Enigmatic Variations No. 745

[crofter]

This is still the out-of-date crossword that I would like to see if I can progress it!

6A Beetle could be off seeds, kind of (7)

This must be either CARABID (Beetle) or CARAWAY (Seeds). Which and why?

To EV fans - THIS clue eventually becomes CARAVAN when a 70 mph speed limit is imposed! Taking 70 to stand for 14 drops of size 5 mph and applying this to CARAWAY gives the following: W---->V (a drop involving 2 letters) and then Y---->N (a drop involving 12 letters).

Hence changing CARAWAY to CARAVAN requires drops involving 14 letters (ie 70 mph).
Am I making sense to anyone out there?

Only two more across clues left!
1A Glitter is getting on - about 50 not 70 (5) GLARY?
15A Thumb's no end politically incorrect, not with it (8)
THUM + PI +NG =THUMPING??

Any assistance greatly appreciated!

[Quizmonkey]

15a is pollical (anag of politically minus y and it)

[kettledrum]

I think it's probably caraway; beetle / car, be off / away.

Gary Glitter

[crofter]

Thanks - but probably entered as GALLIVAT?

[crofter]

I now have all the across clues at least before the speed limit is applied. 22A for example is NICHROME before and NICKNAME after applying this unknown rule?

[crofter]

The hidden message appears to be
THE LETTERS TO GET SPEED
Can anyone confirm?

[lector]

following your efforts but cant assist!

[crofter]

I'm not giving up yet! I've got until Saturday to see how far I can go on my first attempt (with more than a little help from my friends!)