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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...)

1957 CMC(Flared Speedster)
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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...)

Fourth, I'm not dying over the rims or the tires. I don't know anything about my options here but I do know two things. I don't like the black rims and the car looks like it sits too high. The wheels are Porsche Fuchs wheels 8x16 front and 9x16 rear with semi low profile tires: 225/50ZR16 and 205/55ZR16. Of course, this issue has little in the safety concerns department so it will have to wait for the first three issues to be sorted. Other than that, I'm enamored.

While I've been reading as much as I can this last week, I know next to nothing about cars. My 28 years on this planet have, until now, offered me very little in terms of fun vehicles. To date I have owned an 89 Buick, a Chevy S10 and my current powerhouse, the Toyota Prius. Not exactly cars I've ever considered mechanical upgrades to, least of all the Prius. What am I gonna do, put a really strong battery in there? What I'm trying to say is please forgive any future dumb questions. I'll do my best to research answers before asking but I'm positive some dumb ones will slip through the cracks.

Lastly, I've definitely gotten at least $36 worth of information (understatement) from the site so I'd like to make a donation. Besides, I can't just use you all for info and not give back. It just wouldn't sit right. However, paypal and I are not friends. Is there any way to donate directly with a credit card?

Ok that's enough out of me. Time to explain to the girlfriend that we are not going on vacation this winter because I really NEED a new engine. She's Colombian so wish me luck.

Colin
HEY COLIN WELCOME TO THE GROUP.
LOTS OF GOING ON WITH THE WEST COAST GROUP IN TERMS OF RIDES AND EVENTS.
ASSUMING U R GOING TO KEEP YOUR CAR, I CANT HELP U MECHANICALLY BUT I WOULD SUGGEST U CONTACT JOHN AT JPS AND GET HIS INPUT AS TO WHAT U WANT TO DO AND PRICING.
SEVERAL OF THE WEST COAST GUYS DO NOT OWN JPS VEHICLES BUT HAVE HAD HIM WORK ON THEM WITH GOOD RESULTS. NICK HASSON BEING THE LATEST.
I AM IN SIMI AND CLOSE TO YOU SO LETS PLAN A RIDE WITH THE WEST COAST GROUP.
Congratulations, Colin. I too am an impulsive one like you and welcome you to the madness. Now, lets see some pictures. As for your Fuchs wheels, if they are real (or even knock-offs) you should have no trouble getting rid of those, especially if they are in good condition. Might I suggest you start thinking of a Type 4 engine. I have a long thread within Shop Talk Forum under Type4rum, "Type 4 into a Beck Speedster", you might want to check it out for that whole process. I'll be the first to invite you to Carlisle. Have fun!
Welcome aboard, Colin.
Hopefully you have read the "Ready for a Replica" post at the top of this page.
You will soon realize that you now have two girlfriends. Don't be surprised when your other girlfriend starts to show resentment to your car because it takes up so much of your time. My wife occasionally refers to my car, "Penny", as "the Bitch".
As most girlfriends, your new car will cost you a fortune over time as you start to replace and rebuild things. From car covers to carburetors, these things nickel and dime you. Word of advice, plan to buy your girlfriend some sort of bobble or bangle every time you purchase something for your speedster.
Try to learn how to do things on your car. Start with a simple oil change and valve adjustment. Buy some how-to books. There are references here on this site.
If you have questions, ask. There are many here who will be more than willing to give you advice. There are many other forums and sites available to you to walk you through any issue you will come across.
Make sure you belong to an auto club as you will surely need a flatbed sooner or later.
A word about the SoCal group. Most of these guys are old enough to be your father. (Vince might be your father...) They drink like fishes, wear silly hats and Hawaiian shirts. They love to crash weddings and parties and are known to have more fun than schoolboys playing hooky.
Enjoy!
Things like brakes can be improved simply by adjusting the brakes shoes - a 40 minute DIY job. The stock drums in top shape are adequate for a stock engine unless you're in the mountains. (I do like replacing the rubber lines with stainless steel reinforced ones that don't balloon when you hit the pedal).

A stock engine can be tweaked for maybe 10-12 more HP with inexpensive dual carbs and good exhaust. A '72 engine (check block serial #) would be dual port/dual oil relief case which is good base for mods. Assume chassis is '67 which would be rear swing axel (not IRS) - so look to add camber compensator in rear and anti-sway bar for front.

Assume its flared fender version to be using those wheels and tires. They can be repainted or polished. Real Fuchs are some of the strongest, lightest, most desire-able wheels out there. Even the lug nuts are light weight aluminum. It may sit high to give clearance for wheels and tires.

Remember switching to discs will push wheels out some. I encourage all to learn to do their own maintenance - its part of the hobby. VWs take a lot of little adjustments using simple tools --- they aren't like Hondas and Toyotas where you just add gas and drive.
Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

Terry - Ah so that's why this costs so much. I'm actually gonna go with the "what are you talking about this barely costs anything, besides the car needed it" strategy and see how long I can maintain it. I'm also considering all of a sudden really wanting to eat every meal at Subway instead of restaurants. If I pull this off I'll be a legend.

And I don't know what you guys are talking about in regards to Vince. Anyone who has that many pictures of my future girlfriends in his profile can't be that bad.
Hey Colin - Welcome to the Madness!


If you can imagine you & your GF cruising with us on the Malibu PCH Coastline...





...or shredding Mulholland Drive on the way up to the Rock Store...





...or don't mind hanging with Vince at the 'Occupy Wall Street' rallye...





...or wouldn't be TOO embarrassed to help me & Gerd 'photo bomb' a wedding party picture...





...then, YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!!!
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