What is it?

I am the new proud owner of a porsche speedster replica. I was given the car by the original owner, but she doesn't know much about it other than she had it built. (I spoke with Vintage Speedsters and they said yes, it probably was one of theirs) It is registered as a 69 VW so that doesn't tell me much. Is there a way to tell more specifically what model and make the replica is? I love the car and I can't wait to get it running(it's been in storage for about 14 years)but I fear that I am getting started with a great lack of knowledge about the car and kit itself. Does anyone have any advice/opinions before I create more problems?

Post a couple pictures. If rear grill is cast aluminum (hibachi look) could be CMC. If seats are speedster look bucket with single cushion seat could be CMC. If dash has eyebrow all way across could be CMC. If normal tire fits in front --- not CMC. What crest is in center of front hood handle?

Should have said CMC or FF (FiberFab) --- sure miss abgility to edit posts! Check for a maker's "VIN" plate -- could be infront trunk area or one of the door spenings --- if it was applied. Some of the accessories are dead giveaways too. CMC used VINTAGE brand gauges (optional equipment).

If the car was stored in a mouse proof garage you will happyer.
But if only one found its way into the shroud and made a nest it might be wise to find a Bug mechanic to pull your engine and pull down the tin to clean and check it out .
That long sitting I'd want a new carb or carbs , or at least kit/s put in what you got. defintily a fuel pump and fuel filter
Depending on the engine year case #s. single or Dual releif valves they need to be checked to make sure they have not stuck or the first time you start it up it could blow open your oil cooler.
The releif valves caps screws are on the bottom side of the engine and are best cleaned and serviced with the engine out and upsidedown on a engine stand.

Also check or replace any or all the brake hoses they could be dry rotted!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If your new to Vw's Please!! check where you live for real good bug mechanic. and do get referances. but if you have prier experiance with bugs you'll do fine.

Drain (if not already empty) the fuel tank and remove it from the car. Have it hot tanked or at least very thoroughly cleaned. You won't believe how much jellied rusty crud they accumulate after sitting...

Then do the fuel lines, fuel filter etc. In fact, I'd replace every fuel line that was rubber. angela

This might help:

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~csimpson/Tech/Starting.html

It's not strictly for an air cooled 356, but the general tips and procedures are applicable in your case.

Luck,

TC

Thanks for the advise. We drained and replaced everything and although it seems like everything is functioning, there is no spark so the engine won't start. Guess we'll check some more things and see how it goes...Now for another question, besides the speedster, the same lady gave me an MG(DT?) kit car also. If those letters don't make any sense, it looks like a mini version of an antique rolls royce type car. Anyway, all I know about it is that it has a Ford 302 V8 engine and the rest is just a kit. It has been stored as well, but not in nearly as good condition as the speedster. Does anybody know much about those cars? I know I can get replacement parts for the speedster at Vintage Speedsters, but I have no clue about the other one. Any ideas?

The MG is probably a TD. I'm not sure why people made replicas of these, as the originals can be had (and restored) quite affordably. But they're out there.

Fiberfab/CMC produced a TD kit, which, based on the fact that you likely have a Fiberfab/CMC Speedster, seems like a reasonable guess. The only hitch in this theory is that, I believe, the CMC TDs were also VW based - but they may have built some with other engines at some point.

Like Ted said - Its probably a replica of an MG TD (1952 vintage). FiberFab/CMC made a kit but it used a VW chassis --- and couldn't accommodate a V8 very easily. There were versions with the 4 cyl Pinto and Chevette engines though. There were also replicas of the ~1935 Mercedes Benz 100SSK -- which would have been a much more powerful front engine vehicle (longer, larger, wider). Gazelle was a replica of that car. Although the MG TD (TC and TF) were front engine --- they were small (front seat only), skinny, tall cars. If ya post some picture I'm sure we can pin it down. Man, you hit the jackpot.

http://www.bobsclassics.com/52ma.htm
http://www.caroholic.com/BCW_Information.htm

Anybody know how CMC configured the (rear engine) VW chassis for a front engine car like the TD? Did they manage to hide the engine behind the seat?

Yes they did; the car had some sort of a trunk that hid it. Looks funny though....

Link to all the MG TD kit cars --- some indeed have V8's!

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_reproductions.htm

NO spark !
It could be a fuse . But after 15 years I"d trash the coil and the condencer on the distributor. A quick and simple test would be to take a 10 amp battery tender or a jumper pack and hot wire the coil. still no spark? (its the coil).

Also MG TD is correct 52 to 54 then the TF in 55. I know as fact mustang 2 versions were made. But I can't remember WHO. I'll call a friend that has one in the next day or so.

Yahoo has a decent fiberfab website that may offer you some suggestions.

If you are still trying to sort out it's heritage, CMC vs FF vs VS, I suggest you reach up behind the dash and see if it has the square tube behind the dash. Does it have defroster outlets that plumb up from the base pan channels? I've found the CMCs do, and the FF's don't always.

My freinds is a fiberfab. but yours still could be someting else.