Beck vs Vintage?

Hi,

I

from my short time following the boards here, people might tell you that Intermeccanica is the premier as far as build quality.

Nathan, that's a conclusion some owners here have reached, but the usual wisdom is for folks interested in these cars to thoroughly research what they think they want before diving in.
In order to help with that process, a number of SOC members have posted their specific comments about what they like and don't like about their rides, and the site has a section on it you can use to see what the companies which make them say about themselves.
That section, Michael, is here:
https://www.speedsterowners.com/makers/
It's a tab on the folio line at the top of the page. I'd strongly encourage you to have a look at it and then focus specifically on what you might like in a Speedster, Coupe or Roadster version of these neat little cars.
There's generally something available for every budget. Some are more expensive than others, some are less refined and most leak when it rains. You being in Southern California have the advantage of being close (right up and right down the 5) to a couple manufacturers.
We also generally encourage prospective owners to go and have a look at the facilities where the cars are made and to talk to the people who produce them -- and we almost universally let those folks hop in and ride our cars for a bit to see what the "SEG" factor is.
Most of the makers' websites are linked from the page above. Some of them have gone out of business for one reason or another, but the majority are there.
For example, Classic Motor Carriages is the company which supplied the kit my car was originally built from; they're long defunct and the company is back now as Street Beasts. I don't know that I'll ever speak highly of my car in its original form, but there are many here whose CMC or SB cars have done them right as rain. Others like their cars with water-cooled engines instead of VW or Porsche. Still others go completely their own way, using just the shape as a constant.
They're all cool. Whatever you do, don't just nab the first one that comes your way! Ask lots of questions, and be sure to look critically at your wants and needs first.
Even the search is fun! Let us know if you have specific questions. That's what we're all here for.

Mike;
VS: Kirk assembles a nice ride and availablty is rather quick,built on a VW shortened & refurbished chassis.
Beck: the Hines family produces a quality custom tube frame product, you can custom order mostly any variation.
JPS: A step up from VS also built on a VW shortened & refurbished chassis. John Steele does a lot of one off special requests.
IM: Top of the line quality and top pricing that is justified in the product. Custom built tube chassis.
Go to the makers tap and read their info as well as continue here to get additional questions answered , if possible it is well worth the time to actually see the cars first hand and if time permits do so by visiting the different manufactures.

Mike,

The problems you have heard about regarding the Beck are related to some builds done by third party distributors who buy kits from Special Editions (the US importer and partner with Chamonix) and then assemble and sell them. I can assure you that when you deal directly with Special Edition you will be treated wonderfully. The Hines family stands behind their product. I also have to brag that at my first local VW show I took Best Paint, Best Custom, and Dealer's Choice. As for the color selection you mentioned, I think Special Editions needs to update their site because the colors aren't entirely correct. Also, they'll happily do any custom paint color you want.

I see two other advantages to the Beck that go beyond the frame. First the interior is probably the roomiest of the Speedsters, and second, as shown on the website, their top is a full frame folding top much like a Miata. I can raise the top without leaving the driver's seat.

Full disclosure: I am a happy Beck owner who received the car built at last year's Carlisle show, so I am not entirely unbiased.

As for the others, I think Alan summarized them well. I will say that John Steele at JPS also makes a beautiful product for a reasonable price, and he is close to your location. His fit and finish is second to none.

Lane

Mr. Douglas:

I loved that movie you were in a while back, were you played that guy and did all of those cool things, and were able to make out with that hot chick!

I have a VS and I love it but I'd be the first one to say that a tube frame is better than a pan based car in the way it handles and in the way of rigidity. Also on Becks you have more leg room. For my tastes, expectations and budget the Vintage Speedster is perfect but that varies from person to person. Please also bear in mind that all these cars are specially built and need some tweaking to get them perfect; they're not a regular new production car.

Odwagerty, you mean the chick without the underpants?????
That WAS hot!!!!!!

Unfortunatly were not one in the same guy. Thanks for your responce.

So what manufacturer apart from Intermecanica has the closest to the origonal:Ref: Vintage Speedster & beck

1- exterier dimmensions
2- interier dimmensions and shape
3- engine bay layout
4- seating verus peddles
5- what ever else there is
6- convertable top aligning correctle with windshield

I see differances between the VS and beck but dont know what compares to the origonal.

I heard that the VS dosnt drive as solid as the beck. But seeing the reinforced box steel VS now uses on there VW pan I do not see how this flexes any more than the beck ladder frame would.

I have also seen some material out there showing a tube frame jack test versus pan based. After seeing and talking with VS regarding there version of a pan based speedster i have been reassured that this is not the case any more and has not been for quite some while.

I look forward to everyones responce

Thanks

Mike

I doubt that the differences in solidity would be noticeable under most circumstances. As for "correctness", I think that they both take minor liberties. The Vintage (and all VW-based Speedsters) have a slightly narrower passenger compartment, while the Beck is actually wider than the original without the ridge between the seat and the door. In that regard neither is truly correct. The Vintage dash does not have upholstery from door to door, nor does it have the pad across the face of the dash. The Beck has these, but the pad is a different shape. Both have non-original door interior door panels. Anyway, you see where I'm going, don't you? Both are good, Both are distinguishable from an original once you've studied them a bit. You have to ask yourself how much small differences matter to you. If correctness is a major factor and you don't want to pony up the buck$ for an IM, look at a JPS. John Steele uses a basic design very similar to Vintage, but he takes extreme care on fit, finish, and any custom touches the customer wants. He's also a stickler for correctness unless the customer wants otherwise.

Just remember - You'll have fun whichever way you go.

Well Mr. Douglas; I see you're neighbors with one of my favorite actors; the one and only ex-Mayor Mr. Clint Eastwood.....

In the case of exterior dimensions it is my understanding that the cars from both manufacturers are the same as an original Porsche because the fiberglass molds were made using original 356's.

With regards to the interior I know for a fact that VW pan based cars are different because the center tunnel is taller and more round than the originals. The one in the Beck looks more accurate. Also, on pan based cars the steering wheel isn't totally centered with the driver's seat, although I don't even notice it. The Beck has more room for the spare tire as in originals because the battery is mounted in the engine compartment in the rear.

Lastly; it is my understanding that on Becks you can order as an accessory an underdash parking brake lever as in the originals. Pan based cars and standard Becks use the emergency brake handle on top of the tunnel between the seats.

To make one of these cars look more like an original (something which I've been trying to do to my Vintage Speedster for the past two years that I've owned it) you need to use wide five old style VW/Porsche wheels which in some cars can be an option (didn't cost extra on my turnkey VS)and get all the Porsche emblems which will cost you extra with all the manufacturers if they supply them.

I've said this before; your choice can vary depending on your expectations, budget and willingness to tinker with the car. I think VS manufactures a good product that needs some tweaking and tinkering to get it perfect but is reasonably priced and the waiting time is less. I bought one and I'm very happy with what I got along with thousands of other people. I've read some comments by other folks who just despised their VS's so it's all a matter of personal taste. The fact that VS is the largest builder can give you some peace of mind because, as they say, practice makes perfect.

As Lane says, you can look at JPS as sort of a "boutique" or upgraded Vintage Speedster. They are also pan based and use the exact same bodies from the same source with the infamous crooked front right fender (the story goes that the original car that was used to make those molds had been hit on the front right fender and had had a less than perfect repair that was transferred to the molds). JPS is more detail oriented and funnily enough their base Classic Wide Five Speedster is more accurate in terms of looks and it's less expensive than their next in line which has the modern VW four bolt pattern wheels.

Talking about the top on VS's; it's as good as any and as Lane said I can also operate my top, up or down without leaving the driver's seat. Lastly; another advantage to the pan based cars is that you can get your parts from any VW shop as well as use the corresponding year VW service manual for servicing and maintenance.

Small but significant bonus of the Beck width is the room for a soft bag between the seats and doors when travelling.