Pre-owner of a Rat Rod in VA!

Welcome to the Madness, SH!  What's your name?

Welcome!

 

Is the parking brake release under the dash?

Is that the venerable Weber 32/36carb in the center, Dood ?

Sorry Lane, my name is Scott.

Art. There is no parking brake currently. The owner said they guy he bought it from did a rear disc conversion and didn't install one since the upgrade.

 

David, I'm not sure if it's a Weber or not, but it is a single set up. The owner decide to mount a 6 tube intake (just for show). The owner thinks is a 1500, but it is a dual for a future dual setup. How can I tell what CC it is? I'm not to familiar with VW engines, other then remembering my father cursing at his VW red camper we had in the 70's and his green VW bug before that. I grew up in a VW family, until the 80's. I was also around my fathers TR6, long since gone.

Well, it's got a whole lot of the right bits, got a good stance and more than a little "attitude".

 

I like it.

 

You can try on here for a front directional lens (it's a Signal Stat brand used as a marker light for trucks) or you can trash the one remaining and get a couple of 356A bee hive lenses (they fit like a glove) and you're done.

 

Don't know what the RMV regs are for a parking brake in VA - some states allow a hydraulic locker in the brake line for the rears, while other states only allow a mechanical (read that, cable) system.  Local Hot rod guys should know (any speed shops nearby?)

 

Looks like you'll have a lot of fun with it while you decide what to do, and that single carb set-up might be a blessing in disguise as they're super easy to set up and maintain and well nigh bullet proof. 

We've seen this car once before. When we first saw it, the owner was simply talking about punching the the 6pack out the engine grill. I can't believe he actually did it. The good news is that piece is reversible.

 

Here is the link from the previous owner: https://www.speedsterowners.com...ic/rat-rod-speedster

 

Are there lock nuts on the avis adjusters on the front beam? I can't tell.

Good luck with the car. You'll love it.

Ted

Scott, I sent the PO two signal lenses. Make sure he gives them to you when you pick it up this weekend.

Nice car, but those crappy velocity stacks have to GO...pronto.

Are those StarBuck's Grande cup holders in the engine compartment? I like the wheels and flat grey paint.

Scott;

 

"but it is a dual for a future dual setup."  If it is a dual port more than likely it is/was at least a  1600cc.  There is no way to tell with out opening the case up, as these are very "easily" upgraded"

I like the overall look, but please shitcan the stupid stacks through the grill!

 

Troy, send this man the new grill you just picked up PLEASE!

 

Yup if dual port probably at least a 1600. Needs new carpet and some side curtains. looks like you'll have some fun cleaning it up, tinkering, and driving. I LIKE the paint!

Please note that the Weber carb is stupid easy to tune and pull reliably with good mileage .

Ted. I had no idea the PO was a member. The images I uploaded where from the Craig's ad. In person he did use the new light indicators. He also added fog lights. Yes, unfortunately the stacks are still on. He has another grill but it's a bit bigger and wouldn't fit. Figure the grill sizes are different between builders.  It will be the first thing I do. Pulse need a bolt/latch for the engine cover door, it's missing.

I'm going to look up the PO's profile because that's not his name, but this looks like the same car.

Terry the owner has them on. These must be older photos. They were from the Craig's list ad. Though his dash indicators don't work.

Scott,

Welcome to the madness.  You've come to the right place to learn more about your car and get it to your liking.  If you get a chance come to Carlisle this weekend and you'll meet alot of the guys, the manufacturers, and get ideas for your car.   

Ya, Scott, a few hour drive for you!

 

LOL. First thing.

Good to know as I'm just getting into engine work and figured VW engines where easy tam maintain and work on.

Thanks Bruce. You guys have been great. I definantly will be using this site and asking for advice as this is my first kit car. What day are people going? I plan on picking up the car on Saturday.

crackin me up!

Bruce, I also was a Maryland native. Recently moved to Alexandria.

Good to now as I might want to upgrade down the road. Is a dual setup better or single. I see most upgrades are dual.

ROFL. Thanks for the input Danny. I agree About the stacks.

 

WTTM! Looks like a fun car. Yoda out.

Scott,

 

My obligatory WTTM.  Plus; you MUST come to Carlisle.  You will get info, ideas, praise, criticism and maybe even some parts in three days it would take you three years to figure out otherwise.  Seriously.

 

Hope to see you.

       
       


Yeah, the CMC grills are smaller than the true speedster deck lid grill. I just removed my cmc grill and replaced it with one from Sierra Madre Collection. I tiny bit of work, but well worth it.  If you want a replacement CMC, the pop up on here from time to time.  I have mine that I just removed , it would be a drop in replacement for your car. Let me know if you are interested.

Other than that, just enjoy the car for what it is. Upgrade or fix stuff as you go.

I think the bolt to latch the rear decklid is originally a Fiat part. Gordon, correct me here if I'm wrong.
Ted

Not sure if the engine cover latch is Fiat, but you might find something similar at Speedway Motors or Summit.  The bolt, which engages with the latch, can be anything that fits through the latch jaws and is the right length - be careful with the length;  IIRC if it's too long it interferes with the body to the rear of the latch.  I used an Allen-head socket bolt the right size (The outside of the actual head is knurled), just for a cool, finished look.

I have extra engine latch - if I can find it. Do search on SAMBA for latch and compare pictures.

Thanks for the tip Gordon. The whole engine cover isn't sitting flush with the body due to a new overly thick rubber seal. Once I get the car, I'm going to remove that and measure out what diameter seal I need for the engine cover to sit flush. Until then I'm not sure any latch will securely connect. I'm thinking that's why there isn't one currently. But I could be wrong.

Wow, thanks Wolfgang for the support. I'll also take a look.

I'll take you up on that once I get the car. How much  do you want for it? Also what is the difference between your original and the Sierra model?

Ted- How much of a difference is it?

I wish I knew about it earlier. I will try but picking up the car on Saturday my take a bit of time and Carlisle is about 2-3 hrs from Alexandria, VA? Plus my wife has a race early Sunday morning in D.C. so things will be busy.

It looked to be a about a 1/4 inch around. I didn't measure but the PO had it and placed it over the opening showing me it the overlap. That's why I guess he had to use a broken grill that fit and chopped it up for the fake stacks. Not sure what motivates people?

Hey Guys,

It's about a 1/4" total. 1/8 off each side. You are effectively trimming off the existing flange all the way around. There is a bit of fitting and sanding. I had the entire opening cut in just over 30 mins. Not hard at all.

Ted

Ted, I'll see if the owner will through in the larger grill to work on. Thanks.