I'm a "site newbee" with questions. Any problems with servicing and getting parts for CMC autos. Looking to jump into replicas after my 356B rusted apart in NYC back in 70"s. Should I do a New Vintage or Bid on this CMC (kinda like the rollup windows) Thanx,GM
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Welcome to the site. Spend some time looking around and I think you will find a wealth of info here. What particular car are you referring to?
I assume this is the car you're referring to:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsch...mp;pt=US_Cars_Trucks
I can't say which way you should go, that's really a matter of personal preference. At 27+k you're in new vintage territory. I'm not sure if Vintage offers a Roadster config. I imagine a CMC roadster config might fetch more than that of a speedster, but at 27+k that CMC may be a bit optimistically priced. Alan could weigh in here.
As far as 'new cmc parts', the only "CMC" specific part I can think of is the engine /deck lid grill. Everything else is better sourced from Stoddard, Vintage, or Sierra Madre.
I wonder why there is so much condensation in the gauges. Seems odd.
Ted
Welcome to the Madness! Just so you know, the rims on that car are not Fuchs alloys, but are cast copies. There's nothing wrong with the aftermarket cast wheels (there are a couple of members' cars here with them and they look great!); it's just that real Fuchs 911 wheels are stronger and are about 4 lbs. per wheel lighter, being forged instead of cast. The "Nardi wheels" must refer to the steering wheel. Looks like a nice car. Al
George
Welcome
If you need role up windows intermeccanica makes Conv D's but they are pricey. Carey at Beck has just begun making Roadsters. Beck's cars will be lower in price. Both companies will do air or water cooled engines and also many options such as AC. The sky and your wallet is the limit.
The CMC cars have been out of business for quite some time, therefore you would not be able to "order" CMC parts from them. Reality is that most speedster replicas are VW based cars (unless you have a Subie engine or a tube based IM, or Beck) and can still get tons of VW parts for the engine and frame related parts. The price for that is a bit high and I guess that is because of the roll up windows. Hang around here and ask questions, there is a wealth of information from this group. Good luck on you hunt for the right car for you.
Gary
If you like the car you can source lots of parts. A windshield frame,etc that is specific to that model may be harder but hopefully you won't need one of those anytime soon. Good luck.
Looks like you might be rather near Lane Anderson, one of our high ranking knowledgeable members. You should get together with Lane and I'll bet he'll bend your ear on the merits of all things Speedster/Roadsters.
"The CMC cars have been out of business for quite some time, therefore you would not be able to "order" CMC parts from them."
Over 21.5 million VW Beetles have been produced so no shortage of T1 replacement parts. Initially CMCs were from IM molds - body parts are interchangeable with touch of fiberglass cloth and resin. Trim pieces from VS, SE, SM, Stoddard or Klasse356 fit. And there is big stash of NOS CMC parts still at MG Magic in Miami FL and CA.
http://www.mgmagicclassicmotorparts.com/speedster/
George - "Welcome To The Madness" known as replica Speedster ownership! This site will prove to be the one and ONLY site you need to get technical tips and parts info for your CMVC project!
Best of luck and keep us posted with pics! 
Greg...Thanks for the link to the 1.75 speedster wheel centers.
Did I hear my name called? George, where are you located?
Nice looking roadster. Good color combo, nice patina. Worth checking out.
The thing about this one is the roll-ups. A 356 replica with roll-ups is pretty rare, and generally quite a bit more expensive. This car is $27.5k, OBO. The OBO part means on the right day, he'd take $22.5k. Maybe less.
If you could buy it for that, it's a reasonable deal. If white is good with you, then Terry is right-- the patina is cool, and you could roll it "as is". If you've got some loose change, and want something in your own color that "pops" more-- buy it and send it up to Alan Merklin for a redo (paint, carpet, etc.). You'd have a "D" in the color of your choice for less than $30k.
The good news/bad news part of this is the engine/transaxle. It's a 1600 lump, probably 50 hp top, and most likely a non-rebuilt stock VW transaxle to go with it. The good news there is a guy could get the engine and transaxle of his choice, and not feel like he was throwing good stuff away. A nice 2.0 L Type 4 with a transaxle with stock gearing and a 3.44 would be mine for a car like this. "Nice" doesn't have to mean "Raby". There are other places to go. Throw on a Tangerine racing Tri-Y, and go anywhere you want-- without the attendant Type 1 anxiety.
Here's the ad for the CMC roll up window option - it was an added $995 on top of the deluxe kits $8k price. I wasn't aware it had an accordion folding top (see ad link). I always thought it had to be purchased when you bought the kit BUT the ad says adapts to any of Classic's completed Speedster replicas!
Speaking of:
I'd bet there'd be a decent cottage industry for "D" conversions of speedsters. There are a lot of frustrated people in colder climates.
Would love to see a copy of the referenced installation instructions. It isn't in any of their build manuals. Someone ages ago said it used Chevy Chevette regulators (of course electric would be easier now). It would be hard to replicate the kit for $995 today ---maybe $1995 (suspect more!). Kit would take - Taller canvas top, folding top frame, door glass/seal/regulators, taller windshield posts, taller windshield and different windshield frame.
I wasn't aware CMC made a convertible D/Roadster; very cool!
It would be hard to replicate the kit for $995 today ---maybe $1995 (suspect more!).
Not just the parts-- a conversion of existing cars. I'd think the conversion would run closer to $10K turnkey.
