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

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 30 Nov 2021, 11:09 am

#1044878

Engine bay now finished with new insulation

Found the holes in firewall for the Judson Oil bottle

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Dec 2021, 9:40 am

#1044899

More progress fitted the sunvisor

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Dec 2021, 7:42 am

#1044910

Flying VW bonnet emblem now fitted

who ever made these in the 60s got them sitting perfect to the bonnet curve

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Dec 2021, 7:45 am

#1044911

Had to get a skinny tyre for the spare as the 165 x 15 Michelin would go into the wheel well have also fitted the Jack and wheel socket

the front is now finished

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Dec 2021, 7:54 am

#1044912

On to the engine now
I have already done a fair bit to it just have to strip the bottom end and re assemble it with some good quality sealant

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Dec 2021, 1:41 pm

#1044916

Finished of the rear bumper and Reversing lights on Sunday

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 21 Dec 2021, 11:05 am

#1044935

Getting close to the end and finish Fitted the Horn button all works good

Beck

thanks for the 56 Olympics Decal had troubles getting this on, wanted to fall apart in my hands

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 29 Dec 2021, 6:19 am

#1044938

stripped the engine yesterday and spent a few hours cleaning

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 29 Dec 2021, 6:20 am

#1044939

should be back together today

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 2 Jan 2022, 8:56 am

#1044947

Good progress over the past few days

Stripped the engine cleaned checked and re assembled

already have the heads and valves done a few months ago so made it easier

Just have to fit the tinware

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Jan 2022, 10:45 am

#1044979

tinware fitted and exhausts

Waiting for the Generator to be bench tested before fitting

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hulbyw Insano Dub Head

819 posts · joined Sep 2009 · 10 Jan 2022, 2:17 pm

#1044981

Lukey?

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Jan 2022, 7:41 am

#1044982

Yes Sir Jack Brabham Lukey they used his name on all motor stuff i have one on the 65 Sea Blue as well fresh air type

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hulbyw Insano Dub Head

819 posts · joined Sep 2009 · 11 Jan 2022, 8:15 am

#1044983

Neighbour gave me his castoff Lukey fresh air extractors many years ago and I ran them for a long time. Eventually had to get some new tubes welded on. Fit and sound was excellent. None of the extractors I have had since fitted or worked any where near as well. Worst for clearance was Thunderbird. Going VS Sport next so that I can regain clearance again. Great to see some Lukey survivors. Cheers

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Jan 2022, 11:04 am

#1044984

I had some 36hp thunderbirds on the Oval years ago your right they scrapped

vintage speed are nice and work as well

I had 3 Brabhams at one stage and also a Lukey fresh sir fora 40hp engine it was NOS just sold it

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Jan 2022, 4:51 pm

#1044998

trying to find an old time auto elect place that can tune the 6v regulator on the generator bench tester

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 · 18 Jan 2022, 6:08 pm

#1045002

vw54 wrote:trying to find an old time auto elect place that can tune the 6v regulator on the generator bench tester

There used to be an Auto Elec that had a place in Boundary Rd near Fermans. I don't know if he is still there but he used to work out of Bruce Geddes.

I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 19 Jan 2022, 10:20 am

#1045003

Found a place at Miranda hes was over joyed to see a 6V Generator
dropped of this morning should pick up this arvo

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 19 Jan 2022, 1:21 pm

#1045004

did you go to Dinos?

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 19 Jan 2022, 6:09 pm

#1045005

yes but still working on it

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 1 Feb 2022, 7:44 am

#1045014

Managed to find an Auto Electrician that knew about 6Volt Generators and Regulators, with a test machine to adjust the regulator while working

fitted the genny n fan housing will fit the Judson next

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Feb 2022, 9:21 am

#1045022

engine now ready to install will be done this week

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Feb 2022, 6:47 am

#1045047

Hoping to fit the engine today

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

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vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 21 Feb 2022, 8:25 am

#1045057

Well the engine is finally back where it belongs had to remove the Judson belts to get it into the engine bay and had a few clutch cable problems to get it sorted as well

Its now back home after a few years sitting on a 20 liter drum in the garage

Just have to fit exhaust and complete the wiring should be ready to fire up very soon

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hulbyw Insano Dub Head

819 posts · joined Sep 2009 · 21 Feb 2022, 8:46 am

#1045058

Excellent!!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 28 Feb 2022, 8:14 am

#1045066

Engine bay wiring completed yesterday although didnt feel the best
Managed to give myself only 2 soldering iron burns to my fingers

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hulbyw Insano Dub Head

819 posts · joined Sep 2009 · 3 Mar 2022, 3:24 pm

#1045083

Solder? Why? Crimping is quicker, neater, no burns, doesn't crack and looks OE.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 3 Mar 2022, 5:38 pm

#1045085

I like to add strength

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beetleboyjeff Custom Title Time!

1,790 posts · joined Feb 2009 · 3 Mar 2022, 6:56 pm

#1045086

I agree Dave, I like to solder the connections especially in the engine bay with all the engine heat and possible oil. The crimp-ons seem to struggle I reckon.

From your ole' mate Jeff

hulbyw Insano Dub Head

819 posts · joined Sep 2009 · 3 Mar 2022, 7:13 pm

#1045087

We will have to agree to disagree. BTW, not talking about red, blue and yellow pre insulated crimped connectors - agree they can definitely let go if not done exactly correct.
Cheers