| Please forward all comments, suggestions or submissions to - bimelliott(email at)comcast.net and thank you in advance for sharing information on these great little cars. Web site by Bob Elliott (Last Update, 10/02/09 Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007- Deserter Owners Group - All rights reserved No part of this website may be reproduced |
Here's some information and a few photo's of various parts and pieces from
different cars, (Deserter GT's) as they were quite different than the Manx
clones like the Series 1.
Where possible, I've included replacement art information. If you have anything
you can add, please just send it to -bimelliott(email at)comcast.net
FYI - The numbers on the sketch to the right mean nothing on this page, it's a copy
from original Deserter literature.- thanks - Bob
different cars, (Deserter GT's) as they were quite different than the Manx
clones like the Series 1.
Where possible, I've included replacement art information. If you have anything
you can add, please just send it to -bimelliott(email at)comcast.net
FYI - The numbers on the sketch to the right mean nothing on this page, it's a copy
from original Deserter literature.- thanks - Bob
Bumper - Front - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A custom GT Part - Originally supplied in chrome finish, and no originals are available. A very good reproduction piece is available
from Jim W at www.vintagevolkswagens.com
Bumper - Rear - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few variations exist, and looks best in chrome, but this is another custom GT part. Sorry, but no originals are available and no
current supplier that I am aware of?
Emblems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've seen 3 different front emblems used on these cars, the more generic embossed aluminum Autodynamics version and either
the Autodynamics or Dearborn Automotive laminated Deserter versions. Only 1 type of Deserter script existed and it was plastic
with chrome finish and appeared on all versions, Series 1, GT and GS cars. Installed on the rear apron or the buggy based cars and
on the sides of the engine scoop on the GS cars
Front Parking/Turn Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beside the usual VW versions on top of the front fenders that often rubbed the tire, one of the more common choices of the time
was the early Karman Ghia turn signals. Another nice choice are early Mustang turn lamps.
Gas Cap - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Others were used, but this picture shows the most common gas cap for GT's; Nice & fresh chrome from Steve A's car, I have no
current source for this part, so either you have one or you don't.; Many other options work just fine, 05 options - Berrien Buggy
Stainless Steel Fuel Filler Kit with screw on vented cap $23.95 - www.berrienbuggy.com/id86.htm and BUGPACK polished
aluminum with flip top, mounting flange, vented P/N 6034, $28.78,
www.bugsandbuggies.com/Parts.asp?CN=459&SN=40&GN=7
Gull Wing Hard Top - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This clearly was the holy grail for any Deserter GT owner. Not many made, the top was priced almost as much as the body, and few
remain today. Because the doors were a little flimsy, many must have broke and were tossed aside so today, you might find a top,
but the doors might be missing. (Pic 1, Pic 2 & Pic 3) Today, I'm happy to tell you that replacement Doors are available through the
Fiberglass Fan-Attic. Click here to check them out.
Head Light Buckets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The original headlights supplied by AD were MGB or Lucas units and probably still available from UK suppliers, but you can use the
inexpensive Baja units available from most of the VW parts suppliers. They require a weird cut-out to fit, but will work with an
1/8th of an inch space around the bezel. Another option, the units from a Jeep CJ fit matching the diameter of the mounting
surface. Note: It's important with the Baja units to mount them with the bezel retaining screw at the bottom, even though it's
more difficult to attach the screw. (Thanks to Rich B and Bob H for this tip)
Rear Fender Extensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OK, maybe you've seen these and wished that you had a set. Like any other GT part, not many originals to be had, the good news,
these were very simple little pieces. Some do not appear to be a custom molded part, some were simply were cut out of flat
fiberglass stock and curved to fit the rear apron. Some were actually a molded part. Most that I've seen have been bolted (or
riveted) to the body or possibly glassed in. Make yours out of any sheet plastic or rubber you'd like, or fiberglass. Paint to match
you car and you all set.
Rear Seat - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Not many of these left, never mind in this condition. Here's a couple of shots from an original Deserter back seat. Very original,
very nice. (Pic 1 and Pic 2)
Rear GS Shocks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once again, a special part for the GS. This is what I know, the shock you need is 15 in extended, 11 in compressed with a normal
ride height of 13 in. Coil -overs rates range from 200-300lb's. + on cars I've seen and vary with choice of power and if the "Z" bar
carries some weight with solid connections to the trailing arms?
The long out of production Koni Special "D'' 80-1669 was the shock of choice back in the day, but you'll have a real had time
locating them.
Roll Bar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This part was unique to the GT with overall dimensions 36H by 48W; and 1 1/2 in diameter tubing. The side mounting tabs for the
roll bar start at 16 in. up from the bottom mounting plates. They are 4 1/2 long and 2 wide. The side mounting brackets have two
holes, and the floor mounting brackets have three holes.
Side Pods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Another unique to the GT part, identical in looks to the Bounty Hunter version, but the GT version is almost 4 inches longer.
Click here to see the brand new side tanks available today!
Soft Top - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A pretty functional soft top for both the S-1 and GT cars existed. While the S-1 soft top was very functional, I have to admit that
entering or exiting the GT soft top takes some dexterity, it helps to be young.
Looking for a soft top for the GT?
I don't know all that can be done but if your interested, get in touch and find out yourself. In black from standard top material the
price is about $600 for the top and another $200 for side curtains + shipping. I hope to post pictures soon, but I don't have any
yet. The 2 top bows are up to you and bent from 1/2 in. EMT. The front windshield header can be made by you from wood or I can
replicate it in fiberglass like the original. Check out any boat supply yard for help with other mounting hardware.
Edwards Seat Cover Company, Inc.
1115 N. Liberty Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336/722-2817; 336/723-5638
Steering Wheel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What I consider to be an original GT wheel was depicted in most of the GT adds, walnut rim, 3 chrome spokes, not sure of the
original supplier, but a wheel, the Superior 500 is at least a close source today. I'm looking for a little help here if you know of
anything, please pass it along?
Tail Lights - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Too many choices to list here, but often just the early VW units were employed from the donor car, if you were lucky with chrome
housings. Other choices were round DOT or truck/trailer lamp assemblies, sometimes the popular Mustang or Corvette tail lights
were used.
VIN Tags's - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've seen 2 different VIN tags used on these cars, Autodynamics and Dearborn, with very little consistency on all 3 versions of
Deserter cars. S/N's often started with a 2-digit indication of the year (68, 69, 70 or 71) followed by 3 or 4 sequential numbers.
Some have either a GT or GS designation mixed in with the S/N, but again, no rhyme or reason that I can figure out and it appears
that some morphing of the numbers has occurred over the years.
If your lucky, yours will have a VIN tag attached someplace, but not many do and there really was no official place to mount one.;
Look under the dash on the body tub or in the rear near the battery and storage box compartments. From what I've seen most will
not have one.
Most Deserters shipped in kit form were most likely shipped with an ID plate? What the owner/builder did with it varied. The
few factory-assembled cars would have an ID plate. The fact that most Deserter cars today do not have it installed is really
pretty simple.
Back then as today, the registration process for a kit car can be quite daunting. Simply using the original VW VIN #'s and Title
usually meant fewer questions by the insurance company and DMV, and as a bonus maybe less sales tax. At this point, the VW
numbers registered the car and made the name-tag unnecessary. So over time most simply got lost. For this reason, the GS cars
with their custom chassis are much more likely to have an ID tag than the VW pan cars.
Windshield - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Originally From a Renault Dauphine, fit's the Bounty Hunter and Deserter GT. The post are just another unique part to the GT,
and even different than the Bounty Hunters. Some posts were not that great of a casting piece of aluminum to start with and
often buffing it only shows more flaws, you have been warned.
There never was any hard piece to cover the top of the glass. Most that I've seem used a rubber channel that wrapped completely
around the windshield. It provided some isolation on the bottom and sides as well as a visual edge for the top. The rubber would
also help seal to either the soft or hard tops when installed. It can be held in place with the help of some silicone adhesive. Also,
black silicone helped fill any gaps and seal the rubber to the post and body.
Some left the top of the glass empty with nothing on it? Too much of an unfinished look in my mind and often the cops would think
there was no windshield in place and pull you over because of it. I've seen some with foam weather-stripping on the bottom and
lots of silicone on others. All would work, some better than others.
- For new GT windshields, call Pilkerton Classics 1-800 848-1351, or email - Pilkington.Classics@us.pilkington.com -expect to pay
around $400 plus shipping.
- For the rubber gasket, call Bob Drake 1-800 221-3673 and ask for a 1932-36 Ford Rear Window Seal - P/N B-704220, less than
$20 bucks and fits great!
A custom GT Part - Originally supplied in chrome finish, and no originals are available. A very good reproduction piece is available
from Jim W at www.vintagevolkswagens.com
Bumper - Rear - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few variations exist, and looks best in chrome, but this is another custom GT part. Sorry, but no originals are available and no
current supplier that I am aware of?
Emblems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've seen 3 different front emblems used on these cars, the more generic embossed aluminum Autodynamics version and either
the Autodynamics or Dearborn Automotive laminated Deserter versions. Only 1 type of Deserter script existed and it was plastic
with chrome finish and appeared on all versions, Series 1, GT and GS cars. Installed on the rear apron or the buggy based cars and
on the sides of the engine scoop on the GS cars
Front Parking/Turn Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beside the usual VW versions on top of the front fenders that often rubbed the tire, one of the more common choices of the time
was the early Karman Ghia turn signals. Another nice choice are early Mustang turn lamps.
Gas Cap - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Others were used, but this picture shows the most common gas cap for GT's; Nice & fresh chrome from Steve A's car, I have no
current source for this part, so either you have one or you don't.; Many other options work just fine, 05 options - Berrien Buggy
Stainless Steel Fuel Filler Kit with screw on vented cap $23.95 - www.berrienbuggy.com/id86.htm and BUGPACK polished
aluminum with flip top, mounting flange, vented P/N 6034, $28.78,
www.bugsandbuggies.com/Parts.asp?CN=459&SN=40&GN=7
Gull Wing Hard Top - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This clearly was the holy grail for any Deserter GT owner. Not many made, the top was priced almost as much as the body, and few
remain today. Because the doors were a little flimsy, many must have broke and were tossed aside so today, you might find a top,
but the doors might be missing. (Pic 1, Pic 2 & Pic 3) Today, I'm happy to tell you that replacement Doors are available through the
Fiberglass Fan-Attic. Click here to check them out.
Head Light Buckets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The original headlights supplied by AD were MGB or Lucas units and probably still available from UK suppliers, but you can use the
inexpensive Baja units available from most of the VW parts suppliers. They require a weird cut-out to fit, but will work with an
1/8th of an inch space around the bezel. Another option, the units from a Jeep CJ fit matching the diameter of the mounting
surface. Note: It's important with the Baja units to mount them with the bezel retaining screw at the bottom, even though it's
more difficult to attach the screw. (Thanks to Rich B and Bob H for this tip)
Rear Fender Extensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
OK, maybe you've seen these and wished that you had a set. Like any other GT part, not many originals to be had, the good news,
these were very simple little pieces. Some do not appear to be a custom molded part, some were simply were cut out of flat
fiberglass stock and curved to fit the rear apron. Some were actually a molded part. Most that I've seen have been bolted (or
riveted) to the body or possibly glassed in. Make yours out of any sheet plastic or rubber you'd like, or fiberglass. Paint to match
you car and you all set.
Rear Seat - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Not many of these left, never mind in this condition. Here's a couple of shots from an original Deserter back seat. Very original,
very nice. (Pic 1 and Pic 2)
Rear GS Shocks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Once again, a special part for the GS. This is what I know, the shock you need is 15 in extended, 11 in compressed with a normal
ride height of 13 in. Coil -overs rates range from 200-300lb's. + on cars I've seen and vary with choice of power and if the "Z" bar
carries some weight with solid connections to the trailing arms?
The long out of production Koni Special "D'' 80-1669 was the shock of choice back in the day, but you'll have a real had time
locating them.
Roll Bar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This part was unique to the GT with overall dimensions 36H by 48W; and 1 1/2 in diameter tubing. The side mounting tabs for the
roll bar start at 16 in. up from the bottom mounting plates. They are 4 1/2 long and 2 wide. The side mounting brackets have two
holes, and the floor mounting brackets have three holes.
Side Pods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Another unique to the GT part, identical in looks to the Bounty Hunter version, but the GT version is almost 4 inches longer.
Click here to see the brand new side tanks available today!
Soft Top - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A pretty functional soft top for both the S-1 and GT cars existed. While the S-1 soft top was very functional, I have to admit that
entering or exiting the GT soft top takes some dexterity, it helps to be young.
Looking for a soft top for the GT?
I don't know all that can be done but if your interested, get in touch and find out yourself. In black from standard top material the
price is about $600 for the top and another $200 for side curtains + shipping. I hope to post pictures soon, but I don't have any
yet. The 2 top bows are up to you and bent from 1/2 in. EMT. The front windshield header can be made by you from wood or I can
replicate it in fiberglass like the original. Check out any boat supply yard for help with other mounting hardware.
Edwards Seat Cover Company, Inc.
1115 N. Liberty Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336/722-2817; 336/723-5638
Steering Wheel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What I consider to be an original GT wheel was depicted in most of the GT adds, walnut rim, 3 chrome spokes, not sure of the
original supplier, but a wheel, the Superior 500 is at least a close source today. I'm looking for a little help here if you know of
anything, please pass it along?
Tail Lights - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Too many choices to list here, but often just the early VW units were employed from the donor car, if you were lucky with chrome
housings. Other choices were round DOT or truck/trailer lamp assemblies, sometimes the popular Mustang or Corvette tail lights
were used.
VIN Tags's - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've seen 2 different VIN tags used on these cars, Autodynamics and Dearborn, with very little consistency on all 3 versions of
Deserter cars. S/N's often started with a 2-digit indication of the year (68, 69, 70 or 71) followed by 3 or 4 sequential numbers.
Some have either a GT or GS designation mixed in with the S/N, but again, no rhyme or reason that I can figure out and it appears
that some morphing of the numbers has occurred over the years.
If your lucky, yours will have a VIN tag attached someplace, but not many do and there really was no official place to mount one.;
Look under the dash on the body tub or in the rear near the battery and storage box compartments. From what I've seen most will
not have one.
Most Deserters shipped in kit form were most likely shipped with an ID plate? What the owner/builder did with it varied. The
few factory-assembled cars would have an ID plate. The fact that most Deserter cars today do not have it installed is really
pretty simple.
Back then as today, the registration process for a kit car can be quite daunting. Simply using the original VW VIN #'s and Title
usually meant fewer questions by the insurance company and DMV, and as a bonus maybe less sales tax. At this point, the VW
numbers registered the car and made the name-tag unnecessary. So over time most simply got lost. For this reason, the GS cars
with their custom chassis are much more likely to have an ID tag than the VW pan cars.
Windshield - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Originally From a Renault Dauphine, fit's the Bounty Hunter and Deserter GT. The post are just another unique part to the GT,
and even different than the Bounty Hunters. Some posts were not that great of a casting piece of aluminum to start with and
often buffing it only shows more flaws, you have been warned.
There never was any hard piece to cover the top of the glass. Most that I've seem used a rubber channel that wrapped completely
around the windshield. It provided some isolation on the bottom and sides as well as a visual edge for the top. The rubber would
also help seal to either the soft or hard tops when installed. It can be held in place with the help of some silicone adhesive. Also,
black silicone helped fill any gaps and seal the rubber to the post and body.
Some left the top of the glass empty with nothing on it? Too much of an unfinished look in my mind and often the cops would think
there was no windshield in place and pull you over because of it. I've seen some with foam weather-stripping on the bottom and
lots of silicone on others. All would work, some better than others.
- For new GT windshields, call Pilkerton Classics 1-800 848-1351, or email - Pilkington.Classics@us.pilkington.com -expect to pay
around $400 plus shipping.
- For the rubber gasket, call Bob Drake 1-800 221-3673 and ask for a 1932-36 Ford Rear Window Seal - P/N B-704220, less than
$20 bucks and fits great!
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The Deserter Owners Group
Part's Page, Deserter GT
Part's Page, Deserter GT