Ffr mki

[HEDHUNTR]

Can someone tell me how wide the MK1 roadster is? Also what is the body differences between the MK1 vs. the II, III and 4?

Thank you

[edwardb]

How accurate do you need it to be? The Mk4 in my garage measures a little under 70 inches at the widest part -- at the rear fender flares. I suspect the others will be in that range. If you need it more precise, someone who actually has a Mk1 will need to answer.

In general terms, I don't think there are big body appearance differences between a Mk1, Mk2 or Mk3. There were changes like inner liners on the doors and hood, new door hinges, hood hinges added, capability for wider tires, etc. But I think the overall outline was similar for all. The big change was with the Mk4, where an all new plot was done and then all new molds. The body is intended to be closer to the original. Got rid of the famous "perky butt" with a more rounded trunk lid and lowering of the body in the back. It looks better, plus the tank is more hidden, and all the body mounts are hidden. On the downside, the trunk is quite a bit smaller and it takes some creativity to fit the license plate.

In very general terms, I think most would agree the fiberglass quality improved with each version. The latest versions still require a lot of work, but apparently nothing like earlier versions. My experience started with the Mk3, and the Mk4 was a nice improvement. I've heard stories about early Mk1's and 2's.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Edwardb pretty much covered it as far as body shape however the Mk3 did get a notable change from the Mk1 and Mk2---the body was widened 1 1/2" at the rear wheels. This change coincided with a reconfiguration to the frame structure behind the cockpit to allow for fitting 315 tires without modifications.

Jeff

[skullandbones]

Just out of curiosity, I measured my MKIII where Edwardb measured his MKIV at the widest rear fender flare. I got 71 9/16 inches. I used a square to help measure the up and down edge more accurately. So maybe the MKI, MKII, and MKIV are closer to the same width. I like my roadsters bulging hips but I guess I am just biased a little.

WEK.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Out of curiosity I just measured a Mk4 body that I have here on the buck; 71 1/2"

Jeff

[edwardb]

Just out of curiosity, I measured my MKIII where Edwardb measured his MKIV at the widest rear fender flare. I got 71 9/16 inches. I used a square to help measure the up and down edge more accurately. WEK.


Out of curiosity I just measured a Mk4 body that I have here on the buck; 71 1/2" Jeff

All right you two... I stretched a 25 foot tape measure (you know, the big heavy ones) over the painted and finished Mk4 (#7750) sitting in my garage and just eyeballed it. Thought I was pretty close. So I was off an inch or two. Cut a guy some slack. :p

[skullandbones]

That made me laugh. LOL.

We are so used to the laser beam precision of your builds, estimates are not expected. I really thought maybe they had down sized the MKIV. The butt does look smaller. I guess it's the height difference.

WEK.