Speedster Interior Options

Go with dark grey or charcoal carpet.  Black is so hard to keep clean, shows every speck. 

ahhh, sit in it an drive it?

Yup, that says it.  Find a few replicas to sit in and decide which seat style (Speedster, Roadster or Coupe) you like best.

Dark carpeting or Coco mats are best, although I have Burgundy carpeting and it's not too bad to keep clean - just an occasional vacuuming.  Coco Mats are a breeze to keep clean - pull them out, whack them a couple of times on a wall or something, vacuum out the foot wells and put them back.

What don't you like about the set up you have? The pics are of your car right?

Complimenting cocoa mats, a P' crest horn button for the ivory wheel and perhaps pedal covers will make the interior pop....nice ride !

Hello, the pics are of the car I am putting together an order for, just have not decided on interior details yet. After I'm done with the aesthetics will move under the hood etc. I like the cocoa mats idea. I want to CGI the car image before giving the green light. I think I'm going with Nardi wood for the wheel w matching shift knob. 

What I really can't get around is this A/C thing.  I live in South Florida and driving with the top down, or no top at all on 104F weather with 60% humidity is still troubling me.

So, back to the A/C. I've seen some nice options of a matching valance built under the dash with side retro vents for passenger and driver.  Does anyone know who builts this. VS does not, and I'm not sure I want to go anywhere else to get this car built.

All ideas welcome.  Thank you again for the valuable input.

 Beck does the lower vinyl covered dash panel w/ A/c vents . You may be able to  fabricate it yourself , it doesn't look all that hard to replicate...Or buy a Beck ...IM also does this. :~)

http://www.beckspeedster.com/s...peedsteroptions.html

Julio B. posted:

Hello, the pics are of the car I am putting together an order for, just have not decided on interior details yet. After I'm done with the aesthetics will move under the hood etc. I like the cocoa mats idea. I want to CGI the car image before giving the green light. I think I'm going with Nardi wood for the wheel w matching shift knob. 

What I really can't get around is this A/C thing.  I live in South Florida and driving with the top down, or no top at all on 104F weather with 60% humidity is still troubling me.

So, back to the A/C. I've seen some nice options of a matching valance built under the dash with side retro vents for passenger and driver.  Does anyone know who builts this. VS does not, and I'm not sure I want to go anywhere else to get this car built.

All ideas welcome.  Thank you again for the valuable input.

Julio...just an "outside idea" from the frozen North of Canada. I needed heat like you need cool. I mounted my ( Subaru liquid cooled engine ) heater behind the rear seat back firewall just ahead of the engine wall and just brought heat into the cockpit via short scat tubing to the bulkheads left and right by the rear of the door jambs. Nothing goes all the way forward to the foot well or dash area. It heats very well.

Would AC work as well through those bulkheads or do you need  cool air all the way to the front ?

Julio,

Here's a picture of a VS with your paint/seat color combo, with charcoal carpets... Looks great, and easy to keep clean... I have charcoal carpets. Car pictured is not mine, just had it in my files because I liked the color combo,

On  side note--- are you having Vintage Speedster build your car new?  Wide body or traditional?   

Kirk is awesome to work with...  it's all about specking your car early, knowing what  you want. ( not to offend anyone-  there are other great builders out there... I'm just sharing my particular great experience w/ VS.)

  Think big-  Christmas list big... CB engine/ RanchoPro transmission, remote oil cooler, vintage speed quick shifter, A1 exhaust/or vintage speed, more original flat classic wood wheel- like 9 bolt Moto-Lita/Volante/Lempert and matching ISP west hub,  Ivory colored steering shaft and hub, silver colored steering shaft retainer bracket, classic blinker arm/ foot hi-beam switch, disk breaks on all four corners, speedo gauge on the right, LEDs/relays/fluted headlight lenses, under dash brake, tenax fasteners for top, large late model 356 Porsche like door pockets ( pictured in the attached photo)-- or no pocket door panels like early 356, heater boxes with direct routed air hoses to pax cabin (better air flow for cold chilly mornings), convex aero mirrors, more classic lap belts than VS 1960s stock ( stock belt pictured), silver colored windshield wipers, louvered rear deck lid, hard top...

kirk built my current car in 2013.  I love it... Can't say enough good things about my particular experience.  ( some have reported less possitive experinces).   i learned what I wanted from a used VS I had owned before ordering a new one... But still I tried cutting a few "cost corners" ... Lesson learned....I was  Penny wise and pound foolish!

in the end, I updated everything I originally skimped on except my engine/ transmission.... And that's on my bucket list.  ( not that I need to replace it--- they run great--- but I crave something larger than 1915).

on another side note---   there are some advantages to tube frame cars built by Beck and IM... Reading about the recent Spider accident reminds me of the value of a newly build tubular frame vs a pan based car.    Makes me to think about what would happen if my VS was caught in a similar situation, and as an engineer and father of two kids in grade school, i have a hard time admitting to myself my beautiful car is no safer than my classic 1950's motorcycles.

good luck and enjoy the experience...  Happy to answer any Qs.

Cheers, Luis

My car is exactly like the one in your third picture. Silver car, oxblood interior (VS calls it Wine Allante), and black carpet, black soft top, black tonneau (both full and quarter). The car was built in 2001 so the black carpet doesn't look quite that black anymore. I also have black/red Coco mats. I have no trouble keeping it clean.

For me the all red interior is too much red.

Julio - I live in Charleston, SC, and the heat/humidity here is about as bad as where you are.  I have had people from Florida say it's worse because we don't have the steady breeze that you usually have.  Anyway, the point is that I am intimately aware of your problem.  In the middle of the summer I tend to limit my riding a bit, but as long as I'm moving it's tolerable.  You just learn to embrace the sweat .  Keep in mind that my Speedster is a weekend toy.  If you plan to use it as a daily driver, particularly when dressed for work, then A/C is more of a requirement.

To answer David's question, you would really want the vents in front so that you can feel the cool air blowing on your face and arms.  Even if the temperature isn't dropped that much, the cool, dry air blowing directly on you makes you feel a bunch better.

(VS calls it Wine Allante)   "Allante" brand vinyl is a soft and durable faux leather, I use it in most of my projects,  it's as close to the real deal and a fraction of the cost...available in about 20 colors.

I currently live in Norfolk VA.  But I did own 2 spyders when I lived in FL for ten years.  My current IM has AC.  Spyders obviously did not.  Spyder is a motorcycle on 4 wheels and is to be used in a similar fashion.  Can't AC a bike or a spyder.  Sweating is part of the fun.  I have never used my AC in Norfolk, VA no matter how hot and humid it is.  What's the point in having a top down car if you can't have the top down.  I would agree with Lane that motion is key.  If I'm taking my car out in 100 degree 90% humidity weather I want to be moving same as motorcycle/spyder.  On the other hand I would say that AC is a must in 2 other situations.  One is when it is hot and its raining outside and you are top and windows up.  The other is when it is freezing outside and the car is closed up.  Humidity in the car can be a killer.  Obviously in FL you won't be concerned with the latter.  Oh I just forgot in the summer my wife will not get in the car unless its buttoned up with the  AC on.  Face melting thing you know.

Alan Merklin posted:

(VS calls it Wine Allante)   "Allante" brand vinyl is a soft and durable faux leather, I use it in most of my projects,  it's as close to the real deal and a fraction of the cost...available in about 20 colors.

I'd say it's durable. The interior is 15 years old and the odometer shows almost 21,000 miles and it still looks new.

Alan,

Hello, thanks for the Beck link. I was (still am) thinking to go with VS. But I'll inquire with Beck as well.  I am fixed with the A/C thing, but do not want this black box under dash as presented by VS. It just looks like it doesn't belong there in my opinion. Not sure when A/C was incorporated into vehicles for the first time so need to look that up.

@All: I wish there was a classic dealer with some speedster options around my area, but as per the research that I have done they have 1 or 2 in Ft. Lauderdale and none are wide body so that might do little to my cause.  I have a friend who lives in Boston that has a wide body from VS here in Miami, but he is not coming until mid April when I can see his car, maybe test drive it.  He is not a member of the SOC, or atleast I couldn't find him so will let him know about the site. 

@Gordon: I will definitely incorporate CocoMats. I think I'm going to go with dark grey/charcoal Carpet. Can always replace later, but all red or burgundy might be too much. The VS Wine color is my prefered at this point for upholstery.   I will have to reasearch on the type of seats though. I've seen som IMs online with seats with headrests, that looks like an interesting option.  Also I prefer the over the shoulder Seatbelt, even though that might not be the 'vintage look', but after reading some accident threads in here, it is an item of concern.

Thanks again to all for the valuable input.

Phil, I'll have the same issues. My office is about 4 miles from home on residential street traffic so my initial intent is to drive the car daily.  I really won't be able to rev it too much in that commute and it will be garage kept.   If there is no A/C the wifey probably won't want to get in it too much.

Luis, 

Thank you for the extensive reply. I will pm you some questions. In the end I just want to make the right choice of car builder and obviously the right choice in car specs. Definitely going wide body. If I get hooked on the hobby maybe later down the road will look into a traditional model.  I've seen some videos on youtube of some of the members here going for a ride and it just looks (feels) like the right place to be. I love modern cars and recently have had 911s and Panameras but everytime I went in for service and saw the classics on display, even the early 80s/90s Porsches, the feel inside was night and day from the plastic composites and leatherette I was sporting. Not to mention you see one in every corner here in Miami Beach.  In the garage at work there is an early 70s  911 red on tan sunroof coupe that parks 3 stalls away from mine and the guy uses it as his daily driver, black fuchs, I met the guy once and he said he would not trade the feel for any new age model, and I believe him.

I just wish this purchasing process would be as easy as going to Champion Porsche and picking out the color.  BUT ITS NOT...

..more to come.  Thank you!

"So, back to the A/C. I've seen some nice options of a matching valance built under the dash with side retro vents for passenger and driver.  Does anyone know who builds this. VS does not, and I'm not sure I want to go anywhere else to get this car built."

Julio:  You were most likely looking at the setup that Intermeccanica uses for integrating air conditioning into their cars.  They do it beautifully.

You will see it in this car:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/65579473@N08/sets/72157649859973303/

Bob, there was an error on the link. Thank you!

Let's try again:

http://www.intermeccanica.com/

Scroll down to the third car, click on, and follow the link in the description to the photos.

For a few bucks more, have you considered a used Intermeccanica?  Top of the line.

Bob: IM S6 posted:

Let's try again:

http://www.intermeccanica.com/

Scroll down to the third car, click on, and follow the link in the description to the photos.

For a few bucks more, have you considered a used Intermeccanica?  Top of the line.

Better yet. Here's the link:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsk72S1S4 

Bob, thanks. I'm not sure if IM makes a wide body? Also will look into pre owned IMs but I'm a bit set on the color combo. Thanks for the photos, they are quality cars indeed.

IM does manufacture wide bodies.

@Lane: I am investigating the front vent/valance option with VS already. Hopefully they can replicate. Thanks to all.

You could easily take a photo to any custom hot rod shop and have them make one to fit.

Julio.... One important thing to note.  I love my VS and driver it daily 4-6 months of the year.  but there is a reason why VS/ JPS cars are cheaper cars than Beck / IM.

VS cars ( as well as most ) will require some sorting before they become reliable long road trip/ daily drivers. The sorting can range from neusence items ( timing, shorts, alignment) to pulling the engine.  This forum has documented the full spectrum.   

A VS car will not be a daily driver our of the box.  the initial dissapointmet is probably one of the main reasons why so many used Speedsters with less then 500miles come up for sale.  One can't just take these cars to a local dealer to be worked on.  They are a labor of love.

please do read up on the new build speedster experience.  Would hate for anyone to have their dream crushed by " modern car" reliability expectations.

Luis, I understand and thank you for the concern, I share it as well. Is there someone on the forum that can assist in the sorting and getting it right out of the box?. If I do end up going the VS route which is most likely, I would like to have someone experienced in speedsters assist me in receiving the car. If I have to leave it in CA for another week to tune it in, align properly etc. I don't mind doing that. Here in Miami Beach I don't have to drive long distances. When I do, I either fly or rent a car. Also when I go out at night I never drive as my other hobby is vintage wines. Uber has actually come in very handy in recent years. 

Appreciate all the notes. All of this only makes me appreciate the hobby more being new to it and all. (or almost new to it).

Thank you!

Hi

I'm a new member with a question for lfepardo.

I just got off the phone with Kirk from VS.  He can build me a 2110cc engine Speedster 

for $29,000 plus tax.  He doesn't use Mexicrate engines anymore.  However, I have two 

questions for Mr Pardo.  1. Do you think your success story with a VS is related to the fact that you installed a CB Performance engine and a Rancho Transmission?  2. What other issues did you have with your VS.  Your feedback is highly appreciated since you've been there, done that kind of deal.

Thank you so much.

Blasco.

Blasco,

What you really need to ask is this, "Hello forum members! Many of you have purchased Vintage Speedsters from Kirk. Can you please put together a comprehensive list of things that I need to do once I get my car? Based on my driving style which is (****) can you suggest the appropriate options to add into the build? Thank you so much as I am very appreciative of all of the combined years of knowledge that I can readily harness here."

Blasco you need to create a separate thread dedicated to these questions that you have and these folks will impart some very good and valuable knowledge just for you.

How's that fellas?

I would want to know who is building motor, we know its not CBP, if its Roland that's good,,kirk did me a 2332 but I paid roland for just the motor around $6K but had all the trick goodies at the time,,,Kirk just charged for all but motor..thinking $22K, this was many moons ago

It would be interesting to know the % of VS deliveries that do/don't have issues.  It is well known that Kirk builds a lot of cars and I hope that we are not being guilty of discouraging some prospective speedster enjoyers  from taking the plunge because we harp about what may be only a  very small % of problematic cars going out of the VS door.  I am puzzled, however ( as many of us probably are), that upon build  completion, a checklist/shakedown similar to that published on this site is not incorporated in the pre-delivery routine.  It just seems it would be extremely cost effective for Kirk as well as contribute exponentially to the reputation of his product. 

Julio (and Blasco), I'm starting to sound like the resident curmudgeon here, but I'm getting tired of watching new, enthusiastic converts to the Speedster buy a new VS with a stock motor and then be devastated by the mountain of problems that can end up bringing them.

I should quickly add that I own a VS and love it. A new VS can be the cheapest and easiest way to start enjoying all the coolness that a Speedster is. It IS possible that you might buy one with a stock motor and luck out - with just the usual sorting issues. Some folks here, like Luis I think, fall into that category. But, as Clint Eastwood once said, "Are you feeling lucky?"

You will almost certainly get a better motor and eliminate 90 per cent of those sorting issues if you have a reliable shop build you a new engine and have Kirk install that in your new build. This will cost a bit more than having VS put in a stock motor. But you won't be thinking about money when you are stuck on the side of the road some dark and stormy night.

You can have an engine built to your specific needs and expectations. You'll know exactly who built it, what parts are in it, and you'll have someone you can hold accountable for any issues down the road. CB Performance would be a great choice, but there are many other local builders who can do as good a job. Finding an engine builder you can work with may be a bigger decision than choosing the car builder.

First, spend some time and read this thread posted by Will Hesch when he picked up his new VS last fall. It is a long thread, but if you're about to spend $30,000 on a new car, it will be well worth your time.

http://tinyurl.com/jnn7h5v

Will is about the fourth person I know of in the past two years, including myself, who found out that going cheap can be very, very expensive.

Rusty asked: "Can you please put together a comprehensive list of things that I need to do once I get my car?"

Sure.

Here you go, and if you think this is a lot or you don't understand half of it, contract with Troy Sloan (West Coast) or Alan Merklin (East Coast) to do this for you.  This level of scrutiny should be worth at least $2,000 and probably closer to $4,000, but that's up to them.  After all, a lot of these are safety issues - What is YOUR life worth?:  

The Speedstah Guy from Grafton

Blasco, welcome to the newbie "we know nothing about this" Club and SOC.  

@Mitch, Rusty, Gordon.. Many thanks:  All of this information is overwhelming but will make for a nice nightime read.  More to come...

Thanks again, really appreciate all the input.

j.-

Just trying to keep you safe and out of trouble.

Enjoy the ride!

Can you tell that Gordon is a retired engineer? 

"15.  No “creaking” or squeaks or clunking"

Well that might disqualify the driver

@....Mitch: I just finished reading the entire Will thread on his VS pickup experience and I feel I need to hire a speedster consultant, an mechanic and an attorney before embarking in this project.  Phew..��..!!

@Gordon...I'll be in Boston soon next time Sox play the Yanks, would love to come see your car. I was raised up there. Mom still lives there.  Thanks for the concern. All very helpful.

still want the car, now might just have the engine scratched and built elsewhere with the transaxle. Will sleep on it. You have a contact at CBP?

good night all..

Julio, I wasn't trying to scare you, just direct you to some of the wisdom on this forum.

There's lots of it, if you look.

If you take your time and do your research, this will turn into the fun experience it should be, and you won't need any attorneys.