Well, I bought a Speedster Replica on a whim last week. And by whim, I mean I had never even considered buying one until the day I did haha. But I'm impulsive and it was so nice to look at, I couldn't say no. Since then I have done little else aside from reading posts on this forum. It's more than safe to say, this madness you speak of has it's stranglehold.
The car is a CMC with either a 1600 or a 1641 (more on that later) and has a 1967 Beetle vin but according to the mechanic is more likely a 1971 based on parts. Is that weird? From what I've read, CMC is not everyone's first choice but oh well, it's what I have and I love it. Had a laundry list of issues which have been taken care of. New master cylinder, a lot of new wiring, new steering column, headlights that actually show more than four feet in front of me, third brake light, new fuel gauge, new hood release etc etc.
I have it back now and after only a few hours driving it, I can tell you a few things with much conviction. One, this is easily the most fun I've ever had driving. That's an understatement. I can feel the road, I can hear the engine, I can smell the gas. I'm more alive. Two, it's the coolest car on the road. Wouldn't trade it for a new 911, Ferrari, you name it. Well I would, but only to sell the new car, buy another Speedster and pocket the difference. Three, it's the best on a whim purchase I've ever made. It's nice to see my impulsiveness result in something beneficial for once. This makes up for my long list of 4am Internet purchases. Clothes I never wore, things I never used, stuff I didn't want but got a really good deal on? All overshadowed. Finally.
Now for the negatives, which are all fixable with the right amount of $$$$. First, the seats are too high. At 6'2" I am staring directly at the windshield frame. It's a nice frame and everything but someone in front of me could be stopping and it's important that I see this. Adding to the problem are the extremely thick (like, close to an inch thick) seat covers that the previous owner installed. While not horrifying aesthetically, they just aren't the look I'm going for in a 1957 Porsche. He did this of course because the vinyl? on the original seats is done for, cracking everywhere and foam exposed all over. So my solution is obviously redo the entire interior (did I mention I'm compulsive) but until I generate a little extra disposable income, that will have to wait. In the meantime, my mechanic informed me that the seats sit on plywood rails and he could easily shorten them but I thought I'd ask here first. Does anyone have any experience/input with this issue?
Second, the car is too slow. The reckless, testosterone driven side of me wants more power so I can drive faster and have tons of torquetorquetorque. However, the more mature voice of reason wants... more power as well? Oh, both sides agree. Excellent. The truth is, driving around Los Angeles with a max speed in the 70's just doesn't work for me. I'm entering the freeway too slowly, I can barely pass large trucks and even downshifting gives me nothing in terms of breakaway speed if I need it. While part of me wants to call Jake Raby tomorrow, the voice of reason reminds me I'm several thousand dollars short of even starting that conversation haha. Oh well, I'll figure something out.
Third, the brakes are eh. It seems several of you advocate front disc brakes. This seems wise, especially if I plan on upgrading the motor. I have a ton of questions about this but I'll save them for a dedicated post. (continued...)
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