Tales of a misspent youth...
Mar 2, 2010 23:13:28 GMT -5
Post by 81pumagtc on Mar 2, 2010 23:13:28 GMT -5
Tales of a misspent youth here...
My first experience with a kit car was a British Coach Works Model 52, which was based on a 1952 MG-TD. They were built in Pennsylvania. Unlike other kits, these were pretty much dimensionally accurate, and used reproduction MG hardware, like headlights, turn signals and tail lights, even a folding windshield. They also made one with a custom frame that used a Chevette front engine rear drive drivetrain, and these have been known to go for $20,000 these days. When they were new in the early '80s they were more expensive then restored MGs! (And they would go 80 miles an hour, which the real ones could only do if you dropped them from someplace high!
After quite of bit of work to make it a real car, it was quite reliable, and absolutely a blast to drive up to about 60. After that, it was pretty twitchy...no drop spindles or adjusters in those days, cut the center out of the axle, position it where you want it, and weld it back.
Still, it was quite a bit of fun, and everybody loved it. My favorite comment was a VERY cute blonde who asked me "do you know what would look great on this car?" and then answered "ME!". Four wheel Harley here for women...
I had a lot of fun with antique motorcycle goggles on and the windshield down, but I quickly found out that I look worse than I usually do with my hair pushed straight back by the wind...but that's another story.
Hopefully these will warm up folks during a long winter...
Top down
Real Lucas taillights, but very TINY Lucas taillights. I took to using hand signals to turn or change lanes...a Hummer bearing down on you is quite intimidating!
Top up
Top Down, Windshield Down...we're having fun now! They are a LOT faster with the windshield down!
Lots of work on the dash...notice the relocated starter switch and genuine mirror. The shifter was relocated under that dash like the real one. Door handles and latches were reproduction MG parts
60 miles an hour on a country road with the windshield down and goggles on...it's a great way to travel!
Dave
My first experience with a kit car was a British Coach Works Model 52, which was based on a 1952 MG-TD. They were built in Pennsylvania. Unlike other kits, these were pretty much dimensionally accurate, and used reproduction MG hardware, like headlights, turn signals and tail lights, even a folding windshield. They also made one with a custom frame that used a Chevette front engine rear drive drivetrain, and these have been known to go for $20,000 these days. When they were new in the early '80s they were more expensive then restored MGs! (And they would go 80 miles an hour, which the real ones could only do if you dropped them from someplace high!
After quite of bit of work to make it a real car, it was quite reliable, and absolutely a blast to drive up to about 60. After that, it was pretty twitchy...no drop spindles or adjusters in those days, cut the center out of the axle, position it where you want it, and weld it back.
Still, it was quite a bit of fun, and everybody loved it. My favorite comment was a VERY cute blonde who asked me "do you know what would look great on this car?" and then answered "ME!". Four wheel Harley here for women...
I had a lot of fun with antique motorcycle goggles on and the windshield down, but I quickly found out that I look worse than I usually do with my hair pushed straight back by the wind...but that's another story.
Hopefully these will warm up folks during a long winter...
Top down
Real Lucas taillights, but very TINY Lucas taillights. I took to using hand signals to turn or change lanes...a Hummer bearing down on you is quite intimidating!
Top up
Top Down, Windshield Down...we're having fun now! They are a LOT faster with the windshield down!
Lots of work on the dash...notice the relocated starter switch and genuine mirror. The shifter was relocated under that dash like the real one. Door handles and latches were reproduction MG parts
60 miles an hour on a country road with the windshield down and goggles on...it's a great way to travel!
Dave
Of course I'd still LOVE to own it !!!!
) Followed by the TF.
The wheels and pea shooters kind of give it away ;D Lucas: The Prince of Darkness 
Ya Das Germans vere zuppost to drink it Varm too 
In the 3yrs I spent in Germany I was never offerd a warm beer and I drank alot of beer ;D It was never Ice Cold like some of amerikans like it thou 
But you can taste the full body flavor better if it don't give you "brain freeze" ;D 8-)My Sister-in-law sez out beer tastes like Water ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D