My 1956 Oval Sunroof

vw54 · 2011-06-27T04:06:51+00:00

My 1956 Oval Window Sunroof model, turned 55 years old today I have now owned it for 30 years as well Over the years its has under gone some transformations I purchased it in June 1981, after selling my 1928 model A tourer, I was looking for a new project to begin. I found it tucked away in the back of a garage with some 20 other Volkswagen vehicles. I went to look at a 1954 Oval that had been advertised and discovered the 56 in the corner. Knowing the value of an Original Oval sunroof I quickly snapped it up, although It had been cut down into a Baja Buggy ( what a waste ) Upon initial inspecting it was missing the guards, bonnet, and engine lid. I found these scattered around the place and added them to the purchased I spent the next 3 years rebuilding the car and restoring it back to all original condition with original motor and gearbox Once restored I drove it to work in peak hour traffic for the next 7 years, also changing and modifying engine components along the way First of I fitted a Ken virgin Twin Carburettor set up which gave the 36 hp loads of extra torque and also made it nippy. Following this I fitted a set of Maico front disc Brakes which made it pull up better. Then followed a Judson Super charger set up, which it still runs. I took it off full registration in 1990 and used the Car club conditional rego scheme for a few years until 2003 when I stopped driving it and had it in storage as I had just completed my 1965 Sea Blue Sunroof restoration, and wanted to drive that around About 3 years ago I decided to re restore the 56 and so progress is happening

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 4 Jul 2017, 6:38 am

#1036600

I see you're on here with all your mates, Dave.😂

Wiring looks nice.

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 4 Jul 2017, 7:08 am

#1036604

I see you're on here with all your mates,

well your on here

Carnt stand faceache no continuity

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 4 Jul 2017, 7:57 am

#1036605

And TWITTER - made up from 2 words... TWIsted & biTTER 👍

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 4 Jul 2017, 5:30 pm

#1036608

Pretty happy with the wiring been testing as I go along

Will power it up when I get back from hols and do a full function test before I mount the body back on the chassis, easier to adjust if necessary

nail on head there Greg twit n bit

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Aug 2017, 8:41 am

#1037319

Back from Holidays and more progress over the weekend

Fitted the rally dash and cleaned up the headlight mesh covers

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SunshineKarmann Casual Dubber

34 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 23 Aug 2017, 8:06 am

#1037340

That's feckin cool as!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Aug 2017, 7:37 am

#1037345

should be putting the body back on chassis in next 2 weeks or so

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 12 Sep 2017, 1:34 pm

#1037673

I had a nut, bolt and washer day on Sunday got out all the bolts and die cut the threads to clean up then washed them and sorted into guards, main chassis , outer chassis, bumper, running boards and relevant brackets and correct washers bagged and all ready to use on assembly

took most of the day

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Oct 2017, 7:16 pm

#1038084

Picked up all the chrome work the other day and decided to fit the bumpers together and make sure all the bits fit and are correct

Included one the front bar are the fog light brackets and on the rear are the reversing light brackets

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Oct 2017, 7:23 pm

#1038085

and DONT ask what the chrome work cost

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

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BlasterTheRedBajaBug Wolfsburg Wizard

444 posts · joined Nov 2016 · 11 Oct 2017, 8:07 pm

#1038087

Well now you have said Not to, someone will, it is inevitable lol.

Nobody can drive you crazy, unless you give them the keys.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 12 Oct 2017, 6:49 am

#1038098

How much was the chrome work, Dave?

The rear o'riders should have a plate [same as the bolts] behind them. Picky aren't I ! 😂

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 12 Oct 2017, 7:27 am

#1038099

aint ever seen that before I will check on a few others

DONT ask

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Oct 2017, 7:34 am

#1038118

Greg I take it you mean one of these brackets ...

Ive ask the experts myself included and none of us have ever seen this also checked the parts books for Ovals and not listed only the 4 required ... also checked a few Original cars

Is there one on your Black 54 ?? please send a pic

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HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 14 Oct 2017, 8:36 am

#1038119

That's it Dave, there's also a square plate that goes under the bolt holding the o'rider on.

If you send me an email I will send back a photo. greg at kirrapak dot com

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 15 Oct 2017, 5:55 pm

#1038127

Sent u Email

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 15 Oct 2017, 6:17 pm

#1038128

Sent u pic

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

adlbeetle66 Under the car.........again!

1,476 posts · joined Aug 2014 · 15 Oct 2017, 6:22 pm

#1038129

Looks like you might need the rubber between the over riders and the bumper blade too? 😉

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 15 Oct 2017, 6:25 pm

#1038131

They never had the rubber then.

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

adlbeetle66 Under the car.........again!

1,476 posts · joined Aug 2014 · 15 Oct 2017, 6:26 pm

#1038132

You learn something every day 😀

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 15 Oct 2017, 6:56 pm

#1038133

I started early, ad...1956 ! Worked on heaps of ovals, as a panelbeater in a VW dealer's smash shop. 😎

Happy Days !

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Nov 2017, 7:32 pm

#1038572

More Progress

the body is finally back on the pan did this about 4 weeks ago just catching up

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Nov 2017, 7:34 pm

#1038573

Its been sitting for about 2 years now with paint on very dirty took me over 4 hours to clean all the dust n dirt off it

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Jul 2018, 1:03 pm

#1040575

Took the car to get a new head liner fitted

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Jul 2018, 1:12 pm

#1040576

And the inside ready for windows now

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pv370 Officially Full-On Dubber

272 posts · joined Apr 2014 · 5 Jul 2018, 6:49 pm

#1040580

love the colour combo
what colour are the rims going to be ????
grey with white centres would look good...........

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Jul 2018, 7:24 pm

#1040582

yes that's how they are painted and ready to bolt on its a different lighter grey to the wheel colour

will also have the Empi Sprint stars fitted like my 65

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 25 Sep 2018, 7:22 am

#1041114

Progress report

Headliner has been fitted

Rear and 2 side rears windows fitted carnt get around to fitting the rubber and alloy trim to the windscreen

the guards have been fitted with all bolts awaiting the guard beading to be fitted

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

baghall Ben Hal Outlaw Bushranger

1,021 posts · joined Jan 2010 · 25 Sep 2018, 9:17 am

#1041115

This is looking great.

68 Baja - It's a growing pain!
58 Baja ute - and the pain spreads!
85 T3 Kombi - still growing
89 T3 Kombi - parts car

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Oct 2018, 5:54 am

#1041240

Rear guards have now been fitted with guard beading a two man job fro sure thanks Michael

Front guards hopefully next week

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