1985 VW Caravelle T3 Project (Links Fixed)

zoofish · 2016-08-20T08:25:20+00:00

1985 VW Caravelle Project. SO after a while away from projects, I bought this little project in Melbourne. Honestly I have no real idea of where the project will go, but it is completely rust free. The only thing I have known that I wanted to do from the outset, is to have a Subaru 3.0 H6 engine transplanted into it The Bus loaded and ready to go to Sydney Complete interior, but still thinking about what to change it to Test fit 18" staggered Mercedes Benz SL AMG Wheels (18"x8.5" up front ET30 and 18"x9.5" out back ET32). Sliding side door just opens past the wheels Bought a complete Subaru 3.0 H6 that was written off after a minor bingle. 101,000 Km's on the car and a complete service history. 10+kg wiring looms and ECU's on their way to AGT Engineering be converted to run in the Bus. The complete wiring loom returns, including a Subatronics Canbus Emulator and wired for Aircon and Cruise Control. The joys of a fly-by-wire system sorted. Thanks to Andrew Todd @ AGT Engineering in Newcastle for sticking with it. Had a few run-ins with Subaru to get the Codes, but eventually got them from my local Dealership - They were GREAT! Engine taken out and serviced by our mechanic. Engine hanger fabricated and ready for install. Engine bay repainted white (I'm thinking the Bus will become white) and engine goes in. Engine lowered (to ensure engine lid closes) and plumbing continues. Engine fired up first time. A long way to go, but exhaust will be fabricated this week. More updates to come 🙂.

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 23 Sep 2017, 8:07 pm

#1037813

And the nose is nearly done

fusqueiro Learner Dubber

13 posts · joined Nov 2016 · 28 Oct 2017, 5:39 pm

#1038278

zoofish wrote:Time to take the Dashboard out and start changing the Brown interior to Black, whilst also addressing Blower motor issues

Before:

After:

I'll have to lift the front, as it is just too low - even though the stance upfront unloaded is perfect

hey mate, nice project you have there.
i just bought an 1982, same colour and im looking for a few parts 🙂
Just wondering if you have the original grill (round light)?
cheers

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 7 Jan 2018, 2:09 pm

#1039160

After much consideration, I decided to bite the bullet and have a go at installing a Vintage Air Gen IV Air Conditioner kit.

Wiring fun

Making Templates

Air Block off

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 7 Jan 2018, 2:12 pm

#1039161

AC Condenser installed

Whilst we wait for AC Hose kit and Controller, test fitted the new seats

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 18 Feb 2018, 9:57 pm

#1039550

AC Hose kit, Controller and Hose Crimping tool arrived and we kicked on

First Hose crimp - This tool is incredibly simple to use

AC Dash Unit is in and wired up...

Wiring still to be cleaned up and tied into place

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 18 Mar 2018, 4:30 pm

#1039770

Final Dash Install

Before

After - Installed AC hoses & Switches added along with Vintage Air dash vents.

Final AC lines installed, gassed and tested. Runs ice cold. Very happy.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Mar 2018, 8:30 pm

#1039772

VERY impressive

Futue te ipsum!!!

Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 28 Mar 2018, 11:09 am

#1039846

Sensational job.

Seems to fit well without major dash alterations.

Which particular Vintage Air model did you use?

Cheers,

Scott

88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 28 Mar 2018, 9:22 pm

#1039853

Scottkombi wrote:Sensational job.

Seems to fit well without major dash alterations.

Which particular Vintage Air model did you use?

Cheers,

Scott

Thanks Scott. I used a Gen IV system. I had read that it was a tight fit, but it seemed to fit nicely - just had to be mindful of where and how to route the hoses etc which all worked out in the end .

Cheers,
Trevor🙂

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 30 Mar 2018, 5:49 pm

#1039866

New Door Cards arrived - All up 9 pieces, each with chrome strips and I chose the deep black vinyl. Thanks to Newton Commercial in the U.K.

A long way to go yet before they can be installed 🙁

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 23 Jul 2018, 10:27 am

#1040716

A small but rather major update. Goodbye to the two-tone Bus (with test panels of various shades of white) and hello to 'bright white'.

Roof liner and windows are next...

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 23 Jul 2018, 12:48 pm

#1040717

👍👍 very nice 👍👍

Futue te ipsum!!!

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 24 Jul 2018, 5:54 am

#1040721

Yeah that's cool

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 3 Aug 2018, 2:20 pm

#1040769

Finally home...New roofliner is in and now for the rest of interior to be completed and a thousand other small things 🙂

85 velle Learner Dubber

13 posts · joined Aug 2018 · 23 Aug 2018, 2:17 pm

#1040896

Love your bus! Some inspiration in there for me

zoofish Officially Full-On Dubber

205 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 8 Mar 2019, 11:08 pm

#1041884

Finally dusted off the Bus, after a long time sitting on the back burner. Installed the GoWesty Gauge Upgrade with the LED bulbs etc.this afternoon after work. Wow! What a difference, I now have dash lights. Honestly, pretty simple install - my Gauge Cluster has an analogue clock and no tachometer.

Now onto other minor things this weekend, like power windows, new dual horn and a thousand unseen things.