The time has come to spend some time on my baja and build the car that I have wanted it to be since i bought it about 8 years ago.
The origional plan was the repair the current body to a solid but not pretty state, throw some new paint on and keep on driving. Since removing the Baja kit tonight and doing some digging with a screw driver it has become apparent that it will be too big of a task to be worthwhile. There is a lot of rust in this body! New plan is to find a donor body and do whatever minor rust repairs are on that, switch my gear over and paint.
My floorpan is solid luckily, Engine is great and gearbox was built a couple of years ago. Front end needs new link pin bushings but is already cut and turned so all in all the pan will get a nice freshen up with some gloss black, new bump stop rubbers, front end will get rebuilt. Already has new KYB gas shocks all round.
I have invested in a little Mig welder and will be making some changes to the roof rack and bar work.
Roofrack will house 2 7" Spotties, a shovel and the spare wheel.
I will be shortening the rear cage as it is designed for a 4 into 1 exhaust and leaves a hideous departure angle. I will also be adding tabs for lights as i will not be running VW lights but round mounted lights much like you see on most American style Bajas. My experience with old VW tail lights and indicators has not been pleasant.
My Saas seats will be recovered in black and red vinyl to match the Leather seats in my 944. I will also be painting the car in Guards red or as close as I can get. The Fenders and rear scoop will be black, as will the bar work. Wheels will stay Powdercoated white.
The car when I bought it -
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Looked kinda neat in these photos........untill you see the interior....
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[IMG]https://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1383/origionalinterior2.jpg[/IMG]
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This was the car a few years ago when i lived in Caloundra
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Since then i fitted Wide guards and fitted a cut and turned beam and Custom Vee Dub had a gearbox buil;t for me and fitted Long axles. I put on some wide stockies on the rear with some Federal Mud Terrains and some Standard stockies on the front with All terrains. Also fitted some Saas Bucket seats and removed the horrible interior and made up some Checkerplate door cards.
The car looked like this
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Here it is parked in my garage
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And now after an hour or so removing most of the baja kit.
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Rust Ville
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Turns out that drivers side front quarter was about 50% Bondo
I will be chipping away at this for a while im sure. I would like to see it back on the road in 6 months......But I guess everyone says that ha ha
Nicko
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
I ripped out the interior this morning and removed the Headlights and Baja Nose Cone.
The spotties for the roofrack -
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More rust in passenger side B Pillar
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My Door cards
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These seat brackets were made by George Maye at racecraft in Kunda Park. They will get some rubber beading around the edges.
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ImageShack.us62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Got home from work this afternoon and didnt really feel like doing much but I ended up Removing the front Bull bar, Bonnet Hinges, Washer resovoir/switch and pump etc, Wipers, Wiper motor assembly and Glove box.
I Also managed to wedge some sheet metal between my left thumb nail and the fleshy bit = Not fun.
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ImageShack.us62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Today I unbolted the tool box from the parcel tray and the rear cage.
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I removed all the Body/chassis bolts bar the ones under the fuel tank and the 2 at the rear that bolt through the shock towers. Whats the trick to get these rear bolts off? I cant fit the socket wrench head in the gap. I tried a swivel extension but that didnt work either. I Could probobly get a box end wrench on them if it remove the rear wheels but I am a little worried that the force needed to budge them will knock the car off jack stands.
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This also turned up
🙂
Also have an adjustable auto darkening helmet on the way.
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ImageShack.us62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Today-
Fuel tank came out
front Chassis/body bolts out
Steering Coupler disconnected
Brake fluid resovoir disconnected and removed
Rear shock tower chassis/body bolts out
Also ordered my lights from CBPerformance and some side mount indicators from ebay
Hopefully body off pan tomorrow 🙂
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
You are really ripping into this!
Good to see you are making nice progress 👍
Smiley 🙂
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
Thanks Smiley
Got the Body off today.
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ImageShack.us62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
QUICK!!!
Take the pan for a spin! 😎
Smiley 🙂
If you said I was a Volkswagen man, you'd be right.
Glass is now out of the body.
I dont have a big enough screw driver to remove the doors, And I am doubtfull ill have much luck with them. Previous owner seems to have rounded off the heads. Just like everything else is over tightened and stripped Grrrr
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Nick,
If the door hinge screws are already knackered, you might want to try welding (with your new Mig 🙅) a good qual nut onto the bung hinge screws (Inside the nut onto the screws) and rip into the nut with a socket set for example. If the nut snaps off the philips screw...no real harm done. Better line up some free time as you won't be able to close the doors until they are done!
If at all possible, get as many out first without welding....
I started with an Impact driver, and when that failed I drilled 'em. I didn't care about the body though!
Usual stuff about welding...heat destroys paint, no bare hands going touchy etc & watch out for getting flashed...
HTH
Ctefeh
if you know someone with an oxy set heat the screws right up red hot, then cool and they should come undone
1 1963 356b porsche coupe
2 1960 karmann ghia cab
1 1965 karmann ghia cab
1 1966 karmann cab
1 1961 split ute
1 1967 split p/van
1 1952 standard bug
1 1963 ragtop
1 1960 ragtop
2 1954 ovals
1 1956 oval baja project
1 1957 oval flying flea
I might try that. I don't really need thaws Doors anyway.
If someone wants the red shell. Come get it before it goes to sims.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Hi
Just drill the screws out to 8 mm, works every time.
Are you allowed to use lights on your roof in Qld? In NSW they must be no higher than the headlight centre height, but nobody seems to worry about it down here.
Steve
Lights on the roof are illegal. I will have them hooked to a plug under te dash. If I get pulled over I can then prove they are for offroad use only. Hence not connected.
Both good ideas for the doors. Thanks guys.
Only thing left on the body now is the hardware in the passenger door. Should be all out by tomorrow night if I have any energy left after work.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Sick car to start with 👍 looks great.
If ur rebuilding from this, i can only imagine the beast factor once your finished. Gonna be schmick! good on ya Nick!
what rear tyres are you running out of curiousity? they look pretty serious.
If no one claims your free body too soon, you could do some MIG practice 🙂
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
Thanks for the kind words chris.
Can you tell me what mods u had to do to fit your body lift?
The tyres are federal 235 muddies I don't remember the model name ATM I'll post it up for you soon. Fronts are 195/85 r15s federal all terrains. Both have been fantastic tyres.
Stoked to find no rust in the pan at all.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
nice stuff 👍
only mod for body lift was repositioning and welding of the steering column conduit tube through the front firewall. Was a pita to access with an angle grinder, a jig saw worked better but the blade didn't last long. but once the conduit was cut out and a bit of metal below it removed to drop it down a bit on the firewall, i fitted the whole steering setup together for proper positioning then welded the conduit up, disassembled teh steering and tidied it up with some fibrefill and paint.
I bought some tube to cut into 2 inch pieces as body spacers for all body bolts apart from the floor halves, and a couple dozen of longer bolts of course.
Factory wiring loom and stock TMI carpet kit had enough excess/slack to not require any adjustments for the lift kit.
Fairly straight forward, i was lucky enough to purchase the floor channels already prefabbed. Although i had to cut and shut rear channel for the kombi box gear selector shaft.
Now you got a welder mate you can do anything 🙂
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 👍
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta!
I think I will look into the lift kit while I have the body off. How much did you pay for yours if you don't mind me asking chris?
Body is now completely stripped. So if no one comes to pick it up it will go to sims.
Need to borrow a gurney to clean the crud off the pan etc then I'll start rubbing it back for paint.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Last night I gernied and scraped some of the crud off the frame horns and frame head. Unfortunately I got a small amount of water in the tunnel. I'll have to get some moisture absorbing beads to throw in there.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Well done anthiron looks like your moving fast on this. Certainly showing me up on mine. I gotta get onto lifting my body as well.
68 Baja - It's a growing pain!
58 Baja ute - and the pain spreads!
85 T3 Kombi - still growing
89 T3 Kombi - parts car
I am just trying to ride the initial wave of enthusiasm baghall 🙂 hopefully it lasts!
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Well the old body has gone to start a new life as a cube...
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I Started wire wheeling the pan halves today and found a few holes in the battery tray. It has already had a new tray welded in at some stage as you can see. I guess I shall weld in another.
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This also arrived today
🙂 So it is time to start practicing my welding .
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ImageShack.us62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Picked up the donor shell today. Pics later.
Will have a gearbox, 1500 engine, link pin front end, floor pan, stock wide 5 wheels, 60's glass, etc for sale soon.
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Well Imageshack doesnt want to work for me today so perhaps pics of progress tomorrow.
Wirewheeled most of the pan halves now. Hav'nt started on the frame head or horns etc yet.
I am waiting for the Fuel guage I want to come back in stock before completing an order from CIP, Urathane bump stops, Guages, Beam supports, Door mounting hardware, and lots of other small things. Want to get this stuff while the dollar is strong. It will save me a bundle on VDO guages etc.
The carpet kit, rubbers, Lift kit etc will come from VOLLKS or Classic when the time comes.
Going to throw some paint stripper on the new body on Monday, See what sort of hidden nastiness i find. Turns out there is a lot of bondo in the front Quarters. I am not looking forward to ripping it out. Once I know what I am in for with the body i will finish the pan before I bother with it again.
Anyone who needs anything from a 67 beetle let me know as I will be using the Body Shell only.
Nicko
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Looks like you've really got the bit between your teeth, good on you. BTW Nick if you're anywhere near my place over the weekend drop in and check out Micks baja.
Hi Barry, I will be working all weekend but will probably be down that way on monday arvo if you will be home?
Yeah it has kinda sunk in that I am past the point of no return now🤪
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Me and Mick will be home at about 4.15 pm drop 'round. Gotta check out your 944 just don't wind Mick up about his ricer😀
A few pics of the Shell.
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My brain is overloaded from wph+s paperwork today so I havent done any work on the baja.....Maybe later.
Sounds good Barry
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Just ordered some support braces for my front beam, locking nuts for the front spindles, new seat belts, VDO oil pressure guage and sender, mounting screws for the doors from CIP 🙂
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
Sick as a dog today barry, I dont think ill make it.....Maybe wednesday? does that suit?
62/60 model bug eye baja bug, (Full Build in Progress)
1974 Chevrolet Luv
1970 MK2 Ford Cortina GT
1979 Yamaha RX125 Two Stroke tracker project.
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL Custom
