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Author Topic: 54 Oval  (Read 36929 times)
Bathtub57
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« on: January 20, 2011, 04:41:15 am »

Having been a voyeur of this site for some years I can finally post something as I just took delivery of a '54 Oval built back in the late 90's in the UK. 

It's a little bit Cal Look, little bit Hot Rod which is a result of its' development over the past 10 years or so.  It's original incarnation can be seen on John Mahers website as he built the original 2276 motor and it featured in the Channel 5 documentary, which is on YouTube, doing a burnout.  The motor has now been increased to a 2332 by Luke at Terry's Beetles.

There are many bits which don't make it traditional but I want to get a feel for it before I start changing things, although there are a few obvious early candidates, but I would appreciate your thoughts.

I'm looking forward to my first race season in the UK, my uncle Mike Smith (well known in the UK and Europe, mainly for resurrecting a '67 Camaro known as Money Hungry which was an original UK 70's drag car famous for its' pound notes lacquered onto the body) is going to help me get started at the pod soon.

I hope I can become a more active participant of the site and welcome help from the lounge, especially if any previous owners are lurking and have any info they can share.










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fredy66
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« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2011, 09:15:10 am »

nice car man
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arabia slugs
Doktor
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« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2011, 13:34:34 pm »

I remeber that car.
It was featured in Volsworld magazine around '98 or '99.
If that was mine car, I wouldn't change a thing !  Cool
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dr.aircooled
speedwell
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the archivist


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« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2011, 18:45:39 pm »

the car had sprinstars before no Huh
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http://speedwell55.skynetblogs.be/
oldspeed 61 standard empi/speedwell
streetvw
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Posts: 554



« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2011, 20:00:49 pm »

yes it did have sprintstars it was built by a guy from Leeds called Rob Tomlinson met him a few times at John Maher's old workshop in Chorlton, I think he built a 2276cc with 48 IDF's for it and was know for terrorising the subaru and evo owners of leeds.

Steering wheel looks like the same Motolita (i think) wheel that Rob put in it. I think the only reason Rob sold the car was due to a pretty ugly divorce  Roll Eyes

JMR's web site has some pics of the car when Rob had it http://www.johnmaherracing.co.uk/jmrontv.htm

« Last Edit: January 20, 2011, 20:08:05 pm by streetvw » Logged
Martin
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Cash Converter....


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« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2011, 00:28:27 am »

wow, always wondered what happend to Robs car.


Lookin nice man Wink
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Martin

9 sec street car, its just simply not fast enough

Swing axle to CV convertion is on the website now

www.taylormachine.co.uk

OFF/500
Worm
DKK
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Whose stupid idea was that?


« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2011, 02:06:22 am »

Dont change a thing except the caps on the BRM's.  Get some with the BRM logo and you are sweeeeeet.  Great ride.  Really nice.
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Rennsurfer
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D.B.O. Not a club; a state of mind.


« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2011, 02:16:18 am »

What Worm posted and lose the horn grilles for some factory ones. Otherwise, nice car!
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kev d
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« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2011, 09:28:42 am »

Nice car Cool
Not much needed there!
Cheers,
Kev
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body , but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit ... what a ride"
F-22A
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« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2011, 10:08:48 am »

That is a great looking car, congratulations on the purchase.

I can tell you that the car was bought by long time Vintage VW enthsusiast George Lloyd in 1974 for £300 with 12 months MOT & tax!  I'm sure George will have more stories about it and it may actually be him that sold it to Rob Tomlinson.

There's not too many 54 UK Oval's running around on their original plate so if it was mine, as stated above I'd lose the horn grille's...and then the exterior mirror and proceed to put the interior back to stock > speedo, steering wheel, seats, door panels and carpets and that's about it.  I'd definately not rush to lose the wheels or any of the powetrain.  Wink

Please keep us updated with progress.
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DBK UK
Bathtub57
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« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2011, 15:19:54 pm »

Thanks all for the replies.  John sent me the YouTube link here

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/M_7fInOF1FU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/M_7fInOF1FU</a>

Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy.

It was originally on sprints, then chromed Empi 5's.  I like the BRM's though and they'll stay, with caps.

Agree on the horn grills which seems to be a consensus opinion. 

I'm psyched to own it and be part of the gang.

Mark
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Bathtub57
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« Reply #11 on: January 21, 2011, 15:38:43 pm »





Some older pics.
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F-22A
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« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2011, 17:35:13 pm »

Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy

Feb 99 issue Mark.

Quick ebay scan found this:  Wink

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VOLKSWORLD-CALIFORNIA-LOOK-Feb-1999-/320617293022?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item4aa647a4de

Hope that helps.
Martin
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DBK UK
Bathtub57
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« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2011, 00:32:06 am »

Anyone know or have the Volksworld feature? Would love to get a copy

Feb 99 issue Mark.

Quick ebay scan found this:  Wink

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VOLKSWORLD-CALIFORNIA-LOOK-Feb-1999-/320617293022?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item4aa647a4de

Hope that helps.
Martin

Many thanks - ordered!
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Cheesepanzer
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« Reply #14 on: January 22, 2011, 01:02:18 am »

Nice looking car.  Don't change a thing.   Cool
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62 Beetle (street/strip build)
63 Type 2 Single Cab
Cornpanzers
Doktor
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« Reply #15 on: January 22, 2011, 12:27:30 pm »

I wouldn't change a thing on that car (if it was mine) !  Cool
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dr.aircooled
allmenplayon10
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« Reply #16 on: January 22, 2011, 14:08:36 pm »

Very Very Cool car
Congratulations dude!
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All men play on 10
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jamiep_jamiep
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« Reply #17 on: January 22, 2011, 18:06:34 pm »

I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark?
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peach_
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« Reply #18 on: January 22, 2011, 18:11:15 pm »

I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark?

Steve owned this?? Shocked
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1966 java green looker- 2276 Street Machine, with standard gear box@ 14.5 (2013), With Pro Street Box @ 13.5 (2014), still more to come!

SAS RENN-WAGENS and proud



#CALLOOKDRAGS
jamiep_jamiep
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« Reply #19 on: January 22, 2011, 19:43:44 pm »

I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark?

Steve owned this?? Shocked

I'm pretty sure it was this one Peach, or its double.
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dannyboy
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« Reply #20 on: January 22, 2011, 19:54:08 pm »

pods open tommorow aee you there  Wink Grin
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8.77@156.8mph 
O/FF 60
......
Bathtub57
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« Reply #21 on: January 23, 2011, 00:39:32 am »

I believe this car was also owned by Steve Turnbull in Stafford for a while - do you know if thats the case Mark?

Yes, that's right. He then sold to Jon Green who I bought it from.
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Bathtub57
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Posts: 73



« Reply #22 on: January 23, 2011, 00:42:44 am »

pods open tommorow aee you there  Wink Grin

We are planning for March for the first outing, first time I can coincide a trip back and a RWYB weekend. Hope to meet a few loungers then.
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two benders
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« Reply #23 on: January 23, 2011, 13:28:50 pm »

Hi and no way this is my old car ! I sold it to Jon he was meant to sell it me back ! You are going to love it driving around in a 1950's beetle that can nail any "fast" car off the lights only thing is it can't stop as well or go round bends ! Hope to see you and the car at the pod some time I have lots of tales to tell about this little rocket , I race a white 69 camper . Steve
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Bathtub57
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« Reply #24 on: January 23, 2011, 15:01:46 pm »

Hi and no way this is my old car ! I sold it to Jon he was meant to sell it me back ! You are going to love it driving around in a 1950's beetle that can nail any "fast" car off the lights only thing is it can't stop as well or go round bends ! Hope to see you and the car at the pod some time I have lots of tales to tell about this little rocket , I race a white 69 camper . Steve

Hi Steve,
I am looking forward to giving the car it's legs, I know Jon didn't get to take it out that often and I am hoping to change that.  Would be great to catch up with you at the pod some time and would love to hear more about the car. 
Mark
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streetvw
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« Reply #25 on: January 24, 2011, 16:38:26 pm »

I knew I had a shot of this car when Rob owned it  Grin

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jamiep_jamiep
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« Reply #26 on: January 24, 2011, 17:51:06 pm »

I remember seeing Steve tearing around Stafford in this years ago! Was always a nice car then too....Steve what time period would this have been? I know you always hoped to buy it back but it looks like its gone to a good home!
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Andy Sykes
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« Reply #27 on: January 24, 2011, 18:59:09 pm »

wow great car Smiley


cheers andy
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im building this not just putting parts together, they are two totally different things

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herbieharv
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13.5@99.5mph virgin


« Reply #28 on: January 24, 2011, 19:24:29 pm »

really nice car with a real good story behind it 
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Bathtub57
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« Reply #29 on: January 25, 2011, 12:55:25 pm »

I knew I had a shot of this car when Rob owned it  Grin



Great period pic, thanks.
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