Vintage Speedster Expectations

I'm thinking about getting a replica speedster as my daily driving vehicle here in Fort Worth, TX. Can anyone tell me how the Vintage speedster holds up to 15k miles per year worth of driving? [20 miles each way to work] Also, any issues with rain leaking through the soft top? Any thoughts on what I can expect would be helpful.

"Occasion use" design soft top + side curtains * daily use = yup, it will leak and you'll get wet! Find a "D"/Cabriolet model with wind up windows and don't get German square weave wool carpet plus have a backup car to drive on rainy days. No reason the engine and mechanicals won't do 15k/year --- over 29M aircooled VWs sold and heavily used/abused.

Happen to know if Vintage Speedster sells a roll-up window option?

No they don't but if they did, there would be a line around the block

Hi Bob....
I'm a recovering "weather wimp". For the better part of 2 years I even refused to carry my top in the car.
I've now turned over a new leaf. My bride and I drove to Lake Tahoe from the Sacramento Valley a couple o' weeks ago. We encountered light rain while climbing to over 6000'. We were pretty soaked by the time we got there. Seems the water flows in where the side curtains meet the wind shield. Some members have mentioned wearing leaf bags on their legs to keep dry: I don't know about that, but I do have a couple of ideas for development this winter. Nothing like quality "tinker time" with the Speedy!

Don't know about the garbage bag business, but standard equipment in my traveling "tool" bag is a regulation size bath towel.

I don't have the towel, but standard equipment is an official Eddie Bauer anti-mist sponge. Lovely little item that is a piece of genuine Chamois leather, wrapped around a spongy center (sounds like a cookie, doesn't it?).

When the windshield fogs up (and it WILL, trust me) a couple of passes with this little gem removes all the fog and moisture for up to 1/2 hour. Yes, I'm too cheap to have heaters or defrosters in my Speedster.

Love it! I think Santa got it at "Eastern Mountain Sports"

Step 1)Climb in and silicone yourself weather-tite, anything else is just a dream that will not come true.
Step 2)Econo fix: hang soap on a rope on the rear view mirror, freshen up as you sing the Irish Spring jingle.
Step3) Drive faster........

You guys are cracking me up!!! It doesn't sound like to much fun getting wet and not to mention cold everytime it rains...I guess you have to carry a change of clothes with you...forget about it, no car is worth that kind of hassle. ~Esther

Esther---honey--unless you are part of the insanity you just couldn't understand!

I do believe that if some smart guy or gal came up with a "moisture kit" for the VS a fortune could be made! Like:

1. The chamois mentioned earlier as a windshield defogger
2. Velcro additions to the windows or the top where it mets the windows to stop water intrusion.
3. A sump pump to be placed on the floor.
4. Flippers and snorkel gear in case the water gets REALLY deep.
5. a large umbrella that could shelter a Speedie at 60 mph.
6. Diving board.
7. Oars & life jackets for really heavy rain.

Really though--if a smart, creative guy could come up with some items that would make driving in weather work--I would be first in line!


Glub, Glub, Glub---Jack

I've seen two VERY effective water sealing efforts on Speedsters that have both impressed me greatly:

1. Bruce Stumpp's use of Blue, Painter's, masking tape along the intersection of the top and the windshield. HIGHLY effective, seems impregnable to water intrusion (i.e.; the rain water doesn't deteriorate the tape smackumpucky stuff), easy to remove, completely eliminates any leaking along that edge, can take Interstate speeds in excess of 80 mph AND it leaves no residue when removed. You can also write "FEAR THIS!!" on it in Magic Marker, for the younger set. I used it on the last trip South for a stretch through South Carolina where we met HEAVY rains and it worked like a charm.

2. Hoss' SAW/SAS Cabriolet does not leak. Period. I've heard that other SAW/SAS's are pretty much the same. It's as if those cars come from another planet.... Next we'll be hearing that they have exotic, water-cooled power plants, effective hot water heat, air conditioning, hidden, power side windows and optional turbos and automatic transmissions.

What? They HAVE all that stuff??

See? I told you they were from another planet!!! No wonder it takes them so long to get here..... ;>)

Gordon....Where did you hear all that stuff about SAS? Actually SAS cut their own side windows after the car is built so the windows fit the windshield, post and the top perfectly so no leaks allowed.....

Bob Duncan's original post has been met with a lot of good natured (and mostly true) advice about staying dry in the rain.

Bob - when it rains in Ft. Worth, you're going to get wet in a Vintage Speedster.
Count on it.
Water will come at you from several places and you will arrive at work moist at best and soaked at worst.

But, maybe a more frequent concern about driving a Speedster daily in Ft. Worth is the heat.
You're going to be hot, even with the top up for shade. If you don't mind arriving at work looking like you've been doing aerobics for 20-minutes, then drive that Speedster on those 100-degree days.

While a Speedster Replica can certainly withstand the rigors of a 20-mile daily commute, it's not the best pick for a daily driver, unless your personal appearance is of little concern where you work.

When it comes to daily commuter vehicles in climates like Texas, I think there are lots of better choices.

ok... I guess I won't be getting a speedster as my daily driver; I will have to wait until I can afford it as a 3rd vehicle. [or be willing to wait forever to get one from SAS]

Thanks for the input folks!

John -- I posted right as you did...
You have a good point about the heat. This summer was not too bad, but last summer was unreal with 100+ degree heat for most of it.

Bob, don't throw in the towel (no pund intended) yet... All these sharp folks are correct and their input is true, but YOU have to decide and besides it's only WATER... Geez.. and the last time I looked water does dry-off, and then your good for another run...LOL.. True my VS does leak (To a degree)and we proved that last year at Paso.. (What a fun time, even in down-pour!) however we understood that before the trip and had fun with it.. If you can handle that going into your work place on a daliy basis, then go for it! I am sure it doesn't always rain in Texas.. and as far as the daily driver thing .. I've been driving mine every day here without a problemo for going on two years now... Just maintain it and it will maintain YOU... Bottom line here is that these tubs were designed for fun and should be considered a 3rd car in all fairness... That being said I have FUN everyday.. How cool is that! LMAO SEG all the way...

Speedster "D" ... good luck

My strong consideration had been for a new air conditioned JPS coupe as a daily driver in Dallas/Ft Worth, still a great option for you to consider. I've recently shifted to looking for a used speedy this off season then lease something inexpensive for driving in 100+ or expected rain days.

Roof? Top? Side curtains?
Bob, just buy a helmet and an old flying jacket. People will be looking at you like you have six heads anyway ...

Bob,
I have a 1991 Honda Civic. I picked it up for $500 with A/C working. I got a new japanese import engine and put on a front seal, clutch, timing belt, water pump, etc. Total installed was $1500. So for 2K I have my commuter car which gets 38MPG with heat, A/C and I really don't care if it gets bumped or scratched.

Then I have the speedster.
-=theron

Bob: I have and IM speedster that I drive every day and it does not leak. The A/C and heater also work well in the Oklahoma/Texas weather.

Ralph - That is a very nice IM (with very cool stable-mates as well).

Bob--I have really enjoyed this thread you started.

I am exactly the same as you about the Speedster--I just love the looks!!! Unlike you though I wouldn't be wondering about driving my VS in rain or when rain is threatened. My VS is a third car and goes out only in clear wx with no chance of rain. The warnings on this great site tell me that scuba gear is damned near required in rain so I don't think about challenging the rain gods in my Speedie. I'm even wondering how I'll make out this winter in the cold wx.

B-U-T----There are two good options you might consider ---

#1 An IM Speedster like the one above with air condx and roll up windows. You get the looks and comfort of any car out there---but at a big $$ cost. This is a truly great car that will keep you dry and give max pinache.


#2 check out one of those beautiful 356 hardtop models that are out there. If I wanted a daily driver this is what I would spring for and very well may when I retire and no longer have the need for driving clients around in a Cadillac. With AC too--damned near a perfect car for your needs. Or anyone's.

Either #1 or #2 would well fill the bill for you. So there is no need to give up on your quest!

Good luck in whatever you end up choosing to do----Jack

I had an IM speedster about five years ago and drove it daily with no leaks. It did develope a wierd one between the windshield and body that,unfortunatly, was not discovered till the smell and rot set in.
I have another that I am redoing.
Questions: does anyone make a kit for flaring a speedster or is it usually done locally? Also, the wheels on the maroon mochine are neat and I would like to get some of those. A 1935 cc plant would be nice. This is my christmas wish list and anyone who can send shpplier's' names, etc. to my girl friend would sure move up on VBF list.

George

Oh, I'm in clear lake, near houston...we get a little rain.

GG

OK, so I've got it...It's CB performance for the 2110 Chromoloy engine, GEM for the freeway flier trans, who for the 5 lug Porsche style wheel and 911 suspension, who for the 4-wheel discs and the interior?
I am enjoying the discourse.

Thanks,

George

Bob,
To directly answer your original question: Rain will NOT generally leak "through the top". It WILL most definitely leak all around the top!

Insofar as the daily driver thing, perhaps it all depends on your perspective. I rode a motorcycle to work every day for over 30 years. The weather here in San Diego is not too diffeeent from Fort Worth. Putting on your leather jacket and gloves when it is 110 F outside is not fun. Feeling the rain run down your pantleg into your boots is not fun. Having your helmet visor fog up on the freeway in fast traffic is not fun. Stuck in traffic and having a garbage truck spewing "something moist" onto your body at 60 MPH is not fun. Having a small piece of 2 X 4 fly across three lanes of traffic and bounce off your helmet is not fun. Coming to a red light where a water main has burst and the stret is 5 inches deep in water is not fun. So forgive me, but I think a speedster daily driver is a step forward!

IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR LEVEL OF ENTHUSIASM!

Ralph, I saw the picture you posted above and would like to know what color you used on that IM. Do you know the codes or origin of that color. It's very close to what I'd like to use on my project--hope you don't mind sharing. But I'll be using tan canvas top and interior with dark brown carpet.

John W.

This just makes me luv my D more and more. Only when I get caught in a hard drivng rain do I have any leaks across the front at the top of the windshield .

I just took a swipe of duct tape a cross the front and kept on a gettin it.

I need to figure out a way to make a double seal for this.

But in a light rain (Pis poss) Not a problem....

Tygan (Chesil) in the UK have made a "windup" kit for the speedster that includes assembly,safty glass, handle, seals etc.
It seems to fit very tight to the windowframe as i can see it, i have not been driving in rainy weather yet.
But it looks very good, costs about 600$ for a set.

But i do not know if it will fit VS or others.