356 FAN,

CMC is out of business, but all their molds and tooling were purchased by Innovative Street Machines.

The Speedsters you're seeing advertised are most likely older kits, and are not like the ones you'll see at their website: http://streetbeasts.com/Speedster/index.htm

What you'll see at their website is a recently redesigned version. The only real difference is the subframe. The old and new subframes are very similar, with the main difference being that the new version eliminates having to shorten the volkswagon pan by eliminating it, from the front suspension to the rear torsion bar tube. The new version is designed to accept the volkswagon components: The entire front suspension, the old Volkswagon frame from the rear torsion bar rearward(complete with rear suspension, engine, trans, etc), and the brake master cylinder, gas tank, sterring rack. I don't think I've left anything out. The Volkswagon pan is replaced with a fiberglass floor over an improved subframe. This is clearly shown on their website.

They felt it was necessary to do this, since rustfree volkswagon frames are getting increasingly harder to find in some area of the country. Replacing the pans of the old beetle chassis is a relatively simple process (you'll need steel cutting tools, and welding equipment), but increasingly, the main tunnel, on which the shifter, handbrake, etc are mounted, are rusted, and this is the majority of the strength of a volkswagon chassis.

I haven't had the opportunity to build one of the redesigned Speedsters yet, but I've built about a dozen of the older versions (I worked at an assembly shop before and during my college years). It appears that the effort needed to build the new version is higher than the old. Shortening the VW chassis is the most difficult part in building the older versions. Once again, you'll need metal cutting tools, welders, etc. Often, people have this done by a local metal fabrication shop, etc., and for good reason...it is critical that the chassis remain square, and it must be rewelded by an experienced welder...poor welds here will get you killed. But, once shortened, the body drops directly onto the chassis. The old kit also has a tube frame, but acts to reinforce the VW chassis, and to provide hard points for door hinges, etc. This subframe is already attached to the body. There is still much to do after this, but the only real thing left that might be a challenge is the wiring...luckily, though, the wiring is very simple for this car.

To build the new version, it appears you have to cut the middle section out of the VW chassis, and attach it to the new subframe...IMHO, this appears to be more difficult than just shortening the old VW chassis, and installing new pans if needed.

So, if you're wanting to get started in the kit car hobby, you've made a good choice. It's always been one of the easier kits to build, and results in a nice car. Buying an older, unfinished kit will save you a lot of money, and if the kit you're buying is missing parts, almost all of them are still common to Innovative's new kit. Often, when buying an unfinished kit, the VW pan has already been shortened and rebuilt...saving you even more money. Just make sure you have the chassis inspected by someone qualified, to ensure the frame is still square, and rewelded correctly.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask?

Sincerely,
Stephen

356 FAN,

I tried, but couldn't find the ad for the car you're looking at on this site.

First of all, it's good news that it's still in the crate. This means that, for whatever reason, it was never started on. So, nothing was done incorrectly(holes cut in the wrong place, etc). It's also very likely that the rest of the components are still in their boxes, reducing the likelyhood they were lost/damaged.

It also means there isn't a chassis. This is o.k., but realize what you'll have to do...find a VW with a rustfree chassis, shorten it (or pay someone to do this for you), rebuilt the chassis (steering/suspension/engine,etc). Luckily, parts to rebuild the chassis are readily available, and the VW chassis is simple to rebuild.

In my opinion, $7500.00 is too much for the car. You should be able to get one for much less than that.

If you're interested in the kit, you should request to see a copy of the inventory sheet. On this, you'll see what options the car is supposed to have, and what was backordered...make sure they recieved the backordered parts...if not, you'll have to replace them. You should also do an inventory of what they have, using the inventory sheet. This will indicate any parts they may have lost. Every item the kit is missing should lower the price.

Before you proceed, though, you should evaluate your abilities. The Speedster is one of the easier kits to assmeble, but it still requires a good mechanical knowledge. The kit should have an assembly manual(if not, make sure you can get one), but they often have "blurry" areas...their instructions may be unclear, or incomplete. You should have the mental knowledge and experience to overcome these problems. Don't expect this to be a model car, where you follow the directions, snap all the pieces together, and have a finished product. There may be areas where you will have to go without direction, be creative, and come up with a solution of your own. If the extent of your mechanical ability is to tune up a car, and install some simple aftermarket items, then you probably won't be able to finish the car. I'm not trying to discourage you, just trying to prevent you from having to sell your unfinished kit a few years from now.

You'll also need more than your basic tools...you should have a well stocked shop.

But, if you feel you're ready for the challenge, it can be a lot of fun. And you'll be very proud of the finished product.

As for dealing with CMC. We rarely did. We assembled kits, we didn't purchase or sell them. Our customers often brought their kits to us to finish, after they gave up. Just as often, they bought a new kit, and had it shipped directly to us. Probably 70% of the kits we built were from CMC. The products CMC sold were good products. From what I heard, I didn't agree with their sales tactics. There were often back-ordered parts, but never anything major...usually small pieces, and they always showed up. Since Innovative took over things, I've heard things have really changed...but, I don't have any experience dealing with them. Talk to others that have purchased kits from them, and see what they think of them.

As for other brands of Speedster kits, I don't have any experience with them...Intermeccanica has a good reputation, and it'd be nice having roll up windows, but the penalty is having a different windsheild...and they're pricey, too.

In case you don't know what a VW chassis looks like without the VW body, I found a goos pic of one. I'll try to attach it.

If I can answer any more of your questions, let me know!

Stephen

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