Colour change?? Very mysterious!
Hi wezley,
Do you know anything about the 'skylights' in the front cabin, i.e. who made them fitted them etc. Were they a RAAF 'plane-spotter' fitment?
tia
Peter Hill
1975 Type 2 Double Cab
modulus.com.au
Yes it's an ex-RAAF bus, and the ‘sky-lights’ were factory fitted supposedly. I have heard a number of reasons for their purpose, from spotting parachuters from being able to see the wing/fuselage while driving below planes. I have no idea if any of these are true though... 😉
PS. more pictures to come very soon!
Nice bus.. 72.. Right?
I have a 71 twin cargo door.. dosn't have those cool observation windows though..
I think Penguin collected some history on these a year or so ago.. Some nice anecdotes from ex raaf guys who used to drive them..
following courtesy of via email to me..
Makes interesting reading..
"but apprently we had a few types in
service. There were container vans, the Air traffic control vans, and the
last (which is what I think you were asking abt) were used to spot for
falling army paras (dirt darts). These were some of the responses I have so
far:
> I can remember in the late 70's early 80's at WLM and Butterworth we used
> the "Whippy vans" as flight line vehicles. They had a large square type
> box on the back large enough to stand up in. Mainly used by the RADTECHS.
> Gearboxes were so loose you could change gears without using the clutch.
> Also had to be VERY careful not to roll them.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Duncan, Ken MR
> Posted At: Tuesday, 23 March 2004 14:27
> Posted To: Aerial Activities
> Conversation: Question - Sort of historical flying
> Subject: Question - Sort of historical flying
>
>
>
> AMB had a coupla Kombi special vehicles, though they were pretty much out
> of use in the late 70's/early 80's when I saw them. One was a refrigerated
> van for moving rations the other was a mobile control tower which was air
> conditioned. This is possibly the one of which you speak. They (the MT
> fitters) used to keep them functioning/serviced but I never saw them
> actually used.
>
> KD
AND
Conversation: Question - Sort of historical flying
> Subject: VW Combis
>
> I hate to admit it but I remeber these things, They were used aa a Mobile
> Aicraft Monitoring Vehicle (MAMV), a sort of mobile control tower. Someone
> would sit an a stool under the bubble and keep an eye on various aircraft
> and give direction over the radio if needed. There was an airconditioner
> that hung off the back to keep the inside cool.
>
> Imagine sitting out on the edge of the strip at Pearce under the summer
> sun in a hot house.
>
> These thing were usually used on Training Bases (ie 1FTS and 2FTS) by the
> Duty Instructor to help out the students.
>
> One of these Kombis was done up at Pearce many years ago (1980ish) and
> took part in a Variety club bash.
wow. that's birch green yeah.
Nice work wezley, can't wait to see the final result.
This has definitely been a work in in progress.
Any special features?
Thanks for the info stenguns 😉 My old man was in the air force and remembers riding around in old kombi's, he still thinks I'm mad though...
Mate that is one sweet ride, and I'm jealous:blah
Is the chassis paneled in underneath?
- '71 Kombi (Died 24/11/05😢 ) - '65 manx (smick) -'63 beetle (bent) -'73 Singlecab (new to the stable)
yer 23's and that kind of thing had the panels for structure
reasons i think they are called belly pans??????
yeah it has all the belly pans, not sure what the correct name is... more pics soon i promise! 🙂
Sweet, a double door Bay! I'll show you my doubledoor if you show me yours. :P Nice dude.
Iwonnitiwonnitiwonniiiiiiiiiit!!!
She's a nice Kombi mate!...but why repaint tho?...I reckon the yellow looked great... and the paintjob looked mint from the pix! 🙂
You need to chrome the belly pans for extra blingness too!!! :bounce
Normally I'd be totally against lowering Kombi's.. kep em stock as a rock is my mindset.. but panels are an exception... SO DUMP IT THRU THE FLOOR!! 👍
1976 Kombi Trakka camper, "Buttercup"... driver.
1976 Beluxe Microbus, "Saphir"... resto.
1974 Kombi panelvan, "George"... shed.
1974 Superbug, "Schmeetle"... resto.
[img]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b366/c
yeah unfortunately the yellow paint job was very, very poor in the flesh, that being said it wasn’t that bad but I was beginning to get worried about some rust.
I was having the motor rebuilt at the time and decided what the heck I will get it painted as well. Originally I was going to go the same colour, but got sick of seeing so many yellow fords and Holden’s and Hyundai’s Getz around so I changed my mind at the last minute.
Yes you could say the scope of the job blew out a little lol
Slowly coming along, still lots to do but starting to see some light. The guys have done a fantastic job on the paint so far, although the photos are a bit misleading.
maybe together by easter? Although it was meant to be before Christmas lol.
very nice dbl dr.. look forward to seeing it finished..👍
fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse
Fantasy
http://seventhchronicle.com
Z = Z2 + C1/r = 1/0 = infinity
Barrels
www.barrelman.com.au
VW Workshop - aircooledgarage.com.au
allcooled.com.au
Starting to come together a little bit. If you are wondering what that black stuff is it's similar to a Ute bed liner. After all it's a panel and built to be used! :-D
Engine is coming out and the bay being painted with the same stuff, good for insulation too.
Should beat least be able to be registered and driven around soon.. I’m excited!
you know that this is, essentially, my dream car.
early bay double door panelvan is what i have always wanted. I would prefer a 70-1 for the smaller taillights, but beggars can't be choosers. To see one being done up to mint condition (and getting a slamming) is just too good to be true.
:sandrine this is gorgeous..love the colour..very different..love it
thanks for the encouragement guys, it really helps 😉
it should really start to come together soon with the off white bumpers, and a few other details and of course a good dumping. lobus where are you when i need you lol!
hmm slow progress this week but the bumpers have come up a treat!
Not very exciting pics but I thought I would post something to keep up my enthusiasm..
that is gonna be a treat. 👍
wow anth - i havent checked in here for a while. this is coming up nicely. i love the colour and quality looks spot on too.
didnt see you at jambouree, whats the story. was hoping to get an update then.....
... keep up the progress mate, perfection takes time
...................( O \ l / O ).....................
some more (better) photos soon!
kim, catch up with you soon mate, hope everything is doing well with you 😉
[ Edited on 16-6-2006 by wezley ]
That looks really really REALLY good!! 😀
noice work mate!
This disclaimer does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog: don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; this disclaimer is subject to change without notice; text is slightly enlarged to show detail; resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental; dry clean only; do not bend, fold, or mutilate; anchovies or jalapenos added to this disclaimer upon request; your mileage may vary; no substitutions are allowed; for a limited time only while supplies last; offer void where prohibited; this disclaimer is provided "as is" without any warranties expressed or implied
I absolutely love the paint, very nice indeed 👍
you must be excited about getting it on the road?
[ Edited on 16.6.2006 by Wild1 ]
great colour cool skylights
A candy coloured clown they called the sandman tip toes through my room every night just to sprinkle stardust on my pillow go to sleep everything will be allright
1967 Type 3 square
1956 double door panel
1968 single cab kombi