Old Guy

Hi guys (and gals); I

Do you still have your original speedster?

Good on you Jerry, but keep the Aleve handy. As a 67 year old geezer that's built two kit cars I can say that building is fun but hard on the old joints. The feeling of accomplishment can't be matched and I'd like to do it again but space, wife, joints, and other hobbies just won't let me. Right now I'm waiting for my Subaru powered Cabriolet to be finished so I can ride off into the sunset. You might considered buying the newer chassis/frames I've seen in VW magazines and scrounging up an engine, transmission and other parts since VWs are getting scarce and expensive. Since they're the new classics, decent ones are often being restored. I've seen them in the 20K+ $ amounts when restored to like new condition, however, mechanical parts are readily available. You might even looking into the different assembled stages of cars that allow you to install your own running gear and finish up the minor assembles such as wiring and assessories. Post pictures when you get started.

Oh, Wow... would that I was smart enough to still have the original Speedster (or the new 1962 XKE roadster or the '54 AH Lemans 100-4). Hell if I were that smart I'd be hiring someone to build my Speedster! No, I'm currently driving a Honda Hybrid and a F-150, but this morning I bought a '76 Beetle with a decent body, tired engine BUT rebuilt pan and heater channels for $2K. So let the fun begin.
Nolan, thanks for the encouragement. I've got so many aches and pains already a few more cant' hurt. And yes, I certainly plan to buy a package with most of the non-engine stuff done. thanks.

Welcome Jerry,

I am of your vintage also, will be 70 in about 6 months myself. I had a Sprite, Healey 3000, MG, etc back in the days of yore also!

I now have an 03 JPS Speedster, Red w/tan interior. I am about ready to get it upgraded with a 2110 replacing the origonal 1776. We need more of us old farts around here, we have many tales to bore everyone with,LOL.

Many of the makers can offer you a assembled Speedy, less engine. Just contact them and they may be willing to go that way with you.
Another hint from one who knows, get as big an engine as you can bear, if not you'll be going back in a year or so wanting one.

Keep us posted on your progress. Where are you located?

Regards, Bruce Williams

Jerry, congratulations. I'm 35, but I spent many years fighting overseas with the Marine Corps and Navy (and I'm a fireman nowadays); sore knees are the order of the day for me in the garage.
Let me echo what these guys (Nolan et al) said about the aches and pains.
I suggest going to the sports store and getting some stadium cushions for your knees while you're building your car. They're a lifesaver. They have been for me, anyway.
Good luck, and post lots of photos!

Good deal! You can always save the bug body and sell it if it's in decent shape to help save another bug in need.

Hey Jerry, I'm may not be as "mature" as you, but I did turn 50 today. My present to myself was a Beck that a bunch of us built at the Carlisle show. Their "Deluxe Kit" may be what you're looking for. We had my car from pallet to victory lap in 16 hours of work, with a few more to trim it out completely. To me it seems like the best way to do an at-home build without too much pain. I think John Steele offers something similar, although I'm not sure whether his includes paint. You can't go wrong with either.

Happy Birthday Lane, mine's Friday.

Hey, thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'm sure I'm going to need both. Yesterday I bought the '76 Gold Bug I went to look at. I'm pleased so far the body is in good shape and the floor pans and heater channels had been done by a pro. The engine is responsive and
smokeless, but I don't know about the fuel injection (all my old bugs predated that stuff), but I think the first thing to come out will be the engine anyway. (see pic)
Bruce, thanks for the engine size advice. I've been wrestling with that choice already. I've been thinking 1914 cc but maybe I should go up to a 2.+. Hey, all what do you think about the idea of putting the rebuilt engine back in the bug to "get it right" before getting the body?
It's extra work, but the work is a big part of the attraction for this project. I'm located on a small farm in Pittsfield, NH about half way up the state in the middle of the woods.

Hey, Jerry!
If you're looking to put a bigger engine in your car and you'll have someplace to put the one you're taking out, by all means keep it handy.
One of the threads that come up here from time to time are the torsion adjustments and stance of the cars in relation to flat ground. If you're going to frame-up build your car, you'll a) have another block to use for ballast when you adjust your torsion and b) have a shop spare if something catastrophic (God forbid) should happen to the 1914.
I'm a fan of keeping an orderly bin of spare parts on hand, and you can't beat a spare, running engine. They make great comshaw for barter purposes, too.

Jerry, the car looks good. May I suggest you stick to 90.5 mm cylinders or less on your engine combo to maximize longevity. You can then use a stroker crank to go to a 2,110 and up and your engine will last longer.

Jerry

Welcome. I thought I was one of the oldest farts aboard this ship. (62) I am picking up my Vintage Speedster tomorrow. It is turnkey, however I am already thinking about building an Outlaw. My plan is to be able to enjoy the fun of driving one while building my dream car. This way I will have something to compare as I go.

Cory and Ricardo, thanks for the suggestions, I'll certainly follow them. I had read about longer life for engines that have extended the cc's by longer stroke rather than larger pistons, but it's super helpful to hear it based on experience. And I had planned on keeping the old engine in any case (just my style) but now I have a reason.
Warren congrats on the turnkey car. I bet tomorrow is going to seem a long time coming! Enjoy! cheers all.

Here's the latest. After putting up a couple posts on shoptalkforum, it seems that it's complicated and chancey to convert a FI case to dual carbs... can be done and the FI cases are actually stronger but you get into all sorts of heat problems. So I'm thinking that I either have to go with a new long block or turnkey for the Speedster or increase the FI to a stroker and run it with FI. Does anyone run a FI engine in their Speedster?

Bruce Gordon runs FI in his 2275 Speedster. Bill Steele has as well. Maybe some others.

There is no question that when set up correctly it is superior to carbs, but there is no "bolt-on" FI kit for Type 1 engines yet. There are some that claim to be bolt-on, but they are compromise systems that are not better than running carbs. So it can be done, but be prepared to put in some time getting it done.

Ron, thanks for the reply. Your tip on Bruce Gordon and others helped me fine an older thread that discusses Type I FI. I'm guessing that my further questions should go on the engine forum so I'll try posting them there.