Emma is a 1952 MG TD replica car that came to live with us several years ago. Wendy had sold her classic mini to a fellow collector and was missing owning a unique car and I made the suggestion that a replica car would be nice looking and because underneath it all it was a Beetle type VW that could repaired in any number of places. Sometimes unique car owners have a post-partum experience and no matter how attractive the new car might be, nothing can replace those old feelings.
Emma in Tampa
A different classic Mini, actually three, came to live and our house and Emma fell into neglect until after prodding from Wendy, I decided to get Emma roadable again. In the past various mechanics had worked on Emma. Sometimes the results turned out well and other times not so much but, they were always pricey. In the future, I decided I could do the work just as well as the $100/hour VW mechanics; after all, it is a 1968 or 1970 VW Beetle underneath it all. Me doing the mechanical work is only possible because YouTube has a video how-to for every part of every VW made.
One of the nice things about owning a replica car is you can modify it without destroying its value. I’m in the process of installing a power outlet for the GPS and I wouldn’t think of cutting two 1 1/2 inch holes in the dashboard for the 12v dc and the two USB power outlets in a real MG TD. In Emma that’s no problem. Power Outlet Image.
Handbrake Relocation A howto on relocating the handbrake. My handbrake solution worked but it was too fragile. Eventually, in June, July, and August 2022, I got around to relocating the handbrake using the procedure outlined in the Handbrake Relocation procedure. Below shows the hole left by the handbrakes removal.
Handbrake removed. Note brake cables to be relocated.
Handbrake baseplate after removal and cleanup.
Relocated handbrake and new fire extinguisher.
If you look closely at the above picture you can see the adjustable pedal extensions I ordered from the internet. On the upper right you can see the 12V outlet for the GPS unit. Next to it is one of the two covered USB outlets.
Some interesting specs:
Chassis tunnel number 119786937 means Emma’s beetle chassis is mostly from 1969, although when it became a kit car various other things were done including shortening the chassis. The wiring harness electrics are sorta VW but have been modified. I added a modified turn signal switch and added a 12v outlet with USB charging.
Chassis tunnel number 11978693.
Engine No stamped in block : B6415715 means it’s a B6 1970 1600cc Dual relief, single port, 47bhp DIN, M157 USA/Canada. Dual port 1600s were the best available until 1975 when the fuel injected models were introduced.
