ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
The replacement was another early closed deck block WRX engine with td05 turbo, I just transferred all the bits over to the replacement block...
VWRX Karmann cabriolet
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
I really wasn't keen on the Porsche 'nipple' lenses so after carefully picking the surrounds off I was able to remove the lenses and make up some new flat ones from polycarbonate sheet. While they were apart I sandblasted and repainted the rims and they look brand new now.
All back in the car I'm happy with how it's all looking. I painted the dash binnacle as a temporary measure until it's re-trimmed in leather.
I also re-fitted the running board chrome trim and I think it finishes them off nicely.
I also made up a strut brace. Coming off it are a brake reservoir bracket and also a cover to protect the fuel pump and fuel level sender.
Next big job will be the heater but I have to figure out what matrix to use, I need one that is about 100x200mm, any ideas?
All back in the car I'm happy with how it's all looking. I painted the dash binnacle as a temporary measure until it's re-trimmed in leather.
I also re-fitted the running board chrome trim and I think it finishes them off nicely.
I also made up a strut brace. Coming off it are a brake reservoir bracket and also a cover to protect the fuel pump and fuel level sender.
Next big job will be the heater but I have to figure out what matrix to use, I need one that is about 100x200mm, any ideas?
surfbeetle Casual Dubber
30 posts · joined Feb 2007 ·
Thanks for the ongoing inspiration. Everything looks great. I know you probably already said it, but what type of steering wheel is that and what are the buttons in the center connected to?
'67 Bug, ej20 Turbo
Build Thread: http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=134735
Build Thread: http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=134735
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
The steering wheel is a very rare limited edition Momo/Alpine part. The centre has infra-red controls for the stereo, it controls Alpine by default but can be changed to also control Sony, Kenwood & Pioneer.
My dilemna now to do with this is how to trim the interior. I'd like chocolate brown leather but with just a black steering wheel it wouldn't look right, I'm thinking if I can add some black to the trimwork it might fit into the theme better. I suppose it might be OK with the black strip across the dash in contrast? I'm also considering doing that bit in wrinkle paint to give a slightly more classic look..
My dilemna now to do with this is how to trim the interior. I'd like chocolate brown leather but with just a black steering wheel it wouldn't look right, I'm thinking if I can add some black to the trimwork it might fit into the theme better. I suppose it might be OK with the black strip across the dash in contrast? I'm also considering doing that bit in wrinkle paint to give a slightly more classic look..
Flintstones Custom Title Time!
1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Rich,
please, please, please don't wrinkle paint the dash strip. Trim it in black leather if you can.
I'm sure you will be able to incorporate bit's of black into your door trims and seats for an integrated look.
Cheers
D
please, please, please don't wrinkle paint the dash strip. Trim it in black leather if you can.
I'm sure you will be able to incorporate bit's of black into your door trims and seats for an integrated look.
Cheers
D
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Lol, you're not a fan of wrinkle then! I'm sure 911s of this era had some sort of textured finish for the middle strip? Re-thinking, it may be enough that the central strip being black will be enough to let the steering wheel blend in?
Flintstones Custom Title Time!
1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Hey Rich,
Definately not a fan🙅
I've just sent you an email also
Cheers
D
Definately not a fan🙅
I've just sent you an email also
Cheers
D
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
I've cut into the wiper box cover to build a housing for the heater matrix. The corner piece had to be clearanced for the wiper mechanism and the tube connects straight up to the stock air ducting so all the stock dash controls can still be used.
Fiat cinquecento heater matrix in place, note the neat positions of the connections down the side of the car.
I initially planned to fit the stock fresh air blower fan roughly in the position shown but when connecting it up to a spare battery it was more a breeze than a decent flow.
This is the polo heater blower which gave much better flow and will also be easier to mount up to the matrix.
Fiat cinquecento heater matrix in place, note the neat positions of the connections down the side of the car.
I initially planned to fit the stock fresh air blower fan roughly in the position shown but when connecting it up to a spare battery it was more a breeze than a decent flow.
This is the polo heater blower which gave much better flow and will also be easier to mount up to the matrix.
Flintstones Custom Title Time!
1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Nice and compact👍
Cheers
D
Cheers
D
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
I finally had enough of the restricted steering, tyre rubbing and compromised steering geometry so found a set of wider front wings in conjunction with some concentric wheel spacers. I also plan to rebuild the steering rack with adjustable end stops to maximise the lock available. The wings will also need modifying to provide a better mounting surface for the air damn. From a quick drive around it is significantly better.. The front bumper brackets will need to be extended slightly to give a bit more space to the wings too but I think it will end up looking better with more flowing lines.
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Bit overdue an update!
Plenty of stone chip was sprayed on underneath the wings and then high build primer, final colour and clear before letting the paint settle for a week or so and then refitting them.
I actually got some stonechip overspray on the air damn so ended up giving that a full coat along with satin black paint as it could do with the protection anyway.
All re-fitted!
I don't think the car looks noticeably different but with the wheel spacers and re-done steering rack with adjustable end stops I now have a lot more steering lock as well as a much more predictable and nice feeling balance to the car.There was far too much negative scrub radius with everything forced inboard to fit under stock width wings.
Another mod I've done is switch to smaller 5/8" brake master cylinders along with a calculated balance bar position and this has made the brakes MUCH more confidence inspiring with less pedal effort and a bit more travel!
I made up this metal cover to cover the shifter base and allow trimming, still not sure how I will do it but it's a start.
I've been putting this off for a while... The old vinyl roof shrunk whilst in storage folded up so when I came to close it on the car the stress broke the wooden bow over the rear window. This meant a new bow and roof!
Bow from the original tooling was sourced from Germany along with a new roof outer skin, in Sonnenland (similar to mohair) this time around and a change of colour. A fair amount of repair of sound deadening material as well as repainting sections of the roof frame were done at the same time.
Here's the roof ready for it's new outer skin. The foam strip over the bow is to cover up the staples holding fabric to the bow and stop wear on the outer hood.
Almost there! I'm letting it all settle for a few days now before I get the knife out and cut the rear window aperture out. All seals and wires are refitted in this picture, just a couple of screws to fit at the base of the C pillars to take up any final slack in the material.
Plenty of stone chip was sprayed on underneath the wings and then high build primer, final colour and clear before letting the paint settle for a week or so and then refitting them.
I actually got some stonechip overspray on the air damn so ended up giving that a full coat along with satin black paint as it could do with the protection anyway.
All re-fitted!
I don't think the car looks noticeably different but with the wheel spacers and re-done steering rack with adjustable end stops I now have a lot more steering lock as well as a much more predictable and nice feeling balance to the car.There was far too much negative scrub radius with everything forced inboard to fit under stock width wings.
Another mod I've done is switch to smaller 5/8" brake master cylinders along with a calculated balance bar position and this has made the brakes MUCH more confidence inspiring with less pedal effort and a bit more travel!
I made up this metal cover to cover the shifter base and allow trimming, still not sure how I will do it but it's a start.
I've been putting this off for a while... The old vinyl roof shrunk whilst in storage folded up so when I came to close it on the car the stress broke the wooden bow over the rear window. This meant a new bow and roof!
Bow from the original tooling was sourced from Germany along with a new roof outer skin, in Sonnenland (similar to mohair) this time around and a change of colour. A fair amount of repair of sound deadening material as well as repainting sections of the roof frame were done at the same time.
Here's the roof ready for it's new outer skin. The foam strip over the bow is to cover up the staples holding fabric to the bow and stop wear on the outer hood.
Almost there! I'm letting it all settle for a few days now before I get the knife out and cut the rear window aperture out. All seals and wires are refitted in this picture, just a couple of screws to fit at the base of the C pillars to take up any final slack in the material.
vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber
4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·
Sweeeet! 🙂
71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE
TCR7 Casual Dubber
37 posts · joined Jan 2010 ·
Car looks great, love the new soft top.
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Roof just about done now...
I'm going for the light tan colour leather on the right for the interior, I was originally going to go for a cocoa colour but having thought about it I think it would be too much of the same and some contrast is called for.
Seat backs are a bit marked and as the seats will soon be dismantled for trim now is the perfect time to colour-code the backs to body colour.
The old trim panels were moisture damaged so I've made up some new ones. I will also be making some new moisture barriers to keep these ones dry!! You can also see in the background I've put sound deadening in the door panels
These are the cut-down aluminium Porsche 944 spring plate covers with much wider aftermarket urethane bushes to better locate the spring plates.
I'm going for the light tan colour leather on the right for the interior, I was originally going to go for a cocoa colour but having thought about it I think it would be too much of the same and some contrast is called for.
Seat backs are a bit marked and as the seats will soon be dismantled for trim now is the perfect time to colour-code the backs to body colour.
The old trim panels were moisture damaged so I've made up some new ones. I will also be making some new moisture barriers to keep these ones dry!! You can also see in the background I've put sound deadening in the door panels
These are the cut-down aluminium Porsche 944 spring plate covers with much wider aftermarket urethane bushes to better locate the spring plates.
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Seat backs after a lot of work with paint stripper, etch and high-build primer
before finally getting the body colour top coats..
More sound deadening pads fitted to the floor panels and new MDF trim panels made up to fit speakers under the back seat
Door membranes to stop the new door panels suffering from water damage (I've also painted them in yacht varnish before I give them to the trimmer)
Automotive underlay cut to shape for the floor, only lightly glued in case they need to be removed to dry out if I ever get caught out by rain!
The first piece of carpet going in. I've spent far too much time planning the layout in my head to minimise joins and exposed edges to give it a more OEM look.
First panel finished...
Then on to the tunnel section. I bonded on a metal reinforcement to the handbrake hole, this means I can fit the standard type rubber which will hide the cut edge nicely and the hole won't get opened up. A bit of foam also stops any potential rattles.
Passenger bit now done, just behind the back seat to sort out. Still undecided what to do about under the bonnet
Front end done. The floor and bulkhead panels will go to the trimmer to have the edges bound.
before finally getting the body colour top coats..
More sound deadening pads fitted to the floor panels and new MDF trim panels made up to fit speakers under the back seat
Door membranes to stop the new door panels suffering from water damage (I've also painted them in yacht varnish before I give them to the trimmer)
Automotive underlay cut to shape for the floor, only lightly glued in case they need to be removed to dry out if I ever get caught out by rain!
The first piece of carpet going in. I've spent far too much time planning the layout in my head to minimise joins and exposed edges to give it a more OEM look.
First panel finished...
Then on to the tunnel section. I bonded on a metal reinforcement to the handbrake hole, this means I can fit the standard type rubber which will hide the cut edge nicely and the hole won't get opened up. A bit of foam also stops any potential rattles.
Passenger bit now done, just behind the back seat to sort out. Still undecided what to do about under the bonnet
Front end done. The floor and bulkhead panels will go to the trimmer to have the edges bound.
Flintstones Custom Title Time!
1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
Colour combo looks good Rich.
cheers
D
cheers
D
ElusiveStranger Officially Full-On Dubber
330 posts · joined May 2006 ·
Looking stunning, Rich!
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
LSD as received with the gearbox when I bought it, bit of an unknown quantity!
The ramps show it is out of a 964 RS/turbo which means 20% lock on acceleration and 100% lock on overun. This has really helped the car feel much more predictable and also stable, especially after the suspension unloads after hard acceleration. I was going to have a go at fitting it myself but was unable to measure everything accurately enough. The trans had different brands of bearing either side of the differential so during the swap I had to replace: bearings, ring gear bolts (longer on LSDs), seals, oil, shims. With labour that lot added up to £580!!!
The main reason for taking the engine out (other than boredom waiting for the trimmer), was to sort out a minor oil leak coming from behind the engine, a very common fault with subarus.
Here's the updated subaru part, steel plate and new screws fitted with a sealant. The black screw is supplied with dry loctite on it, forgot to look why, probably as it was a through hole so needed sealing?
After being messed about by 'Car Audio Centre' for the best part of two months (avoid them at all costs!!) I bought a secondhand head unit from a friend. I wanted Alpine to go with my steering wheel controls. I ended up with an IDA-X001 which is a media head unit with graphic display and ipod/iphone controls. Rather than use a wire and screen mount I have hacked up a dock which fits snuggly into the ashtray with minimal mods.
Happy with how it looks! Lucky this head unit has the main control centrally so out of the way of the phone. I'll use it for satnav and music as well as keeping my phone charged.
The ramps show it is out of a 964 RS/turbo which means 20% lock on acceleration and 100% lock on overun. This has really helped the car feel much more predictable and also stable, especially after the suspension unloads after hard acceleration. I was going to have a go at fitting it myself but was unable to measure everything accurately enough. The trans had different brands of bearing either side of the differential so during the swap I had to replace: bearings, ring gear bolts (longer on LSDs), seals, oil, shims. With labour that lot added up to £580!!!
The main reason for taking the engine out (other than boredom waiting for the trimmer), was to sort out a minor oil leak coming from behind the engine, a very common fault with subarus.
Here's the updated subaru part, steel plate and new screws fitted with a sealant. The black screw is supplied with dry loctite on it, forgot to look why, probably as it was a through hole so needed sealing?
After being messed about by 'Car Audio Centre' for the best part of two months (avoid them at all costs!!) I bought a secondhand head unit from a friend. I wanted Alpine to go with my steering wheel controls. I ended up with an IDA-X001 which is a media head unit with graphic display and ipod/iphone controls. Rather than use a wire and screen mount I have hacked up a dock which fits snuggly into the ashtray with minimal mods.
Happy with how it looks! Lucky this head unit has the main control centrally so out of the way of the phone. I'll use it for satnav and music as well as keeping my phone charged.
iwantbus Learner Dubber
5 posts · joined Feb 2011 ·
Wow just went through the whole build and that is very impressive.
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
The old 944 CVs were clicking a bit and my plan was to upgrade to 930 CVs anyway. Here are the bits needed for conversion; new stub axles, I already had G50 trans drive-flanges, custom length axles (16 1/4") in 28 spline to match the CVs.
Here are the GKN CVs, I cleaned up the flanges that came with my gearbox but needed an extra pair. After getting up off the floor after being quoted £120 each from Porsche I found some cheaper options from prolinx.
CVs are being 'clocked' as this gives them the best alignment relative to each other, just like you do with a UJ.
All ready to go on the car
And fitted!
Clearance is very tight to the coil-over but is pass-able (this is worst case compression clearance). I spent ages trying to get some smaller motorsport CV boots from GKN only to find that they had stopped making the size I needed!
I've been asked so many times about my cooling system I've finally modified a schematic to show how it is all plumbed up. This system works perfectly, gets up to temperature fast and stays at a constant temperature. The other bonus is that I don't even have to bleed the system from an empty fill as it is completely self bleeding!
Here are the GKN CVs, I cleaned up the flanges that came with my gearbox but needed an extra pair. After getting up off the floor after being quoted £120 each from Porsche I found some cheaper options from prolinx.
CVs are being 'clocked' as this gives them the best alignment relative to each other, just like you do with a UJ.
All ready to go on the car
And fitted!
Clearance is very tight to the coil-over but is pass-able (this is worst case compression clearance). I spent ages trying to get some smaller motorsport CV boots from GKN only to find that they had stopped making the size I needed!
I've been asked so many times about my cooling system I've finally modified a schematic to show how it is all plumbed up. This system works perfectly, gets up to temperature fast and stays at a constant temperature. The other bonus is that I don't even have to bleed the system from an empty fill as it is completely self bleeding!
Ollie Yeah Buddy
840 posts · joined Oct 2009 ·
Just found this tread...
Homigod this is amazing
Homigod this is amazing
Follow the Photo Fun:
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=95238
- '70 1500 Beetle (The Clean One)
- '76 1300 Beetle (The In-between One)
- '69 1500 Beetle (The Mean One)
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=95238
- '70 1500 Beetle (The Clean One)
- '76 1300 Beetle (The In-between One)
- '69 1500 Beetle (The Mean One)
SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!
1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·
I agree Ollie, just read the whole thing, absolutely awesome.
Those seats,I think they could find there way into Zelda.
What did you have to do to the rails to get them in?
Those seats,I think they could find there way into Zelda.
What did you have to do to the rails to get them in?
Ollie Yeah Buddy
840 posts · joined Oct 2009 ·
I've been keen to see those wheels on a bug for a while and they look sooooo good!!
(not as badass as yours'll look Seb 😉 )
Kabs rock
(not as badass as yours'll look Seb 😉 )
Kabs rock
Follow the Photo Fun:
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=95238
- '70 1500 Beetle (The Clean One)
- '76 1300 Beetle (The In-between One)
- '69 1500 Beetle (The Mean One)
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=95238
- '70 1500 Beetle (The Clean One)
- '76 1300 Beetle (The In-between One)
- '69 1500 Beetle (The Mean One)
SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!
1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·
Ahaha yeah, this bug is epic, only bug that I actually like that is a Cabriolet...
Soon Ollie, soon 😉
Soon Ollie, soon 😉
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Didn't you notice that I don't have any of the original floors left?! 😂SebastienPeek wrote:Those seats,I think they could find there way into Zelda.
What did you have to do to the rails to get them in?
SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!
1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·
I did notice, was just wondering if you used the same rails or not?
But obviously not 😉
I'll see what I can do to get the seats into mine, will see if I can find anything on them 🙂
But obviously not 😉
I'll see what I can do to get the seats into mine, will see if I can find anything on them 🙂
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
Send me your email, I have an article on fitting them onto existing 3 point VW mounting if you like...
Rich
Rich
SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!
1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·
Thanks Rich,
Sent you a PM 🙂
Sent you a PM 🙂
flat_iv Seriously Crusin Dubber
107 posts · joined May 2005 ·
What year BMW E30 thermostat housing/thermostate did you use? I did a google search and it seems there were different styles used thru the years. I am all for not having to burp the cooling systems for hours to get the air out. Are you using the ECU to turn on your cooling fan?
Thanks...
Thanks...
ricola Wolfsburg Wizard
437 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·
I think there was only one choice for the four cylinder engines, that's the one I'm using.. Yes, using the ECU to switch the fan, I was previously one for using the adjustable thermostat switches but they seem to end up failing and aren't particularly neat.