MG TD Replica Car Club | Tom Vilardi | Activity https://tdreplica.com/members/vilardi/activity/ Activity feed for Tom Vilardi. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:07:56 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 7b403e7f4fe4c5bcd126fb4e4caae573 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Fitting Wire Wheels on a MiGi in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/fitting-wire-wheels-on-a-migi/#post-307465 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:20:17 -0500 Does anyone know if the older style Triumph wire wheel set-up also increase the track by 1.25 inches on both sides like the MWS version?

I’m assuming the MSW wheels/rims are 15 inch.  I’m seeing references to the Triumph Spitfire wire rims being 13 inches?  Is that correct?

 

]]> d259cf367abb037c0a835ef07650476b Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Horn in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/horn/#post-306325 Sat, 05 Oct 2019 12:36:24 -0400 Started a new Horn post and then found this one.

I mounted a Lucas Horn button to my dash a few years back and it worked great (I also recessed the radio behind a glovebox door and it eventually fell into the under-dash area and presumably pulled the ground wire from what I think is a relay).  When I discovered this I couldn’t find the original…[Read more]

]]> fab4265ea2d5fab2fa3bff12a9b46a18 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Looking for a 52 MGTD in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/looking-for-a-52-mgtd/#post-305852 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 16:03:38 -0400 And a British Coach Works on Facebook Marketplace in Essex MA for $9720

]]> baae722f4564d89105a5ae25a12893e2 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Looking for a 52 MGTD in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/looking-for-a-52-mgtd/#post-305851 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 16:00:00 -0400 Look on Facebook Marketplace.  There’s a kit in Longmeadow MA (yeah I know it’s not MI) currently for sale $4500

 

]]> b340d8f8a6a526cdc212a6277da2c97e Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Looking for a 52 MGTD in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/looking-for-a-52-mgtd/#post-305846 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 01:18:30 -0500 Garry,

Being that I have one I recommend them, but they are not all Yellow Schweppes Promotional items.  They are “officially” British Coach Works Model 52’s.  Mine (which is Black) even carried a sticker on each side with the word “Ascot” (one of the first things I pulled off of it).  In better weather I see a faded Silver BCW  in Newark on the…[Read more]

]]> 2de465f6aea5791102e8969a02f4d30a Tom Vilardi replied to the topic 1977 chevette ~ clean up engine compartment in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/1977-chevette-clean-up-engine-compartment/#post-305845 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:21:59 -0500 Tetowle,

I’ve got a British Coach Works with a mid 1980’s Chevette Engine and all the associated emissions items (presumably still functioning).  I’ve left it all alone but have seen others remove the air pump and piping, there is also a valve that is either heat or pressure controlled on the neck of the air cleaner cover which I think is…[Read more]

]]> b6073841b7e07f4933a028dfdb2bd273 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Vintage reproduction gages ~ need oil pressure sender. in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/vintage-reproduction-gages-need-oil-pressure-sender/#post-305668 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 14:42:55 -0500 You should look to find the manual (or at least an on-line resource) for your Speedo.  Mine (Classis Instruments Brand) is electronic – (a sensor reads revolutions in the drive train).  There are a series of little switches on the back of the speedo which allow you to increase or decrease speed readings.  I re-adjusted once, which made it be…[Read more]

]]> 501859b09aec2abf2f16b2ccd43fefcf Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Hood Louvers in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/hood-louvers/#post-305667 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 14:26:23 -0500 Hey Ricrx7,

My ’52 BCW TD is a factory build and has the louvres open.  They were routed – probably during assembly.  I have not had heat issues.

I have an original TD Hood top and placed it on top of the BCW hood in comparison.  The BCW hood is about 2 inches longer – so original sides and tops won’t work unless you move the grill back a bi…[Read more]

]]> 6cbc7e02509c3b5ca2162f254c50ba35 Tom Vilardi started the topic British Coach Works currently on Ebay in the forum Running MGTD Kits Cars for Sale https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/british-coach-works-currently-on-ebay/ Mon, 27 Nov 2017 02:43:38 -0500 A pretty clean example of a British Coach Works factory built car on Ebay right now:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-MG-MGB/292345316202?hash=item441123836a:g:b4gAAOSw3s1Z~ZGx&vxp=mtr

]]> 938fbe6f93cdb505e59abe4a8050a74b Tom Vilardi replied to the topic My Ride/My Project in the forum My Project https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/my-ridemy-project/#post-303566 Mon, 08 May 2017 13:27:40 -0400 Sorry for the delay in responding Rabien.  Re. painting the grill I used a Rustoleum Almond Color and painted it on with a disposable sponge brush.  I had previously spray painted the grill a semi-gloss black, so the Almond went right over that with decent coverage.  Has been about a year since I did it and it is holding up just fine.

]]> 1ab3ce6bf7b9a829d3d08a5b0d52fb7f Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Fitting Wire Wheels on a MiGi in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/fitting-wire-wheels-on-a-migi/#post-303565 Fri, 05 May 2017 00:51:54 -0400 My British Coach Works Model ’52 has 14 Inch wheels too mounted with P185 75 R14 tires.  As far as I can tell the wheels are original to the car (factory manufacturered vintage 1986).

I’ve been looking for replacements and there is a Continenal 185 80 R14 called the “Vanco 8” which is the highest aspect ratio (width to height.. the “80”…[Read more]

]]> 6afed527915e51628f97f2616f7c9518 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic On my 3rd engine overheating in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/on-my-3rd-engine-overheating/#post-302831 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 23:21:41 -0500 Hey Elmo,

My mid 80’s British Coach Works has the vents routed out on the sides.  With the exception of one time (hot Summer Day and a slow radiator leak I forgot to check) where I ran hot until I topped things off, my engine seems to cool just fine.

My gut says venting (where the vents are supposed to be) may take care of your problem.

 

 

]]> 8567030fe22c91fa86cc248ca600aa23 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Questions for the Chevette Engine Folks in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/questions-for-the-chevette-engine-folks/#post-302789 Sat, 14 Jan 2017 17:59:38 -0500 Been exactly a year  since I picked up the BCW-TD and still loving it!  Glass is still absolutely still half full, but I’ll use this as an opportunity to go list the “half empty” things and compare with others who have the same factory built car.

  • Oil light goes on and off but the level seems good and nothing else seems out of the ordinary, so I…

[Read more]

]]> 8f88b8ab7b7f0bb04ec8afc956412798 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34075/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:30:28 -0400 ]]> 0 d8169e780d6968ee821b314a51b6c3bc Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34074/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:29:03 -0400 ]]> 0 096157c9e0b81d35296b89fd1e4d9465 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34073/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:25:45 -0400 ]]> 0 4835970f8dc225c57f60f063fc65ea08 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34072/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:23:49 -0400 ]]> 0 9f7b4ce3ae289cdfe21056b42d117b99 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34071/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:21:06 -0400 ]]> 0 da266334756536d0cd335b17dfbb7089 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34070/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:19:36 -0400 ]]> 0 c9c71c0169fdc6ad4e678a3cd0356367 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34069/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:19:25 -0400 ]]> 1 42fb2ac971f2ec288b3110db31442691 Tom Vilardi added a Photo https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/34068/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:16:55 -0400 ]]> 0 db3dc9b8228b0efeb0a8332bb4105bd1 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic may buy another, need some inf in the forum VW Based Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/may-buy-another-need-some-inf/#post-302219 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 03:29:15 -0400 Dennis,

My vote is with British Coach works (of course I own one).  I have had owners of “tin” TD’s remark how they like the way I was able to add a convenient fuel gauge to my dash and incorporate a more modern MG B steering column on my TD….LOL!

99% of the metalwork on it (at least on mine) is original or reproduction to 1952.

Car is about…[Read more]

]]> d39681848b7468bd4503d22cf678ab9b Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Two Possible Cruises in the MidAtlantic in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/two-possible-cruises-in-the-midatlantic/page/2/#post-301642 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 00:32:51 -0400 <table border=”1″ width=”89%” cellpadding=”5″>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align=”left” valign=”top” width=”30%”>October 23, 2016</td>
<td width=”64%”><b>NORTH AMERICAN CECIL KIMBER RUN – CLUB EVENT</b>
A British car tour thru the beautiful Skylands region of northwest New Jersey at peak foliage season with lunch and few surprises on route. Celebrating the…[Read more]

]]> 56c87199e34a2a64648c6cc0221f8125 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Two Possible Cruises in the MidAtlantic in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/two-possible-cruises-in-the-midatlantic/page/2/#post-301641 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 00:30:16 -0400 <table border=”1″ width=”89%” cellpadding=”5″>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align=”left” valign=”top” width=”30%”>September 17, 2016</td>
<td width=”64%”><b>Brits on the Beach 2016: 19th Annual British Car Day at Historic Ocean Grove, NJ. </b>
Presented by the Positive Earth Drivers Club. Judging by participants choice, dash plaques for the first 130 cars.…[Read more]

]]> 76e6d023e07b3ce9677db335a83af55a Tom Vilardi replied to the topic British Coach Works in the forum Running MGTD Kits Cars for Sale https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/british-coach-works-3/#post-301454 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 20:54:03 -0400 Ed (and onyone else who may stumble upon this),

The 14 inch tires I currently have on mine are p185 75 r14.

If I keep the 14 inch wheels I have the tallest tire I can find is a Continental Vanco 8 at 185 80 r14 (which I think is what Mercedez Benz uses on their sprinter vans).

When I look for something taller that the 80% width-to-height ratio…[Read more]

]]> 7111036e612b6ee3ce74cb4b6e8ea451 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic British Coach Works in the forum Running MGTD Kits Cars for Sale https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/british-coach-works-3/#post-301325 Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:56:51 -0400 Ed,  Is this the one you saw?  https://www.roadreadywheels.com/product/nissan-altima-steel-wheel-2/

 

]]> 18873fc5c5024594a38e5bac97a8c7c2 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Uploading Pictures in the forum Member Photo Galleries https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/uploading-pictures-2/page/2/#post-291216 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:24:12 -0400 Thanks Paul and Stephen,

I am well aware that folks have their regular “day” jobs/responsibilities and then pursuits like this.  There’s always something “doing” (or probably about to “do”)  with the BCW, so I liked to keep an eye on this site to hopefully head things off at the pass.

Keep up the good work!

 

]]> 627579f6f2ae66285540d1dc80041e28 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Uploading Pictures in the forum Member Photo Galleries https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/uploading-pictures-2/page/2/#post-289420 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:51:10 -0400 Okay call me stupid.  Where is the “full reply editor icon”?  Because the quick editor (which presumably I’m using here) seems to want me to type in locations extensions, etc.

]]> 5eb9bf631239df453d4fd86e845f137a Tom Vilardi replied to the topic The Complete Buyers Guide to Kit Cars - 1984 in the forum MGTD Kit Cars https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-complete-buyers-guide-to-kit-cars-1984/#post-289029 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 22:47:30 -0400 Great Find Stephen!  Noticed that the reference to the British Coach Works “Model 52” is from before the GM engined (Chevy Chevette/Pontiac 1000) and factory built cars were available.

I’m still learning about my own car and this site, but the front engined BCW TDr variation had a custom frame based on the original TD and did not use the GM…[Read more]

]]> 076eea494df6f812aa47154fdcd6212e Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Craigslist unfiniahed Kit South Jersey in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist-unfiniahed-kit-south-jersey/#post-284589 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 23:23:01 -0400 I’d say they are all legitimate, but often folks often have no clue what these things are…. especially if inherited from old Uncle Bill or Grandpa.  The TDr’s from people who know what they are were up above $10K and I didn’t think it was worth posting here.

]]> 2ae6dc2a179d13504b136097f0962f26 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Craigslist unfiniahed Kit South Jersey in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist-unfiniahed-kit-south-jersey/#post-284532 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:25:51 -0400 And this on in Rochelle Park NJ:

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5664477404.html

]]> b9d5c31ed703f16e2be9bab0c0b60643 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Craigslist unfiniahed Kit South Jersey in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist-unfiniahed-kit-south-jersey/#post-284531 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:24:50 -0400 And this one in Old Bridge NJ:

https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/5583017943.html

]]> 2a0aeb9c1df2fb7a78535681a8a34fff Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Craigslist unfiniahed Kit South Jersey in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist-unfiniahed-kit-south-jersey/#post-284530 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:23:44 -0400 And this one in Brooklyn:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ctd/5650631482.html

]]> 2535a77644ed2f5f4d8b52c0ca29afac Tom Vilardi started the topic Craigslist unfiniahed Kit South Jersey in the forum Classifieds https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist-unfiniahed-kit-south-jersey/ Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:20:19 -0400 Saw thsi today:

https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/5636493398.html

 

]]> 80c4d321b24cef52c5bb0e2c4ef12219 Tom Vilardi started the topic Craigslist in the forum Car Registry https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/craigslist/ Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:18:05 -0400 Saw this today – located at the Jersey Shore.

https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/5636493398.html

]]> a35079c22963c75d9b214048e9aa2010 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic The Race of Gentlemen. Anyone been to this? in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-race-of-gentlemen-anyone-been-to-this/#post-278238 Tue, 28 Jun 2016 01:57:47 -0400 When one consider’s that the Mini Cooper’s are produced at a BMW plant in Oxfordshire whilst others (larger Countryman) are produced by Magna Steyr in Austria (as well as my wife’s old E500 4-Matic Mercedes Benz, the Aston Martin Rapide, Deisel Jeep Commander and even the Puch (non moped – 4 wheel variant)), one begins to wonder exactly what is…[Read more]

]]> 5c4df1811aeb67884383335438294ecd Tom Vilardi replied to the topic The Race of Gentlemen. Anyone been to this? in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/the-race-of-gentlemen-anyone-been-to-this/#post-278236 Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:27:24 -0400 I’d do it too but the link I saw says the cars need to be pre-1934.

There is, however, something called the “Cecil Kimber Run” (Oct. 23 – hosted by a Brit car group in NJ) which starts at the Yetter’s Diner in Agusta NJ (Route 206/15) and runs up towards High Point and eventually to some place near Port Jervis (where NY/NJ/PA all come…[Read more]

]]> 46f73fab30c902a5bafe289c08073677 Tom Vilardi changed their profile picture https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/4765/ Thu, 23 Jun 2016 23:46:19 -0400 0 7d44870acda79acfed280bc4e453f80d Tom Vilardi changed their profile picture https://tdreplica.com/activity/p/4764/ Thu, 23 Jun 2016 23:43:40 -0400 0 81843f31d6a99ded9b175fcc23f6c081 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic 52 mg td chevette help in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/52-mg-td-chevette-help/#post-268289 Sat, 04 Jun 2016 14:26:24 -0400 I double checked – it is a Chevette engine, BUT without alot of the pollution control crap that mine still has.  Funny thing is that yours does have a shroud over the pulley system (mine does not) so that you won’t catch your necktie whilst working on the beast!

If you don’t have the air-pump and set-up of a line to the cat, your front belt system…

[Read more]

]]> 7cf3687ff220cccf31251b03771389e6 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic 52 mg td chevette help in the forum Chevy/Ford Kits https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/52-mg-td-chevette-help/#post-268284 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 20:40:29 -0400 Not sure that is a Chevette Engine.  Mine is “painfully” 1980’s stock and it looks significantly different. 

The Pontiac T1600 (I think that is what it was called) was another variation of the GM Engine used in BCW Model 52’s – which I think were 99.9% identical to the Chevy Engine.  
Were Ford engines used in MiGi’s too?

Tom
]]> 8c92b95f5c2a63ab937b5b34b797d859 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Manufacturer Comparison in the forum Manufacturer Comparison https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/manufacturer-comparison/page/4/#post-250730 Sun, 29 May 2016 22:18:11 -0400 Just read we’ll be migrating to a new forum, but here are some of my add-ons to Edsnova’s BCW “VW-Based-home-built” features list from a Front-Engined GM/Chevette Factory Built perspective.

99.9% of Ed’s information is the same but there are some slight differences.
Seats on the front engined cars (FE) are adjustable on the bottoms – probably with…

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]]> 93ae01e55d5b4a4ef9c4f2e5de5897c6 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic MGTD/MGTDR Comments? in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mgtdmgtdr-comments/#post-268117 Sun, 22 May 2016 09:58:46 -0400 Thanks for the dimension comparison – that’s what I was looking for.  I knew the TD hood was shorter by at least two inches from the TDr because I have an original as a comparison. 

I’ll have to check my BCW rear fenders against original photos.  
Are the MGA wires 15 inch or 14 inch?  Are you able to run tubeless radials on them?  
Personally I woul…

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]]> 9d8ce0ad2a6ebff643838a7baad6dcca Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Windwing Hardware in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/windwing-hardware/page/2/#post-267186 Thu, 19 May 2016 19:18:45 -0400 Newkitman,  

Check out Ebay too.  
I got a new (old/original) pair of wing (fender) mirrors and some other bits and bobs for around $20. 
I think the fender mirrors are almost useless and seemed to be more of an American import option for the tin-TD’s.
Tom 
]]> 22680b50648dc9774fa516f2876d4718 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Modifying Gauges in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/modifying-gauges/#post-268063 Sun, 15 May 2016 17:59:44 -0400 Newkitman,  

The Classic Gauge Volt meter is VERY simple to add.  In my case I removed the low voltage light and hooked it up with the same wires.  
Works like a charm and matches the other (now 35 year old) Gas and Water Gauge.
Tom    
]]> cd5aead3b971385435cb4d63f0e844b1 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Windwing Hardware in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/windwing-hardware/page/2/#post-267181 Sun, 15 May 2016 08:36:56 -0400 Thanks Ed, Makes sense that they would not have two slightly different moulds.  Rick is the only one with the old and new, so I’m looking forward to what he may uncover.  

]]> 0d4501fa08fd6ea51596a81792b36992 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Windwing Hardware in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/windwing-hardware/page/2/#post-267179 Sun, 15 May 2016 06:44:17 -0400 Side louvers are open on my car, but made of fiberglass.  I obtained a steel TD top pf hood to campare to the current fiberglass one and while the curveture and where the sides and top meet are exactly the same, the original maybe approximately two inches shorter.  Not sure why.  

The placement of the grill and everything seems to be all in pr…

[Read more]

]]> d3185f4872df5aef4dbd1e51bd9c9bb5 Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Windwing Hardware in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/windwing-hardware/page/2/#post-267176 Sat, 14 May 2016 15:32:04 -0400 I remember you were considering getting it.  There is a Triumph powered tin-TD nearby (northern NJ) for $14,900 and another one (with original motor) in Western CT for $14,500.  Both seemed to be well priced.

I finally had an opportunity to compare the BCW-TD to a tin-TD and the lack of even just a few scant inches (maybe 2) made the tin-version s…

[Read more]

]]> f85b7051280cd9d1784c0b050ad88e2e Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Windwing Hardware in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/windwing-hardware/page/2/#post-267173 Sat, 14 May 2016 09:04:02 -0400 Rick,  

Did you pick up that re-engined TD?  I notice a cream and brown one in the distance.  Whever did your car originally took the extra steps to incorporate as much original stuff as possible – including the wheel.  Have you tried wrapping it with leather?  That might thicken it up a bit for you, but if you need more room, a smaller wheel (I t…

[Read more]

]]> dc8cf1234bec9bd7b9e87444d4fdcdab Tom Vilardi replied to the topic Modifying Gauges in the forum General Discussion https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/modifying-gauges/#post-268059 Thu, 12 May 2016 22:18:02 -0400 Rick,  

I think Silver is more common, but will defer to others.  
I have an electronic Classic Gauges speedo, Tach in my BCW, which is smaller than the original TD Gauges. 
Issue I have is that I don’t know where the sender is actually located on the drivetrain and I’ve yet to nail down a switch sequence (those who have “classic instruments” know wh…

[Read more]

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