I’m trying to help a person in Lancaster sell an almost completed VW based TD. She is asking $4,000. But I believe will take resonable offers. The car is in Lancaster Pennsylvania.

Send me your email and I will send pics.

I was about tp post it in the classifieds. But figure I’d give you a first shot.

Is your new radio a DIN mount unit?

You need a universal mounting bracket like the one below, and will probably have to fabricate a simple bracket to support the rear, which you can tie into the firewall.…[Read more]

If you need a replacement: https://www.jbugs.com/product/211941521.html

You should need an adaptor if your TDr has a VW steering column.

A word of caution, measure carefully. Most VW wheels are over 15 inch diameter. Make sure you have the lap and leg room.

The included adaptors vary by year of the VW.

Here’s one example to get you s…[Read more]

I had a wooden shifter knob with the correct pattern for a VW. But that was my choice.

reality is it was rarely oriented correctly. The entire shifter tends to turn in the socket that connects it to the shift rod in the tunnel.

You mentioned being unsure about the year of your VW donor.

The VW VIN is stamped into the center tunnel, right next to the access panel for the shift rod to transaxle coupling (under you seat!)

Once you have the VIN, look it up here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php

As the engine may not have come from…[Read more]

Kit part supplies are limited. Body parts almost non-existent. Various trim and roof/side curtains for FiberFab cars are available from MG Magic. https://mgmagicclassicmotorparts.com/

Some trim pieces are reproduction TD parts. Headlight shells, door handles, stuff like that. Moss Motors is a good place to turn.…[Read more]

Thanks!