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Post by Jeff Troy on Oct 31, 2009 11:47:10 GMT -5
Hi, Glenn,
I have a good stash right now, so the question isn't for me, although it may entice others to buy your Plexiglas.
Unless the Plexiglas is homebrew or custom one-off replacements, all commercially produced GT gullwings or rear windows should be considered original because they are.
By "original," do you mean your windows are from Bradley Automotive (produced by Allied Plastics) with the white D.O.T. embossed stamp in the front corners, or later (though certainly still original) from Sun Ray with no D.O.T. stamp?
Thanks and warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Oct 29, 2009 8:00:21 GMT -5
Hi, Group,
Smyrnaguy has already posted that SunRay is producing. That is correct, so I am adding a bit more information for you.
Ray Tierney at SunRay Products is the only commercial producer of genuine Bradley GT replacement Plexiglas parts. He is ready to take your orders and ship new gullwing doors and rear windows for the GT (GTII moon roof panel to be available shortly).
These Plexiglas parts are available in clear (originally called "bronze") and smoke.
If you own a GT, you either need Plexiglas parts now or you certainly will in the very near future. My car has had no fewer than a dozen pairs of doors and at least four rear windows since it went on the road in 1976. No one could possibly imagine the many ways there are in which these parts can be broken or damaged.
If you need 'em, get off the fence and get 'em. I already have a Gull Wing two-pair stash on hand, and have just ordered a second backup Sundowner Rear.
Ray is often hit-or-miss, but he's hitting right now. Take advantage.
Plexiglas prices are as follows:
Gull Wings: $250 each, driver or passenger side Sundowner (short) Rear: $280 Fastback (long) Rear: $330 GTII Moon Roof: $100 each Half-Gull: $100 each, driver or passenger side
Prices do not include shipping, and please note that because of its size, the long rear window is a very costly item to ship.
Ray can be reached at:
Voice: 763-780-0774 Fax: 763-780-0775 raytierney57@msn.com Sun Ray Products Corp. 8017 Ranchers Rd. Minneapolis MN 55432
If you call, be prepared for a lengthy and friendly conversation. Ray knows more about the GT and its quirks than anyone I've ever spoken with, and he loves to yak about all of them.
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Oct 29, 2009 7:53:30 GMT -5
Hi, Smyrna,
Visors are not part of the GT manual, and I have never seen a Bradley equipped with them.
In the GT, it's usually a matter of tilting your head a bit forward or rearward to get the roof section between you and the sun. Sometimes it works and sometimes not.
It's a Bradley, and that's just one more of its many, many quirks. We learn to live with them -- and love them because we have no choice!
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Oct 25, 2009 11:56:32 GMT -5
Hi, RJ,
Haven't seen her. Called her when you and I met in Ft. Wayne, but got busy and didn't call her later as I hoped.
I'm sure she's fine, and will come on when she figures out how to get to the new board.
I should call, but keep being busy. At least she's finally driving the car!
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 24, 2009 19:40:58 GMT -5
The GT CD has separate Assembly and Wiring Manuals, just like the original. The numerous official updates to both manuals are all there.
The GTII CD has the assembly and wiring all in one manual, just like the original. Again, all the official updates are there.
The only items not currently on the CD are the manuals for the electric cars.
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 23, 2009 15:17:35 GMT -5
Hi, VW,
The link may not work since the original site is marked as an attack site.
Nice thing about the CD over an original printed manual is that you can take the pages out to shop with you, and not have to worry about dogging them with oil, grease or other shop debris. Ruin a page and you can just print another.
The CD's hold files of the original manuals, as well as any official Bradley update pages.
Ordering is easy. You can send $35 by check or money order to:
Jeff Troy 759 New Holland Ave. Lancaster PA 17602
or send $35 through PayPal to jefftroy@aol.com.
Be sure to let me know whether you need the GT or the GTII CD. The manuals are very different.
If I am not traveling, I usually get these out with a day or two of receiving an order.
Good luck with the car.
Thanks and warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 22, 2009 16:44:38 GMT -5
Hey, Smyrna,
Is that Smyrna, Georgia? Used to live at Chimney Hill off Windy Hill Road. Built a home in Ackworth in the 70's but never slept in it.
The wheel well location is okay, but you have to mount the reservoir so that you can reach it when you turn the front wheels to the left. That lets you get a funnel in to fill the tank.
It isn't all that convenient, but there is no other easy access in the GT unless you do something in the engine compartment.
I have my washer tank and pump where the brake reservoir is supposed to mount, and built a bracket for the brake tank over the forward chassis next to the frame head. It's a little goofy, but it's a Bradley. You'll need to get used to goofy.
Warmest,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 21, 2009 14:20:12 GMT -5
Hi,
Bradley never included a washer system in the GT kit, and no instruction for a washer is given in the manual or any of the updates.
Any auto parts store will have a kit with a pump, hoses, reservoir and nozzle fittings. Probably $20-$20. Most, if not all, states require an operating windshield washer system to comply with inspection.
Bradley did almost everything correctly, although this was surely an ugly oversight on their part. GTII probably shows something, although I don't really remember; haven't looked at the manual or updates in a long time.
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 17, 2009 7:48:31 GMT -5
Hi, MB,
Originally, no, but added the Pertronix Coil and Plug Wires in a later re-vamp of the car. I don't know if the coil and wires buy me anything, but they look nice, and I've always trusted in brand continuity within systems - almost always a sure-shot for compatibility.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 16, 2009 12:18:54 GMT -5
Hi, Guys,
Best thing I ever saw for points is replacing them with a Pertronics Ignitor electronic ignition.
Put one in at 340,000 and it's still going strong a t 625!
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Sept 16, 2009 12:11:19 GMT -5
Hi, John,
Great seeing you and Luke as well. Next time we'll have to allow some time for dinner or something. Randal and I were wrenching on race karts and engines till Sunday morning. I just got home Monday night.
Be well, my friend. Gld the Bradley's running right again.
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 30, 2009 6:45:31 GMT -5
The steering box does have an adjustment, although it will only take you so far. If the box is too worn, it should be replaced.
You should also check alignment, toe-in/out and wheel balance.
I will play with anything mechanical on the Volkswagen portion of my car. If anything quits, it isn't much of a problem, and if the engine dies, the worst I can do is roll to a stop. However, where brakes and steering are concerned -- life-threatening areas is they fail -- I use a competent professional.
Don't be embarrassed to ask for professional help when it's necessary.
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 26, 2009 20:11:20 GMT -5
Hi, Joel,
If most of the interior is out, you might consider removing the body and flipping it inverted to handle your wiring tasks. Working under the dash of a Twoie is a lot easier than a GT, but it's still a royal pain.
Follow the schematics, and work on one circuit at a time. It may look intimidating, but if you handle it on a one-by-one basis, you'll do just fine.
Best of luck with your car...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 17, 2009 21:26:18 GMT -5
Hi, Sarge,
Great to hear from you again. Be safe my friend.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 13, 2009 13:34:26 GMT -5
Hey, RJ,
Great to hear from you, bud.
Might be at Randal's in Ft. Wayne again after the go kart race in Ohio over Labor Day weekend.
Holler if you'll be around: 717-917-3670.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 12, 2009 9:40:01 GMT -5
Hi, Buds,
Missed her phone call, but got a message from Chantel that her pink GT is finally on the road.
She probably doesn't know that this temporary site exists, so if I speak with her, I'll send her a link.
Chantel and hubby Greg have been working on that car for something like 10 years, and it's good to know she's finally driving.
Regards...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 5, 2009 8:31:39 GMT -5
Beautiful GT - Karma for you, too.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 4, 2009 10:17:32 GMT -5
Great looking Twoie. First color I've seen that looks as good as black on that car.
Sent you a Karma!
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 30, 2009 9:46:05 GMT -5
Hi, Bob,
I've shopped Steele and every major rubber house in the U.S. I could find, and none seems to have the original "universal channel" that Bradley supplied with the GT and GTII kits.
I found a slightly larger channel, but the lower rim of the windshield frame had to be cut and enlarges by approcimatelt 5/8 inch to get a decent fit. It's kind of okay, but I'm not satisfied, as the lower edge of windshield often pops out the frame, requiring a complete re-install. I', figuring that I trimmed away just a bit too much from the fiberglass ridge that traps the channel in the frame. My next rebuild (after finishing the MG) will fix all of that.
Meantime, I can't remember which rubber house sent the larger channel, so it's a dead end from me. You might be able to find it if you just try to match the original channel's overall shape and don't try to match it's exact size.
Not much help, I know, but at least you won't waste a lifetime looking for the original part (of course, if you find it, please let me know; I miss a lot on my own!).
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 27, 2009 14:53:37 GMT -5
Hi, BOb,
CONGRATULATIONS! That's the hardest part of a Bradley build, and after that, nothing on the car will present so much of a challenge.
When I was registered in VA (1986-89) I used a state inspection station near Reston. I think it was Fairfax, but it wouldn't matter anyway as I never had a personal contact.
There was no special consideration, at all; just a drive through and a sticker at the end. After three and half years there, the car never seemed to have any problem for them.
Again, congratulations on your major milestone.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 26, 2009 16:37:28 GMT -5
Hi, Gary,
Thanks, back.
I have a little more time to respond to posts than I did before, so lost items shouldn't be a problem. Most of it comes up on a regular basis anyway, and it's all on the CD, which most members already have.
Still driving the car every day, and it's now past 625K. Just did another 100 miles + yesterday to visit my friend Dennis. We bead blasted a load of kart and engine parts. Dennis is an old buddy who has what's left of my black flame body after the accident, and another GT that he drives regularly.
Wish your grandson could have driven one of the race karts around the track at Quincy, but maybe we can do a replay next year. I'm sure he's ready after those killer Pedal Ponies you built. Ever think of putting a small, governed four-stroke engine in one of them? There's a kid rush for sure!
Be well, my friend.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 26, 2009 10:23:42 GMT -5
Hi, Again,
Those images are in Section 08 - 2000-2002 Re-Body, then open 02- Underbody Repair.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 26, 2009 10:20:02 GMT -5
Hi, Bob,
Go into the Complete Restoration section of the GT CD, and open the body files. There's a series of images that show the application of fiberglass cloth and resin over the non-stock tail light openings of the silver body. The edges are beveled and several layers of cloth are applied inside and out. Filler was only used after the glass was cloth to smooth. The beveling allows you to seat the cloth and build material over the original surface, so the new cloth doesn't fall into the repair areas after it's sanded.
It's much easier than it sounds, and kinda fun once you get into it.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 26, 2009 10:11:34 GMT -5
Hi, Gary,
That's a GT for you, every day, everywhere you go!
Gave you a Karma, just for GP.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 22, 2009 12:03:38 GMT -5
Hi, Bob,
I was looking at your donut photo and thinking that it wasn't right. Guess you got it figured.
I use a Grant steering wheel adapter, steering wheel and horn ring. It's been awhile since I've had it all apart, but the adapter has a terminal for the brown wire, and the ground connection is completed when the button is pressed.
The soft horn, at least on my car, is a power issue. Try it with the engine running and see if it doesn't amp right up.
Warmest regards,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 17, 2009 19:45:23 GMT -5
Hi, Mike,
Don't know about the Twoie, but the roof can come off the GT with the windshield still mounted, Just be careful how you handle it because the windshield frame can sag dramatically from the weight of the windshield where the frame meets the forward end of the T-top centerboard. Try to have a helper or two handy.
There should be seven (maybe nine?) carriage bolts along the lower lip of the windshield frame, with washers and hex nuts under the body. The two outer bolts' nuts and washers are accessible from under the front fender wells, and the others are accessible under the dash. It's one of those "feet up and out of the car, and head and arms under the dash with your back kind of on the seat" deals, and it completely sucks.
In stock configuration, the rear pillars are each held by four self-tapping screws.
The biggest problem with top removal is getting the headliner upholstery out from under the side panel and dashboard upholstery without tearing anything in the process. You will probably have to remove the outer screws so you can lift the edges of the jump seat upholstery.
Work carefully, and don't forget to disconnect any wiring if courtesy lighting or other accessories are installed in the T-top.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 13, 2009 14:38:57 GMT -5
The VW chassis will have a VIN stamped on the rear of the tunnel, and that is usually used if the car remains titled as a Volkswagen.
Bradley issued a serial number plate for the body of kit, assembled and turnkey cars, which was mostly used by states for ID and sales tax purposes when attempting to title it. In the case of a turnkey, the Bradley ID number MIGHT be okay with a state as the VIN.
Some individual states, according to the way the car is titled, issue a "reconstructed," "hobby," "assembled" or other specialty plate. The number on that plate then becomes the vehicle's official VIN. My car has the VW ID on the tunnel and the Bradley Body ID tag, but the VIN is from the special Reconstructed Vehicle tag issued by Pennsylvania. That is the only VIN on the title and registration.
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 13, 2009 14:30:30 GMT -5
Hi, Glenn,
Great. best of luck.
Jeff -- Car looks super. Interesting color!
Warmest...
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 12, 2009 19:01:12 GMT -5
Hi, Captain,
So sorry, and glad that you, V and the kids weren't hurt.
If you're the biggest little guy in town, I'd take a look at the next down the line and the big guy on top of you.
Business people are mostly okay, but the disposal business is know to have some pretty shady characters (and I didn't get that from watching The Sopranos).
Hope it turns out well.
Warmest,
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Post by Jeff Troy on Jul 12, 2009 12:22:59 GMT -5
Serial numbers have no relevance to any year or model, and were probably selected at random to throw off competing manufacturers at the time.
GT or GTII. Some of the features of each car can indicate years in which those cars were produced, although most had runs of several years each with the same identifying items.
GTII had early and late inner door opening mechanisms, and a few othet items.
GT had different style engine lids, rubber tail light bezels, pop-up headlights and a few other telltale features.
Again, these item indicate generalities, but not specifics. There are no specifics unless you have a bill of sale from Bradley.
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