Embarking on a restoration project of a classic kit car like the Bradley GT is a rewarding journey. These unique vehicles, born from the kit car craze of the 1970s, offer a blend of sporty aesthetics and accessible mechanics, often based on the reliable Volkswagen Beetle. However, finding Bradley Gt Kit Car Parts can present unique challenges compared to restoring mass-produced automobiles. This guide delves into the process of sourcing components for your Bradley GT, drawing from the experience of a fellow enthusiast who recently rescued a barn-find gem.
Unearthing a Time Capsule: The Allure of a Vintage Bradley GT
The story begins with the discovery of a Bradley GT that had been slumbering in indoor storage since the 1970s. With incredibly low original mileage, this find represents a rare opportunity to revive a piece of automotive history. Acquired for a price that many would consider a steal, the car’s body was remarkably well-preserved, though signaling the need for a fresh paint job. The interior, while dusty, held promise, with leather components in salvageable condition, contrasting with the missing carpeting that would require replacement.
Mechanical revitalization was also on the agenda. A dead shifter bushing, a common ailment of vehicles of this era, needed attention. The journey to get the engine running again was a testament to perseverance and DIY spirit. A custom-built wiring harness replaced the aged original, and a modern MSD ignition system breathed new life into the 1600cc dual-port engine. Fuel delivery issues, stemming from years of storage, presented a significant hurdle. Gravel contamination in the fuel lines and tank necessitated extensive flushing and multiple fuel pump replacements, highlighting the unexpected challenges of restoring a vehicle that has been sitting idle for decades. Engine oil was meticulously flushed and replaced with high-zinc synthetic oil, crucial for older engines. The carburetor, unfortunately, succumbed to the effects of old fuel and was temporarily replaced with a Chinese unit, with future plans for an upgrade to dual carbs or fuel injection. EMPI heads were installed, providing a performance boost while serving as a temporary solution pending further engine enhancements.
Navigating the Unique Parts Landscape of a Kit Car
Restoring a Bradley GT isn’t just about generic car parts; it’s about tracking down specific Bradley GT kit car parts that are unique to its design and construction. The owner faced several challenges specific to the Bradley GT body and trim. One of the doors suffered damage, missing a hinge section, though retaining its latches and spring-loaded handle. The other door lacked a handle altogether, and both were missing the supporting arms to hold them open – crucial Bradley GT kit car parts for functionality and safety. Rotted door seals were another point of concern, common in vehicles of this age and requiring sourcing or fabrication.
The front windshield seal also exhibited age-related deterioration, with the trim loosening. The owner’s desire for a chrome-less aesthetic adds another layer to the restoration, requiring careful removal and refinishing of the chrome trim, possibly through painting or powder coating. The windshield itself, bearing a couple of small cracks, presented an opportunity for repair while removed for seal replacement, emphasizing the importance of preserving original components where feasible.
Illuminating the Road Ahead: Lighting and Electrical Components
Exterior lighting became a significant focus, driven by both functionality and the need to pass state inspections. Universal 4″ round tail lights, commonly found on trucks and trailers, proved to be readily available replacements, even with integrated reverse lights – a practical upgrade. A third brake light bar was added for enhanced safety, though its mounting location remained to be determined. 7″ round headlamps were selected as replacements, with a preference for modern LED or CCFL technology for improved visibility and a sleek aesthetic.
The Bradley GT’s integrated front turn signals, molded directly into the body, presented a unique challenge. One non-functional unit and a cracked lens cover highlighted the difficulty in finding direct replacements for these body-integrated Bradley GT kit car parts. The owner explored options for LED upgrades to improve reliability and considered custom lamp fabrication as a premium solution, acknowledging the potential scarcity of original parts. Repairing the cracked lens with adhesive was considered as a fallback, underscoring the resourcefulness required in kit car restoration.
Title, Registration, and Navigating the Legal Landscape
Beyond the physical restoration, the owner encountered the complexities of titling and registering a kit car. Titled in Michigan as a 1963 Volkswagen (due to its Beetle chassis origins) with the engine number incorrectly listed as the VIN, registering the Bradley GT in Wisconsin as a hobbyist vehicle presented bureaucratic hurdles. The state trooper’s insistence on classifying the vehicle as street-modified or custom-built, subject to stringent modern safety standards, created a significant challenge.
The requirement to meet 2021 safety standards, including airbags (an impossibility for a classic kit car), highlighted the need to locate the original VW Beetle VIN stamped on the chassis pan. The pan’s protective putty coating further complicated this task. Navigating requirements for powered defrosters, 3-point seatbelts, mirrors, a third brake light, and reverse lights became essential for legal roadworthiness. Creative solutions, such as utilizing Noctua computer fans for defrosters and planning a roll cage for harness-type seatbelts, demonstrated ingenuity in adapting modern solutions to a vintage vehicle. Addressing the reverse light sensor issue and seeking advice on title transfer processes within the kit car community became crucial next steps in ensuring the Bradley GT’s legal and safe return to the road.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Quest for Bradley GT Kit Car Parts and Community Wisdom
Restoring a Bradley GT kit car is an adventure filled with unique challenges and rewards. Sourcing Bradley GT kit car parts demands resourcefulness, patience, and a willingness to explore various avenues – from online marketplaces and specialized vendors to community forums and custom fabrication. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from fellow enthusiasts, as highlighted by the owner’s questions regarding door parts, windshield installation, and registration, is invaluable in navigating the intricacies of kit car restoration. The journey of reviving this vintage Bradley GT is a testament to the enduring appeal of these unique vehicles and the dedication of those who keep them on the road.
