Suggestion box

If there was a suggestion box for Vintage, JPS & Intermeccanica what would you like to see different about their cars?

I'll go first.

For the Vw pan based cars I would like to see the body molds modified slightly in the rear wheel area so a 5.5 inch rim with standard offset would fit mounted with a modest-sized tire. I believe with just a tad more room, so slight the purists wouldn't yell foul, you wouldn't even notice the modification at first or second glance. It sure would be nice to be able to have a bit wider rubber footprint in the rear.

I'll go second also.

I would be interested to see if an exhaust manufacturer would be willling to develop several exhaust/muffler options for the McSpeedster crowd. When we are pondering body paint and interior options the builder could show us photos or examples of these systems mounted on cars. Guess I am saying what is sold to the Beetle crowd isn't ideal by my thinking, largely in the muffler options deparment. Ideally these would custom fit our cars and look fairly correct. I would like to see a stockish 356-clone muffler/exhaust, a 356 performance system and an honest to God bolt-on Carrera GT look alike. I would assume with 2000 McSpeedsters on the road, and another 150 new ones added each year, there is a big enough nitch market.

Other ideas for the suggestion box?

Talk to Rich (Dale's friend); he was thinking of making Porsche look-alike mufflers that bolt to the flange of a merged header system.

Rich needs someone in his area with a VW pan based car so he can see if his muffler will work. His car is an Intermecchanica. Tube frame and different. His muffler is neat. Check the other site for pics and his location. I would be very interested in his set up. Just cant help much being on the East Coast.
Jerry

I'll weigh in with a couple of suggestions, assuming that Henry, John and Kirk read these. (maybe we could just forward these monthly?

1. JPS and VS to offer an optional inline heater fan system.

2. That JPS and VS fund Fibresteel's initial cost to finally get the sliding plexiglass side windows and hardtops produced, with exclusive rights to offer these in return.

3. I second the idea on an exhaust system. Three sizes, all with true matching oversized heater boxes. Two types... One with dual straights, ala CSP. The other, the GT system similar to the one custom built by Old Speed. I would think that this would be a fast seller for someone already set up to build systems, or through VS via contracting for an occasional 100-150 build.

4. I would like to see a quality replica clock offered.

5. I agree on the rear wheel well suggestion. Or maybe a 5.5 standard chrome wheel with a built in offset to allow a 195/60 or maybe even a 205 to fit. I run a 185 now.

6. Optional under dash e-brake by JPS and VS.

7. Smaller diameter true replica steering wheel, not the banjo, but a true replica in the same diameter as the Nardi for us tall folks.

8. The shifter John's JPS has with a replica standard knob. I know we can order this through after-market... but it seems it would be a more natural "standard" system for the JPS and VS cars.

9. A standard appearing shifter shaft mated to a short throw, and reverse lock-out base. The lock out could be on a small shaft ala the Scat system... no chrome though for a more retro look. It seems to me this would be an easy build for Scat, & might even sell in tha Cal Look and retro circles...

10. A bigger gas tank openly offered as an option. Maybe as a fuel cell that could be offered as a vent model, and a pressurized system optional for those going for an FI engine.

11. Sealing strips of Stayfast canvas cut and sewn to fit the top up gaps from the windsheild post up to the curve in the widsheild frame. Velcro installed to make this an easy slap on when you have closed the door. I realize this won't stop all the air leaks, but it would sure help keep the cold out when you are moving over 40 mph. I have made these for my car, but need to refine them and send to a interior shop for a nice stitch and "produced" look.


Ok, so it was more than a couple....

Jim. OKC Dub-U-Tub on the mend, cabin fever at 36'.


(Message Edited 11/1/2002 1:25:51 AM)

(George: Thanks for the info about what Rich is considering. I will try to contact him. I don't believe, however, the Carrera exhaust per se is constructed using a muffler after the flange. The two exhaust pipes on both side enter a seperate muffler (two exhaust pipes in) and exit with a single pipe which merges with the same on the other side, sort of a two into the muffler with a single pipe out, which merges with the single pipe out of the other side topped with a stinger of sorts. Another way to do it I suppose is the buy a header and cut the pipes short of the flange so the two pipes per side could be merged into mufflers on each side, then make a union with a modified stinger tail pipe. Dunno. I have the phone number of a guy that makes a true Carrera custom exhaust system for the 356 crowd, it is beautiful but very pricey.)

Hi Jim, hope you are well. As to the options you mentioned, my IM has the large fuel tank, a matching VDO clock (quartz), 195/65x15" Michelins on Mangel 5 1/2" x 15" chromie wheels (rear fender to tire clearance is VERY CLOSE), and Nardi wood-rimmed, "classic" steering wheels are available in 360mm (about 14") to 400mm (about 15 3/4"). The 400mm size was standard on Ferrari GT cars.

So George, there is nothing about your car that you figure would warrant Henry to consider improving upon? Nothing at all?

Erik, there are quite a few things. Interestingly enough, Henry keeps refining and improving his cars, just like Ferrari did with the GT (street) cars; an example of this is that the aftermarket front suspension castor/camber adjusters are now stock on each new IM.

Add to that that he will build the car to your specs, for instance - want 4 wheel disks? Fine, for which wheel mounts: 4-lug, 5-lug wide five, or 5-lug Porsche alloy? Want a removeable roll Bar? Fine - powder coated or chrome? A/C with dual Webers - no sweat. You want the 356 Porsche perforation pattern in your leather seats - no problem. Original Porsche under-dash hand brake and heater controls - yepper.

There are certainly some things I didn't think of at the time that would have been a breeze during construction but would be a PITA as later additions or changes, and some things weren't available at the time, like 94mm biral cylinders and "super squishy" swirl pistons.

(Message Edited 11/1/2002 1:30:32 PM)

Another idea for the suggestion box: it would be nice if the Speedsters were sold with various handling packages -- stock, spirited driving and street racer. This way when ordering your car you can make the suspension selection that matches your needs and wants. I realize there is plenty of aftermarket stuff out there, nor would this apply to retro fit guys like myself, however, at the time of purchase seems to me an ideal time to work out a handling check list with the manufacturer. Unless the customer has a performance Vw background he may not be aware of all the stuff out there, nor may he have the mechanical background to DIY.

George, it sounds like IM goes about it the right way, fortunately for Henry he doesn't have to keep an eye on the price point like the pan-based manufacturers do. The thing I notice is the owners of all makes post photos here of their cars and each are probably as proud of their cars as you are. I am sure Kirk or John Steele would be happy to sell $40k-plus Speedsters, they do a great job at what they are doing for the money, just as IM is likely the Lexus of Speedster replica's.

Yes I'm listening!

All of these are great suggestions and not one of them have I not thought about but like Erik says, do you want to pay $40k for a Speedster. If I were at Kirk's production level even I couldn't put all those into production. We have done almost all of those suggestions at one time or another but never on the same car. Each of my customers are individual and accordingly like that their cars are individual.
Last weekend we had four customers at the shop at the same time with cars from different time periods in our history and they were comparing their cars. Over 25 changes from 1995 to 2002, only visible if you have the cars side by side.

Electric windows, a good sealing top, an automatic with fuel injection, 0 60 in 9 seconds, four wheel disc brakes, 195 50 tires and more. done it but for my wife only and it took me 4 years for all the engineering and build. Could I repeat it, yes for about $40k. Will I not likely, nobody wants a Mercedes priced Speedster replica ecept my wife who beleives what I do is great. But even she would trade it for a SLK.
John Steele. JPS MOTORSPORTS

I have to agree with John Steele. It comes down to simple Henry Ford assembly line production. The faster a car is produced and the more that are produced the cost of production goes down- hence the lower cost of car to the market. All are great ideas however for how many speedsters that are produced a year, it is not feasable in theory to add them and keep prices down. My little suggestion would be simply to make a correct hard top for the speedster, so owners can enjoy the car even when the weather gets cold. just my ywo cents.

I wasn't implying that all of the above suggestions be added to every car, but rather simple option lists be developed. If the new owner wanted a cruise-mobile he won't need handling package options. If the next guy in the door has visons of Le Mans he matches the packages with his budget. It wouldn't cost anything to develop the option list, and certainly John and Kirk know their cars so well they easily could make savvy recommendations. For the consumer to do it takes a lot of research to pick and choose parts, and we may not get it right.

With the horsepower of some of the engines I am wondering if as consumers as much thought went into the overall total package (suspension, better brakes plus horsepower) as picking the engine size, etc. And certainly pan based cars have limitations that should be addressed because of extra power above what the car was originally engineered to handle. Just a thought.

I, too, agree with John Steele. In a way, the essence of these cars is the fact that they are not modern. They are simple, basic driving machines with minimal "creature comforts."
Being fortunate enough to have a Speedster as an extra car - not my daily driver - perhaps makes me appreciate what it is (and is not) all the more.
However, as John said, you can have them built any way you like if your pockets are deep enough. For me, a $40k Speedster with many of the comforts of today's automobiles would defeat the purpose of the car.
Sun's out...gotta go drive!

John, Eric, John,

I feel strongly both ways, haha. I understnd the need to keep the base price down, and in JPS' case the high cost of having an inventory of many optional items. However......

Maybe, the builder could provide a better list of options the potential buyer might want that are available on the aftermarket, such as: in line heater motors, a matching VDO clock, shifter options, exhaust options, yada.

In the case of Fibresteel, I would still like to see JPS and VS collaborate with Fibrestell to finally get us the sliding side windows, and possibly the hardtop. The hardtop isn't high on my want list, but seems to be with many. I really like the idea of the sliding side windows though.

Yes, I bought my car for the basic reasons most of us have... and use it and drive it with the knowledge that it is a bare bones trip back into Americana, and sports cars... I love that part of it & have zero desire to make it into anything else.... like a daily driver..... That's why I took out the a/c that I unwisely spent $1400 on when I ordered it... it's simple, top down, no a/c, top up, it's winter. I don't purposely drive it in the rain so that's not a biggy with me either.

BUT, this aint SoCal, and it's not New Hampshire either... I get plenty of warm top down days, but I also get a lot of winter sunny days when the temp is in the 40's, 50's. low 60's, and so up goes the top, with a piss poor heater. Cool, I know that VW limitation, but it would have been nice to have spent the A/C coin on heater boosters, a 75 watt Gen to power an accesory plug in heater, and some sidewindows that actually come near flush with the windshield frame.......

You guys in Fla, and SoCal have the great weather, I'm envious.

Jim OKC

Could not have said it better. I agree 100% with what you are saying. If the heater is that bad then the supplier should offer a better heater, or not offer one at all and lower the price. Me I am using these forums to get a feel as to what is really the facts from owners. I am going to buy a speedster but do not know which company yet. I am trying to do as much research as possible so like you I do not spend $1400 for aircondittion when it is not warranted. I agree with you and appreciate your remarks. All of the people on these forums are helping me make a wiser and better decision on the purchase of my speedster. Thanks guys and lets keep these forums going. It is for the bennefit to owners and prospective owners alike. Once again thanks.....John

I'm not sure I understand all the replica heater problems. If I open my IM heater all the way up and turn on the auxilliary fan I could probably bake bread in the cockpit during a Canadian winter.

Like George Brown the heater in my wifes car will toast your legs and make you take off your shirt when the outside temp is 40 but I built it that way because that is what she wanted, when you order a car tell the builder the expectations you have about the car. These are still handbuilt even for VS and the builder should be able to accomodate you. I got a call from an owner inIllinois that had bought a car used from CA and asked what it would take to make the heater work goo. In CA it worked great but in IL. it is only a noise maker.
If I build 20 cars this year only two will go to cold climates. Until 1960's heaters were an option in cars ass were radios. The Speedster is a 1950's car. Think 50's technology. If anyone can design me a great cold weather heat system for a Speedster for under $100.00 that I can install in less than an hour I will put it in every car.

John -
How 'bout a hibachai (or however you spell it} ;-)
Bill

Re the heater situation what I am going to do is buy a used but good condition gas heater via German ebay (there is a bigger selection available there than US ebay) and install it in the front trunk.

Heater boxes cut down slightly on the performance of your exhaust system, and if you have a high performance engine, or operate your performance car in very hot climates, according to some folks your heads can develop cracks. I plan on using "j" pipes with whatever exhaust I decide upon. A gas heater will keep you warm even in an Alaskan climate. If they are German engineered I reckon they are very safe.

The gas heaters that I have had were from type 4 cars. They sat on the gas tank and ran gas into a squirrel cage furnace. If I went out in the morning with a foot of snow on my beetle, one flick of the switch would melt the snow off the car in ten minutes. I never felt safe, though. In a plastic car, I wonder what kind of fire hazard it creates.

Compared to what a SUV would do if we were t-boned in our little cars, a gas heater if installed correctly and in good shape is not a major concern to me. Another market for gas heaters are sail boats which would be a serious situation in a fire.

Instant on-demand heat. Maybe I should shop for some snow tires, you think? Naw.

I had a gas heater in my '67 Bug. It worked like a charm even in those Western Michigan winters. With my studded-snow-tires on the back and that "instant on" gas heater up front, my Beetle was the most popular blizzard basher on campus.

Bare bones is what I am not thinking when I pass a semi on the road or hard brake to avoid some blind spot lane changing suv. Don't think that the originals even had roll bars, 3 point seat belts, or or working defrosters.

Being able to see out windows is a plus as I go blasting through snow drifts with my set of skinny Hakkapel snow tires slicing along listening to the cd. X-C Skiing, sledding and speedstering are my winter sports. Driving is fun.

John, any up date on your Humvee?

Victor

Years ago I had a 1957 sunroof VW sedan with factory gas heater and it worked like a charm; there was a very slight odor associated with running the gas heater but it wasn't obnoxious. Service and check for leaks regularly.

If you buy a performance exhaust system with enlarged heater boxes there will be no loss in performance (my heater boxes have 1 5/8" pipes).

"No loss" George, as in zero? I don't know, just asking, but would be curious if dyno tests confirm zero loss with over-sized heater boxes compared with j pipes.

But in a sense it is a moot point either way if for whatever reason for some of us our pan based cars don't warm-up enough during really cold weather, right? For my needs I would think a used gas heater & new j pipes would cost a good bit less than a pair of new 1 5/8 inch heater boxes.

So while were on this topic of heating, which heater boxes would heat the car the fastest and hotest?

Erik, the custom large size heater boxes are simply 1 5/8" diameter J-pipes through the boxes, so heating is limited to what radiates from the pipes. My entire system is HPC coated and puts out more heat to the cockpit than I could ever use. So, to answer your question there is no restriction at all; it might as well be a merged header system without heater boxes.

Viz: the heater boxes are simply air conduits around the J-pipes; fresh air outlets from the engine shroud feed them, valves in the heater boxes control flow forward (there is a small bleed-off hole in the heater boxes that allows air to flow through even when the valves are closed, otherwise the J-pipes would burn out sooner), and a plenum box with booster fan under the dash routes the air for heat/defrost.

(Message Edited 11/5/2002 2:23:52 PM)