IM speedster help?

I think that was pulled from a different IM model that was built in Italy (not Calif or Canadian built IM).  Is their a prancing bull IM emblem on the front hood handle?

http://www.intermeccanica.org/vehicles/vehicles.htm

There should be a foil IM sticker in the door frame.

Here are some of the interior shots. 

Why do you have 2 different threads on the same topic? Please ask Theron to combine them into 1.

Starting to feel like librarian.  Highly recommend book on IM.  There were some truly fabulous cars produced by Henry's dad Frank.

Yes, that's a good history of Intermeccanica - details the trials and tribulations of a small manufacturer.  Lots of good photos, stories, and some intrigue.

The fitment of the hood and door look exceptional. Already has wide 5's. How much are they asking for the car?

Good read, the funny thing was all the people that i remembered reAding about in my youth. 

Sure looks like CMC seats to me.

Rusty,  I just bought it for 13k

If that's a real IM, that's a helluva deal. Nice work.

Thanks. And honestly, even if it isn't, it's a gorgeous car, in great shape. Just need to find a good disc brake conversion kit

You did good. You could spend another 10k in upgrades and restoration and still be in good shape.

Check the hood and trunk lid hinges and see if they have INTERMECHANICA cast into them.  If they do then it cinches that it is an IM.  IM did use 914 gauges but so did home builders.  The IM prancing bull on hood handle is often swapped out for a Porsche crest. Both IM and CMC/FF used the cast hibachi grill.  

I know she has a Porsche crest on the hood trim

Just wondering but does anyone have any suggestions for disc brake upgrades? Titled as an '81 VW

What's your price range?

Sorry spelled it way wrong - intermeccanica

Titled as an '81 VW? Do you mean '71 - since '76 was last year for T1 production (guess it could be Mexican?).  Need to check to see what wheel bolt pattern currently  is.  '71 would be 4 bolt stock. The SEARCH (magnifying glass icon) works great here. 

Most like front disc but if stock engine drums in good shape work quite well - it is a good start on THE MADNESS though.

I'd like to keep it around or under $1000

Wide-5s. 

What is Wide 5?

WOLFGANG posted:

Sorry spelled it way wrong - intermeccanica

Titled as an '81 VW? Do you mean '71 - since '76 was last year for T1 production (guess it could be Mexican?).  Need to check to see what wheel bolt pattern currently  is.  '71 would be 4 bolt stock. The SEARCH (magnifying glass icon) works great here. 

Most like front disc but if stock engine drums in good shape work quite well - it is a good start on THE MADNESS though.

All I can say is the guy I'm buying it from says it is titled as an 81vw

What is Wide 5?

This is what is called a 'wide-five'. It's the wheel bolt pattern of the early VWs.

This is the VW 4-bolt pattern that was on VWs beginning around 1968 and probably the most common wheel bolt pattern on replica Speedsters.

Good to know, thanks

Wide 5's will surely bust the $1k budget - and you won't go any faster or be more reliable.  Front discs $600, rear drums $200, new rims/lug bolts $400+ plus the "might as well while you're there" add ons.

Any recommendations on a good disc brake conversion kit?

Front only?  First, you need to see what wheel bolt pattern you have.  Stock VW 4 lug? Depending on rims you have, you may need to add 1/4 or 3/8" spacers (and longer lug bolts) so they clear the calipers.  Do you want lowered spindles which drop the front 2" in addition to what is provided by the adjustable front beam (if you have one).  I'd add new stainless steel covered front brake hoses at same time.  I'd buy caster shims too since if you swap out spindles an alignment will be required.  There are front disc kits that do not require new spindles - I think new spindles are better than add on brackets. Many don't provide for a backing dust/water shield or its extra.

Check out CIP1 and CB Performance.  Alex at Vintage Motorcars also has started providing parts to SOCers at competitive prices. First photo is 4 lug with spindles and second is bolt on with brackets. Under $500 but if you want to spend your entire $1k there are higher performance options.

Somethings not right here. An early built IM Carrozzeria  would not be titled as an 81 would it?

On JZ's thread https://www.speedsterowners.com...mecccanica-speedster it states that IM Carrozzeria was name IM used on their Italian cars (like the Omega Italia).  ALB does have same emblem on his IM in same place.  If it wasn't for ALB's car I'd think it was owner added.  Guess IM just used up last left over emblems even though they had changed company name (or could maybe very early IM Speedster?)

I noticed JZ is in Key West FL.  In FL the titling tax office inspects both the VIN and mileage (ok you can have a law enforcement officer sign an affidavit form).  Vehicle has to be there and they go out in heat and examine it. I guess it could have an assigned state VIN too maybe from another state even.  If it has an '81 VW VIN then it a non-US VW T1 pan or it's using another model VW VIN from like a "Wabbit".  JZ have you been able to retitle the car in your name?  If not yet, I would check to ensure you can before buying or immediately so you don't get stuck with a yard ornament. An '81 non-US T1 would have a VIN of  starting at D1 479 925 up.  It is a mystery so far. 

crhemi (Bill) poboiinhawaii posted:

Somethings not right here. An early built IM Carrozzeria  would not be titled as an 81 would it?

Depending on what state it was first registered in, maybe that's the year someone got it on the road?

Greg- I was under the impression that Frank Reisner built just over 600 (605? 610?) Speedsters before re-locating to Vancouver. Could be a good number (if not all) of those first cars has that badge?

jzzzake posted:

Rusty,  I just bought it for 13k

Greg, that might be to late.

What about emissions with the 81 dated vin?

What year did the south american beetles end production?

These are a few more pictures 

Last German bug convertible was 1979 model and last MX bug was in July 2003. Suspect the '81 date was when VA assigned the VIN?  There should still be a VIN (really a chassis number but equivalent to a VIN) on the center tunnel right before the rear seat.  That number will be helpful in ordering suspension parts and perhaps transaxle parts.

Let's make moving that fan out of engine compartment to under the dash as your first mod.  Then pull off the engine lid insulating rubber and replace with a couple rubber buttons (allows air circulation). Next move oil cooler away from the engine fan intake.

Actually, they use to make Rabbits and then Golf... I hear the rabbit was faster by a hare.

Yeah wascally wabbits

I see a lot of bad things that need to be changed here. Do not drive this car until you address these issues...fuel filter, fuel lines, breather box, oil filter etc.

I missed cent the 59 cent fuel.  Make that #1 on list.  Is that a second plastic fan in lower right side of engine?  That engine surely won't not over heat in Key West.

 Yeah it's a second plastic fan,  I know she's not perfect and I know I have a little bit of work ahead of me but she's my very first one and I figured my first one I wouldn't try and break the bank and since I've been a Porsche mechanic read many years I decided to be a little bit fun to turn into whatever I wanted .

 As of right now what you see is how she came to me.  I will give updates as I can just show you guys the progress that I'm making to turn her into something just for me 

jzzzake posted:

 Yeah it's a second plastic fan,  I know she's not perfect and I know I have a little bit of work ahead of me but she's my very first one and I figured my first one I wouldn't try and break the bank and since I've been a Porsche mechanic read many years I decided to be a little bit fun to turn into whatever I wanted .

 As of right now what you see is how she came to me.  I will give updates as I can just show you guys the progress that I'm making to turn her into something just for me 

You're only in for $13K plus fees. You've got room to make her your own and still come out ahead.  There's a lot of satisfaction to be had making it turn out right.