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buffalobradleygt2
Junior Member

Posts: 54

New owner Jul 20, 2010 15:44:10 GMT -5

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Post by buffalobradleygt2 on Jul 20, 2010 15:44:10 GMT -5

New GTII owner.

I found mine at the scrap yard last fall and it was destined for certain destruction.. Basically the car has sat since 1986 (per registration sticker) and I was told it was in a barn until last fall when someone called the scrap yard to come and get it. That’s where I stumbled upon it. Because of other commitments, this past week is the first chance I have really had to get into it

The interior is in bad shape (dry rot) but the body is in good shape. Previous owner had already dropped the pans and glass is in good shape except side door windows are broken. I have learned a lot from this board I have also purchased Jeff’s CD. My plan is to get it running, clean it up, and fix just what is needed to make road ready. If it is as fun to drive as it looks then I will consider dumping more money into it.

I was thinking of applying a bed liner type coating to the floor instead of replacing the carpets, any thoughts? Pros - quick, easy, durable and easy to clean (I understand these have a tendency for leaking water). Cons- possible road noise and heat.

Also are there any patterns available for the interior and carpet? I did see Skip’s post with what interior parts he has for sale and am contemplating that but not exactly the color I was looking for.

Any thoughts comments are appreciated!

brianboggs
Senior Member

Posts: 276

New owner Jul 20, 2010 16:07:06 GMT -5

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Post by brianboggs on Jul 20, 2010 16:07:06 GMT -5

For the floor you could do what I did on my buggy. First do the bedliner deal after a good clean. Get some carpet runner material from the Homey Depot/Lowe'st. Cut a couple of pieces that just fit in there then use velcro strips to hold it down. When it rains in the car just pull the carpets out to hang dry and your done.

buffalobradleygt2
Junior Member

Posts: 54

New owner Jan 1, 2011 22:36:24 GMT -5

Quote

Post by buffalobradleygt2 on Jan 1, 2011 22:36:24 GMT -5

Update,
Car was a lot worse shape than I had originally thought. When I started to take apart I found about ½ dozen mice nest. Also as I have found out Bradly wiring isn’t great to start with and mice had chewed through most of it anyway. I also got the carpeting up and found what was supposed to be dropped pans was actually a disaster of rust and fiberglass and seat mounts about the only thing holding it together. When I pulled the seized engine apart (1600 DP) I found a cracked head. So as I was looking through craigs list (this is where the story gets better!). I found and purchased a running 1973 Beetle titled from NC so frame and pans in great shape. Previous owner had tried (unsuccessfully) to turn this car into a convertible.

This is where today’s question comes in, for the $500 I paid for the car the owner through in a couple of brand new rail supports (can be seen in attached web site). Owner said they were used to stiffen the frame on convertibles? Has anybody used these? What are Pros/Cons?
Thank you for your responses
Dave
www.mamotorworks.com/acvw-air-cooled-vw-beetle-cabriolet-support-rails-1-72-4639.html

Dan MacMillan
Global Moderator

Forum Moderator

Posts: 1,211

New owner Jan 1, 2011 23:13:08 GMT -5

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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jan 1, 2011 23:13:08 GMT -5

I installed a set on my friend's 72 VW convertible. They are relatively easy to do, lots of welding, and can be done on a Beetle without removing the body. They add a lot of strength to the chassis, needed on the Beetle as there is no roof structure to hold the sides apart when the doors are open. The GT2 has very deep sides and a roof structure so these rails are not needed. Since you already have them and have to remove the body, I would go ahead and install them. They will only help with the structure and as a bonus you will be able to safely lift the car on a 2 post hoist {most shops use these} without fear of damaging the fiberglass.

Fixer of Stupidity at the Gates of Hell, 5160 feet underground.

66 Modified Manx,68 Kyote,74 Thing,74 Beetle, 76 Transporter,75 self made Double Cab,65 Meyers Manx,78Westy,68 Ghia, Mid engine Subaru powered GT2
Current projects: 72 Super

smyrnaguy
Senior Member

Posts: 426

New owner Jan 3, 2011 9:53:10 GMT -5

Quote

Post by smyrnaguy on Jan 3, 2011 9:53:10 GMT -5

You will most likely have to remove the jack support tubes from those rails. I've installed a set in a convertible and it can be done with removing the body but its not easy. Usually if those rails are gone the heater channels are too so there's very little body with which to deal. That being said and since you are going to replace the pans anyway I would suggest a perimeter frame of 1 1/2" square tubing instead. This will give you a sturdy support to attach new dropped pans and allow you to use captured nuts in the rails to bolt the body down. The main advantage to this is that you can reattach or re-remove the body by yourself. Unless you have rubberband arms it is not possible for one person to reach both sides of the body bolts. I used 1/8" steel for my dropped floor. I can jack the car up from any point underneath. Yeah if I were you I'd turn those rails you have into money on Ebay or the Samba. Of course all of this is moot if you don't do your own welding or have a good friend that does.

Shoutbox

br: I see your looking for a Bradley for sale. I have one in Mid Michigan that is complete with the Gull wing doors. Have the original sales materials, invoices, correspondence with Bradley and instruction manuals. pine184@frontier.com Jul 19, 2022 14:32:20 GMT -5

deathtrap: Hello! Seriously interested in your car. I only need two things. I need more pictures, including pictures of the interior and engine compartment, and the transmission/rear axle area. Also need to know if this is an IRS car or a Swingaxle car. If you a Sept 16, 2022 8:04:13 GMT -5

gt2503: anyone got a tach gauge? Oct 9, 2022 22:30:34 GMT -5 *

quentin: There is a VINTAGE VDO JET thingyPIT TACHOMETER on eBay for $159. Looks good. Key search word is JET. I sold my rough one there for $120 if I recall. Oct 23, 2022 0:00:23 GMT -5

quentin: ThingyPIT. Stupid prudish spell checker! You know... ROOSTER.... WHERE THE PILOT SITS IN THE AIRPLANE, Oct 23, 2022 0:03:46 GMT -5

daveh: I am looking for a GT2 gauge panel or parts thereof. Please respond if you have one or any parts for sale - thanks Jan 30, 2023 20:46:23 GMT -5

oliver: Offer bundle of documents BRADLEY GT. 2x Assembly Manual. 1x Wiring Manual. 1x color card upholstery. 1x Sales flyer. Pls consider shipping cost (from Germany). If you leave your email, I can send a picture of all items. 50$ pls shipping. vitamins@gmx.com May 17, 2023 3:50:36 GMT -5 *

rrboudreaux3: What is the approximate value for a Bradley GT2 purchased as a kit in 1981 but never assembled. All parts should be there and has been in storage since purchased. Will not part out; will be all or none. Jul 10, 2023 8:09:34 GMT -5

ddbling: Do you still have the unassembled Bradley Gt2 Aug 1, 2023 16:42:23 GMT -5

bradjackly: Can anyone provide a rough estimate of value for a functioning 1970 Bradley GT electric? Sept 2, 2023 12:40:37 GMT -5

bradjackly: thanks fam. Sept 5, 2023 11:54:14 GMT -5

giethoorn1: Hello Bradley GT2 friends. I'm from Holland. I am looking for two original complete taillights for my Bradley. Can anyone help me with this? Greetings Jan Doornbos Netherlands
Sept 13, 2023 8:36:01 GMT -5

speedracer5: Look on eBay for old school bus lights. Good luck! Sept 14, 2023 23:42:35 GMT -5

speedracer5: Do I have to remove the body of my GT2 to remove the gas tank? There is rust in my tank. Or can I treat it in place? Sept 14, 2023 23:45:57 GMT -5

superdave008: Dude here is some help full info. www.bobthagard.com/car_web. Oct 27, 2023 0:05:46 GMT -5

superdave008: also look up Jeff troy he sells a Cd its pretty good. Oct 27, 2023 0:07:29 GMT -5

superdave008: you need a donor car 68 to 74 beetle dual port motor irs rear suspension. a title , no super beetle. Oct 27, 2023 0:12:49 GMT -5

wildbillcody833: got them.. just came across all the left overs factory. 707 304 0946.call me my name is cody Feb 19, 2024 4:13:37 GMT -5

Jeff Troy: This Jeff Troy's wife. I don't know who to get in touch with regarding my husbands passing. Jeff died from cancer in January. He told me to get in touch with someone from the site and they may be able to help me sell his Bradley. Thanks in advance. Mar 19, 2024 10:32:26 GMT -5

cocacoladodge: Mrs. Troy, I'm sorry to read about Jeffs passing. He was a great help to many of us on here, and made for some interesting conversation the few times I spoke with him. Jun 11, 2024 0:17:16 GMT -5