Older IM Replica

I'm new to this site and am looking for some input. I found this 20-year-old IM on a VW pan. It has a 1776 VW engine, Porsche 5-spd, disc brakes and IRS. It looks like the front wheels are not centered in the wheel well. Optical illusion or bad pan shortening? What gremlins should I look for? Thanks for any help you can be.
Tom

A good number of VW pan based speedsters have the front wheels a bit rearward, it can remain as is.
Do a seach here, there has been previous posts here regarding building a axle beam spacer to center the wheels.

Alan: Thanks for the reply, and assurance. Does this look like a worthwhile project to you? It needs work, but I don't think it is anything major.

Those old IM's are solid. If it's a good price, definitely consider it.

Does 10K sound reasonable?

Tom... at 10K you'll better get your check book NOW! If like you said no major work either.. That is a great price point for you.. By the way if you can lower the front end then it brings a better look to the balance in the wheel well... Besides these tubs look better "Slammed" to the earth..

Good luck Tom, sounds like an awesome project...

Speedster "D"

Thanks for the encouragement. I need to be sure the pan isn't rusty and that the engine is OK. It ran pretty rough at first but smoothed out after a few minutes -- it has been sitting for a long time. I'm concerned about the front wheels sitting back in the wheel well a bit, but Alan assures me that is pretty common on early pan cars and not to worry. I'm pretty certain the front ride height is adjustable.

Tom; all the previous comments are right on the money. If I were you I'd set it up with wide five bolt pattern wheels (as in older VW's and Porsches). An old IM is a great car; if the pan isn't rusted out it's a good deal.

Even if the pans ARE rusted, it's still a good deal!
Heck, that's about one day in the shop, some undercoating and fabric glue, and badda-BING.
Spend a little to save a fortune!

The floor pans themselves aren't very structural - more to keep elements out (and guess you in). New floor pans for both sides are about $120 plus 3hrs or so to shorten and install - so maybe $500 total. Speedsters aren't typically used everyday in bad weather like the VW donor was plus the battery sitting under rear seat was often the bugs source for rusting out to start. The speedster has strong VW OEM center spline plus substantial side frame rails.

You all are an invaluable resource. I'm glad to know that pan replacement is not a big deal cost wise. It has disc brakes all around with IRS in back. I think the current wheels are from a 914, but I'm not certain of that. Would wide five wheels work on those hubs? The rear tire clearance is very tight as of now.

For $10K, who cares!
Kidding, kind of. The 914s (I'm only familiar with bits and pieces of the four-cylinder models) had four-bolt patterns. You could go with any number of aftermarket upgrades and make them Wide 5s pretty easily. The main thing is that golden goose. I don't think I've ever seen an Intermeccanica for that kind of scratch.
I can't believe you're that damn lucky! You Irish? Hiding a horseshoe somewhere?

You'd have to replace the hubs/brake rotors to adapt the wide 5 rims. Yup, look like 914 wheels with the 914 plain hub caps. I'd just add the round Porsche crests to the hub caps. Disc all around and the 5 spd tranny make it pretty unique.

I'm getting a mechanic to give it a thorough inspection tomorrow. If all is OK, then you'll likely have a new owner in your midst. Any issues with titling a replica? I assume not since it has been licensed for years.

What state or province are you in?

I'm in a state of excitement and apprehension at the moment, but I live in Kansas.

With a smart-a$$ answer like that he's obviously one of us. Welcome to the madness!

Tom, the early IM-body is a litteral copy of the original. IM founder Frank Reisner made the moulds straight from an original Speedster.

I have one built in 1978 and with the 1776 it runs super with lots of power. The off set really doesn't effect the ride and it corners fine. nice deal at 10k. good luck with your car.

bill

The little rascal is now in my garage, and the fun begins. I've got some minor work to do, such as new muffler, tires, carpet, etc. Thanks so much for the positive encouragement to you all.

Welcome to the Madness - Good Luck and have fun with your project!! Keep us posted with your progress!

WOO-HOO!