MG TD Replica Car Club | Roland Smullen | Activity https://tdreplica.com/members/rollie/activity/ Activity feed for Roland Smullen. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:19:20 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 ceaa49688abbd8e478c4271ed6c12645 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/12/#post-252722 Mon, 20 May 2013 11:23:55 -0400 Louise and I want to thank all of you for your wonderful hospitality and being so friendly. This was our first time to Carlisle, and we couldn’t have had a better time, or felt more at home in the group. It was a pleasure to put faces to the names from the web site, and to realize the huge amount or knowledge and experience assembled. The cars…[Read more]

]]> ac98e19a2e3b44208b7e8a60add88e14 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/8/#post-252622 Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:18:35 -0400 I’me 71, maybe we need our own class, laugh

]]> de398d4e4bf5f5b14af7765611c0ec05 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/6/#post-252566 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:53:58 -0400 Thanks

]]> 2eaa61d6ca6a71a4dae347fc8acb5b2e Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/6/#post-252564 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:56:20 -0400

Sounds like fun, I’me in. Thanks for the info. I guess you sign up when you get there.

]]> be7427bf67638f8759d02be89667c695 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/6/#post-252561 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:32:20 -0400 OOPS, sorry for blank post. We have never been to the show, so are unaware of what the AUTOX is, or how one signs up. Could you explain ?

]]> ad4f68c93b0ccc990a2e93bf7704f17b Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/page/6/#post-252559 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:38:55 -0400  Louise and I are still planning to come. Finally got the wiring installed for the trailer brakes on the Roadtrek. Why they didn’t install it at the factory is beyond me. The weather is starting to get warmer so about time for the annual Tinkerbelle waxing. Interesting how the finish fades so over the winter. A treatment with Meguiar’s Color X,…[Read more]

]]> e2df97869524be369be22928234a0673 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Carlisle 2013 in the forum Clubs and Show https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/carlisle-2013-2/#post-252440 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:33:07 -0500 Louise and I are registered to attend. We will be towing Tinker-belle with our Roadtrek camper and camping on the grounds. Louise is an accomplished knitter, and would be delighted if others were interested also. Looking VERY forward to May.   Rollie

]]> c660c61fbef613b6232c4d78a1e08c6f Roland Smullen replied to the topic newbie in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/newbie-3/#post-252417 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:26:19 -0500 About 3 years ago , I bought a 1980 Fiber Fab/VW. I have had 14 motorcycles over the years, plus 2 more my wife owned, but I was very surprised how little I went riding after I got the car. I spent the time tinkering with the MG, hence the name “Tinker-belle”. My wife didn’t really like the bikes anymore, so I sold them, and don’t really miss…[Read more]

]]> 5fcd192b54e9b394e8a8c24b112ec3c2 Roland Smullen replied to the topic bumper guards in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/bumper-guards/#post-252406 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:48 -0500 Thank you very much. Mine are very rusty on the back bumper. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.  Rollie

]]> 11e922fa8a326be21c43199c7a59aeb9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Oil is killing our cars to. in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/oil-is-killing-our-cars-to/#post-251946 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:19:48 -0400 http://www.classiccarmotoroil.com

]]> 81917fb77c1b94ba3f57207ec793ebe9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Wiring in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/wiring-5/#post-250025 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:04:02 -0400 I went the opposite direction. The wiring in Tinkerbelle was awful, and I just tore it all out. I went one circuit at a time , all fused and with relays. What a difference ! The headlights and fog lights are the most notable improvement. It seemed easier to start at the battery, and run the wires where I wanted them, one at a time, than to figure…[Read more]

]]> 20ceaa9392f7ec2dc238f54887114459 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Average Age of a TD Replica Owner in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/average-age-of-a-td-replica-owner/page/2/#post-249059 Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:18:10 -0500 71 in July, had Tinkerbelle 3 years.

]]> 592320a7fe87d99f960ab2e34a93011a Roland Smullen replied to the topic New member Shifting Question in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-member-shifting-questin/#post-245771 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:04:50 -0400 For what it’s worth, I mostly run mine by the tachometer. I usually run it
between 2000 -4000 rpm. I am also going 60 mph in 4th at 3000 rpm.

]]> 9c82af5f9266547bc3fec04de2b119c1 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Normal operating oil temp ? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/normal-operating-oil-temp/page/2/#post-245715 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:52:58 -0400 I checked my sending unit by putting it in boiling water for a 210?F reading.
The operating temp. lowered considerably when I got rid of the “bag of
snakes” exhaust muffler. It was trapping heat in the engine compartment. I
replaced it with a single pipe “GT” style ( EMPI # 3487 ) that allowed air to
exit out between the bumper/rear deck and the…[Read more]

]]> 99b856cfc087f87e864e276502adb39f Roland Smullen replied to the topic Fuel and Oil ?? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/fuel-and-oil/#post-244469 Mon, 23 May 2011 15:52:19 -0400 FYI , Classic car Motor oil is $64.50 per 12 qt. case , INCLUDING shipping.
That equals $5.38 per quart, at your door. It is 15-w40 with 1600 ppm ZDDP

]]> 2b06b96e558d51f85d635bd1f3bcfba1 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Fuel and Oil ?? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/fuel-and-oil/#post-244464 Wed, 18 May 2011 10:22:55 -0400 You might check out http://www.classiccarmotoroil.com . I use and like it a lot. It
doesn’t leak out near as bad as Mobil 1 did. Seems to run cool, has a zinc
package, and really hangs on the dip stick, so I don’t think it drains off the
internal parts like some oils do. Expensive, but much less than a new engine.
Rollie

]]> 9443af94a4a49fac5401a7702cc9200c Roland Smullen replied to the topic License plate in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/license-plate/#post-243712 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:37:25 -0500 It says what it is, laugh. A VW in drag.

]]> 1da93b1cb182bbfa65ff2c5689b373ed Roland Smullen replied to the topic Meguiars ultimate compound in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/meguiars-ultimate-compound/#post-242820 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:20:57 -0500 There ! How is that for a 30 year old fiberglass shine ? As you can see , the
fender tips are a little dull, glazed, not quite as shinny, as other parts. The
finish was nice without the wax, but I wanted to save/protect what I had and
used the paste wax over it. I am thrilled !

]]> 108b9d8ebf46f6cc108656dce40185dd Roland Smullen replied to the topic Meguiars ultimate compound in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/meguiars-ultimate-compound/#post-242819 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:11:02 -0500

]]> 55c4e6be2cce5d2df6f82afd356998b5 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Meguiars ultimate compound in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/meguiars-ultimate-compound/#post-242817 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:29:54 -0500 Tried to post picture….didn’t work. sorry

]]> 41ba68e6f704e229c07b498eeb553129 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Meguiars ultimate compound in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/meguiars-ultimate-compound/#post-242816 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:27:49 -0500 Larry, I looked at it this morning, cloudy day , and I didn’t notice the effect
you mentioned. May be the difference in the color, light vs. dark

/Users/momdad/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2010/Nov 16,
2010/SN850776.JPG

]]> d8b4c3621d8aa12335f48de4449dedec Roland Smullen replied to the topic Meguiars ultimate compound in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/meguiars-ultimate-compound/#post-242814 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:35:33 -0500 After 30 years, the finish varies a lot on my car. More protected areas like
the side panels with the louvers , are brilliant, but the front tips of the
fenders, back bumper area, etc. are shinny but not as deep. My finish was so
faded and dull, I was thinking of repainting. But hated the thought. There
appears to be a chemical action also, as…[Read more]

]]> be7720c261d55e31b11b560d5340d2d9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241066 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:36:19 -0400 Thanks for the compliments,the mirrors were on the fenders, but were showing star burst cracks in the fenders at the mtg. holes, so I plugged them and put the mirrors on the windshield. The windshield frame had a bunch of holes already in it, so I just used 2 all ready there. An up close look at both the windshild frame and mirrors would su…[Read more]

]]> 9260c9b936eb6cff2342c867aef641f5 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241063 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:21:19 -0400 Tank view

]]> 7edbb0f063304d5ec1cd21d2a40ee1c9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241062 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:17:40 -0400 Up date: The wiring was bad and needed replacement. I drew up a custom al. 8 gal tank, and had it welded up by a local fab. shop, and then replaced ALL wires. Took 3 weeks. The tank was $220, but is exactly what I needed, and gave me room for a relay/fuse panel under the hood. It is a total sucess. I  will try to post pictures. Now about that swe…[Read more]

]]> fa7906dd2a91183f99cef3122c12fa8f Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241061 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:10:19 -0400 Yes, it is tempting to just hacksaw it off…..but…I think I will fill it with water 1st. I remember an old powerboat safety film where they threw a cup of gas into the engine compartment of an old boat and sparked it. It blew the boat to pieces. Good reminder, thanks

]]> 357f3956915ecc91b0b9b88f9a5e5a92 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241059 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:45:59 -0400 Mine is similar, but comes back more before it turns up. This keeps the flow from getting a straight shot into the tank. The pipe parts are welded to the stock filler. I think if I take the tank off and cut off the filler next to the weld, I can put on a hose and change the angle to alow a good flow. The tank seems in good shape so I’ll try that…[Read more]

]]> 3695b6f3083dce3d498fbc4c1ae19a1b Roland Smullen replied to the topic Turn signal replacement in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/turn-signal-replacement-2/#post-240836 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:33:02 -0400 Good one ! I’ll do that.

]]> c58b7dad0e23c790f5c0c423f2e13e17 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Turn signal replacement in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/turn-signal-replacement-2/#post-240833 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:43:58 -0400 When I got my car, the signals didn’t work, and when I moved the wheel forward, wasn’t room for a replacement anyway. Not knowing about the bus option, I drill a hole in the dash near the left side of the wheel that I could reach with my little finger with my hand on the wheel. I installed and wired a “on-off-on” toggle switch. Now I just flick up…[Read more]

]]> a5d9f813aa2442bf3f195d128826ddd7 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241056 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:30:16 -0400 Excellent ideas ! I will research new tanks more, as the cheapest was $175 and I could get a round hot rod tank ( without fuel gauge pad ) from Coyote-Gear for $159. Also a short flexable fuel filler hose and cap would allow the gas nozzle to go in almost into the tank and pop off when nearly full, without the splash back. Then the filler and c…[Read more]

]]> 71eece48f2739f1c22b614f7beece5af Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241053 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:16:39 -0400 Thanks for the offer,I actually happen to have that info, and the tank doesn’t appear to have been modified but for the fill pipe. The tank is a 1969 tank and I thought it good to just replace it, as it could be marginal. I also thought it would be simple,  laugh. If I come up with a solution, I will post it.  Thanks for your offer.   Rollie

]]> 91a0faaf75f16111b9266737b35bfac7 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Replacement Fuel tanks in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/replacement-fuel-tanks/#post-241051 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:18:12 -0400 Thanks for your comments. Well, it looks like my kit was designed for the stock VW tank. Not too much else fits with enough capacity. The marine topside 6.5 gal tank ( $27.99, West Marine ) would fit, but the dash fuel gauge wouldn’t work. The Below deck marine tanks ( expensive, most over $200+ ) have fuel gauge fittings, but require a hose and f…[Read more]

]]> 46a9c5a9c193a542ec8cf30ec6055d90 Roland Smullen replied to the topic "NEW" Grill Badges are HERE now in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-grill-badges-are-here-now/#post-240801 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:15:48 -0400 Hi Bill,
       Mine came in yesterday, and what a nice badge! Did I get the best one, or are they all this nice ? laugh. Thanks again for taking the time and money to do this. Rollie

]]> cb2e21b4a985472374f7aaf328b4503a Roland Smullen replied to the topic "NEW" Grill Badges are HERE now in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/new-grill-badges-are-here-now/#post-240795 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:49:35 -0400  
my order is on the way. Thanks for doing this Bill.    Rollie

]]> 35a1421deef7474b84cac8685015f916 Roland Smullen replied to the topic MGTD Kit car suspension in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mgtd-kit-car-suspensin/page/2/#post-236206 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:01:08 -0500 Thank you very much for the pictures. They are a big help. I will be away for Jan. and part of Feb. but will get into this when I return. This sounds like a much better way @ $50 than $300. I likely wouldn’t do it @ $300. Thanks,    Rollie

]]> c422ad594a842a3bcb3dcae3e0036aba Roland Smullen replied to the topic MGTD Kit car suspension in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mgtd-kit-car-suspensin/page/2/#post-236204 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:07:42 -0500 Thanks for the response, I haven’t done anything yet. Been pondering the better ride, handling, and more up suspension, vs. the $300 for the adj. beams and the fact I can go 65 mph actual, without the front end lifting and getting light. I have a welding shop nearby that has done some reall nice work, so your idea sounds really good. Thanks for…[Read more]

]]> 9b3c0dd7c92f25b0c77aebf775171348 Roland Smullen replied to the topic BADGES ARE AGAIN AVAILABLE in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/badges-are-again-available/#post-240338 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:51:32 -0500 I’ll buy one also

]]> 480a7dba6dbcb0abee1192be72b99685 Roland Smullen replied to the topic MGTD Kit car suspension in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mgtd-kit-car-suspensin/#post-236202 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:09:39 -0500 After reading all of this, I can see that my car has the same problems. I have 2″ clearence between the fenders and the tires, and 1″ up travel only. It looks like the cure is to buy the cip1 adjustable twin beams # c24-113-401-021-fcsp @ $ 278.15 plus sh. The lower beam only, was cut and the clamp rotated foreward. I am thinking this brought t…[Read more]

]]> 0f0d2f6a8940c7047da247663a93c108 Roland Smullen replied to the topic VW exhaust system in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/vw-exhaust-system/#post-239276 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:43:58 -0400 Hi, ” pink mg ” is correct, I installed the #3487. He is correct again in that #3487 allows you to retain the heat tubes. I have about 1500 miles on it, and think it is perfect. I can hear conversation at 60 mph, but if I give it the gas, it has a nice sound. It really doesn’t sound much like a VW eather. The big advantage is the lower operating…[Read more]

]]> 3e96a811b2feeb5f4b54aa316e0e10c5 Roland Smullen replied to the topic 20f cooler ? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/20f-cooler/#post-239404 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:38:55 -0400 The stalling would happen after I sat at a long red light. It would run rougher and rougher until it quit. It was idling at about 900 rpm, and would keep running if I kept my foot on the gas and the idle 1200 – 1500. It would skip and sputter even at that. As soon as I took off and got moving, it would clear right up. I think you are right, it was…[Read more]

]]> 5332b69d1166ac8c48804c55ae74f1e9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic 20f cooler ? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/20f-cooler/#post-239402 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:20:01 -0400 Thanks for the comments. Another clue: after the engine was up to temperature, it would stall at red lights. I noticed when I would get home, that the gas was bubbling in the clear plastic of the fuel filter. Hummmmm…..vapor lock ?  I rerouted the fuel line when I changed the muffler and it never stalled once today. Possibly the engine c…[Read more]

]]> df32f779b8e448b7564d905a1ad11d33 Roland Smullen replied to the topic Oil Temperature Sensor in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/oil-temperature-sensor/#post-239172 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:33:51 -0400 I checked the accuracy of my new oil pan drain plug sender by putting it in boiling water, it read 210 F….. after I remembered to ground it. Duh.

]]> 8e431c5bcc5ffaa21cc8727a9e8bd510 Roland Smullen replied to the topic "MG" horn ? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-horn/#post-239258 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:27:39 -0400 I got the J C Whitney horns and they are SUPER ! I drove around all afternoon , hoping someone would cut me off, darn, no luck. Thanks for the tip ! Rollie

]]> e7542735da8e5eda6544e63bff8c825c Roland Smullen replied to the topic VW exhaust system in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/vw-exhaust-system/#post-239271 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:22:42 -0400 Well I put the muffler on, and it is a total success ! It clears the deck by a lot and eliminates the heat issue in that area. I really like the sound, kind of a deep burble. No popping on decelleration and at 60 mph , you can still hear it , but it is not load. And…. The muffler doesn’t show and the single pipe looks great ! Thanks for the…[Read more]

]]> 7a43fca7142bf1f296d087dbde65d5f9 Roland Smullen replied to the topic VW exhaust system in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/vw-exhaust-system/#post-239270 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:45:33 -0400 Thanks ! I like the idea of a mellow sound. I have to smile when someone with a small car with a loud muffler screams through the gears, as a large suv purrrs past it to the next light. I like the #55-3417, but it has the #2 & #4 pipes still high, and for some reason the rear deck will actually sit on them unless shimmed up. Guess I will try the…[Read more]

]]> df3cb0c2ff2ad4012bf15d14bdfc03f8 Roland Smullen replied to the topic gauges gauges gauges in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/gauges-gauges-gauges/#post-239308 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:01:29 -0400 Hi, I went to http://www.egauges.com and went with the VDO Cockpit Royal group as that group had a oil temperature gauge. I e-mailed the co. and told them what kit car on what doner car I had and they responded with the sender numbers to match the chosen gauges. I have a speedometer, tach, volt, fuel, and oil temp gauges on the way. Haven’t seen them y…[Read more]

]]> adefcb454fae5bc03fa2916857c7acef Roland Smullen replied to the topic "MG" horn ? in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-horn/#post-239256 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:06:00 -0400 Wow ! You all have the situation covered ! Air horns it is ! Thanks for the source also. Will order them tonight. These cars are so much fun, both to drive and to work on. Thanks a lot, Rollie

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