1967 Split Window Panel · Aussieveedubbers

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:01 pm

Picking this up in the next fortnight.. Found it around 30kms from my place. Looks pretty good, but will still need a little work, such as brakes redone, rust repairs, and so fourth.

Chek it out.

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:03 pm

Straight as a die.

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:04 pm

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:05 pm

Rust sections just behind the front wheel. Suggested repair sections needed?

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:07 pm

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:08 pm

Nothing like only the one rear window..

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:10 pm

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 5:12 pm

twoguns · 9 Jun 2003, 6:07 pm

oohhhh yeah...:o

good find!that should come up a treat. how long had it been sitting there for?

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 6:50 pm

Bout ten years apparently...

kombi_kid · 9 Jun 2003, 7:19 pm

30k's out and u hadnt seen it yet!!!
what happened to that panelvan u got off rob king ages ago??
cheers
rhys
p.s. if u get bored with it let us know:kiss

Stealth · 9 Jun 2003, 7:21 pm

Man have i got some spares for you!!!!!

Bring it on .........Yeah baby:jesus

Grey 57 · 9 Jun 2003, 8:27 pm

Good pick up Jim. Right under ya nose all that time.
Looks pretty solid. Even the paint looks like it just needs a cut and polish. :thumb
Whats the plans, full resto or rat look

PHAT BUG · 9 Jun 2003, 8:57 pm

Nice pick up Jim, just needs to be flat back and slammed. I think the mirrors might need the sledge hammer treatment tho!!

BenettonVW · 9 Jun 2003, 9:04 pm

Jeez.. Thanks all. It was pretty well hidden, way off main roads etc. Anth, good to hear from ya. I'll be ringing you this week re: the kombi found over the Long Weekend.. Sweet about the spares!😀

I'm with you Rhett, satin black and dropped... Ideal parts collector.. 😀 Wahoo!

baybuscamperkid · 10 Jun 2003, 2:38 pm

vary nice!

BUGBOY · 10 Jun 2003, 9:58 pm

The best part about this bus mate was the swap.
GREEN for GREEN:beer

Bring it on Jim.

BenettonVW · 11 Jun 2003, 7:30 pm

Hey Nath, thinking of painting the bottom half, below the belt line only, in Satin Black.. Whatcha reckon? Or the whole thing?

KruizinKombi · 11 Jun 2003, 8:11 pm

Nice score Jim!!!! :thumb:thumb:thumb

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:24 pm

Well, both buses are home to my place now.. Here's some pics. Now I would really appreciate a Bus Head U2Uing me about what I need and where to get them.. The photo's will tell you some of it, but the brake pedal goes to the floor.. Handbrake works, but I think the booster will need replacing and the drums and so on need checking/ reconditioning. Anyway, check the photos..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:28 pm

Fitting into the family...

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:29 pm

Ahh.. a rear bumper.. cool.. Not all that common in a bus..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:34 pm

Interesting engine setup.. A tacho, a can of Nulon, and an oil filter.. As well as an interesting 12V alternator, and some lovely welding and brackets..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:36 pm

Quite straight..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:38 pm

In with Nellie the HN...

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:41 pm

Interior.. New squirter bottle needed, as well as pedal rubbers, and thats just the start..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:47 pm

Rusty vibes.. Suggestions about what to do here? Either rust repair, or new doors?

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:51 pm

And again. These are obviously the inner bottoms of the doors..

BenettonVW · 6 Jul 2003, 7:55 pm

Ahh.. Welcome to the country.. Where the VW's seem to just grow out of the concrete...

What a sight huh?

PHAT BUG · 6 Jul 2003, 8:33 pm

Lookin good brotha, that bus is crying out for some satin black, do it with the white top that will be sweet, then all you need is to slap on some white walls and slam the old girl and she'll be lookin awesome!
If you need any spares you know who to call.

pyr0 · 6 Jul 2003, 8:37 pm

nice work she'll come up sweeet

kustomkool · 6 Jul 2003, 9:49 pm

Jim one mad score bud,looks like your got a long term project on your hands.And it was kool to see your Empi bug again havent seen it for ages miss seeing it at shows...

kustomkool · 6 Jul 2003, 9:53 pm

Just an idea?

Cam · 7 Jul 2003, 1:47 am

Very nice dude. Have'nt seen you on ICQ in yonks! Just re-set it up on my new PC :bounce

How much does a bus like that go for out in the country and are they easy to find? Kinda need a band mobile asap and the satin black, dumped look would suit us to a tee 😎

BenettonVW · 7 Jul 2003, 9:00 pm

Nah, looks like too much work KK..

Cam, well... Umm... ICQ me, and I will let you know what I paid for it..

Everyone's right, the price of these things are going up, and rightly so.

kustomkool · 10 Jul 2003, 2:37 pm

maybe this

kustomkool · 10 Jul 2003, 2:40 pm

or even this

Unity-28 · 10 Jul 2003, 3:45 pm

I got to get a digi camera, and take some shots! Geez Jim, get a couple more and youve got your self a dealership!

Good stuff!:thumb

N!

BenettonVW · 10 Jul 2003, 8:47 pm

That one may have been later turned into this... Similar idea anyway.

pyr0 · 10 Jul 2003, 9:18 pm

i like the purple bus very kool 😎

PHAT BUG · 11 Jul 2003, 6:11 am

Yeah that is the same bus.

vw54 · 11 Jul 2003, 7:44 am

I see the engine pic Jim Why did it have a 36hp fitted ??? What happened to origional 1500 engine

Not much rust by the looks of it.

BenettonVW · 11 Jul 2003, 9:30 pm

I dunno Dave.. It's screwed.

Thinking of a 1641 or something instead..

Haven't found much. The doors, as in cargo's only, and only a little in the nose. Side seems okay..

BenettonVW · 14 Jul 2003, 8:35 pm

The dream.. God bless SelectaBus..

KruizinKombi · 14 Jul 2003, 11:24 pm

LOL!!! :thumb

BenettonVW · 20 Jul 2003, 7:57 pm

More minor work today.. Threw in a battery..

BenettonVW · 20 Jul 2003, 8:14 pm

New ignition switch, as no key with the other one.. A pretty loose defintion of new btw..

BenettonVW · 20 Jul 2003, 8:25 pm

SOME lights work.. Kinda haunting..

Grey 57 · 20 Jul 2003, 8:25 pm

Jim , that alternator set up is an absolute work of art. 😀😀

BenettonVW · 20 Jul 2003, 8:26 pm

BenettonVW · 20 Jul 2003, 8:34 pm

Oh hell yes Dean.. There is quite a few works of art in that engine bay..

PHAT BUG · 21 Jul 2003, 6:15 am

Dubnut if Jims not interested I definetly am!

BenettonVW · 21 Jul 2003, 6:57 pm

😀😀😀😀

PHAT BUG · 22 Jul 2003, 5:55 am

Ive got two!

BenettonVW · 20 Aug 2003, 9:58 pm

Hotty new lockable rear catch... A little rare?

BenettonVW · 20 Aug 2003, 9:59 pm

BenettonVW · 20 Aug 2003, 10:00 pm

sikdub · 20 Aug 2003, 10:12 pm

Damn, and i was gonna steal your super cool alternator bracket. :P
Steven

BenettonVW · 20 Aug 2003, 10:15 pm

Jealousy is a curse..

sikdub · 26 Aug 2003, 3:36 pm

lol James....
Steven

kustomkool · 26 Aug 2003, 11:55 pm

Nice...

kustomkool · 6 Sep 2003, 12:33 am

OILDRIPPER

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 7:51 pm

Hey Folks,

I have a week off, with the majority of the time being dedicated to the Split Panel Project I have sitting in the driveway.

I started today, with help from Steven(sikdub), and he will be helping me out throughout the week.(Bless him)

So Day 1 starts like this..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 7:58 pm

Oh man.. something is going on with pics, but anyway.

I found a hole in the bottom of the right hand side of the bus side panelling, a few inches in front of the rear wheel arch. I noticed it whilst I was getting under the car to jack it up and leave it on stands for the week, as we will be doing some fairly heavy duty stuff..

Anyway, heres the hole. About the size of a couple of matchheads.. But a fair dinkum hole, all the same.

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:00 pm

And a closer look..
Surrounded by filler, so I think.. hmm.. better find out whats hiding here..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:03 pm

So I get the grinder out.. A few minutes later, I could have ground down my own forehead.. Talk about opening up a whole box of worms.. The filler would have been an inch think in places..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:06 pm

We actually found ventilation.. ohhh man..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:09 pm

This is about the time that Steve got here, and we thought we might get a start on removing things like the motor.. So the rear bumper was removed, followed by the sensational engine bay seal the vehicle had.. (will be for sale later, but no tyre kickers - $500US 🙂)

BUGBOY · 30 Sep 2003, 8:12 pm

So how far did you get before you went back inside and parked you butt infront of the computer? LOL
Not to worry mate most busses are like this , just time to get your self a mig.:o

Is this one of those 45 day Resto things your doing here?😉

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:13 pm

The petrol tank was emptied, hence the white bucket, the rear vallance taken off, and a couple of the engine nuts undone before we ran out of time..

So here are the end of the day pics..

Black_math · 30 Sep 2003, 8:15 pm

Hehehe my dad gota mig the other day good for the 59' good work with dat split panel and all teh best:thumb

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:15 pm

Removed organs..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:17 pm

Sorta Nath, thought I would see what little I could achieve in a week.. 🙂

Anyway, end of the day.. Not nice.

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:18 pm

Yuck..

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:20 pm

I am guessing I will be ringing Rob King or Hardings regarding a replacement panel tomorrow huh.. 🙂

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:22 pm

Ready to come out in the next day or two. Gearbox as well. Rear suspension, the lot.

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:23 pm

Now, the best engine seal you have ever seen.. Bids?

BenettonVW · 30 Sep 2003, 8:25 pm

And there ends Day 1 my friends..

Note the bog powder everywhere!!

baybuscamperkid · 30 Sep 2003, 8:34 pm

MATE, welcome to the rusty bus brigade! I made a discovery exactly the same way on the front of my bus, but i think u got off lighter then me!

sikdub · 30 Sep 2003, 10:31 pm

I think i still have bog in my hair.... 🙂
Steven

Black_math · 30 Sep 2003, 10:40 pm

Industrial strength shampoo, trust me on this one:P

Adam_C · 30 Sep 2003, 10:45 pm

lol arent spare seats great when your under a car or workin on the side of it !!!!:P

should look good jim

type82e · 1 Oct 2003, 12:16 am

does robk do housecalls? lol
he'd have that looking smick in no time!
I see its also got one of those groovy 12v alternator conversions
should look good jim!
marcel

vw54 · 1 Oct 2003, 6:48 am

If you found RUST on the drivers side I bet you will find it on the other side as well.

Keep the grinder out and get some more abrasive discs

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 9:54 am

Yeah probably Dave.. That a bigtime bummer.. Some a can weld up and stuff, but this is absolutely rooted. Both inner and outer have been ordered last night from Hardings, so no pressure Guy, but I would like em here by Friday!!
The weather is crap here and I am playing golf today too, but I still intend on getting more of the project done when I get home.

Unity-28 · 1 Oct 2003, 10:06 am

HEy JIm, You got to love it when you think you have a real solid car, then you start to work on it and discover the shit underneath.

But with a bit of work, Im sure this will be a great ride.:thumb

N!

kombi_kid · 1 Oct 2003, 12:30 pm

welcome to the world of splitty restorations!!!! exact same thing happened to me!!!
whats the plans with it??
cheers
rhys

Kai.A. · 1 Oct 2003, 12:40 pm

looks like a good project to me! still in better nick than most of the un-restored busses in the u.k, mine included.....
a few repairs is going to be a lot easier than replacing the bottom 8 inches all the way round the van!!!
good luck.

kai

sikdub · 1 Oct 2003, 3:43 pm

The silicone seals that are holding the gearbox together are just exceptional. 😀
The bog came outta my hair today too... :thumb
Steven

byronbus · 1 Oct 2003, 6:32 pm

At least you know it will be done right when its finished :thumb

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 6:49 pm

DAY 2

Not a lot done today. Raining, and wanted to play golf as well.. I know, not a great combination. Anyway, my mate and I went out of town for most of the day.
Got back and started around 4.30, mainly body and more importantly the rust.. The engine will have to wait for tomorrow to get pulled out. The rust continues to bare itself..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 6:54 pm

So I headed towards the front of the car with the grinder.. More of the same.

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 6:58 pm

More bog, more hole, more holes filled with more bog..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 6:59 pm

It's not that bad from far enough away..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 7:03 pm

But when you have a closer look..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 7:05 pm

From the bottom looking up..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 7:06 pm

After an hour or so..

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 7:10 pm

And another day draws to an end.. The bog dust is incredible.. If you don't believe me, use the jack under the car as an indicator.. It would be around 4 or 5mm thick...

twoguns · 1 Oct 2003, 7:16 pm

mate go for it.....

but if you want some experience'd advice. get under the bus and give the outriggers a good hard squeeze with ya big strong man hands. if your lucky they will stay firm but looking at what ya uncovered they outriggers are probably decaying from the inside out also. they will feel like the freen foam stuff you get flowers stuck in when delivered. ya might as well tackle them now while youre att it

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 7:23 pm

Oh man... Don't say that.. 🙁

vw54 · 1 Oct 2003, 8:20 pm

Jim

Your mission tomorrow if you choose to accept it and you will....

Get a sharp screw driver and start poking at all the sill areas and under neath the chassis rails and out riggers etc etc ...

I think you will find more than you bargained for, but once youve found it then you know what your up against

No good doing half a job.

Get the Gurney going on all the wheels arches as well to clkean off all the crud and road crap.

If you think its suspect then POKE with the screw driver...

POKE POKE POKE POKE

[Edited on 1-10-2003 by vw54]

Black_math · 1 Oct 2003, 8:33 pm

I suggest that you do as the rolling stones suggested and "paint it black" cause it suits kombis really well and ther arent enough out there wif that colour.

BenettonVW · 1 Oct 2003, 8:54 pm

Well, heres the plan..

And thanks Dave.. It sounds like an idea. I need to buy one of those Gurney things..

The idea of satin black isn't a new one..

matara · 1 Oct 2003, 9:51 pm

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't splits leave the factory without any rust proofing underneath because they were considered an industrial vehicle.

That is probably why they rust so much underneath.

Luckily my split was undersealed by the Devon factory in England when it was getting converted and its in pretty good nick!

Hey Jim if you speak to Rob King, he will have you ripping the floor out and putting in new top hats and riggers! but its the only way to do it!!

Whats the section behind the front bumper like!
Good luck

Steve

Kafer Lover · 1 Oct 2003, 11:09 pm

Good luck Jim, just gotta go one step at a time, you'll get there and it will be worth it.
At least it keeps us off the streets.🙂

vw54 · 2 Oct 2003, 7:32 am

So did u POKE yet ???

72TWINCAB · 2 Oct 2003, 8:07 am

Will a week off be enough:o I think not🙁

Good luck Jim:thumb

HotRodMatt · 2 Oct 2003, 8:35 am

So dude is the ambo panel and down opening door gonna go on it?

Boozer · 2 Oct 2003, 10:41 am

nah chrome is overated. Go black!😎

Black_math · 2 Oct 2003, 1:22 pm

For all of you who know teh rooling stones song here is my edidted version: i see a red bus and i want to paint it black no colours anymore just want it painted black.😀

karmannghia60 · 2 Oct 2003, 2:26 pm

Hey Steve (Matara)
I thought all Kombis were dipped before painting? What's what I read in the VolksWorld articles anyway. Last month, they had a pic of the how Kombi body being dipped too
Raf

silver · 2 Oct 2003, 5:38 pm

Looks like you will have tub the frontend, to get that low, so just get a bigger Grinder and start cutting
Should look cool!

splitbusaustralia · 2 Oct 2003, 6:13 pm

Been away for a few days and just seen
this. Welcome to the world of splitbus resto work Jim!

Dave's right - time to see what you have here. Start pinging stuff with a hammer and probing with a screwdriver.

If you have to do inner and outer rockers
its no great extra to do the outriggers at
the same time........think you should turn your grinder on the doglegs and see what you have there too!

Very very few rust free splits around......I think its better to buy em cheap (under $1k) as a 'hulk' now and do sills, ouriggers, centre chassis sections, floor, doglegs and front valance. Cost you $5k in metal work but better than paying $2-$4k and having to spend the rest anyway (rarer models excluded in that advised purchase price....)

Those busses Desertbug has don't look so bad - look a bit rough but look what 'nicer' looking busses can hide!

RobK

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:11 pm

DAY 3

Well today was always going to be a bigger day, due to time restraints and prior commitments of the previuos and following days.. Eg. Wedding on Saturday, Car show Sunday, etc..

So first mission, was to get the engine out, and then the gearbox, and so on.
And before you ask Dave, yes, I did POKE..

The other side is the same, bits in the drivers floor, doglegs are good, outriggers and so on are really quite good, other than the fact that they have been used as jacking points at one stage.. Which reminds me, my front right jacking point will need doing.. Is this hard?

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:13 pm

And out she comes thanks to undoing the other two or three nuts..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:16 pm

Our first look at the inside of the engine bay minus the motor..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:18 pm

And the motor finds a new home in the shed.. From the little time we looked at it it looked siezed..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:22 pm

The drivers floor area.. The dogleg here looks bad, but it is just rotten rubber, so with that gone it was still strong metal.

pyr0 · 2 Oct 2003, 7:23 pm

its like watching a story unravell which i actually think it is but anyway i always love the progress pics :thumb keep up the posting

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:27 pm

A section of the floor was filler, plain old bog, so that was punched out, and this is the result after pulling up a metal plate. The guy that had it last found a couple of holes and then just pop riveted little sheets of aluminium.. They seem to be everywhere, so I can't wait to see what surprises are behind those!

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:29 pm

Nothing done about the floor yet. No welder.
Back to the rear. Lets have a look at those brakes.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:31 pm

Whoa! Haven't been used for a while then?

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:35 pm

One side done. On to the other.

Note: Wouldn't recommend this jacking method!!

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:39 pm

Pre-attack on gearbox..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:43 pm

Then Steve is into it.. I will get onto the other wheel, and brake.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:45 pm

Hmm.. Much the same this side.

vw54 · 2 Oct 2003, 7:46 pm

Jimbo

Some one has been stuffing with the motor its got a 36 hp fan shroud on a 1500 SP wots the go...

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:47 pm

And Steve complete his bit too.. And the box is out, along with the rest of the rear end.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:49 pm

Dave, this thing is frankenstein.. Crap everywhere..

vw54 · 2 Oct 2003, 7:51 pm

Were you able to test drive the car before Jim Hows the gearbox sounds only rebuild if its making crunchy noises

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:51 pm

The fuel tank came out too.. It will get the treatment..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:56 pm

Nah, apparently it is rooted, but I am putting Type 3 rear end in anyway...
Thats why this piece is important. It will bolt from the t2 box to the t3 box, and make it bolt straight in.. he he .. thats the theory anyway..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 7:59 pm

Needs a clean, stacks of dust, dirt and bogdust..

Get the blower in there!

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:02 pm

Brakes off, and now just the bare reduction boxes to attack..

Boozer · 2 Oct 2003, 8:06 pm

ugh i hate rust! I don't care if i have the worst looking bug in the country as long as it is good mechanically and has NO rust at all.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:07 pm

Closer look..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:11 pm

Spring plates removes to be reshaped to help with new suspension..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:14 pm

Beetle and Type 3 people will know the difference between these spring plates and the aforementioned. Namely the ends.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:15 pm

Or this one might be easier to see...

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:16 pm

Pulling one side apart. Firstly the rubber boot is removed..

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:21 pm

And the other side.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:24 pm

Steve finally gets the reduction boxes apart.. bit of a headache.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:27 pm

Axle tubes seperated from hubs, and gearbox. Nice mess we are a makin... he he

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:30 pm

A day in review.. The engine bay, cleaned, undusted, and a fair majority of the original colour around.. Any guesses?

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:32 pm

End of the day.. Only one thing left to do.. Bloody clean. Hmm bummer.

Oh well.

BenettonVW · 2 Oct 2003, 8:36 pm

Presto. Magic!!

Notch work tomorrow, but I will be trying to squeeze in a bit more bus..
Thanks folks.

helbus · 2 Oct 2003, 8:43 pm

You have shown people how a small hole (match heads size) can blow out into a full resto panel weld in job.
I always try to explain to people that the "original" vehicle with only a couple of bubbles of rust may not be what they really have.
Good luck Jim, you are definitley going about it the right way.

jenz58 · 2 Oct 2003, 8:45 pm

Great weeks work😎

Like to see the stages like that:thumb

I'm impressed

57kombi · 2 Oct 2003, 8:49 pm

Hey Jim
When Andrew did the welding for my 57 we pushed the bus over on its side it made it a hell of a lot easier to do the sills, jacking points, center chassis sections etc.
Wait till you start using the grinder and you are lying underneath!!!!

We removed everything, front beam, engine, box etc.
And then we put the body on 4 tyres , one each side and front and back, then we put a sprung mattress next to one side and just slowly pushed, making sure it went very slow. We then supported it on the gutter with a tyre,
Made the whole job of welding and then painting a hell of a lot easier.
I have some photos but my scanner is shagged.

Cheers
Dave

kombi_kid · 3 Oct 2003, 8:41 am

hey
can u take some pics of use 2 at the end of the day??? steve wouldve looked a classic blowing out that dust and grindin bog!!!
cheers
rhys

vw54 · 3 Oct 2003, 9:28 am

What you pulling the gearbox apart for Jim...

How about commercial Blue for the colour ???

BenettonVW · 3 Oct 2003, 10:51 am

Dave, Spot on.. Commercial blue. The box I heard is nothing short of rooted, as in the guy drove it home using 1st and 2nd only or something like that... If I was keeping the box, then yeah, I would pull it apart and rebuild it, but considering I am not, then it is pretty pointless.... I would rather be grinding bog.. 😀

57 Kombi Dave, Yeah I had thought of that, and seen the mattress thing being done before and reckon that is the way to go.. I would be interested in seeing your pics soon though.. Centre sections and so on seem okay, but the outer bits..

And Rhys, well I have got an embarrassing shot of Steve with the blower copping a mouth full of dust and crap.. but I couldn't do it to him..

baybuscamperkid · 3 Oct 2003, 11:24 am

DUDE! u wouldnt happen to be able to u2u me with where or from whom u bought this bus would u? i had a panel on my floor drivers side patched with a riveted-on aluminium panel, and i have the same accelerator pedal as yours, in my bay! if the same person did the work on mine as yours, CHECK EVERYWHERE!

BenettonVW · 4 Oct 2003, 10:26 am

DAY 4
Today was a bit of a non event. I did lots of work on the Notch, detailing, welding, had it tuned, etc. which took most of the day. So whilst the Notch is ready for the weekends events, the bus hasn't progressed one ioda.

kustomkool · 5 Oct 2003, 10:07 pm

Thats the shit get dirty and busy.Great stuff brothers.😀

BenettonVW · 5 Oct 2003, 11:14 pm

DAY 5

Another non event. Euroa Car show, with 80-100 cars there including 3 VW's plus mine. Tomorrow is the last day off before back to work, so I intend on making it count.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:42 pm

DAY 6

After leaving to go and source the Type 3 Squareback gearbox for the bus, and get there to find it was taken to the wreckers. So, off to the wreckers. The wreckers tell us that the car is sent to Melbourne, the Simms, the metal recycler!! Oh man.
So we are to source another box, but we have a few irons in the fire.
The remainder of the day therefore was left to do a few jobs around the bus. Starting with the fuel tank..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:45 pm

The under belly of the tank was rusted, but only surface..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:48 pm

And the other end.

vw54 · 6 Oct 2003, 5:51 pm

Dont look to bad on the underside of the tank.... hit it with the rust converter and see what happens.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:53 pm

Back to bare metal in spots, and ready for primer.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:55 pm

Should keep the rust from coming back for a little while at least. Black primer the only stuff I had, but anyway. The tank will probably be red, after I clean the inside out. Might get it powder coated.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 5:57 pm

WAHOO! A package!?!?! For moir?!?!

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:00 pm

Oh I shouldn't have!! (but I sorta had to..)

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:04 pm

A rough draw up...

Hmm.. Might carve out some of that other crap first..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:06 pm

Getting better....

57kombi · 6 Oct 2003, 6:08 pm

Jim
see if you can get an early bay tank, they fitt straight in and hold more petrol,
not sure what yer yours is if it doesnt have the fuel guage, think only 67 came with that, you can fit a beetle speedo , the one with the fuel guage in it, that way you are not cutting holes in the dash.
Or you might like the reserve idea.
Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:13 pm

More.. a bit more.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:15 pm

Thanks Dave, I'll do that..
Anyway to fast forward a bit..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:21 pm

A little closer.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:22 pm

Starting to see some other colour than rust..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:25 pm

Pretty close... A snug fit.

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:28 pm

And the other end..

BenettonVW · 6 Oct 2003, 6:31 pm

So thanks folks for your help and comments. A special thanks to Sikdub for his help over the last week.. And I guess once this is all over, this topic will be moved to Members rides.

Thanks again. Back to work tomorrow. 🙁

sikdub · 8 Oct 2003, 9:25 am

No worries knackers. I just wanna get a gearbox to get this bastard back together and looowww...... :vader
Steven

KruizinKombi · 8 Oct 2003, 4:10 pm

Well done Jim and Steve!! :thumb

This thread is well worth seeing for anyone contemplating this kind of work. It certainly shows how little things can turn into big ones! :o

Jim, if you get stuck for a type 3 box, I have a couple of IRS ones sitting in my shed. I'd be happy to sell you one of them just to see the project keep moving. 🙂

BenettonVW · 8 Oct 2003, 7:27 pm

Thanks Col, but want Squareback swing arm rear end.. Box and brakes mainly.

Appreciate your comments though. :thumb

SKEWtYpe3 · 8 Oct 2003, 8:29 pm

scary sh!t under that bog but you have it all coming back together nicely !

BenettonVW · 29 Jan 2004, 8:34 pm

More time off. So the bus saga continues. Not as full on as last time, as I went back to work stuffed! But I have 2 weeks off, and I am hoping to basically do a week of VW stuff, including checking out what is going on with this camper in a nearby town..

Firstly, THE NOTCH IS BACK!!

BenettonVW · 29 Jan 2004, 8:40 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Jan 2004, 8:45 pm

The beam is coming out of the bus to be played with and hopefully narrowed. It has been a while since anyone has been in and around this as you can see.. We are looking to get this out. Getting it out is another thing. Anyone help me with getting the steering arm off the front end? Undid the nut(and split pin) but the arm won't come up and therefore out.. Anyway..

BenettonVW · 29 Jan 2004, 8:46 pm

End of another day. Tracking down type 3 rear to go in these holidays as well, so hopefully we might see some action with mods there too..

TheGermanFolks · 30 Jan 2004, 11:16 am

you da man

Unity-28 · 30 Jan 2004, 11:23 am

What type of rear swing or irs jim?

N!

BenettonVW · 30 Jan 2004, 5:58 pm

Rear swing...

Can anyone help with that steering arm and removing it from the beam itself?

splitbusaustralia · 30 Jan 2004, 7:05 pm

Jim,

You need to buy a tie rod end breaking tool - not the pickle fork variety but the one with 'jaws' and a bolt you screw down to pop it (can drag one out and take photo if I really have to).

Generic one that will work is about $20 - $30 at any auto store like autobahn etc

RobK

BenettonVW · 30 Jan 2004, 8:19 pm

Really? Just to get this one bolt out of the hole it is in?

Man that sucks, but anyway. Wouldn't mind a pic if you could please Rob. And I haven't forgotten about you either Rob..

tonyg · 30 Jan 2004, 8:40 pm

another way is to place a dolly (or heavy hammer head, a lump hammer would be good) on one side and give the opposite side a good hit with another hammer. the pin (the bit the nut goes on) fits in a taper and a thump with the hammer on opposing sides momentarily opens the hole part enuf to release the friction grip in the taper. When done properly, the bit with the pin part just pops up and is easily lifted out. good luck.

splitbusaustralia · 30 Jan 2004, 8:55 pm

space is a bit tight for any shock stuff Tony
.....hammering often leads to mechanical disaster and/or personal injury!

(but then experience is the best teacher too Jim......)

RobK

splitbusaustralia · 30 Jan 2004, 9:00 pm

p.s. the toll will be handy to undo yer tie rods ends too. You won't actually get the drag link out unless you undo the steering box end as well. You won't get the beam out unless you remove the drag link completely (and the front shift rod for that matter as well)....

You need a manual too Jim methinks.

RobK

Kai.A. · 30 Jan 2004, 11:00 pm

yeh, just buy the tool, you will find yourself using it all the time once you've got one!!!!
good luck, it's always a challange removing parts which havn't budged for far too many years😀

kai

helterskelter400 · 31 Jan 2004, 1:53 am

i have same prob with LH tierod.

undo castle nut, spin it round- secure top with lever down,
hammer up from bottom on castle nut....

no go...

RH side fell apart but LH is stuuuck

Spook · 31 Jan 2004, 5:21 am

Never ever hit the nut up, you'll do more harm than good.

You can see from the pic where it's been hit before & that's where YOU hit it.
If you want to keep the tie rod end, put the nut back on so if you have a miss you get the nut not the thread.

57kombi · 31 Jan 2004, 8:31 am

Hi JIM
Its really best to get a manual and also use the tool, it is $20-$30 but as people have said before, you will get your moneys worth out of it.
And NEVER hit a threaded rod with a hammer, always put the nut on and hit that.
Welcome to the joys of owning a splitty,
I am used to doubleing the time I think things will take .
And also double or triple the amount of cash you think it will cost.
But it will be worht it in the end, if that ever arrives.
Cheers from
Mr Cynical.:jesus
Dave

splitbusaustralia · 1 Feb 2004, 4:47 pm

tool for breaking (err - that's releasing) tie rod ends etc etc

RobK

Adam_C · 1 Feb 2004, 6:38 pm

you arent perhaps mounting the type 3 rear higher than the stock rear would you . . .. . thus giving you a drop and keping susp geometry the same....... just a thought, dont know how much room there is but it'd be just like channeling the rear 🙂

BenettonVW · 2 Feb 2004, 9:49 am

Adam, this is the front.

Thanks folks. I'll go get one of those jigger-ma-whosey-whatsits...

I'll let you know.

kustomkool · 4 Feb 2004, 11:26 am

Good stuff Jim keep it up.

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 7:03 pm

Back into it today. Firstly, my hotty new fridge, and getting closer to the end product. It was cream, you probably know the type..
The goal is to have it Matt Black, which I finished today, as you'll see, but also have flames coming from the bottom, but only on the bottom half. Anyway, the chrome is okay, but not great. The actual mechanics of the fridge are okay, after I replaced the electrical plug, see pics, I plugged it in, and away she goes!! Nearly finished, but not quite...

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 7:06 pm

Still a bit to go, other than the flames I mean, but its getting there..

Adam_C · 4 Feb 2004, 7:10 pm

yeh, i know jim hehe, i meant the rear end tho??

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 7:14 pm

Nah, the same. They have to be mounted the same, and modified and so fourth..

http://home.no.net/jhu/Biler%20page/Swingaxel.htm

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 7:31 pm

One of the first things I did today was go buy one of those tie roddy thingies.. Then wrapped it on the bolt in question, a few turns later, and VIOLA!! Man this thing is awesome.
There was some carnage however, the shift rod tube was our first casualty of war.. Upon closer inspection, it was rusted pretty badly internally, so it was bound to happen sooner or later anyway.
Therefore, the grinder came out, and cut the tube, and the beam dropped a little further... Anyone got a spare shift rod tube? 🙂

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 7:40 pm

I then pondered how the hell to disconnect the brakes, as the cable is literally holding the beam up. Couldn't wrap my head around how to undo the pin that connects the cable to the brake pedal assembly, so I decided to get into the tie rods.

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 8:11 pm

Is this normal? A third shock?

Kai.A. · 4 Feb 2004, 8:16 pm

BenettonVW wrote:Is this normal? A third shock?

steering damper😉

kai

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 8:58 pm

Of course! Guess I've never been under a bus and pondered before.. Just looked wierd..

silver · 4 Feb 2004, 9:47 pm

there should be a steering damper on a beetle and a notch aswell .
when I changed beams I undid the linkpins and left the spindles and wheels connected to the brake lines and sat them on crates I didn't see the need to do more work than neccesary.
Oh! and when the beam comes out keep an eye out for shims on the chassis and try to put them back the same way I believe they are important for alignment

BenettonVW · 4 Feb 2004, 10:00 pm

Ahh.. I wondered that. Disconnecting the brake cable? (I would think it would be some sort of rear brakes cable that is other than the handbrake.. I know how stupid that sounds.. Maybe it is the clutch cable.. I am getting confused now.. 🙁 )

As you can see, I still have my learners with buses..

silver · 5 Feb 2004, 3:39 pm

You will have to diaconnect the two Handbrake cables( at the base of the lever in the cab) also the clutch cable and the shift rod (replace the shift rod nylon bush when you put it back) and presto the beam should come out
have fun
S

BenettonVW · 5 Feb 2004, 8:59 pm

Yeah, clutch cable to go then.. How do you pull that off at the drivers end? Is there a trick?

silver · 5 Feb 2004, 10:01 pm

should be a split pin on the drivers end.....

BenettonVW · 6 Feb 2004, 8:26 am

Okies, thanks for your help mate!
I have only been looking from about the middle of the car towards the pedal... i.e. Only seeing the head of the pin..(looks like a nail head)..
I'll give it a go, and thanks again. Sorry for the drama, and stupid questions, still LEARNING!!

lobus · 6 Feb 2004, 9:32 am

The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked I reckon..,.

fatboy · 6 Feb 2004, 9:44 am

Well that and;

"Do I look fat in this ?"

😀

Kai.A. · 6 Feb 2004, 10:55 am

Dubnut wrote:The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked I reckon..,.

i totally agree!!! your doin the right thing by asking loads of questions, you might as well use everyones collective knowledge to help ya through!

and fatboy..... LMAO 😀

kai

BenettonVW · 8 Feb 2004, 10:24 am

Fridge plans in progress...

BUGBOY · 8 Feb 2004, 5:08 pm

Hot on the outside cool on the inside.
I might have to come over and try one of your beers!:o

BenettonVW · 10 Feb 2004, 7:30 pm

Sweet.. All the threads merged.. man.. bit of difference from the first pics..

Bumpstopbus · 10 Feb 2004, 8:14 pm

Hay there guys i painted my fridge a few years ago had a bit of paint left over from the ute.It also has a beer tap on the side of it,ihave put alot of home brew :beer through that tap.:thumb

greenbus · 10 Feb 2004, 8:25 pm

Great to see you having a go...I've just checked out you're epic journey. Like you I had a go too..my greenbus had an added on pop-top which didn't agree with me so after a night course in vehicle resto and a mig, I sourced a good roof skin from a wreck and welded her on...the welding's fun, grinding back the weld is not...but it came up great. The way I've looked at my project is to take one step at a time- and when you come up to your next challenge, research and talk to people and then have a bash.....and always have that picture in you're head of how cool she'll look like when she's done..
p.s dig the colour..on ya mate...

crazyfiggi · 10 Feb 2004, 9:09 pm

Thats a wicked fridge:thumb

splittychick · 20 Feb 2004, 2:31 pm

Its really cool & very inspiring to see the photos & updates on the resto of your bus however it does make me feel a little sick at the task ahead of me(or whoever i'm paying!!)at getting my '67 splitty on the road.
Thanx for making me realise that even though its a huge job it can be done & that its cool to ask lots of questions.Look forward to seeing the updates as your project progresses & look forward to sharing my resto with you all in the future.
****BEWARE A LOT OF QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED****thanx.😉

BenettonVW · 4 Mar 2004, 9:20 pm

Fridge updated..

Beam is out, and bits being pulled off.. Hubs, shocks, tie rods, etc..
Below are the before and after shots..

New suspension will be made basically, consisting of adjusters(possibly), dropped spindles, and eventually air suspension.

BenettonVW · 14 Mar 2004, 5:43 pm

Time to remove the leaves, lovely and chock-a-block full of grease.. Bumpstops taken off.. These end plates will be removed later and replaced by custom, stronger, thicker versions.

Next is to start cleaning the actual beam, including all the seams.

BenettonVW · 14 Mar 2004, 5:45 pm

The old wire brush on the grinder trick!!

Mr Bubble Head · 15 Mar 2004, 8:02 pm

Hey Jim Great work dude!!

I know how hard and time consuming it can be just doing the smallest part of a resto but it will all be worth it in the end

I heard that after all that work that you did to the fridge it doen't work is this true?
If it is I'll test it free of charge all you have to do is fill it with your favorite beer and I'll come and see if its doing its job....I'll bring the cigs.

Keep up the good work

nIck

BenettonVW · 22 May 2004, 7:34 pm

Here's what we are starting today.. With the weekends work ahead of me.. The grinder has a new heavy duty wire brush attachment, and the blue steel is to make a jig and weld the wheels on to make the bus movable around the shed and driveway, whilst having no running gear.

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:45 pm

It seems a little while that this has been updated, and there has only been trickles of work done.. silly season and all.

Dunno about this thread to be honest.. I recall having dramas with posting pics.. Now all my fridge pics are gone.. 😠

Anyway, since we last spoke about this, I have invested a fair bit into tools, and got gifts to help this scenario too.. (Thanks to those folks.. u know who u r).
So no I have a 170 amp Mig, a new grinder(the last pic above must have been close to when that thing blew up and melted in my hands), compressor, hose reel for chrissy, etc...

So things are going to be moving upward for this little baby. Hoping to get a fair bit done over the next month or so. I have 10 days off coming over the break, so I want to dedicate at least four of them to this bus.

For those who remember that I was building a jig, it is almost finished. The bus should be under it within those 4 days. It is not bad considering my lack of knowledge in all this.. It should serve the purpose at least.

Today I had a fairly big session on the bus.. Still on body at this stage. Tried different methods of stripping paint and so on.. Steve, (sikdub) has helped out numerous times, so props for that. We enjoy it, and like most things, it is not just the destination, but the journey as well.

So here is how the bus started this morning, just after my cruise down to Mitre 10. Here's how the driveway looks these days.. I own 5 dubs at the moment.. :duh

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:48 pm

The reason that I got so much done today was because of this little discovery today at the hardware shop called a flap pad or something.. You attach it to the grinder.. like a sanding disc in a way.. Worked a treat..

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:50 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:54 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:58 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 8:59 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:01 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:06 pm

Found some fibreglass in this tail section as well as more panel damage. This guy just loved fibreglass. The complete battery tray is fibreglass.. sections of the roof guttering is fibreglass.. anything wrong.. FIBREGLASS IT!!

The front door had a couple of minor dents, but the positioning is the problem, as they are double skinned spots. Will have a go at pulling them later on.

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:09 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:10 pm

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:13 pm

So drawing to the end of a satisfying day..

BenettonVW · 19 Dec 2004, 9:15 pm

Need some more undercoat now!
Good to be working on her again.. over and out.

57kombi · 19 Dec 2004, 9:21 pm

A little bit often and it will get there.
It is worth it in the end.
Cheers
Dave

Dasdubber · 19 Dec 2004, 9:45 pm

Good stuff Jim - glad to see some more progress!! That stripping is hard work...I took the easy way out and had my bug blasted (although found more problems than I originally anticipated).

Looking forward to the next pics over chrissy/new year! :party

frenzix · 20 Dec 2004, 8:22 am

dude, those flap things are mad hey? They are exxy but worth it.. Are you matt blacking straight away? You seem to have a vision.. go nuts

57kombi · 20 Dec 2004, 9:38 am

Looks like one of them there hippy buses to me.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 20 Dec 2004, 7:23 pm

Thanks lads. I gotta talk to you some stage about your rear end Dave.. of the bus that is.. not that there is anything wrong with that. 😀

Well, like everything, this is a learning experience in so many different ways. Till now, I have used the expensive pressure pack spray cans, as I haven't had a compressor. Now, due to my generous friends for my 30th, I now have. So, I mixed some paint.. bit of this.. bit of that.. and bingo bango..

[Edited on 20-12-2004 by BenettonVW]

BenettonVW · 20 Dec 2004, 7:27 pm

So, whilst I am learning.. it isn't too bad.. experimenting is good fun.. :P

Anything that was bare metal yesterday needed to be covered today. 4 litres of Satin Black, and I was into it.

BenettonVW · 20 Dec 2004, 7:31 pm

And finally the required artistic shot.

The black gives you a taste of what it will be like eventually. So the high fill to go on after the whole bus looks like this, then the black to go back on again after that.

At least we get a taste now!

pyr0 · 20 Dec 2004, 8:11 pm

progress is lookin good :thumb:thumb:thumb

sikdub · 20 Dec 2004, 9:34 pm

Good shit bro.
Steve

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:15 pm

Another 4 flap-pads.. wahoo..!!

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:17 pm

Slow progress, but it is a pain in the ass..

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:28 pm

pyr0 · 21 Dec 2004, 8:29 pm

looks tiresome and i havent even moved out of my computer chair lol, have you thought of trying out paint stripper ? or is it too messy ?

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:30 pm

About 90 minutes. Cool huh. Black on again tomorrow.

57kombi · 21 Dec 2004, 8:30 pm

you can look at my rear any time big boy, sorry, I mean bus boy.

cheers
dave

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:34 pm

Thanks Dave. You went went straight axle yeah?

That HAS been paint stripped. Steve and I stripped it a few times.. This thing is magic.. Sorta like a grinding disc, but nowhere near severe.. Leaves little marks, but thats fine by me. Etch it, high fill, and black again and no one will ever know.. Thats how insignificant these are..

Pretty cool.

pyr0 · 21 Dec 2004, 8:36 pm

looks like it cuts through the remains of the paint quiet cleanly 🙂 is the interior going to be the same color ? (satin black)

57kombi · 21 Dec 2004, 8:39 pm

Seeing my avatar says son of Jim, if you looked at my rear would that be incest????

Just checking dont wont to encourage you to break the law.
Straight axle with PMGBUS plates, the beetle box stays as is and just bolts in, limits rear tyres and you have to use beetle solid wheels with a max of 165 tyre.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 21 Dec 2004, 8:43 pm

Okay.. Hmm.. Is he still making these plates?

I'm going with a Square back rear.. no dramas there is there?

57kombi · 21 Dec 2004, 8:46 pm

I think so.

Cheers
Dave

twoguns · 21 Dec 2004, 8:48 pm

57kombi wrote:you can look at my rear any time big boy, sorry, I mean bus boy.

cheers
dave

sorry, but aint i bus80y???!:duh

t2 · 21 Dec 2004, 9:07 pm

you can use the rear end out of a square back but you will have to modify the axle tubes to make it work,
you need the short end casting axle tubes and what you have to do is make these the same overall length of the long end casting axle tubes,
to do this you cut the short end casting tube as close to the base as poss so when you weld them back together your new boot will cover the weld, then using the overall length measurement from the long tube minus the lenght that you have left on the short tube and this is what has to be added to the short tube i think it has to be 28mm longer ,
you will also need to notch out your spring plates and redrill the plate to accept the beetle or type 3 axle tube ,use oval bearing caps i think the bearing number is 6208 its easier than it sounds you could probably use your axle tubes from the redux boxes if you can find out the overall length of a long axle tube.
i hope that makes sense
cheers darren

[Edited on 21-12-2004 by t2 sauerkraut bug]

BenettonVW · 22 Dec 2004, 8:25 am

Yeah that makes sense. Are you running straight axle Darren?

57kombi · 22 Dec 2004, 8:53 am

Sorry Wes.
I'm not really two timing you.

Cheers
Dave

t2 · 22 Dec 2004, 3:39 pm

yep i am running straight axle , i learnt how to make it up on the samba lowering thread just have to make sure when you weld the axles back together that you weld them nice and straight, the way i did it was got a off cut of round bar from a steel supplier that fit nice and snug inside the axle tube, i then double checked the length after putting on the new longer bottom piece ,tacked it in 3 spots around the tube then fully welded after checking the length to be sure
check out the thread below, remember theat after taking of the redux hubs you have to flip the diff or change to 1500 swing axle box, i stuffed up and got a 6v box but it is still going to work just added a couple more unnecessary jobs to the list

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?action=attachment&tid=15586&pid=110174&aid=11375

t2 · 22 Dec 2004, 3:43 pm

also i have read somewhere that people have been using the long axle tubes with no mods to them , the length would be ok but the shock tower mount would be in the wrong spot ,not to sure how they are over comming that

BenettonVW · 22 Dec 2004, 6:57 pm

Okay, cool. Darren, plenty of people have talked about this method, on this and other forums, but I haven't talked to that many that HAVE done it, with the acception of Dave and yourself. I am weighing up the pro's and con's with this method, or a bolt in Indian IRS kit, other than cost of course. This thing is going to be LOW, so I dunno about swing axle on a bus.. hmm.. negative camber doesn't look the same on a bus I don't think. Not quite as good for some reason..

The Squareback box that is going into it is coming out of a 66. Would that make a difference for example? I think it is 12V...

P.S. Bodywork can be tedious..

BenettonVW · 22 Dec 2004, 6:59 pm

Also I heard that link method does create some dramas with toe in/ out. Is this true?

t2 · 22 Dec 2004, 8:29 pm

i am not to sure about the toe in and out probs but to compensate for it you could elongate the holes to allow for adjustment and get a pro to set it up once its in (wheel align), i traced a early beetle spring plate onto a cardboard sheet then traced that onto the spring plate and cut it out.
as for going really low check out www.lowlifevw.com and you will find most people on there are using the straight axle method and there rides are on the deck, i think that without mods under the car you will get lower using straight axle , but there is a part under there that you can cut out for the irs and will go as low as you want , i cant say about that because i dont know.
if i was you and allready have a 12v box to go in id go straight axle , you allready have all the parts so its only time to make it, if you dont like it go irs later
just my 2c
by the way i am no expert just comenting on what i have done on my bus i hope it helps
darren
here is a pic of mine and this would be just under as high as it can go after straight axle

t2 · 22 Dec 2004, 8:36 pm

i think this is on a straight axle , check twoguns dc hes selling it on straight axle and 14" rims i think they are14"

twoguns · 28 Dec 2004, 7:45 pm

my rims are 15x7 on the back and 15x6 on the front. no 14s htey are for pussies.... 😀

twoguns · 28 Dec 2004, 7:48 pm

oh and my bus is running 17x 7.5s

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:36 pm

Updated today. Finished the drivers side section of body, as in back to metal then etch.

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:44 pm

Found a few hidden bad points, but nothing major. Under the proposed sill repair panel line is all bog.. And I mean heaps. I chipped off a huge chuck.. there is next to nothing left there as far as metal. This thing is not going to have ANY bog in it if I can help it. Dents will be pulled, and if filler is needed, and I am going to give lead wipes a go..

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:46 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:51 pm

People that have been reading this thread for a while will recall the jig I was making to get the bus mobile, when I didn't have a front or rear end in it.

That was the second achievement for the day. Things were welded up and tested..

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:55 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:57 pm

The hardest part was getting the jig in and under..

Had sikdub and I scratching our heads.. he he

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 9:59 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:01 pm

Sliding jack stands to be placed under the chassis rails..

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:04 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:06 pm

With the bus transferred onto the jig, we were ready to move it. Centralised.

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:08 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:10 pm

Side on..

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:11 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:12 pm

180 degrees.. done.

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:14 pm

The jig held up pretty well, but there is a few things.
The wheels will need to be upgraded, and once in the right spot I might tack weld the sliders on for security and strength.

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:17 pm

Now to start on this side..
It is just like pulling it out of the bush on the first day.. It is like we hadn't done anything.. So raw and untouched! Was wierd!

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:20 pm

The inspirational artistic pic..
Whack the 16" barny rims on, and some big emblem caps..
With the help of some bricks.. it looks the goods..

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:22 pm

BenettonVW · 29 Dec 2004, 10:24 pm

Last one. Looking forward to hooking into the nose tomorrow and just finding out EXACTLY what I am dealing with..
Peace out.

[Edited on 29-12-2004 by BenettonVW]

sikdub · 29 Dec 2004, 10:40 pm

😉

david · 29 Dec 2004, 10:40 pm

like your dolly ,if you want some real good wheels i can get some real strong ones ,there are a stack of all steel ones down at the scrap yard near my place cheap ,why did you not go a rotisserie

BenettonVW · 30 Dec 2004, 7:38 am

Thanks David, might be an option. The rotisserie idea isn't really me, however I am considering making this one extendable, so you can roll it onto its side, but not upside down. Therefore, depending on which way the bus is facing, you have better access to the roof or floor.

The initial idea wasn't big. I just wanted to be able to move it, and roll it around if I needed to. That bus is a bit heavier than I thought... :blush

BenettonVW · 30 Dec 2004, 8:43 pm

I'm guessing by now you know the process, so conserve your time and our bandwidth, I will show you major changes instead of every little step.

Nose was today, as well as passenger door. We also took the windscreens out..
Kate, my fiancee, managed to capture the moment..

BenettonVW · 30 Dec 2004, 8:46 pm

[Edited on 30-12-2004 by BenettonVW]

BenettonVW · 30 Dec 2004, 8:51 pm

Whilst it looks like I have hit it with a grinding disc, I can assure you it is a lot smoother than that. Not much warping either, however if it start to get hot or buckle, move areas of course.

I could get used to this time-off thing..

ClassicVW(pacific) · 30 Dec 2004, 8:53 pm

Looks in pretty good condition for a splitty

BenettonVW · 30 Dec 2004, 8:56 pm

Yeah, I was saying to BUGBOY tonight on the phone, the front nose skin has a few match heads sized rust holes, but bugger all generally. I'll probably still replace it, cause after all, it is the stuff u can't see that is the problem, but I could nearly get away with welding in patches. I intend on having this thing for a while, so I am going to replace it so it hopefully doesn't haunt me another day.

Still a fair way to go, but I love summer, and I love time off!!

[Edited on 30-12-2004 by BenettonVW]

splittychick · 30 Dec 2004, 10:05 pm

Looking good Jim.I can feel a splitty cruise coming on.........maybe by the end of next year?????????😉

BenettonVW · 31 Dec 2004, 7:52 am

Uhh.. Which year are we talking about? :P

splittychick · 31 Dec 2004, 12:41 pm

Definetley not this one as it ends today!!!Surely theres a chance that you Anth & me will all have a bus on the road by the end of '05??We can live in hope..........😀

:bounce:bounce:bounce

Stealth · 31 Dec 2004, 1:19 pm

my new years resalution :party

BenettonVW · 31 Dec 2004, 3:24 pm

Well, unless yours is in paint already Mandy, then I think Stealthy is winning this race, with me in a distant third!

As long as they make it on the road, then I don't care!

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:05 pm

Been a couple of days, but things are cruising along as far as bare metal body stuff is concerned.

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:08 pm

Did the badge, front bumper, and bottom of a cargo door yesterday.. All with the help of my faithful companion Sikdub, of course.

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:10 pm

Also the underneath sill of the cargo doors.
Here's a quick inspirational pic to keep the dream alive.. Lights in, but I am thinking need a chrome emblem..

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:16 pm

Now onto todays progress. Both days have been slowed by distractions. Eg. Today, we went into town to get some thinners from Supercheap, and some how it took us 3 hours.. bummer.

This is the top of that cargo door. Strange hole cut into it for some reason.. More welding to do down the track. This hole was just bog. A hell of a lot of bog came out of both these doors.. More than maybe the rest of the car put together..

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:17 pm

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:19 pm

Rear bumper..

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:23 pm

2nd cargo door. By far, the worst.
Steve pulled out the latch and handle and so on. Now, to my knowledge, this bus was a 67, but the inner of the latch is stamped 66. I am guessing it is either an old part, as in last years, or it is actually a 66. Hmm.. Without checking the chassis number again, can anyone help with their experiences here?

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:26 pm

Ahh.. a man and his grinder.. or mine actually.. but how could he resist but write his name in the panel?
As I said, this door had loads of bog..

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:29 pm

Rivets, bog, and metal slapped in there..

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:33 pm

VolksFolks · 3 Jan 2005, 7:33 pm

Go the matte balck jim, looks ace ay, will keep it good for a while..looking good buddie

Andy

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:35 pm

Another lick of paint... and the front valance is done, the cargo doors, the door surround, etc.. coming along.

Peace out.

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 7:42 pm

Oops, forgot one.

Thanks Andy, cheers bro.

splittychick · 3 Jan 2005, 8:13 pm

I just love progress pics.....very inspiring.:thumb

BenettonVW · 3 Jan 2005, 8:16 pm

Oh good. I spose you have noticed.. I only show 3 or 4 for the day for example.. I thought people were a bit over it... 😠

Dasdubber · 3 Jan 2005, 8:17 pm

Nice work Jim...this is certainly some hard slog we are seeing here! That cargo door sure does look dodgy - at least there will be no skeletons in the closet down the track....it is always best to know what you are working with.

splittychick · 3 Jan 2005, 8:21 pm

I'm never over looking at a splitty coming back to life.The more pics the better i say.....🙂

Stealth · 3 Jan 2005, 10:02 pm

Wickid!!!!

Zimblewinder · 4 Jan 2005, 4:04 pm

Bout the 66 cargo door latch, busses registration year according to their VIN number was sometimes not the year they were constructed. The factory staggered the production years, so busses built after August (I think it was)1966 were actually 1967 models. And late 65 produced cars were 1966 models. Many of the parts were stamped for their actual year and not the Volkswagen production year. Also the factory used to just have a stock pile of current parts and work through them until the production run was finished so its not unusual to find parts dated a year older than the bus. This made for some unusual quirks in the model at change over years like 59/60 (pressed and slash bumpers) and 64/65 (slash bumpers, square end bumpers) with sometimes both models presented in one bus.

Keep up the good work on the bus. Cheers

[Edited on 4-1-2005 by Zimblewinder]

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:46 am

8/1/05.

A few little bits done in the morning, but then in the arvo, when Sikdub arrived, we were back into it.
On to the rear. Before...

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:48 am

Steve onto the back section. The lower produced possibly the worst rust section on the whole bus, or at least so far. As well as that another mystery hole..

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:50 am

Found this little guy in one of the jacking points..
Seems he may have been there for a while..

Maybe even a week or two.. 😉

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:53 am

You can see the holes here now. Obviously the one in the rear hatch is for the latch, but the two sets on the bus itself are NOT supposed to be there..

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:55 am

The rear corner was surprisingly good.. A little bit of bog, but seen worse, and no holes or visible rust.. quite a shock.

Anyway, another body section done.

BenettonVW · 9 Jan 2005, 11:58 am

And finally, the rear hatch. Glass out, back to metal, then etch primed. Probably put the latch back in and put it back on for the short term at least.

Thanks to Steve again for his help!

P.S. Don't take pics with bog dust and crap floating around in the air..

Peace out.

bugboymatt · 9 Jan 2005, 12:38 pm

Always good to see progress shots.
Looking good Jim.

sikdub · 9 Jan 2005, 4:34 pm

No drama man, where else would i have been anyways 😎
Steve

Grey 57 · 9 Jan 2005, 4:49 pm

coming along nicely Jim.

Stealth · 9 Jan 2005, 7:25 pm

Good work man 😎 Well done

robnjo · 10 Jan 2005, 5:12 pm

so what is On the angle grinder that you use to take back to bare metal?

BenettonVW · 10 Jan 2005, 5:56 pm

It's what they call a 'Flap disc'. Got it from Bunnings or any hardware store. It is an attachment for the grinder, with varying grit compounds. A good thing, but not cheap. Bout $10-$11 per disc.

11CAB · 10 Jan 2005, 6:02 pm

They generally last a fair while tho , so they are worth it

57kombi · 10 Jan 2005, 8:37 pm

Jim
You might have to start buying them in bulk when you get to the roof.

Keep up the good work, IT WILL END EVENTUALLY.

And you will be able to have a day without old paint dust all over you.

Cheers
Dave

PHAT BUG · 10 Jan 2005, 8:38 pm

Lookin good Jimbo, what grit discs are you using?

BenettonVW · 10 Jan 2005, 9:25 pm

Thanks guys. Vary them Rhett, pending the panels we are working on.. Either 40, 60, or 80.

robnjo · 11 Jan 2005, 9:24 pm

will you use them inside the bus aswell?
am still tossing up sandblast or dip ect
or have ago myself.
thanks for the info

BenettonVW · 12 Jan 2005, 11:11 am

Haven't got to the inside yet Rob, but I can't imagine changing methods at this stage. Looking back, if I had the money, I would probably bead or sand blast it, as long as it wasn't going to create the heat that would warp panels, and I have heard that this can/ does occur.
Dipping.. Not sure.. Don't know that much about that, as I don't know of any places it could've been dipped around here, but thats probably costy too.. Whilst thorough, maybe it would be too thorough, and you would be able to properly rustproof all of the areas that the dipping would cover.. I dunno.. I am thinking out aloud.

Hope this helps.

Unity-28 · 12 Jan 2005, 11:21 am

Jim, sandblasting gets hot and warps the panels especially on a bus, but media blasting of walnut shell blasting shouldnt. But they are both real expensive....Its starting to look the goods mate, keep it up.

N!

62deluxe · 12 Jan 2005, 3:18 pm

Hey jim try some trade shops for the discs, they are usually about half the price. I went through heaps doin' the bug!:thumb

PHAT BUG · 12 Jan 2005, 3:58 pm

Jim i can get you as many 40grit discs as you need just let me know😉

helbus · 12 Jan 2005, 4:23 pm

I work in a trade outlet industrial tools and abrasives shop, and I can tell you, that if you buy in bulk you should always get a discount if you ask nicely. If someone buys one or two, we have to charge retail single price as it is breaking up a pack.

Flap discs come in boxes of 10 and retail for about $10-11 depending on size.

BenettonVW · 12 Jan 2005, 7:00 pm

Jeez.. this all sounds heaps sweet..

Umm Rhett.. SWEET!! 100mm discs?

Peter, is that for the box or each? And 100mm obviously applies to you too.. That would be sweet.

Pete you are a body guru.. Is there anything that you would be doing differently to what I am doing or have done?

kustomkool · 14 Jan 2005, 2:09 pm

Keepin busy great to see.

PHAT BUG · 14 Jan 2005, 4:08 pm

yeah 100mm, I'll get some for ya then?

BenettonVW · 14 Jan 2005, 8:44 pm

Sure mate, if u get em for the best price in the world, grab a handful, sure thing!!

Thats sweet.

57kombi · 14 Jan 2005, 8:56 pm

Jim.
Some people have all the luck.
Wait till you get to the roof, it makes quite a dim, it amplifies the sound of the grinder.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 15 Jan 2005, 8:02 am

Yeah Dave I was sitting back the other night having a look, thinking that is going to be a real prostitute.. Ah well..

Did you go bare metal?

57kombi · 15 Jan 2005, 10:26 am

All the way mate.

You can do it just flat, so in other words just sand it down so there is no ridges or oxidised paint, then hit it with the primer.
Most will tell you that if the old paint has been on for 50 years it aint coming off.

I would do it that way if I was doing one again.

Good Luck.

By the way, when I did the roof, I had neighbours coming out asking what the hell the noise was, so dont do it at night.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:12 pm

Quiet weekend, but learnt to weld.. 🙂

I said earlier about the jig and the tyres/ wheels being crap. Well I got some new ones, and spent Saturday putting em on. You'll probably notice the size difference.

Anyway, I had to do these mods with the bus still on it, and had constant visions of the bus sliding on the modified jack stands and falling off the whole thing altogether.. nightmares maybe.

First pic will probably tell you why. I jacked up the frame to be able to put the jack stands under it, not only for the additional height needed, but also for the room needed in addition to the height needed.. uhh.. I just needed it to move, okay?

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:16 pm

The angle is exaggerated I know, but still.. there was angle..

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:26 pm

Big new wheels.
These are heaps better.. Their own grease nipple for teh bearings and all.. Pretty serious gear. I was told they are worth $160..... EACH! Bugger that.

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:32 pm

Compare the size?

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:35 pm

Thats about when my engineer buddy mate came over who knows how to weld and taught me a thing or two..

Here's his.. Not bad.. he he. 😉 (And him and his sparks in the background)

BenettonVW · 23 Jan 2005, 7:49 pm

That was sweet. Today, moved it out and had a clean up..

Jig is pretty good now!

Stealth · 23 Jan 2005, 7:52 pm

Looking good mate, great to see.

splittychick · 23 Jan 2005, 8:18 pm

That jigs so cool,very handy indeed.🙂
Its really good to log on & see lots of people playing with their busses.Can't wait till they're all on the road.:bounce

Dasdubber · 23 Jan 2005, 8:27 pm

Good stuff Jim - you certainly will be able to appreciate all your hard work once it is done (don't worry I won't ask when that will be....I know all to well you'll never be able to answer that question accurately!).

57kombi · 26 Jan 2005, 11:31 pm

A little bit of work every now and then is better than no work at all.

Wont be long Jim, keep at it.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 4:50 pm

Been more than two months now.. So I thought I'd better update!

There was a period where not much was achieved(how come January Feb is sooo busy, and then when you get a bit of quiet time, you lose daylight savings?) but when there was work done, we grabbed some pics, so lets bring you up to speed, and maybe then people will stop hassling me.. 😉

Firstly, Steve was hell bent on finishing that one annoying panel on the side that still had white paint, so he did..

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 4:53 pm

In the meantime, I had cleared out the cabin. Took out the mat, the under shelf, unbolted the steering box and master cylinder, and so on. Found some more rust too.. yay.

Started taking the stripped dash back to metal..

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 4:55 pm

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 4:56 pm

Action shot!

byronbus · 9 Apr 2005, 6:36 pm

Dude, your not cutting out the split in the window, converting to a bay? Looking sweet though...

frenzix · 9 Apr 2005, 8:16 pm

sweet

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 8:59 pm

Sorry bout that. Called away, so the pics continue, and nope, I hope I am not cutting the split out of the windscreen.. that would be all kinds of wrong, wouldn't it..

Steve happily finished most of his area. The vents are just going to be a pain in the ass...

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:01 pm

... and he couldn't help but paint the vents whilst he was painting this section... just to get a taste of what one day will be..

57kombi · 9 Apr 2005, 9:06 pm

Took me hours to get the paint off around the vents on mine.
I did it by hand and used 80 grit paper.

Looking good Jim.
To many get started and never get finished.
Do one bit at a time and it will happen.

Cheers
Dave

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:07 pm

The dash ends looking like this.. Waiting now for the lend of an air tool to finish this area off, so it will stay like this for a while.

The interior hwever won't be black, so in this case it is only etch primer, where as on the outside, although there is a lot of layers between etch and finishing coat of paint, the colour, at this stage, will be the same.

frenzix · 9 Apr 2005, 9:07 pm

yes those vents are a pain in the proverbial, looks good . Why are you typign? keep stripping!

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:14 pm

Thanks Dave, yeah it looks like it will be a pain in the ass. Be okay if they weren't the year that I got, in other words the double row, but anyway. By the way Dave, I know people hang shit on you for the pics you post on here and so on.. Mate, ignore em.. There is too many people like me that don't say 'keep posting, cause we love seeing your bus pics'.. Screw em man.. You post the bloody things cause we love em.

Last weekend I redid my beam. Isn't that a lovely job? Getting all the grease out of the inside of it, and using at least 4 litres of kero/ turps/ metho to get rid of it all.
After most of the inners were clean, I gave the outside the treatment as well. Back to metal, and as it will probably have new endplates soon, they don't need as much attention.

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:21 pm

Thanks Tim. I think the stripping and sanding can wait again until daylight. 😉

This might give you an idea of how clean I tried to get the inside.. It's pretty hard if you don't have a parts washer or something similar. So I sat it out with a container underneath it, on a sunny warm day, and the heat from the sun oozed the grease out slowly. I helped it with the occasional dousing of kero.. I also got rags and stapled em to a rod a few times and ran them through.. Not awesome, but okay.. Rag got stuck a few times and all sorts of embarrassing scenarios entered my head as I thought of explanations to my friends, but I got em back out, so my bacon was saved!

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:25 pm

Preserved, and ready for narrowing.

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:28 pm

And now you are up to date!

So to today! Back to body. It was forecast for 31 here today, which I thought might be a bit warm, and it was, but better than rain, and so I would pull out the bus and sit it in the driveway and start on that famous roof that I have been putting off for ages..

frenzix · 9 Apr 2005, 9:29 pm

please go 6 inches

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:31 pm

frenzix · 9 Apr 2005, 9:32 pm

hows the front apron , and nose .. inner sill etc in this ?

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:35 pm

Probably not Timbo.. Not for the first one at least..
The tubs will be in there though, so who is to say about later on..

The roof is coming along, but even found bog in the roof.. In the roof for God's sake..
Pictures aren't too good in the arvo sun, or should I say shade.. but it is about 1/3 done.

BenettonVW · 9 Apr 2005, 9:38 pm

Pretty good mate. There is probably a few nose pics around in these 16 pages of this topic... SOMEWHERE!

One of the better nose skins I have seen. Inners.. well .. dunno yet, but generally in that front section, good. Floor in the cab, a couple of sections, but not huge drama. I think the worst is still the sills, and the one between the cargo doors and the wheel arch is cactus jack..

Anyway, back to this tomorrow.

BUGBOY · 9 Apr 2005, 10:03 pm

Glad to see you getting into that puppy mate.
Don`t forget to bring down your beam on the Jamboree weekend.
Just stick it on the roof racks.😉

57kombi · 9 Apr 2005, 10:45 pm

Jim.
I have never worried what people say.
I post pics of my bus as I am proud of what I achieved, As you know I did 99%of the work myself and still cant believe its on the road, thats why I will continue to post pics.

Also if it encourages another person to get one on the road then thats great.
As you know ther are loads of people who buy splits but then 6 months down the track you see them for sale again.
They dont realise whats involved.
You do now, I bet you didnt think it would be so involved.
But believe me it is worth it.

I have had loads of positive comments from other split owners as they know whats involved.
It seems that it is only the beetle owners that give the split owners shit????.

I was asked to do a story on my bus for The Split Screen Van Club and it was published this week, I have had loads of nice comments from members.

Sorry for the whinge but I am a pom!

Anyway.
Keep the telly switched of and do a panel at a time and your bus will be on the road before you know it.
And if I can be of any help just let me know.

Cheers
Dave

frenzix · 9 Apr 2005, 11:03 pm

57kombi wrote:As you know ther are loads of people who buy splits but then 6 months down the track you see them for sale again.
They dont realise whats involved.

I take offense to that it was over a year for me ! But i got another 2 anyway..

byronbus · 9 Apr 2005, 11:05 pm

haha

byronbus · 9 Apr 2005, 11:05 pm

mine was 18 months and ive got another two also...

VolksFolks · 3 Sep 2005, 1:52 pm

so Jim where are you with this bus now, you should be on the road by now hey!!

cumon show us some more progress piccies mate..

you know you want too

Andy

byronbus · 3 Sep 2005, 3:06 pm

haha, how funny is dave...

kroozzn63 · 3 Sep 2005, 4:41 pm

hows the panel going any work done lately?

BenettonVW · 4 Sep 2005, 3:53 pm

Not much I unfortunetly have to admit.
I have to get a decent heater.. Winter makes me unproductive as far as the bus is concerned.
I have had other fingers in other pies, like the New Beetle and so on, but looking forward to getting back into it very soon. Now it is just a matter of a free weekend...

Progress? Not much.. bit of welding.. collection of repair panels and a bit of work on Nellie..

Sorry to disappoint.. but stay tuned.

kroozzn63 · 4 Sep 2005, 5:05 pm

all in good time!

inthebuckethenry · 6 Sep 2005, 4:26 pm

Thanks for pullining this thread up Andy - its the first ive seen it, and its giving me some inspiration!!

Love it!!!!

👍👍

BenettonVW · 5 Mar 2007, 8:12 pm

Man I just found this thing!

Bus is in the shed, and I am looking to convert my current jig into a rotisiere ala Beerdoc.(sounds like a french dish..)

Once that is happening, I can do the roof, but more importantly, underneath.

The last 6 months have been other issues, but usually related to the bus somehow. I have now got a 1776 waiting in the shed, and a type 3 squareback rear end ready to go as well. I had to sell a car that had all the stuff on it, and that needed some work to get it all off.. long story. (See eBay for cheap Fuchs!)
I hope to have this page a bit more active from now on..

beerdoc · 5 Mar 2007, 8:43 pm

YE get into it. Go man:thumb

Wait till you turn it for the first time (have the beers ready ) Its a boy thing:o

Dasdubber · 5 Mar 2007, 8:56 pm

'bout time Jim!

Don't feel bad though, my panel is still sitting in storage 🙁

BenettonVW · 5 Mar 2007, 9:08 pm

It's all good.. I just spent 35 minutes reading through the crap I have done to it.. ready to operate again now!!

Man... I wish it wasn't dark... 😉

Stealth · 6 Mar 2007, 6:18 am

go man go :thumb

We WILL be cruising together in our busses thats for sure.
I think a litle trip to the Octo meet will inspire you mate!

Looking good

twoguns · 6 Mar 2007, 8:37 am

hey... keep going jim. you are going to love cruising in that baby for sure!