Due to some forum problems I can't post replies to the other thread and the pictures aren't loading - I am not sure how many posts were lost so I guess I'll start again here.
Here is a pic of the 36hp doghouse shroud with fibreglass oil cooler extension piece to accommodate the type IV cooler.
[ Edited on 29-8-2006 by Dasdubber ]
Dasdubber ·
And another pic this time from behind...
Dasdubber ·
Here the alternator was bottoming out on the stand on the front lip. Fortunately was able to send the stand back and had it replaced with one that wasn't machined down so far in the cradle - quick mockup tonight shows it is a much better fit.
Sorted out the pulley problems as well - due to the different position of the fanshroud, the alternator pulley doesn't line up with the crank pulley. Hard to explain how I got it sorted so I'll take some pics soon.
Also rear spacers are on (35mm width) so wheels sit nicely under the gaurds. Will be getting the rollcage sorted soon, then exhaust, then all systems go for body work to hopefully have it all done for valla (fingers crossed).
Alan
Dasdubber ·
New alternator stand is a much better fit - still some minor clearancing required on stand but alternator is sitting in cradle nicely now.
Dasdubber ·
Pulley was sorted by putting a collar which slips over the woodruff key on back to front, then the front half of the pulley back to front, then used the front half of a replacement pulley for the actual front half (if that all makes sense).
Dasdubber ·
Here is a pic of the rear wheel with spacer in place (35mm).
Dasdubber ·
And another reverse angle shot - tyre is sitting nice and flush with edge of gaurd - camber is pretty much what I was after - may have to raise rear up slightly once all weight is loaded in the car.
Dasdubber ·
On the removable rear apron mod had to drill out the lower two bolt holes and then trim the collar on the inside to clear the 5mm thick steel brackets (see next pic)
Dasdubber ·
Here are the two steel 5mm thick plates around 250mm long and 30mm wide. These are to provide some support so the bolts that hold the mudgaurds on will sandwich the apron in and hold it in place. Steel nuts are welded on after drilling holes to clear the collar left behind.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the plate fitted up (obviously without the rear apron).
Dasdubber ·
This is to show how much of the rear apron (replacement) panel had to be trimmed to clear the body when installing/removing it.
Dasdubber ·
Just a few of the AN fittings for the carbs/regulator etc.
Dasdubber ·
Peak-a-boo...I see a rear sway bar hiding in there. Will be making a trip to powdercoater soon. Rear koni shocks are awaiting installation. Fronts will on the way from the US shortly.
Craig Torrens ·
mmm do you want to come down to Syd and finish some of my projects !
Nice work.
Che Castro ·
wow awesome!
just wondering how come you are going swing axle instead of 4 joint?
56astro ·
Love ya work Alan
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again guys - c'mon Craig I have a 68 bug as well as my 64 double door split waiting in line for resto after this one!! Also trying to finish reno's on our house (Something which was taken care of for you :P
Swingaxle was because originally I was going more a cal-looker with fuchs, fats and skinnys - I bought a heavy duty side plate and super diff from the US so once I had them I didn't want to turn back to IRS. If I had my time again I'd start with a ball joint IRS pan though. Ah well.
Tomorrow will bring the completion of rear apron, hopefully final mockup of cooling "tin", weld in nuts onto firewall to mount regulator. Car is booked in next week for 4 point roll cage.
Brad ·
who is doing your cage ?
Dasdubber ·
George at Custom Offroad - I'm sure you know him well. He did my mate Brad's in his oval and it looked mighty fine.
Brad ·
rrrr that is Brad's oval, yeah you could say I know him ... ok I spend way to much time in there ... great guy ...
seagull ·
what are these wheels called ? pattern ? thanks seagull
Dasdubber ·
Yep Brad George is a good bloke - hope he gives me a good price on the cage - we've spent enough money there recently too!
Welded on the nuts (to firewall) to mount the regulator the other day...
Dasdubber ·
Another mock-up of engine - pretty much finalised engine "tin wear" fit - had to grind and clearance the cylinder shroud etc to get everything to fit properly.
Dasdubber ·
Had a mock-up of interior tonight - they need to be in so the roll cage can be fabbed in this coming week.
Dasdubber ·
another pic of the front seats - euro seats with the latches
Dasdubber ·
last one..
Brad ·
looking very nice ...
Dasdubber ·
Here are a few pics of the rollcage which was installed last week.
Dasdubber ·
another pic...where it mounts to the rear luggage area - facility for baby seats (for future use - not just yet though!!)
Dasdubber ·
one last pic...
Dasdubber ·
Finished restoring the steering wheel - didn't want to over-restore it to look new, so kept some of the discolouration etc in the wood rim.
Che Castro ·
damn! thats nice! Its similar to the kind of look im hoping to get for my car 🙂
Cam ·
Man, this car is by far the most sunning I've yet seen on this forum, and it isn't even finished 😎
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Jon and Cam.
Been busy this weekend playing around with the deckild and bonnet - the bodywork has begun!!
Will never be as perfect as a professional job but I always wanted to say to people at the shows when they ask "who painted it?"..."well I did". Just another challenge!
first one is of the inside in etch primer after a rub down.
Dasdubber ·
This gives you an idea how lumpy the bonnet was. Will be more fine tuning after some guide coats go down...
Dasdubber ·
After another coat of etch to keep the rust away till I get a chance to do some more in a few weeks time.
BiX ·
Hey Das could You give me an indiaction of the cost of the cage? Iam thinking about putting one in my L bug.
BenettonVW ·
Very nice. Would it be better to get a new(newer/ newish) bonnet? Would hate to see the filler come back to bite you in a few years time, thats all..
Dasdubber ·
After searching and searching for a good bonnet this was the best I could come up with! It had the least rust but after blasting (and some warping from the overzealous operator) it ended up a bit wobbly. Although it looks pretty bad with all that filler, it is actually very thin and was more a skim coat to tidy up the little wavy bits. It will be receiving high build primer and much more work so (touch wood) I don't expect to have any problems coming back to haunt me down the track!
Dasdubber ·
Finally got to bolting up the koni shocks tonight. Fronts are ready, rears just have to be tightened up and rear sway bar mounted to lower shock bolt.
Dasdubber ·
This shows the camber compensator in place...
Dasdubber ·
And a pic of the front shock in place...
ikube ·
$$$ + time + sweat
Good Luck ! 😀
BenettonVW ·
To be honest the most stand out thing on this car is those seats.. The whole thing is awesome.. But those seats just scream style..
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Jim - they are very comfy too. A big wrap to Stuart at All Car Interiors at Enoggera in Brissy.
More bodywork last couple of weekends. Bonnet is slowly shaping up. Yellow colour is high build primer to show up a couple of suspect spots I found. A few more hours to come on this sucker.
Dasdubber ·
And the mudgaurds - both rears required a lot more work than expected. Bought them for more than I would have liked on the premise from the seller that they were straight. Well after blasting it showed an area on each one that had previous accident damage. Also the lip on lower section was cracked which required welding. Anyway, gotta expect these things on 40 year old panels.
Alan
Dasdubber ·
I am lucky our front yard still looks like a bombsite mid renovations - I can spray all over the driveway and whats left of the retaining walls. Once the new walls go in and driveway I'll have to be a lot more careful! 😉
Cam ·
lol, so it's a race to get the beetle done before the landscaping then?
I agree with what Jim said, those seats are just unreal! They've inspired me to keep the originals in my bug... Got some lowback EMPI recliners on their way:bounce
Brad ·
If you guys want to see more pics and info check out his Photo Album ...
Just goto www.picspot4u.biz thne into the Manx Club Gallery and then the Non Buggy Pics area and Restorations... man Alan has done a lot of work 😎
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again to Brad for hosting the pics and info! It is a nice way to see the progress from the beginning since the previous forum thread crashed and is now buggered.
cheers
alan
ps will be cutting the roof over next two weekends to install the ragtop! Scary.😠
matara ·
Hey Alan, did you have to put a 35mm spacer on the rear to clear the spring plate? How long are the bolts/studs your using for the rear wheels?
I have the same wheels ready to go on the front of my 61 Cabrio Beetle, but I've got 8.5'xET50 for the rear! I'm using 944 rear disks which increase the rear track a bit, and its IRS so I'm hoping for a smaller spacer. Are you going to space out the front too?
Cheers
Steve
nbturbo ·
Alan-good to see you are still at it.Mines gone on the back burner,while we are trying to get another house for an investment sorted out.Settlement is on 23rd June-will need to rent it quickly so I can get some money back to finish off my Oval.Am thinking of changing wheels again-found some that are made in 18's with a Ford stud pattern and the correct offset.Can have 17x7 on the front and 18x8 on the back with some real big rubber.
Dasdubber ·
Steve, yep spacers are 35mm - I am unsure exactly of the length of the studs and since the wheels are bolted on unfortunately can't give you a quick measurement....sorry bout that! Make sure you post some pics soon!
I was wondering how your oval was going! Those wheels will look awesome on the rear - big 18in - nice!
Dasdubber ·
Here we go - time to install the ragtop! A big leap of faith to cut a hole in the roof!
First up is the roof section trimmed to size...
Dasdubber ·
As per the VW Trends tech how-to article the rag section was cut with a 1/2 inch flange around from the inside edge of ragtop. (looks a little more than 1/2 inch in the pic - hard to get right angle)
[Edited on 6-6-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Blasted a few areas and stripped with wire wheel on the grinder - followed by etch primer.
Dasdubber ·
Made a simple T-brace out of framing timber used in combination with a bottle jack to hold ragtop up with enough pressure to keep it there but still allow adjustment for positioning.
Dasdubber ·
VW trends showed 3 1/2in from side door jamb support to ragtop seam at front corners - mine worked out at 3 3/8 each side centred.
Dasdubber ·
Front corner of rag section to windscreen support was 3 inches (photo angle again deceiving) - just make sure both sides are the same.
Dasdubber ·
Rear corners to side door jam support above rear 1/4 windows measured up at 2 1/4in where rag section drops down.
Dasdubber ·
rag section back in place with nikko marks for reference points later on - also scribe inside edge of ragtop opening onto roof.
Dasdubber ·
Next mark a line 1/4in outside the scribed line right around (I know - should be using metric measurements....couldn't be bothered converting for this exercise).
Dasdubber ·
Say goodbye hardtop...
Dasdubber ·
Cut along nikko line (being conservative of course) - first cut - measured about a thousand times first though. This was the point there is no turning back.
Dasdubber ·
Dang - a lot less roof than before. This is just rough cut at the moment. Used an air powered hacksaw but as the roof became looser it jams a lot - had to move to a nibbler - just left a fair bit of material inside of line so I can clean it up later.
Dasdubber ·
Hello sunshine (eventually) - this is as far as I got today - was too late to make any more noise! Next weekend will see the cut cleaned up and rag section welded in (stay tuned).
[Edited on 6-6-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Rear guard looks shabby in this photo but its coming along quite well - a little more massaging and it will be about right.
BenettonVW ·
Doing well Alan, very nice.
Mr Bubble Head ·
alan
looking good
a very tidy job, keep up the posts on the rag top instal
nIck
I take it the rear top support made it in one piece to you.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Jim...and thanks Nick...yep the ragtop bit made it to me okay - cheers for that!
Alan
nbturbo ·
I bet you were shxting yourself when you made the first cut-looks good though.I will have to go through those feelings when I have to open mine up.The steel sliders are only welded around the opening-everything behind that is only glued to the original roof-will be a work of art to complete.
Dasdubber ·
Yep you're right nbturbo - was well and truly soiling my pants on that first cut - no turning back then!
Things have progressed...first up had to make holes every two inches around the sides and back for spot welds (a pneumatic punch/flange tool saves lots and lots of time and hassle if you have to drill these out!). Cleaned up surrounding areas in readiness for welding.
Dasdubber ·
Next, jacked up the ragtop section with the use of the bottle jack again - those nikko marks on the inside really helped to line things up without the necessity for much measuring.
Dasdubber ·
All spot welded up using a mig. Obviously alternate front and back side to side to minimise warping.
Dasdubber ·
Welds ground back - 4in grinder to knock the tops off then a 90degree die grinder with course sanding disc to smooth things out.
Dasdubber ·
Front view shows the lip and the front edge that was seam welded - have to take this very slowly to avoid the wobbles. If there was one thing I'd do differently I'd leave a bigger lip on the front edge of ragtop section, then cut the front edge of the hole slightly bigger so you don't have to weld right up against the raised lip.
Dasdubber ·
I am going for the clean front guard look so the indicator holes had to be patched up using a section of the old roof (had a similar contour!).
Dasdubber ·
Welding done....
[Edited on 13-6-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Welds ground back - shouldn't need much filler thankfully.
[Edited on 13-6-2004 by Dasdubber]
Brad ·
looking very cool..... so u gunna make it to Valla this year :>
Grey 57 ·
beautiful job Das. Thanks for the sunroof install pics. There excellent
Dasdubber ·
Brad - I so wish it would be there but unfortunately too much work still to come! It was a hard decision but decided its already taken a year, whats another few months. Probably debut at bugs by the pub show! Won't be silly enough to bet another carton this time!:P
Dak-A-Tak ·
Hi! Allan,looks good! I`ve got rods 53 sitting in my shed,getting in the way of my race car body work (don`t tell him I said that). He`s looking to do the same thing.(sun roof) Rod and I where talking to night about getting our own bris cruize spot happening ( monthly),what do you think! We are racing Rods car at the Nostalgia Drags on sun 18 july.willowbank.COME ALONE VW FRIENDS.
VWFOOL ·
i love the rims! LOVE the seats! ur resto is awesome, great job. love the twists on the early bugs. good luck with it and ill be keen to see future pics...
sam
Che Castro ·
wow. that is amazing 😀
Great work!
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again all - lots of work but will be worthwhile in the end...I've always wanted to do a full resto top to bottom myself (minus a few things best left to the professionals!)
Pete, for sure would be keen to organise monthly brisbane cruize - sounds like a top idea. Also Rod/you can have the timber t-piece I used to hold ragtop in place (not that its that hard to make - might save a bit of time though). If you need a hand/advice on what not to do give me a yell.
Filler work over this last couple of days see things slowly smoothing out - shoulders are dead from sanding all day - lots more to come still though!
Dasdubber ·
More work required on the front lip to make it look respectable...although I am a little picky. Whacked on some etch primer to stop the rust until next weekend when block sanding, filling, guide coating, high build priming and more sanding etc will resume! Ahh body work is fun (sorta - just wish it was quicker!).
nbturbo ·
I can remember when you bet the Carton-I thought this bloke must be Superman if he's going to pull that off.I reckon you have done a bloody good job anyway with what you have achieved since the bet.Looks like you have mastered the Mig.Keep it up.
Brad ·
man u sure you don't want to bet again ? 😎
kroozzn63 ·
got any concept pics of what its gunna look like when its finished?
Dasdubber ·
Nah definitely out for nambucca (as devastated as I am!) - not to mention the fact I have a lot of body work to go, then I am painting it myself (will hire a spray booth)...then have to get the custom exhaust made up...then have to rewire it from scratch...then have to sort out all the new car blues!!
I was too ambitious to try and get it done too quickly - as much as I doubled the amount of time estimated for the resto and tripled the expected cost....I really needed to quadruple both again 😠
Once you start doing any custom mods, expect teething problems...and lots of them! They can all be worked out but do take time! No concept pics as yet (not good enough with the puter - did something up on bugselecta but couldn't figure out how to save the pic!).
Ah well, you'll all just have to wait a little longer (my next target is October 2 which is our wedding - which I'd say will be tight but maybe....maybe a chance - but don't hold your breath!). Now my mate has decided not to finish his project which I was helping him do the body off resto on, I have some more time on my hand to devote to my own veedub! Although I may have to play around with his new vw though - one of those sporty Italian designed numbers....la de da! 😀
Dasdubber ·
Well, just seems hard to find time to finish this project!! Everything takes three times as long as anticipated...factor in some f*ck-ups and there goes another estimated completion date! 12 weeks till the wedding and can now see it is no chance. Lets leave it a bit more open, it will be at Dubs by the Pub in February - any earlier will be a bonus! 😀
Decided to spruce up the fanshroud - had it powdercoated but seemed a bit bland. Although not a hotrod, I wanted to give it some individuality so decided to try some flames. Here it is masked up - used 3mm tape to do the curves, some 6mm to help block it out and then various other sized tapes to fill in the voids. Thought about keeping things like this secret but why not share it with everyone eh?
Dasdubber ·
Here is the first coat of basecoat which was colour matched to the powdercoat colour (which the cylinder covers, breast plate etc were painted in).
Dasdubber ·
Reflections make the colours look different than they really are, but here it is after some silver tips (matched to the other bits of powdercoating (suspension etc)). Didn't get to the clearcoat today - will have to wait till next weekend unforunately.
BiX ·
Hey das, ur form the tarrigindi area? do you know who owns the green beetle on the southern section of andrew av? over near pring street?
Dasdubber ·
Hi Bix, yep I am from tarragindi - not sure who owns the green beetle on andrew ave? I know the guy who owns a mint green ragtop on empi 5's who lives around the corner from me but not as far as andrew ave? I have seen it around a bit though. :alien
BiX ·
I know that mint green beetle, it parks also sometimes on the street into my street (barford) also seen a blue cb parked near it?
[Edited on 6-7-2004 by BiX]
Dasdubber ·
Well, pulled the masking off today - basecoat being matt finish doesn't really make it look too good - jury is still out on whether I really like it or not...time will tell.
Just waiting for some house of colour paint to do the highlights (edges of flames).
Dasdubber ·
Did a mockup of engine "tin". will look alright when clearcoated and everything else bolted on.
Dasdubber ·
And one final pic - striping to come on the weekend...then can start reassembling the engine (still waiting for inlet manifolds from US though).
barls ·
im just trying to help mate when i say this but do you know the spigot bush needs to be changed cause the t4 spigot is 20-30 mm longer. i only know this cause i did the same conversion in my 1302 and had this problem.
Dasdubber ·
Yep, had a bronze bushing machined and pressed into the flywheel (210mm) which provides support for the type I gearbox input shaft. Cheers for the thought!
barls ·
not a problem, its just that they dont tell you about it when you buy the kit i found out the hard way
GL1972 ·
Das,
That is fantastic. Your attention to detail is a real credit to you.
Brendan:jesus
Jeza ·
Every time I look through this post I sit there in awe.
First I thought the car looked amazing, then I see a rag top fitted and think wow, now the fan shroud.....
I agree the attention to detail is incredible.
I realise none of this is really hard to do - the hard part is containing the impatience to "just get it back on the road".
Keep up the fantastic effort
Cheers
Jeremy
Dasdubber ·
Thanks for the encouragement - its the stuff you need with a resto project like this! There are many times I thought "a rat look could work" and wanted to just bolt up the body and get it going...but I knew I'd never want to pull it apart again and finish it properly! The closer it gets to completion the more I am motivated to get it done so hopefully things will start taking shape soon. The body work is very time consuming though 😠
Dasdubber ·
Still been plugging away on the roof - figured this is quite an important area so have spent lots of time sanding, filling, sanding, filling, guide coating, sanding, filling, priming, etc - you get the idea. Here it is in primer - still some fine sanding scratches to fill with blade putty but otherwise it is a lot smoother than when I started. Just the holes to drill for where the ragtop is held in place (thanks Dave for the measurements).
Dasdubber ·
And a view from the front.
On another note (no pic yet) - decided not to outline the flames (started but it looked dodgy). Just cleaned up the edges and clearcoated the fanshroud.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the fanshroud in clearcoat....light doesn't do it justice - came up pretty nice.
Dasdubber ·
Along with the guards (all four), work continued this evening on the rear drivers side quarter panel. This was hit pretty hard during the accident many moons ago (original owner's daughter ran into a BMW). A lot of panel beating, bit of shrinking and it is looking a lot better. More massaging to come.
Dasdubber ·
Got another load of stuff from the US in today - like christmas day, except for the fact that it is your own credit card that is feeling the pain of your own 'presents'
Mallory Unilite Vac advance dizzy and promaster coil.
Dasdubber ·
...and new type IV inlet manifolds which are a little taller than the old ones. Now all the peripheral stuff is here I can start assembling the rest of the engine and bolt it up to the box.
nbturbo ·
Where did you get the manifolds from and how many$$$$.What are you doing with the shorter ones????????
Highlight 40-44IDF/DRLA on type IV heads with DTM or sharpbuilt shroud - US$79.95 plus postage.
My other manifolds are up for sale - have not been ported at all. Have had them HPC'ed. I will email you a pic to see if you're interested??
Alan
nbturbo ·
Thank you-Cheers-Gary
Dasdubber ·
Work has steadily continued on the rear quarter over the last two weeks - it is at the stage which I am now happy with although have some more high build primer/guidecoat/sanding etc to go until I am really satisfied.
Dasdubber ·
Just a coat of primer over the top of the repairs (can see some of the filler through) at the moment - will be waiting until all other areas are repaired before the high build primer goes on.
Work has now started on the front drivers quarter which was also hit pretty hard in the original accident.
ikube ·
omg ..... the engine is: :thumb
Very unique Alan ~!
Dasdubber ·
Thanks...I think 🙂
I'll take unique to be a good thing since its nice to have something a little different!!
Dasdubber ·
Well, match ported my manifolds today and continued work on the front right quarter panel. Also polished up the linkage and alternator stand this weekend. Getting closer and closer!!
Dasdubber ·
Rather than clogging up the thread (and bandwidth), I'll post the detailed pics in the tech section under a "HOW-TO" Banner. Here is one pic just before getting stuck into it with the tungsten carbide bit.
Oh yeah, also rebuilt the dual 40 dellortos using a CB performance update kit (with horizontal discharge tubes). My joy turned to despair when I tightened the idle jet holder a tiny bit too much and snapped it off in the carb. Thankfully with some careful manipulation of an ez-out (Screw extractor) I managed to get it out so rather than some major surgery I only have to get a new holder.
By the way the jets I am using are:
34 venturi's
150 mains
9164.2 emulsion tubes
160 air correctors (recommended to use a smaller air corrector when using the update kit due to increased air flow - my dells had 180 airs which would be recommended for my application if no update kit was used)
60 idle jets
35 accelerator pumps
This is fairly close to that recommended for a mild 2.0 typeIV with 40 dells after much research on shoptalkforums (type4rum).
[Edited on 8-8-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Still working on the body - front drivers side quarter is getting close. Had a little play with the engine ancillaries - dropped the mallory dizzy in and did another trial fit of the alternator etc. Alt pulley will be different colour/finish by the time it goes on for good.
Dasdubber ·
Just another shot. Obviously carbs are just perched atop the manifolds....everything has to be disassembled again shortly.
[Edited on 11-8-2004 by Dasdubber]
BenettonVW ·
Sensational mate, coming along beautifully. Good to finally meet you at Valla.
11CAB ·
Looking good
nbturbo ·
Don't go much on those manifolds-I've got a spare set-they are beauties!!!!!!!!.Your shrouding is all Sharpbuilt from memory-Yes.Does he supply small air deflector pieces to sit against the heads like the upright Type 1 motors or maybe you haven't fitted them yet. He supplies them with the Porsche kit.Motor is looking real smooth.Again thanks for the manifolds.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks gents...yep good to finally meet you to Jim!
Gary, no probs for the manifolds - will get these ones HPC'ed soon too! Glad they arrived okay. Yep I do have the air deflectors (as you say, haven't fitted them up yet as everything is still in trial fit mode - had to trim one or two of them to fit properly though).
Cheers again
Alan
byronbus ·
Nice work
Dasdubber ·
Well, almost one side of the body is done...roof pretty much sorted....interior almost done....guards, decklid, doors and bonnet pretty much sorted.
Under bonnet and engine bay (and passenger side still to go). Of course there is still high build primer, sanding, guide coating etc etc to come still on all panels!
Here is the front quarter - lots of work was required here...still a little to go until I am happy to lay down the high build primer.
Dasdubber ·
Just a shot of the drivers side - can't wait to move to the other side...this one has been a lot of work!
Dasdubber ·
...and a front view....
Dasdubber ·
after a bit more tickling, you shouldn't be able to tell the whole front clip was replaced from half way through the tank forwards (tank will cover the joins in the tank mounting surface).
Dasdubber ·
...and the passenger side.
disco_daz ·
I love looking through this thread, very insperational. I'm all pumped to do some work on my ride!!!!:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Thanks daz...go and get stuck into it!!
Remembering that this is what it once looked like (just after replacing the front clip)...
Dasdubber ·
And another view from the inside....nasty eh? Nice once you finally get it in primer (once it is in one colour, it always provides a bit more motivation!).
[Edited on 15-8-2004 by Dasdubber]
disco_daz ·
hey das, I seen some of your previous handy work in the aussieveedubbers car show thread. Your old 63, fantastic looking bug, was wondering whether you recorded the build, like your doing with this bug...
I to have what I think may be a 63 bug according to the chaisis number, but is registered as a 65, do you know of any distingishing differences between the two models.
super thread!!!!!:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Just another quick shot to show the body is progressing - many many hours going into it trying to make it straight. Mainly the passenger side front and rear quarter to go. Looking forward to laying down some paint!
Sorry daz, no pics of build up of previous bug (no digi cam back then!)...and unfortunately not 100% sure of differences between 63 and 65 apart from I know the tail-lights are different (I think they wen't to tombstone style), and licence light on decklid is longer, indicators on guards were fatter...but don't quote me on that!
Dasdubber ·
Changed the glass in headlights from oval style to Porsche...
Dasdubber ·
Headligt buckets were painted in two pack silver and clearcoated for good measure. New seals of course.
blup58 ·
Nice lenses Al......must have very similar tastes.:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Yes, thanks to Brad for the porsche headlight glass! 😉
Another full day working on the body (luckily my better half is understanding!)...decklid strip removed and smoothed. Also in the process of smoothing engine bay panels.
Dasdubber ·
Front bonnet seal strip removed again - no major rust underneath but a bit of pitting that was treated and then smoothed with glaze putty before primer went down on top.
Dasdubber ·
I left the seal across the top closest to the winsdcreen in tact for that part of the original seal. All the remainder was removed though - close up of the front apron:
Dasdubber ·
This is where it ended today - slowly more and more of the body work is being completed - more and more primer going over areas that are done. Any dark grey areas are still works in progress!
Craig Torrens ·
WOW.........................always love watching the progress shots and reading what you have done..............................job well done😀
BenettonVW ·
Cruising along nicely Alan.. well done on all the hard work mate.
Buggyboy ·
That is looking fantastic, but just dont expect anyone to park next to you in a hurry, you'll make everything else look ordinary... just curious though, why do you remove the front seal, does it go back on or is this a modification ?
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again fellows, hard work alright - thank god I don't have to pay anyone for labour as I would have gone broke long long ago!
Seal strip is removed mainly to rid a possible moisture and rust trap, and for a cleaner look. It is a permanent modification. It was amazing the amount of surface rust and pitting that was hiding under there - so glad I removed it before it ate through anywhere.
:o
11CAB ·
So is the plan to still debut it at Dubs?
Dasdubber ·
If nothing major goes wrong in the mean time then yep thats the plan. Touch wood it will all fall into place. The variables that are out of my control in terms of time line include:
- custom exhaust (to be built professionally which depends on when I can get the body back on the pan and to the shop)
- wiring which I am planning to tackle but will be learning along the way (luckily know an automotive electrician though)
- final interior trimming including the ragtop and headliner
- compliancing, rego and insuring
So apart from the work I still have ahead of me there is still a bit that has to be done including running in the new engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and sorting out the expected bugs/problems! Just a little 😠
[Edited on 29-8-2004 by Dasdubber]
11CAB ·
Good luck with it, I cant wait to see it at Dubs :thumb
Dasdubber ·
Well, as is my life at the moment - body work continues. It feels as if it is never-ending! I can certainly see why a professional job costs $5K plus....the time it takes is rediculous! My "home job" will never be a professional result (I'm sure there will be a few waves and wobbles here and there), but I will be satisfied I have achieved the result myself.
Enough rambling, engine bay sound proofing tabs removed and filled and smoothed....then the whole lot primed.
Dasdubber ·
Just in case you can't remember, the three nuts welded onto firewall are to hold the holley fuel pressure regulator in place.
Dasdubber ·
Finally passenger side rear quarter is pretty much sorted - I thought it was going to be a lot easier than the drivers side but it was pretty bloody wobbly too.
Dasdubber ·
And front quarter pretty close too. Have done a number of guide coats, more filler, sanding, another guide coat, more filler, more sanding, etc etc already but still a few more to go one a few coats of high build primer goes down (hopefully in next few weeks).
Dasdubber ·
Front apron and most of under-bonnet area is smooth and ready for high build as well...still a bit to go in spare wheel well and area where under dash was modified.
Dasdubber ·
Area in front of windscreen was pretty good but just needed some slight massaging to make it right.
Dasdubber ·
Did you notice the grab handle is gone? Nice and smooth now as well. This is it for the moment - the car is booked in early october to have the exhaust custom made so the body should be in high build primer by then and re-mated to pan for some more trial fitting of bits and pieces (eg. routing fuel lines etc).
GL1972 ·
Your patience with it is amazing! The finished product will surely be a pay off for all the long hours you've put in on the bodywork.
Brendan
Dasdubber ·
Had the Golde ragtop rails polished professionally.....nice and shiny 🙂
Dasdubber ·
And the handle rechromed (needed some special method so I am told due to the material it is made from).
Dasdubber ·
And got the Type IV stub pipes in from aircooled.net in readiness for the custom exhaust which is to be made early October.
Dasdubber ·
And one more shot for good luck.
Still working on the body (surprise surprise). Almost finished under the bonnet, still a bit to do inside around rear quarter windows and rear window. Hoping this weekend to mate the body back onto pan (car has to go in next friday for exhaust). Whilst it is on I'll route the fuel lines, sort out breather box and coil location, trial fit a few more things before finally laying down the high build primer.....then more block sanding, filling, sanding, priming, guidecoating, sanding, filling etc (you get the idea - this is the boring part of the project).
I can certainly see why you need to pay well over $5K for a professional paint job - the time it takes to do properly is astounding.
😠
pete wood ·
awesome stuff.
now let me guess, your gonna let it go abit rusty and go for the rat look, right? Just kidding🙂
what colour is it gunna be?
Dasdubber ·
Its taking that damn long surface rust is rearing its ugly head in spots - easily sanded out though!
Colour will be under wraps (at least until it is on the body). Not an original VW colour but should look alright (I hope!!)
nbturbo ·
Alan-what have you got in mind for your exhaust system.I was going to get some of those stubs but ended up using the original stubs from heater boxes. As I said I was going to order stubs,but the exhaust bloke here reckoned that he could clean up the VW stubs from heater boxes real easy and it only took him about 15 minutes and they were all done.Welded new pipe into the stubs and they turned out very good.I had some flanges cut the same as the Type4 muffler flange where they bolt to the heater boxes so I can use genuine gaskets.I originally modified a new Type4 extractor and was going to have the muffler alongside the driver side tappet cover-but couldn't get a small enough muffler with 65mm inlet pipe to hide in there.Decided to make a round original type out of stainless with 55mm tailpipes out the original holes. I'm going to try some form of heating by making covers around the engine pipes and maybe a Kombi heater assist fan or even 2 to blow into the original system.Very interested in what you come up with.
Dasdubber ·
I am hoping to get something like the Remmelle system pictured below (but have it exit the stock exhaust cut outs as you mention). I will have to discuss what is possible with the custom exhaust shop - I am sure they will do a good job as they want to know my cam specs, valve sizes, carbs etc so they will be ensuring the system works well. I will post pics mid october when it is done.
I would have used a set of used type IV stubs but didn't have any and couldn't find any (but didn't look that hard really) - figured it was easier just to get the ac.net ones
Alan
[Edited on 24-9-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Well, work continues...on the dub, as well as the house (don't worry, my front yard is not going to look like it does here permanently!). So finding time to keep tinkering is a little difficult! (and the money - that seems to disappear very quickly).
With the help of my mate (blup58), we planted the body back onto the pan today. Work has continued on the body. Mainly the engine bay, spare wheel well and interior (mainly where the headliner strips were removed at the tops of door openings, and below rear quarter windows).
Dasdubber ·
Front view - still going to adjust camber (bought some eccentric camber nuts to compensate for the lowering which has been performed).
Dasdubber ·
Fair bit of tidying up in the spare wheel well was required. Looking pretty nice now.
Dasdubber ·
Under dash mods shaped up pretty nicely - unless it was pointed out some would miss that the centre section has been dropped around 3 inches below where it normally sits.
Dasdubber ·
Engine bay smoothed out some more....
Dasdubber ·
Interior is finally in the one colour again after all the rust repairs and panel work. You can see the later carpet strip that has been welded in place - I wanted the carpet to be tucked in here then travel up the back seat like later bugs.
Dasdubber ·
Last shot for now....a birds eye view of the big hole in the roof.
Alex Holzl ·
WOW!! man thats awsome!! cant wait to see it
warb ·
shame, shame, shame..... on me that is.... nice,, very nice..
interruptzero ·
That's looking absolutely beautiful. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Che Castro ·
Looks damn well amazing!
Hey how did you do the removeable rear apron? I'm looking into doing that myself. I'm not sure where to cut/drill.
555bug ·
I though that it would be hard to beat your last bug, but it looks like I was wrong 🙂 I can't wait to see it in the flesh.
Thanks for the kind words again folks, took the car into the exhaust shop this morning (http://www.cesracing.com.au) to have it made up.
Here is another engine mockup (mainly for exhaust purposes) - will add shroud etc in when I get it back so I can have the breather box made up and attach the braided fuel line to firewall etc etc etc
Rear cooling "tin" is not painted yet because it will have to be trimmed and drilled for breather lines, accelerator cable etc.
Dasdubber ·
Toad's eye view....
Dasdubber ·
Temporary steering wheel in place so they can move it around the shop. Have decided now I will definitely have to narrow the beam and run spacers up front too - turning circle is dangerously small since inner edge of wheels hits lower trailing arm and shock tower. Glad I spent all those hours painting and detailing all those front suspension components! 😠
Dasdubber ·
Decklid is in high build primer..quick release pins in place.
Dasdubber ·
Bye bye for two weeks...so no more updates till then!
Barls, thanks for the link...I wont' be running heaters but may be worthwhile for the demister which is a requirement.
Cheers
Alan
barls ·
not a problem i hope it gets finished soon as i want to see the whole car on the road
Dasdubber ·
Dropped into Custom Exhaust Specialists today to check progress. See below for pics. They have mainly been working out how to plumb the whole system up...bolted up the aircooled.net stub pipes, and have just tacked up the #3/4 side.
Dasdubber ·
Ground clearance was a concern and was one of the design note briefs...they have wrapped the headers under the gearbox cradle rather than under the engine block.
Dasdubber ·
I am going with a 4 into 1 arrangement. The #1/2 pipes will be wrapped up over the axle to utilise the area above the gearbox, then back around to meet these pipes.
Dasdubber ·
A long cylinder muffler has been ordered so the stock tailpipe cut outs can be utilised.
Dasdubber ·
Final shot for now - will update when it is all complete (and in HPC) and when my wallet is a little lighter. :cry
Will be worth it though, these guy do amazing work (by the look of the hot rod, cobra replica, camaro etc etc in their shop having exhaust made - all look shuper shweet).
barls ·
looks good mate definately better than my shortened kombi heater boxs :duh
[Edited on 8-10-2004 by barls]
Dasdubber ·
Got bored this arvo so rubbed the guards back lightly and laid on a coat of high build primer. Here are the before shots (after panel beating/filling etc).
Dasdubber ·
...and the fronts....
Dasdubber ·
Doesn't look much different due to the light, but here is the beige high build primer.
Dasdubber ·
...and another shot of the rears.
Dasdubber ·
...and the fronts tidied up.
pyr0 ·
i just went through al the pics from the start, dead set this is one of the most awesome and well planned out jobs ive seen...no actually it is the best. i love seeing the rogress on the bug :thumb
Dasdubber ·
Thanks mate, click here for easier to follow pics including ones from the very beginning (quite a few were lost when the forum crashed a while back).
Cheers to Brad and manx club for hosting the pics - it is a great album set up. And to the forum of course...it is nice to show people what is involved with a resto of this nature!
BenettonVW ·
Doin well Al, doin real well..
pod ·
totally awesome😎
ColumBUS ·
lovin the work mate!
Keep it up and we want more progress pics as it happens! action shots!
Daniel - trying to liven up mechanics
Dasdubber ·
Dropped into exhaust shop today - should be all done by tomorrow morning (Saturday). I'll get the car tilt-trayed home to start sorting out all the other bits and pieces before separating the body and pan yet again.
Anyway, here is the first pic of the spaghetti junction:
The #3/4 side is now complete.
Dasdubber ·
They changed the plan slightly and routed the 3/4 side primaries next to the axle rather than up and over it. All primaries are 36 inches in length (only one varied by 1/4inch). By this arvo or tomorrow morning they will have finished the 4 into 1 collector and routed it into the muffler.
Dasdubber ·
Pipework is all mild steel which will be HPC'ed. But from the flange (after 4:1 collector is made) onwards (including muffler) is stainless steel....pretty eh?
These brackets are to support the muffler but will be beefed up by exhaust shop before they are done.
Dasdubber ·
Shot from the front - most of ground clearance has been maintained which is great. Heat proof sheeting will be applied to muffler to protect the fibreglass breast plate under crank pulley.
Dasdubber ·
Finally a sneak preview of what the exhaust pipes will look like...I wanted some little dump pipes that will look something like this (in stainless too). Stay tuned for next updates.
barls ·
i cannot wait
bugboymatt ·
Mate, coming along nice !
koolkarmakombi ·
I cannot find an emicon for droooool. Mrs Das must have some patience and projects of her own!
kkk
Dasdubber ·
Luckily Mrs Das is my high-school sweet-heart so she has known veedub projects were part of the deal since day 1!! Although she doesn't necessarily share the same enthusiasm (don't get me wrong, she does love veedubs)...she is very understanding and forgiving! I am very lucky.
I pick up the car in a couple of hours so will update more pics later today. :blush
[Edited on 16-10-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Exhaust system is finished - was out of the car when I arrived at the shop so snapped some pics before the pipes are to be sent off for HPC'ing.
Dasdubber ·
Another shot of the complete system - I can't praise Custom Exhaust Specialists enough on their workmanship...it was exactly what I requested.
Dasdubber ·
Side view - upon closer inspection the guys determined more reinforcing to the muffler brackets was not required as it was held very securely with the brackets as seen in the pics.
Dasdubber ·
This is where all the time (and $$) was for the muffler that was fabricated from scratch in stainless steel - the half moon cutout was required to clear the breast plate (crank pulley section). All up it took 2 days for them to complete the muffler alone (ouch $). My motto is always buy once and cry once (for best quality as possible)....I hate forking out good money for $hit products or services.
Dasdubber ·
Last pic of system....muffler and tips will be polished up soon.
Dasdubber ·
After leaving the exhaust shop, did a bit more fine tuning of the guards - laid down a guide coat (mist of matt black spray can stuff).
Dasdubber ·
Used 400 grit dry paper to rub it back and find any more imperfections (only a few thankfully that required some glaze putty).
Dasdubber ·
Last coat of high build primer finally is on - this will be lightly rubber back just before the colour goes on! (yeeharr...can't wait for that day)
Dasdubber ·
Doors hanging sanded with 400 grit and ready for primer....
Dasdubber ·
....and voila...primer is on 😉
Dasdubber ·
...and couldn't forget the rear guards too. Glad these are done, they required a lot of work.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the money pit as it stands today - just the right amount of negative camber (for my likes anyway).
On the left you can see what has been keeping us busy (along with the dub)....new concrete retaining walls all across the front yard in readiness for double carport (some day - just can't wait for the new driveway).
[Edited on 16-10-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Once the guards dried, bolted them up rather than having them sitting around on the floor etc. Also will be used to figure out how much to narrow beam...width of spacers etc. (more ouch $).
Dasdubber ·
Don't worry about all the gaps - only three bolts are holding the guards on for now.
Dasdubber ·
Well its looking like a car again - doors bolted up temporarily to check fit (again). Bonnet will probably go on tomorrow if I get time. So thats it for another day. :o
warb ·
love the updates, like everyone, looks sweet...
pyr0 ·
the updates are sweet as i love following this ones progress 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Started fiddling with the engine bay today...nice change from body work! Cut the first bit of braided s/s fuel line and fitted it (firewall to regulator). Obviously this will all be coming out again before paint goes down.
Dasdubber ·
Wide angle shot showing oil lines in place, oil temp/pressure sender relocation braided line etc.
Was going to put carbs in to cut the fuel line from reg to carbs but manifolds are away being HPC'ed with exhaust so that will have to wait.
Dasdubber ·
As stated before, the forward-most cooling "tin" piece will be painted (still in primer) after some more holes are drilled to route the -10 breather lines (braided s/s) from valve covers up to custom breather box (yet to be constructed from s/s as well).
Dasdubber ·
Its all in the details so they say....here is a bit of billet aluminium that I cut, shaped and polished to cover the holes the oil lines go through in the shroud. Took bloody ages but worth it (in my opinion anyway!). Not too bad for hand work, if only I had access to a CNC machine workshop :thumb
XXX-1.8T ·
man i cant wait till its finished how long left:cry
Dasdubber ·
I wish I knew exactly - to do things right takes a lot of time (more than expected) and money (more than expected). So the expected completion date is dependent on both factors (availability of free time and free money). I am still planning to have it complete by February for the Dubs by the Pub show...anything before that will be a bonus and a big surprise!
I keep falling into the trap of...."well I've gone this far, may as well do that too.....well I've spent this much thus far, may as well get that too....etc". This is what blows out the time line of a project of this nature. But I am still loving it though and still am very motivated and enthusiastic - luckily I have always been a patient person.
XXX-1.8T ·
yeah im patient like u only on paper if i start to see what ive done thats when i get itchy!
Dasdubber ·
Here is the original rear apron, due to the repro panel having a later style latch catch so had to cut off the original...
Dasdubber ·
....and had to weld it onto the new repro apron. Cleaned up the welds and voila. Done.
Dasdubber ·
Only a tiny bit of filler was required to smooth it all over. Didn't bother filling the bolt holes in case I use them later for a decklid standoff or something like that.
Dasdubber ·
Whacked on one of the new centre caps (wheels came with blank ones) to see how it looked.
Dasdubber ·
Mounted the monster tach this evening under the dash. Bit of overkill for the application but everyone needs a bit of bling right?
Dasdubber ·
Maxrob wheel just popped on temporarily to see how things are shaping up. Tach angled up slightly for ease of view.
Dasdubber ·
Few more bits temporarily put in place....once paint is laid on should look a'ight.
Dasdubber ·
Bit of an arty shot...
Dasdubber ·
Last one for now.
pete wood ·
sweet,
are the porsche wheels genuine or copies?
are they 17" or 18"?
Who made ya upright conversion? , looks tops 😎
Dasdubber ·
Wheels are replicas made in Italy (can't recall manufacturer). 17x7.5in.
Upright conversion is from Sharpbuilt.
Cheers for the comments.
[Edited on 19-10-2004 by Dasdubber]
Brad ·
wow ya ever get bored and want a job let me know :> I have a few beetles in the yard that need lovin :rudolf
XXX-1.8T ·
wheels are mille miglia arnt they?
how much were they as I think Maya is after a set for her NB 😉
Dasdubber ·
Yep thats them...to be honest I can't recall exactly how much they were - I bought them from Keith-4-Wheels here in Brisbane. I could probably look in the receipt file to check for cost but I am a little scared to look inside there, I might get depressed.
XXX-1.8T ·
hahahaha cheers:beer
bugboymatt ·
How good does this look coming together~~~~
Good workj mate......
555bug ·
hmmmm I'll swap you my house for your car....na better not 🙂
Cam ·
Man, I can't get over how good that custom dash/CD player holder looks... Spot on!
Grey 57 ·
Man thats sweet. You are an arteestt Das. Fantastic job.
pyr0 ·
wow damn that looks good together like that 😎 id be happy if i hadf a beetle that looked as good as that, i wouldnt even want paint !
top stuff man love the pics keep us posted 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Finally got a chance to have a bit more of a tinker on the beetle today. Took a deap breath and cut a hole in each quarter panel for the side indicators (repros of golf side indicators etc).
Here is the hole rough cut (used air hacksaw)...then used carbide tip cutting bit to further rough out the hole before a sanding disc to clean up edges.
Dasdubber ·
Indicator popped in place...smoked lenses will look nice against the paint (whenever that goes on!)
Dasdubber ·
Passenger side in as well.
Dasdubber ·
Bolted in the rollcage again to trial fit everything before I rip the body off to paint it soon.
Dasdubber ·
Surprise surprise...as I expected - what fits in a hardtop doesn't necessarily fit in a ragtop!! This is what happens when you go and change your mind half way through a project and install a ragtop roof section (rollcage will now restrict ragtop movement backwards).
Dasdubber ·
Looks the ducks nuts, but alas, more money probably to reconfigure rollcage to fit...then repowdercoat...then reclearcoat to make it shiny.
This is why project timelines blow out! D'OH.
Dasdubber ·
Top view
Dasdubber ·
Rear view showing harness and baby seat mounts.
Dasdubber ·
Final shot - engine still in place (have to still sort out the breather box dimensions). Stay tuned for the next episode of the ongoing saga, The Trials and Tribulations of a VW Body Off Resto.
Gibbo ·
Very impressed m8, great work!
What did you do to the rear suspension? Paint or powder? Silver?
bugboymatt ·
Mate looks fantastic. So much work and effort has gone into your ride. You must be pleased as............................
:bounce
mountainbug ·
man ohhhh man, what are you building, absolutely one of the best vw rebuilds man has ever seen.
keep in going!!!
Dasdubber ·
Well, no rest for the wicked. Have to continue on to get this beast finished!
Started to plumb up the fuel lines from reg to carbs (bolted them up after I collected the manifolds after HPCing). Alternator pulley HPCed as well (didn't like the silver powdercoating it was previously in). Fuel line will be secured to firewall so don't worry bout that floppy line in the pic!
Sorting out dimensions of breather box which is yet to be made by Hardcore Racing (performance shop in brissy where I get all the AN fittings etc from). Coil (promaster mallory) will be either mounted under rear luggage compartment above g'box or in car on front side of firewall).
Linkage is just popped in place for now (has to be shortened to fit).
[Edited on 30-10-2004 by Dasdubber]
barls ·
are the lines speed flow lines mate cause they look familiar?
Dasdubber ·
Picked up the exhaust from CES today - pipes HPC'ed and muffler polished up (but will receive some more polishing soon).
Dasdubber ·
Pipes lookin' good.
barls ·
looks good mate
Dasdubber ·
another view....
Dasdubber ·
....and another view....
barls ·
if you dont mind me asking what is one of those mufflers worth
Dasdubber ·
....and one final view. Thats it for now.
11CAB ·
Nice looking exhaust, but damn it looks expensive......
Dasdubber ·
Yep barls fittings are speed flow....will U2U you.
barls ·
cool i thought they were the bloke who owns speed flow did my oil cooler lines and live just across the road from my old man
555bug ·
huba huba 🙂 I'd love to know what this project blows out too....a nice second hand M3 anyone LOL
bugboymatt ·
Looks fantastic mate.
ruckus ·
Damn I think I want to cry! Such attention to detail, this thing is going to be awesome (ps already is without paint etc!)
Dasdubber ·
I've been tinkering a bit more in the last couple of weeks. Temporarily bolted up the crusty ragtop bits to work out how much the rollcage will have to be dropped so the golde handle will be able to clear it. Pity to have to change this beautiful bit of kit, but alas these things happen.
Dasdubber ·
You can see the problem here even without the handle fitted.
Dasdubber ·
All the ragtop components are yet to be powdercoated...once I get the cage sorted all bits will be nice and shiny.
Dasdubber ·
Just embarking on the custom stereo intallation. This first step is very boring, but it will progress over the next few weeks to something more interesting.
Dasdubber ·
A sub and two 6x9s will be housed in this parcel tray. Amps will be located under the bonnet, and the 6in speakers and tweeters in footwells in aftermarket speaker kick panels.
Its all a little tricky getting it to fit in with the cage but rest assured everything will be securely fastened as I had my whole parcel tray stolen from my old beetle years ago. Damn thieves.
Thats it for now.
himmell ·
been following this like an addictive sitcom, amazing stuff, you should open up a custom resto buisiness.
Dasdubber ·
Mate I'd love to do it for a job but the time it takes to do these sort of restos would be cost prohibitive to anyone when you add up all the hours involved. Ah well, for now I'll enjoy doing this stuff for myself (I wouldn't want to give the customer's car back if I went through all this for someone else!).
😉
VWFREAK ·
Sweet looking set up. Can't wait to see the finnished product.
Dasdubber ·
Kickpanels arrived the other day (thanks to Brad [blup58] for bringing them in for me). Just sizing them up for now - will need a little trimming and fine tuning to get the spot on.
Dasdubber ·
Not a bad bit of gear - the fibreglass is nice and thick (not the plastic ones available some places). 6in speakers and tweeters will be finding their way into these panels soon.
Golde60 ·
where did you get the panels from.
mine look very similar, but they are plasticy and thin. I got them from CIP
i m gonna do my stereo in pairs - 2 x splits, 2 x subs
ColumBUS ·
awesome stuff
what sort of stereo are you looking at? brands etc.
Dasdubber ·
Speaker panels are from Glass Action (formerly Innovations in Fibreglass):
Stereo includes one pioneer 12in sub, two pioneer 3 way 6x9s, two pioneer 5 1/4 splits, kenwood cd head unit (not sure of specs), two kenwood amps (350 and 500W).
When I bought the gear (at a sale way back), I didn't know much about car audio (still don't know a hell of a lot), but in hindsight I should have:
A) gone with a sub designed for an enclosure not free air,
B) wouldn't have gone with 6x9s plus a sub (will try and isolate the 6x9s in their own boxes to avoid distortion from the sub for now),
C) should have gone with 6 1/2 splits up front
D) should have gone with head unit mp3 compatible.
However, since the project has cost so much thus far, I cannot just start again so I'll use all the components and see how they go. It still should sound pretty nice....hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it! :puke
[Edited on 11-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Fired up the router to make a sub mounting ring tonight...here it is half way through (router ensures ring is perfectly round.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the ring complete - inside was cut with jigsaw since this edge won't be seen.
Dasdubber ·
Slowly but surely the rear sub enclosure (sort of an enclosure since it is a free air sub) and 6x9 mounts take shape.
nbturbo ·
JESUS-is there nothing you can't do,and always top notch-way to go.Keep up the lessons for us web students.
Dasdubber ·
Well, after having a look around the vw show at the gold coast this morning, thought I'd better pull the finger out and do some more work. Started the sub box - spent lots of time measuring and scratching the noggin trying to figure out how to get it to fit under the rollcage, be able to put it in and out without removing the cage, how to not interfere the mallory coil that will be mounted on the inside of the firewall.
Anyway, marked up the sides of the box on 16mm MDF. The sub will be angled towards the back seat but not right up against it.
Dasdubber ·
Apologies in advance for going overboard with the pics - I just thought some people may be able to learn how to do something from the pics rather than just an explanation.
Here is the side panel rough cut with a jigsaw (remember to use dust mask because the $hit in MDF is not good for your lungs). A little bit of material was left alongside the marked lines.....
Dasdubber ·
.....so a flush cutting bit on the router table could be used (with a straight edge [factory cut edge] as a guide). This way a perfectly straight cut can be achieved so the box is perfectly sealed (although putty/silicone will be used as well).
Two nails temporarily hold fence in place (doesn't matter as holes will be filled or covered anyway)
Dasdubber ·
Just make sure you feed the material in the right direction so it doesn't kick back. Perfect edge every time (as long as your guide is straight!).
Dasdubber ·
Here you can see the box half assembled - edges glued and screwed. The angled portion at the back lower edge is so the box can fit hard against the firewall without butting against the rolled (curved) lower corner on firewall.
Dasdubber ·
The box will have a top (which I ran out of time to do), but the sub ring will be perched atop so the fibreglass will have a more interesting shape to follow than a flat board. This is the first time I've done this so I'm learning as I go.
Dasdubber ·
Here it is temporarily in place - work to continue this week. The extra material on the base is so it can be bolted down to the body (I hate f'ken thieves). :cussing
Breather box (custom stainless steel) is being made at the moment as well.
[Edited on 14-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
For green57, a couple of pics of the rear apron brackets. This week or weekend I'll pull one off and measure it up for you. I keep forgetting to do it sorry! Its hard to get decent pics when it is on.
Dasdubber ·
They are pretty easy to make - I used some 5mm thick flat steel, I think 30mm width. I just made a template out of thin cardboard, pushed it over the bolt holes so you know where to drill them, notched the lower edge so it could fit on the body without hitting anything.
warb ·
nice.. have new apron on order soon, engine is now in... looking good..
Dasdubber ·
Sorry to bombard more boring pics (may help someone like green57 when doing a removable apron). Here is the bracket off the left side:
Length 250mm
Width 30mm
Thickness 5mm
It is pretty straight forward to make, just measure up the distance between the two lower mudguard bolt holes and go from there.
Dasdubber ·
The notch is there to clear the lip on the body (you'll know what I mean when you have a look under your own car). Once you work out where the holes need to be drilled, drill them out large enough so the bracket actually sits flush against the body with the threaded bolt inserts (which you should have drilled the thread out of out already) acting as dowel pins as such.
Once you have the bracket in place you can weld the nuts on (the welding on these will be improved before they are powdercoated).
Dasdubber ·
Last picture....the whole process really is quite simple...just lots of trial fitting and measuring required before you start cutting/welding anything.
[Edited on 18-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
warb ·
:beer
Dasdubber ·
This weekend involved some more work on the sub box/speaker tray. Here you can see the completed sub box (middle section) as well as outer skeleton which will provide the framework to house the 6x9's.
Dasdubber ·
The joints of the box were siliconed inside to provide an effective seal (should be pretty much air-tight for effective sub performance). If you make a sub box yourself, allow at least a day before installing your sub (for use) as the vapours from the silicon can eat away the material of the sub (foam/rubber).
Dasdubber ·
The 6x9 mounting rings were hot glued in place (had to make sure the angle was symmetrical!).
Dasdubber ·
You can now see how it is all coming to shape.
Dasdubber ·
Pioneer sub in place with Kicker cover, and two pioneer 6x9s. None screwed in place - just checking fit etc.
Dasdubber ·
Started to staple the stretchy material into place as this gives the shape the fibreglass will form.
Dasdubber ·
Ran out of time to finish the staple job - may have to put a few more MDF skeleton pieces in place to give it the desired shape.
Hopefully next weekend I'll have the fibreglass done.
ruckus ·
Are you going to copyright all of this? I have a feeling there'll be a few duplicate setups appearing over the next few months 😀
Dasdubber ·
They say the best form of flattery is imitation!
Ah well, thats the risk you take for detailing the progress of such a project before its done. Don't really care as long as someone doesn't claim the idea as their own 😉
DIY-DUB ·
dasdubber thats a sweeet lookin enclosure i wanna c a pic of it in the car when finished
Dasdubber ·
Don't worry, more pics to come.
Got a question about the engine specs, I wrote it all out in a U2U but may as well paste it all here in case anyone else is interested.
Here are details I can remember off the top of my head:
- 2L type IV case acid cleaned and line bored (was a borderline case so decided to go with it to be safe) - oversized bearings were hard to find
- 71mm crank and standard rods
- slightly lightened 215mm flywheel (13lbs I think) - all dynamically balanced.
- stock type IV 215mm clutch/pressure plate
- 94.5mm (slightly oversize) pistons and bored stock german barrels
- 2L heads with 1800 valves installed
- new standard valve springs
- hardened valve seats
- 3 angle valve grind
- stock lifters resurfaced
- match ported type IV manifolds
- dual 40mm dellortos with update kit from cb performance (horizontal discharge tubes)
- upright conversion (Sharpbuilt...required work)
- 36hp aftermarket doghouse shroud modified for type IV cooler
- Mallory unilite vac/mechanical advance dizzy
- Mallory promaster coil (no ballast resistor required)
This is all I can remember at the moment. Should be a nice tame little torquey engine - no fire breather, but hopefully 110hp at flywheel would be a realistic estimate.
Dasdubber ·
Did a bit more work on the sub/speaker enclosure tonight. To get the desired shape I had to put some more MDF support pieces to enable the material to be stapled in place.
Dasdubber ·
The enclosure is upside down if you didn't figure out already....the hot glue gun holds the support pieces in place - the fibreglass will provide the strength required.
Gibbo ·
Bleedin work of art m8, well done!
Dasdubber ·
Couple of other little pieces to complete the skeleton framework. Again sorry for the multitude of pics...thought its better to have too many than not enough.
Dasdubber ·
Here the material is stretched into place ensuring there are as few folds or wrinkles as possible (although filler will help with minor imperfections.
[Edited on 23-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
This gives you an idea of the shape of the enclosure - resin was applied to give the material some stiffness so the fibreglass mat can be applied.
Dasdubber ·
Last pic for now. Next up is Fibreglassing-101 (my introductory course). Best way to learn is to give it a crack I guess!
I should specify that although the sub I will be using initially is a free air sub, I am obviously building a sub box. This is not ideal however one day I will upgrade to a better sub designed for enclosure use. Live and learn
[Edited on 23-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
Adam_C ·
Man............ i got nothin.......
meanwhile... the speaker idea is genius, i wana do somethin simiklar but all hidden..... 😀
Adam_C ·
And not a pretty :P
ColumBUS ·
hey adz we can make sumthn like that for ur car if u want it. nice work mate this project is an inspiration for us all!
Dasdubber ·
Slotted the enclosure in place to make sure everything fits (which it still does thankfully!). This will give you an idea of what it will look like in the car. Will look nice when painted (unless I get lazy and vinyl it).
Dasdubber ·
By the way there was a cut out left in the front of the enclosure on each end so I can get to the wiring for the 6x9s, and also the coil which will be mounted on the firewall on passenger side.
Some small cover pieces will be made to cover the hole around the back side of the rollcage uprights to tidy things up. Added another coat of resin to stiffen things up a little more before I start applying the mat (hopefully tomorrow after work).
BLUE_62 ·
All i can say is. I am at work and ment to be working but instead i have been fixated by your posts (all 9 pages of em). I am impressed. Very much lookin forward to seeing it all on the road and roaring around. Full thumbs up dude.
Keep us posted. :thumb 😎
ruckus ·
Mate that's looking awesome! Great to see your patience is paying off and it all fits without too much swearing 😀
Che Castro ·
wow awesome. what kind of finish are you doing on the fibreglass? just like a gel coat or CF 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again guys....you certainly need a lot of patience when embarking of a resto of this nature!
After fibreglassing, the enclosure will receive some filler, glaze putty where necessary, then two pack base coat/clear coat in body colour so it blends in nicely.
Cheers again
:beer
pete wood ·
what do you know about glassing?
I spent a lot of time glassing my buggy. Happy to answer questions if I know the answers 😉
Dasdubber ·
Cheers Pete - may very well have some qsts as it progresses. I only know what I have read, learnt by trial and error, and a bit from talking to a few people that have done it before. Nothing like experience though! Like anything I'll get better the more I do....practice practice practice.
Anyway, I laid down a couple layers of fibreglass mat tonight using a roller to try and get bubbles out of areas that the roller could get to! Looks shabby in the photo but will clean up okay. This is a messy process! Especially when its your first time 😠
Dasdubber ·
Layed down a few more layers of glass and resin. Allowed it to cure then sanded it back a little to get rid of the nibs etc.
Dasdubber ·
First layer of filler today then ran out of time - this is in preparation for paint which will be in the near future. (at least high build primer etc and will spray the body colour when I paint the rest of the car).
ruckus ·
You should seriously think about making a batch of these. You could make a tidy little profit 😀
Dasdubber ·
Changed my mind again on a few bits of the tank - wanted a -4 AN fitting for the breather line so had one tig welded in place. Although tank has been powdercoated and clearcoated already, the burnt off paint will be patched and matched (with two pack base/clear I had colour matched already).
Dasdubber ·
Also had a -8 fitting welded in to allow braided line to be used from the tank. Again paint will be repaired in time.
[Edited on 27-11-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Got the stainless steel breather box back today as well - two outlets for both valve covers, and one for the oil filler to vent crankcase. Fitting on bottom is just for a drain plug if required.
Dasdubber ·
I will have to measure exactly what the capacity it, however I was restricted more by space limitations behind the shroud so didn't have a whole lot of room to play with. I will polish the stainless up to a nice shiny finish when I get a chance. Thats it for now - more pics to come hopefully tomorrow after some more work.
Dasdubber ·
Only problem ruckus is that mine wouldn't then be a one-off custom!! 😉
Plus because I am still learning how to glass properly and take too much time to complete it, I would never recover cost for labour as people wouldn't want to pay for the amount of hours I have spent to make mine!!
Someone who specialises in this area might make it viable though. This is my first time so if I can do it, anyone can who is willing to try, has patience, and may be prepared to outlay some money on tools which are a worthwhile investment in any case!
Dasdubber ·
Also fitted the gas charged bonnet struts - pretty easy process again (bought them from aircooled.net). Will hopefully bolt the bonnet up tomorrow to check fit etc.
warb ·
nice work on the bonnet struts... nice all over..
Dasdubber ·
Filler work on the sub enclosure continued today....
Dasdubber ·
...and continued some more! Looking a little better with each application of filler/sanding etc.
Dasdubber ·
High build primer was laid down which improved things further. Speakers just popped in place to check fit again.
Dasdubber ·
View from the front - not too bad for my first attempt at fibreglassing (if I do say so myself) :P
Still a bit of glaze putty required to fill in some minor holes scratches etc before base coat goes on down the track.
Dasdubber ·
Bonnet is back on (nice to have a little more space in the garage as it is tight at the moment!!). Light is just put in for fun (didn't stay in for long).
Dasdubber ·
A sign of things to come!
Dasdubber ·
911 repro lenses look the goods. Thats it for today - hopefully have some more done during the week/next weekend. In case you haven't noticed from the pics, renovations are still continuing so my time is being divided between the resto and renos. It will be nice to have a driveway again!
barls ·
looking good mate keep the pics coming
bugboymatt ·
Mate gets better and better all the time. Keep up he good work.
Brad ·
man you are a freak ... anytime you want a job let me know 😉
nbturbo ·
Alan-Did you buy Rotohub rear discs from CB in the States? I spotted on the Shoptalk today they have been having trouble with the cast iron shrinking and the rear nuts coming loose( not actually coming loose-the split pins are still in place but rotor is actually shrinking letting the rotor come loose) Need to do regular retightening until all settles in.
Dasdubber ·
Yep - got the rotohubs from the US. I saw that post a while back and will be checking the torque specs after 100kms or so (and at regular intervals!). Wouldn't want the rear hub coming loose on the freeway! :duh
nbturbo ·
Good-as usual one jump ahead of me. The speaker box is looking awesome.
pete wood ·
beaut speaker box Das. It looks absolutely amazing.
Are you planning to seal the edges to the body so that the 6x9s are sealed in as well?
Dasdubber ·
Well after much more research and questions in car audio forums and car audio specialist installers....plans have changed slightly. The 6x9s will be scrapped in favour of some 6in mid bass drivers (most likely alpine X-types)....and the pioneer 5.25s splits up front will be scrapped for higher quality 5in alpine x-type splits. More money as usual....but will try and recover some cost with the sale of the above items. If only I had received the proper advice before outlaying money the first time round!
So the sub/speaker enclosure will be modded to adapt 6in round speakers in place of the 6x9s. (Whats a little more work eh?).
There will be some pieces around the side to seal the gap between the actual body and the speaker enclosure (won't be airtight though as the 6in mid bass drivers can work in free air (infinite baffle) rather than a sealed application. Damn car audio is more confusing than any other aspects of car resto. Also the car is booked in to have a new rollcage main hoop made to allow for the sunroof...as well as a narrowed beam! More money.....$hit, better not tell the wife :o
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Disassembled engine ancillaries yet again to weld the mounting nuts onto the firewall for breather box, fuel line etc.
Dasdubber ·
You can see the two -10 bulkhead fittings that will go up to the breather box. You can see the scorch marks from the primer burning in response to the mig....would hate to be trying to do this after paint!!
Dasdubber ·
The coil firewall feed was plumbed in as well as the hole for the coil wires (with rubber grommet).
Dasdubber ·
Always unexpected surprises/hurdles/obstacles...when alternator was clamped down the oil filler cap couldn't be turned/removed. So some careful grinding/clearancing on the cap was required. I will polish it up soon.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the mallory promaster coil mounted on the inside of the firewall via mounting nuts again (didn't want to have to try and hold a nut on one side and the bolt on the other when trying to tighten them!). All stainless hardware thoughout.
Now just to mount the holley fuel pump up front, then hopefully that will be it for holes/welding on the body so it can finally be painted! (after rollcage is modified).
If only I didn't run into all these problems the project may have been done by now! One of these days it will be done :P
Golde60 ·
congrats again on all the work alan
this car will be amazing...
i wish that i had gone to all the lengths that you are with the fit up of all the bits prior to paint
its gonna make the difference in the details
great work mate
keep the updates coming i love reading the latest on this beast
Dasdubber ·
Cheers Kim, your bug is looking an absolute treat as well - muchos credit to you and your hard work!
Fitted up the Holley Blue pump (red regulator will be used for 3-3.5psi pressure)...-8 AN lines and fittings used for main fuel line.
Dasdubber ·
Fuel line will exit tank via a welded in -8 bung, through -8 line to filter, then to a 180 degree U-bend fitting into pump.
Nuts welded to 'firewall' to mount pump (rubber spacer to be used to minimise vibration/noise).
Dasdubber ·
Started the amp rack today but didn't get too far (ran out of time)....both amps to be mounted under bonnet via 16mm SHS (square hollow section) steel frame that will be bolted (via mounting nuts)....lots more work to come on this one.
BenettonVW ·
What a beautiful thing..
pyr0 ·
and it only gets kooler :jesus just when i thought this thing is gonna have it all.... awesome stuff truely awesome
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again gents, the beetle is off to Custom Offroad to have a new rollcage main hoop made up (D'OH!!...will have to find another project to put this one in) :P
Also another front beam is being narrowed 80mm (Another D'OH!!). I don't enjoy spending money twice on the same thing but live and learn I guess.
Finally received my decklid prop in the mail from the US. A nice piece of machining. Personally I don't love stand-offs (nothing against 'em, I just don't like them)...so I decided to prop open the bottom of decklid for hot weather - the beauty of this prop is that it is so easily removed.
Dasdubber ·
By the way I haven't adjusted it at all, just popped it place to take a few pics.
Dasdubber ·
Peep's eye view.
Unfortunately didn't get to finish the amp rack before the beetle departs tomorrow....at least it will give me a chance to repaint the tank (where bungs were welded in) and tidy up a few other bits and pieces....not to mention build the carport, concrete the driveway, landscape, turf etc :cry
I am hoping to get the car in paint soon (hopefully it won't take the great hard-working fellas at Custom Offroad too long to do the work [hint hint Brad]) 😉 Pending that, I may (big MAY) get a chance to lay the paint down late Dec/early Jan.
Over and out for now.
Che Castro ·
hehe that bracket is a hell of a lot nicer than the shelf bracket or coke can that I use
twoguns ·
hey dasdubber. the encloser for the speakers looks tops. i had a set up in the back of mine a few years back. be sure that it is real secure, and i dont know if you have though about insulating the base as i found the steel floor vibrated with my subs going. became very annoying. in the end i pulled it out, laid down some matting and then refitted.
looks like a fantastic effort. will have to go back and read more on your post.... damn 'craft' disease ( cant remember a fukn thing)
Dasdubber ·
Yep twoguns it will be fixed to the floor onto two runs of SHS steel with mounting nuts welded to them. I will be placing special emphasis on sound deadening after paint it done - going with either dynamat or stinger roadkill (or a combo) as I've heard about the vibrations you mentioned.
Car successfully arrived at custom offroad this morning after the two truck driver had to negotiate the lovely clay/mud we call our driveway at the moment - its is lovely after all the rain we have copped recently. 😠
nbturbo ·
Looking good still Alan-you have probably got these(you seem to be up with all the latest things),but I have bought a heap of different size Metric Rivetnuts and the tool to spread them and it saves trying to spot weld bolts to thin body steel.I have them in steel and aluminium and are real easy to fit.
Dasdubber ·
Gary, nope I haven't seen those before but they sound very interesting. Where abouts did you get them from? Or any links/info on the net you think?
Cheers
Alan
eirecooled ·
Hi they are called nutserts. electricans use them for mounting cable panels in sheet metal work. just do a web search using there name
nbturbo ·
Good day Alan-mine are called a Rivet-Nut by Marson.They come under the heading of 'Klikfast Blindrivets'.The box says there from ITW Buildex-a division of W.A. Deutsher,600 South Road,Moorabbin Vic.3189.
Dasdubber ·
Cheers for that Gary, much appreciated!
Well, picked up the beetle today from Custom Offroad - new main hoop is completed to clear the Golde ragtop handle. Muchos credit to Brad and the boys for not only their great workmanship, but also their fast turnaround!
I never thought it would be ready so quickly....now I may be in with a chance to have it painted over christmas new year week!
A straight bar across the top still looks tough, and enables me to now use the rag!
Dasdubber ·
Same sort of inertia reel seatbelt mounts as on previous hoop.
Dasdubber ·
Heaps of clerance now! Also now rubbing on the ragtop frame either which is great. Once again thanks to Custom Offroad.
Now to get it powdercoated..... again....
Front beam (narrowed 80mm) should be ready early next week....the boys agreed that my beetle had the worst turning circle they have seen thus far!! Soon to be fixed though :P
Dasdubber ·
Now I can finally get the ragtop components powdercoated too. Started drilling/profiling the holes at the back of the ragtop section (for the plate that holds the canvas down). That will be done tomorrow (hopefully after the first half of the driveway is concreted finally!).
Bought all the paint today (base coat clear coat)...another nice blow to the wallet....ah well, cheaper than having it sprayed professionally! At least I save on labour.
Thats it for now.
:blah
Dasdubber ·
Welded in the mounts for the amp rack lower tier tonight. The box section for the upper tier for sub amp was also made but will be welded onto lower tier during this week (lots of angles to sort out).
Also pulled apart the ragtop frame (again) in readiness for powdercoating...unbolted rollcage (again) to powdercoat new main hoop as well.
Can't wait to get that paint on! :bounce
penguin ·
Ahhh
so that was yours I saw loaded (and unloaded, then loaded again) onto the tow truck on Friday afternoon.
Looks sweet 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Yeah penguin that was mine - what a f'ken nightmare. Tow truck $hit itself in the driveway of custom offroad (exxon valdez type oil spill)...I was supposed to have it home by 2.30pm as I needed to get it in the garage before the reo and mesh went down for the driveway (which we poured the concrete for sat morning). Anyway, it got there in the end, only 3 hours late...and still got the driveway done which was good. :cussing
Dasdubber ·
Picked up the narrowed beam (80mm) from Custom Offroad today...needs a good cleanup but once again the work was top notch. Will now have to bolt it up to check body clearance, then tack on steering stop...and see if I have to modify pitman arm. All good fun this modifying game!
Dasdubber ·
Finally finished welding the amp rack tonight. Bit of fiddling around to get the angles right (three hands would have been helpful!)...haven't cleaned any of the welds up yet - just got it together for now.
Dasdubber ·
Had to ensure it cleared the fuel tank and wiper motor.
sax ·
That's an amazing effort, if it cleans up at the shows it's well deserved.
Cant wait to see it in the flesh.
Dasdubber ·
Originally I was going to weld another support brace for the upper tier, however after fully welding all the joints there was no movement whatsoever even with a fair bit of pressure. So it will stay as is.
Dasdubber ·
I won't be using the stock wiring cover - I will be making another custom fibreglass cover around the side of the amps to hide the wiring etc. That will come later. Thats it for now though!
pyr0 ·
i can see your also using gas struts to lever the front boot that a very clever idea, as is the rest of the mod's you've done. Top stuff mate keep the pic's coming you know we love em :thumb 😎
Dasdubber ·
Thanks sax and pyro. Yep the gas struts are awesome - very happy with their looks and function. Weren't that exy (from aircooled.net from memory) either which is a nice change. Piece of pi$$ to install as well.
UncleRudi ·
Dasdubber
You're car is looking very fine, I have just spent a fair while reading through all your posts. The work you have done is brilliant!:beer cheers!
BenettonVW ·
That amp rack is a work of art..
Actually.. scratch that. The whole thing is.
Stealth ·
Nice 😉
Dasdubber ·
I've been playing around with some more AN fittings in the last couple of days. Sorted out the breather box to firewall lines...
Dasdubber ·
The two bulkhead fittings go to each valve cover.
Dasdubber ·
The drivers side loops back and obviously passenger side loops over gearbox to other valve cover.
Dasdubber ·
I decided to relocate the -8 AN bulkhead fitting for main fuel line into regulator. Now will be more stable than previous plans.
Hopefully tomorrow body will be off pan again and transported to my folks garage for paint this coming week!
Dasdubber ·
Well body is off pan yet again and being prepped for paint. Had to "massage" the body a little to get the narrowed beam to fit but nothing too drastic. Nothing a BFH didn't fix. 😉
So now time to clean up the filthy pan as well as install the -8 fuel line through the tunnel, as well as route new brake lines whilst body is still off to make life easy.
Engine will come out yet again for final clean up and also to replace the starter bushing.
Dasdubber ·
Like a number of other aspects of this project, certain things I have done have to be undone....and then redone. The Chassis black POR15 paint (despite assurances from the POR15 sales consultant) didn't stick to the primer as well as it should have. So it will all be coming off (oh joy) to make way for fresh etch primer and this time two pack base coat black with some clear coat to top it off.
I don't really have to do this but I would hate for a bit to chip off and start rusting under the pan at some stage. Some bloke on another site accused me of being "too anal for this project...its just a bug after all man" so he said. But I guess some people just don't get it, the old saying which I adhere to strictly is "if its not done properly then its not worth doing at all". Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks I guess.
whatnow ·
i have to say beautiful workmanship. i hope when it comes time for me to get into my car i have the patience (and skill/dedication)that you have shown.
*playing devils advocate* if you are repainting the pan, would it be a good idea to add the inner mount points for irs trailing arms and dimple the forks for CV clearance... just incase...
[Edited on 28-12-2004 by whatnow]
Dasdubber ·
Yeah I had actually thought about that but I will only be stripping the front end, shifter etc and leaving g'box etc in place as for some reason the chassis black stuck very well from the torsion bars back (including shock mounts etc etc).
This may change in time so who knows! I appreciate the comment/suggestion though, there are often things that you may overlook and it is useful to have another perspective on things so cheers for that!
Dasdubber ·
Well what a day....got a fair bit done on the prep work for paint. Body is over at my folks place (man I wish I had my old man's shed at my place! - ahh the room!!).
Dasdubber ·
Finished welding the seam next to the rear window (as only a centre section headliner will be fitted). After weld was ground down only a little filler was required to tidy it up. This is after etch primer.
Dasdubber ·
Action shot....trying to keep the isocynates at bay as much as possible. I would have hired/invested in a fresh air respirator if I was doing more than one car.
Dasdubber ·
Managed to get the interior and underside shot in high build primer (beige) after bare metal areas were spot etch primed.
Dasdubber ·
Unfortunately just as I was about to shoot the exterior I tripped the fuse in the house fuse box so had to stop, clean up and fix the fuse (didn't have any fuse wire handy!).
So that ended progress for the day.
Dasdubber ·
Inside of the guards were also high build primed....guide coat, sanding and more primer to come tomorrow.
warb ·
sweet...
BenettonVW ·
He he.. this is all so much FUN!!!
Dasdubber ·
No major changes today so won't bother putting up heaps of pics. The remainder of the high build primer went on the body. Also started the guide coat/block sanding process on the peripheral parts - takes a long long time and as usual I never seem to get as much finished as I expected!
Had to play golf this arvo so had to stop early! More tomorrow...that is unless the surf is good....we'll see.
bond ·
golf... surf.... and a potentially very very sweeet beetle..
doesnt get any better than that! nice work as always
nick
koolkarmakombi ·
dont you love this Queensland weather!!!!
Dasdubber ·
Yes indeed the weather has been perfect - gotta love Queensland!!
For anyone who gets the $hits when a body shop gives you an astronomical quote for a full bare metal body resto....take a moment to think how much time these things really take. This Xmas-New year break there has been at least three 10 hour days of sanding sanding and more sanding, not to mention numerous countless other hours here and there. And that is just for the final high build primer stage....not including any prior body work, or actual paint application (which I am still trying to get to!).
Finally finished sanding, then spent all day masking up (well 3/4 of a day after recovering from the new years hangover). :puke
Gotta thank my wife (and even my mum) who both lent a hand to speed up the process....this takes f'ken ages too!
Dasdubber ·
Tomorrow I will finally see some colour going on (although I've been thinking that for the last three days!). Underside of guards, inside of bonnet, decklid, doors etc etc are all masked up ready to go!
So hopefully.....hopefully!! I will be able to show some colour tomorrow (fingers crossed as I am running out of days before work reality (work) recommences.
pyr0 ·
awesome stuff cant wait to see some color go on that puppy, shes such an awesome ride 🙂
BenettonVW ·
Bring on the colour!!
gayanne ·
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmDeffently know your shit!😀😀JVLRacing
hellbugged ·
inspirational indeed.!!
11CAB ·
Looking good, but I can see the remaining days till Dubs ticking over very quickly.......
Dasdubber ·
Well another all-day effort - 8am till 9pm with half hour lunch (I hope the neighbours were not too upset I was still spraying the clear at 8.30pm!!). Fortunately most of the neighbours are away which worked out perfectly!
Anyway, finally got some colour on - it is a green, with a goldy-bronze metallic plus a bluey pearl...very hard to describe and is different depending on how the light hits it. Just wanted something a little different.
This is after two coats of the base colour.
Dasdubber ·
Inside after the base coat....
Dasdubber ·
Finally I am not seeing that damn primer!! Until I pull all the masking off tomorrow :cry
Here are a few of the fiddly bits.
Dasdubber ·
Of course that last pic was after clear (two coats)....being a garage there was no chance to keep all dust specs out of the paint.
Now this pic is my fave I think....damn sexy :P
Dasdubber ·
If you're wondering why it took so long - first of all go outside and wipe down every square centimetre of your volkswagen with wax and grease remover - takes a lot longer than I thought!
Then of course I bumped into the fresh base coat.... twice so had to wait for it to flash, then sand, then recoat....you get the idea.
To top it off, I spilt around a litre total of basecoat when preparing to mix....twice....not good when it is $100/L....lots of friendly language coming from the garage at that point! :cussing
Dasdubber ·
Here you can see the gold metallic....
Dasdubber ·
So shiny....finally :P
Thats it for now. Will only get to paint the rest next weekend (will be too early to mask the fresh paint tomorrow).
whatnow ·
......... too stunned to say anything......
BLUE_62 ·
Pat ya self on the back boss. Shes commin up nicely. 😎
sikdub ·
Thats the shit, been a long time coming. Keep up the good work man.
Steve
Dasdubber ·
Managed to get all the masking off without drama - no big paint flaking...and minimal overspray (not that it matters much but just saves time sanding where required).
Dasdubber ·
Underside turned out pretty clean....its a little hard to see what you're spraying when on your back under here - the more lighting the better! (wish I had more)
Dasdubber ·
Can't wait to see it all in colour! Not long now.
Cam ·
absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see this thing all together. You're doing an awesome job dude 😎
BenettonVW ·
Very cool mate. So the colour we are seeing now, it that the final colour or does it change with pearl clear coat or anything? I mean is there more to go as far as effects with that paint, as the paint sounds complex!
Don't get me wrong Alan, I love it, but I am wondering whether this is the colour I should be trying to picture the car in?
I recall that gaurd you painted a few moons ago was a little like this, but a lot greener from memory?
Skinnyboy ·
lovin it!!!
As a fellow DIY'er/Panel Beater this is awesome work!
You've inspired me to get cracking and stop being a lazy arse regards my 58!
Did you make the trolley the shell is sat on? Gotta get me one of them babies.
Now are you going to get the 3" micro buff and polish all that interior??
Ca't wait to see the finished masterpiece.
Dasdubber ·
Yep this is the final colour Jim...no more tricks to come. It sounds more complex than it is probably - just hard to describe!
Colour is a very difficult decision let me tell ya! I went through so many test pots trying to decide...I'm still happy with my choice fortunately. 😉
Whether it is sun or shade makes a difference....but this will be the colour the car will end up!
Cheers mate, by the way the notch is looking awesome.
Alan
PS Skinnyboy - this is my first full respray (have only sprayed acrylic on the lower half of my old bug)....self taught (some courses would have helped though!) - just lots of reading on the net, books and also practice on old guards etc came in handy....anyone can do it, just gotta have patience. Make sure you detail your resto on here too!
Yeah I made the body trolley - not difficult as long as you can use an angle grinder and a mig welder!
I will be hitting the paint with some 1500-2000 wet and dry and then buffing it with cutting, then polishing compound...followed by swirl remover and wax...so the work is not quite done yet 😠
[Edited on 3-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
Skinnyboy ·
how long has it taken you to get to this point?
I'm kinda lucky cos i do it for a job but im always time-starved. I've got a Honda Prelude just begging me to respray it but time always rogers me hard!!
I'm building a new workshop at home in the next few months so I'll probably start the main resto then, ahh nothing like a winter resto!
I'm impressed at your handiwork, same as you I'm self taught, and patience is the only skill you need to excel at! That and "Mrs Handling and Present Buying" :kiss
Cant wait for the next installment!!
UncleRudi ·
This car looks so good already. Even tho I'm a newbie I can appreciate the incredible effort you are putting into this car. Will continue checking your progress out. Great work!!
Dasdubber ·
Cheers fellas, it all started June 2003 so around a year and a half to date. Here is where it started:
Would have been quicker if we weren't involved in renovations, getting married, honeymooning etc etc... but thats life. Hopefully not too much longer now!
Davecho ·
will it be ready by dubs by the pub because i really want to se it 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Sorry all, no chance unfortunately :puke
Here is my "to do" list before having it running:
- finish paint hopefully this weekend
- wait for it to cure then colour sand
- repaint pan (due to chassis coat flaking off as it didn't stick to the etch primer as it was supposed to do)
- trial fit narrowed beam and front suspension to check fit, then weld on steering stops and steering box locators....then powdercoat everything....again
- have new brake lines made and fit them
- fit new fuel line down tunnel
- repowdercoat new rollcage main hoop
- sound deaden body and pan
- refit body onto pan
- assemble doors
- fit rubbers and glass
- have carpet custom made and fitted, along with headliner
- rewire entire car (sounds easy in three little words eh?)
- run in new engine and gearbox
- test new brakes (and have them tested for engineer)
- sort out all the new car blues
- sort out wiper and demister
- order and have ragtop canvas fitted
Then there is:
- modify sub enclosure to accommodate the new speakers (which I still have to save for and buy)
- make new custom kick panels to accommodate new splits (which still have to buy too)
- run power and speaker cables and fit rest of ancillary stereo items
- make fibreglass amp enclosure under bonnet
- paint all of above
Of course then there is:
- engineer approval
- registration and insurance
I'd so love to have it ready for dubs by the pub but alas another year passes me by....it'll get there, if the anticipation is getting to some of you, imagine how I feel after all this time and money!! Trust me I am doing everything in my power to get it finished ASAP!!
Hopefully will have some more pics on saturday night once paint is finished (if all goes to plan).
Cheers
Alan
[Edited on 6-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
whatnow ·
a silly question here. are the holes in the rear 1/4 window frame for popouts? if so are they the normal ones, just asking as i could have sworn mine (not fitted yet) have 6 mount holes..... also do you have any idea where to get new rivets to mount the latch to the frame.
h.
Dasdubber ·
Yep they are popout mounting holes - only five required for my popouts...not sure if the later ones are different? I drilled them specifically to fit.
I got all my popout hardware (seals, hinges etc) from www.wolfsburgwest.com - not sure if they sell the rivets but would be worth a try, otherwise maybe www.kochs.com??
whatnow ·
thanks i'll give them a try.
my windows are for an early car too.... i'll have to dig them out and have a look.
Dasdubber ·
Apologies in advance for all the pics....its just that I am a little excited (and relieved)....PAINT IS FINALLY DONE!!
Here is the body after three base coats..
Mounted guards and doors back on to maintain consistency whilst spraying so the panels don't look mismatched.
Dasdubber ·
I was very happy with the base coat...initially had heaps of trouble getting "tiger stripes" from a build up of pigment in the middle of the spray passes.
Some fine tuning of gun distance, air pressure and fluid flow solved the problem.....eventually.
Dasdubber ·
The base coat colour looks pretty ordinary when it is in its satin finish...the clear coat really brings it to life. You can see the colour but I will keep it under wraps the exact make/model it is off.
Dasdubber ·
Four coats of Spies/Hecker clear coat went on too (finished at 7.30pm....started the whole process at 8am). My right shoulder feels like I have been repeatedly punched at the moment from holding the gun up for so long!
Dasdubber ·
No major dramas which is a nice change...a few bugs, a few runs...just to prove it is a home job 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Birds eye view...
Dasdubber ·
This has been a mammoth effort but well worth it and very satisfying....especially when (hopefully) people will ask "nice paint job - who did it?"
Dasdubber ·
Last shot to bore you all with, hopefully next weekend I will remate it to the pan if plans go as scheduled!
bugboymatt ·
Mate, fantastic work as ever.
You must be well happy with the progress.
Well done mate.
Kai.A. ·
that's looking awesome!!!
kai
Bizarre ·
Just to put things in perspective - - are you REALLY telling us this is where this beauty started?!?!?
Man.......just make sure you DRIVE this baby and enjoy it!
You will go weak at the knees every time you wash it
Dasdubber ·
Indeed thats where it all began....amazing how you can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
That damaged front guard, necessitated a whole new front clip replacement (which I managed to do relatively successfully - can't tell too much after paint when on unless you really look for it).
I can't wait to drive this damn thing!
Skinnyboy ·
Awesome colour man!
Does it have a "flip" in the paint, cos it looks like 2 or three colours in the different pics. Hows the arm shaping up 😉 Its a killer spraying a full car eh!! I cheat in work by hanging the hose up behind me and from the booth ceiling, so the dead weight of the hose off the gun is removed!
Come on man I wanna see this beast finished!!!!
then i can start mine then!
Dasdubber ·
Cheers skinnyboy, the paint certainly changes in different light/angles/reflections. It is predominantly dark green with a gold metallic that only shows in certain light...then there is a sort of blue pearl that only shows again in a different light! Man it is hard to describe, I am just glad I didn't fu*k it up too badly! :P
pyr0 ·
dead set awesome stuff ive seen this puppy right from the start and im telling you now no way in my wildest dreams was i expecting such and awesome restoraion/customization:beer top stuff mate
pod ·
that is one awesome job:thumb
BLUE_62 ·
What was your address?
I'll drop off mine when your finished yours and you can start all over again. From the photos that the sorta job i would expect from several thousand dollars. You should be real pleased. As for bore us with photos.....hahaha. your funny.
Keep em comin' 😎
Unity-28 ·
Awesome man....I remember when you had a bet that you would finish it for valla all that time ago, I bet you are glad you didnt rush it......It looks great now, and will look a heap BETTER once all of it is together...This is dedication to the cause......
N!
Che Castro ·
wow awesome job!
vern74 ·
Fantastic job
You can be really proud of yourself !:blush
62deluxe ·
That's awesome mate.
A true credit to you.:thumb:thumb:thumb
sikdub ·
Well I'm certainly lost for words! :thumb
Steve
Grey 57 ·
bewtiful job Das. Saw you old 76 car when I was in Brissie last week.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks to all for your kind words...I am pretty stoked with how it turned out. Grey, I have only seen my old bug once thus far on the road (I hear that is looking a little worse for wear nowadays though)....pending on how things pan out, it may grace the pages of a certain local vw mag later this year (it was scheduled for an april issue in vw trends until we all know what happenned there - D'OH).
Removed some of the masking today, lookin pretty nice all that shiny paint inside and out...will certainly come up a treat after colour sanding.
Dasdubber ·
The 63 temporarily has a buddy sitting beside it - the 1968 which will also be receiving a body off resto (although not quite to the same extent as the 63) - the paint was already done (thanks Lex) when I aquired it....
It will receive a 1916 with dual 40 dells, mechanical resto (brakes, suspension etc...but probably not gearbox at this stage though)....etc etc.....and it will be for sale once finished (once I finish the 63).
Dasdubber ·
Pan is ball joint/swing axle and will receive the usual body off treatment.
Anyway, back to the real topic of this thread, the 63 will remate to the pan this coming weekend (for now, until I have to pull it off one last time for colour sanding etc).
Over and out for now.
Grey 57 ·
The 76 VW didnt look too bad Das. Has 356 Chromies with VW caps on it now. Was sitting outside a house in Roachdale. Just down the hill off Springwood Road.
Golde60 ·
looking good alan
how good is it too see final colour?
next big milestone will be when you get it rolling with the wheels on.
keep up the good work
Dasdubber ·
Cool, hope the owner is enjoying it....it certainly draws some attention!
Unity, you are right about the bet....won't be that silly again as time lines always blow out by 3-4 times that which is estimated to begin with!
Kim, indeed you are right too - colour has made a huge difference. Not to mention my wife is a little more excited now she can visualise what one day will be a running, registered vehicle which we can actually use! :kiss
[Edited on 9-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
11CAB ·
I look forward to seeing this in the flesh Dasdubber, keep at it.
BLUE_62 ·
Hey boss,
looking good but it has been 4 days since an update. Some of us are starting to have withdrawel symptoms..... i know i am..... :thumb
whats news? gotta be something new 😎
Dasdubber ·
Nothing too exciting to report - just pulled off the doors, guards etc and transporting them to my place (our spare room looks like a spare parts storage facility at the moment!).
Tomorrow body will be back on pan so it to can come back home...then the colour sanding can begin!
StenGuns ·
Just sat down and read thru this thread (and the early one) for the 1st time..
Inspirational work! Love your methodical approach and attention to detail..If you aren't doing this as a career.. you should be!
pete wood ·
go das, that looks tops. will it be finished for the easter nats? you should bring it to Sydney and steal some trophies.
but I have to say, I was kinda hoping you might fit in some ZZ top stripes, a few chequers and flames up the bonnet....LOL :P
nah just kidding
did you finish your speaker box too?
BiX ·
this may sound like a dumb question, but what is colour sanding? i undestand the need to give the car a good cut after the freah paint.
Dasdubber ·
Cheers again gents...
StenGuns, zz top could be cool - hadn't thought of that!! 😉
Sub enclosure etc is on hold until I save to buy the new rear fill speakers as I'll have to modify the box to accommodate them.
Drew, colour sanding is basically performed to make the final finish smooth to remove "orange peel" in the paint which is the ripply dimples you can see in the top coat. You hit it with 1500-2000 wet sandpaper until peel is gone...then you end up with a flat, but dull surface. Then you fire up the sander/polisher at low speed using buffing compound to bring the shine back....followed by a softer pad and swirl remover to remove the swirls left by the buffer.
Then there is the final wax....ah, my arms will be huge after its done!!
BiX ·
thanks das. yeah i did do that to my car after i painted it. just i was never told the name of what i was doing. by the term colour sanding i thought it may involve sanding the base colour back before the clear is applied.
56astro ·
Al,
That colour looks really nice. Is it close to "Polar Silver"?
Dasdubber ·
Not really - but the lighting conditions do play some tricks on how the colour is perceived. I guess it has some similar tones as the polar silver but is much more olive/green - it is very hard to describe!
Dasdubber ·
Sorted out the brake lines today...here are the front lines in place...
Dasdubber ·
....and the rear....
Dasdubber ·
...and one final one of the hard line to the rear caliper.
t2 ·
i can see there is a awsome amount of time and effort here ,what is the bug for useing or showing. looks great i hope it aint going to be a trailer queen
Dasdubber ·
There would be no fun spending all this time and money on the bug only to trailer it to shows.....certainly will be no trailer queen! (hehehe...just re-read my reply and realised it is sitting on a trailer! - only time it will see a trailer when done though is if it breaks down) 😉
It won't be a daily driver, but it will certainly be driven....hard...as often as I can! All do respect to people who build dedicated show cars, but I have no intention or interest to make this one.
Anyway, body finally went back onto pan today for transport back to our house.
[Edited on 17-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
It certainly is nice to finally have some colour on the shell! I was getting sick of looking at primer. :P
Dasdubber ·
The paint looks pretty good as is, but after colour sanding will come up a treat.
pyr0 ·
awesome stuff im just sad i dont live in brizzy so i wont see you cruzin around in it :bounce
Dasdubber ·
I'll buff all guards etc off the shell, then pull it off one last time to finish the pan revival (repaint) and buff the roof, interior etc.
Dasdubber ·
Last shot...hopefully will get some more work done during the week.
BenettonVW ·
Lookin good bud.. Must be chuffed?
Dasdubber ·
Well chuffed :thumb
56astro ·
nice lookin ROD ya got there Al !!!
GL1972 ·
Lookin' fantastic! Now you have to be real carefull not to run through the garage with sharp metal objects.
Brendan
koolkarmakombi ·
Dont put the gaurds back on dude, would look awesome as an openwheeler! Damn ADR's!
Did you get your slabs poured for Das Garage Mahal?
Dasdubber ·
Yeah the rod-look is pretty cool 😎
Half the slab is poured which the car is sitting on in the pics - just the front half to go now (which is the driveway to the road). Not to mention still have to build the carport itself!
pete wood ·
YEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHH!, that looks awesome! 😀
man that is gonna be gun, It doesn't even need guards to look amazing!
koolkarmakombi ·
Gee man if this is how you are building your car what is the carport going to be? Transformers or something!:thumb
robnjo ·
another Awesome job...is this colour like the main colour on your old two tone bug?
A job well done.
Rob
Dasdubber ·
koolkarmakombi wrote:Gee man if this is how you are building your car what is the carport going to be? Transformers or something!:thumb
Hehehe...unfortunately nothing that exciting or interesting, I am certainly a devotee of the "if its worth doing, its worth doing right" motto. No point doing something half-arsed especially if we will be in this house for a while!
robnjo wrote:another Awesome job...is this colour like the main colour on your old two tone bug?A job well done. Rob
Looks similar in certain lights (the original was anthracite grey), but this is much more olive green.
:beer
Dasdubber ·
Colour sanding has begun! Not the best start when I was buffing the rear apron and caught an edge - landed straight on the concrete resulting in a nice chip....ah well, got the first scratch out of the way without crying, I can now move on :duh
Next up was one of the rear guards (don't worry I won't show a pic of every single piece I rub back and polish!)...first up hit it with 1500 then some 2000 wet and dry to knock back all orange peel.
You can see the sanded portion on the left of screen and the freshly buffed portion on the right.
Dasdubber ·
A bit scary sanding back all that clearcoat and worrying I'd break through to the base...but okay so far. Its coming up quite nicely.
A big thanks to my mate who conveniently dropped around just when I needed a hand, and held the guard whilst I buffed it and swirl removed it so I didn't repeat the rear apron mishap.
Dasdubber ·
The reflections are showing pretty well, not perfect but if I wanted perfect I wouldn't be doing it myself!
BLUE_62 ·
i'd be happy with that dude. coming up a treat!
i hope mine comes up that nice but i will be using a acrylic paint rather than a 2 pac so i dont have to stress so much about shine. can u put a clear through an acrylic paint to make it shiney?
BenettonVW ·
Very nice mate, very nice.
Dasdubber ·
blue, not sure about adding clear to acrylic - quite possibly but don't know enough about paint technology! I know I colour sanded the white acrylic I sprayed on the sides of my old bug and that came up alright.
Cheers Jim!
Decklid's lookin a'ight after a bit of elbow grease...more progress hopefully over the weekend. Got the new rollcage hoop back from powdercoating today - lookin nice.
[Edited on 21-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
BLUE_62 ·
DROOL!!!!!!!
Looking pretty damn shit hot to me! :thumb
koolkarmakombi ·
Das could you show a piccy of your polishing rig?
(go on post a piccy of your arnie-arm )
the electric one......
kkk :P
barls ·
damn thats shiney good work mate
VWFOOL ·
oh man every time i drop into this thread i just feel sick, thats going ot be one awesome ride, would love something like that. cant wait to see the finished result. much props to u..
twoguns ·
can i jsut say...
[Edited on 23/1/2005 by twoguns]
Dasdubber ·
Thanks!
I told my wife that someone on the forum wanted to see a picture of her (my "polishing rig")...but she didn't think it was very funny....so here is the actual rig:
Makita variable speed sander/polisher (can't remember how many watts)....I use the white firmer pad with the Farecla G3 cutting compound, then the black finer pad with G4 (similar to a swirl remover).
Dasdubber ·
Managed to get one of the front guards done - will be nice to have our spare room(s) and spare bed back to normal use rather than parts storage!
Also clearcoated the recently powdercoated new rollcage main hoop, and repainted the fuel tank neck and outlet area after the AN bungs were welded in place (and subsequently burnt off the powdercoat).
Back to colour sanding again this week...:repuke
BenettonVW ·
Good god.. just look at that mate.. like... have a real good look...
Thats magic..
BLUE_62 ·
Tell me about it, sure as hell makes my bug look bad. :duh
Hehehe. Yet again, nice work!
GL1972 ·
This makes me want to start again!
We are not worthy! We are not worthy!
Fantastic job.
Brendan
koolkarmakombi ·
if you look closely you can see the reflection of my drool!
you may have to rope this baby off whenever you go out in public
kkk
Dasdubber ·
I know I don't have to post a pic of every single thing I do but I guess I am a bit of a picture-hoar...just can't get enough of 'em I 'spose.
Also its nice for people to get a real-time perspective of how long it takes to every bloody thing involved in a resto of this extent.
Okay, here is the bonnet after the treatment - not quite as nice as that email going around lately but not bad for a vw bonnet :o
Dasdubber ·
Thats it for now, just the doors and shell to go (sounds easy in one sentence).
Dasdubber ·
Remember how it started life? Ugly. :duh
bugboymatt ·
Stop you pic-hoar you !!!!!!!!!!! All these pics make us that haven't done a thing a thing envious.......... Righty o no more lookin at this thread !!!!!!
Yeah right !!!!!!!!!!!!
Make great work as ever.............. Carn't wait to see it in the flesh so to speak................................
Dasdubber ·
Alright, gotta get my next fix (told you I can't get enough of the pics! Sorry aussieveedubbers bandwidth).
The doors suffered probably the worst orange peel as you can see in this pic:
Dasdubber ·
Here it is after 1500 and 2000 wet and dry treatment. Dull but nice and flat:
Dasdubber ·
Now after the G3 (curring compound) an G4 (hologram/swirl remover). Looks a bit better now.
Dasdubber ·
You can see it is not dead straight, but its not bad compared to what I started with (the sandblasters warped them pretty well).
Dasdubber ·
This gives you an idea of how the prep work pays off in the end. The colour sanding process took about 2.5 hours for this door. Hopefully the other one will be done this arvo (providing I am not too drunk after the obligatory Australia day BBQ). :beer
BLUE_62 ·
FUCKEN LOVE IT!
Only part of my car i get that sorta reflection is the rear view mirror! :thumb
BenettonVW ·
I can't comment any more.. I am out of words you pic-whorebag! Mate, I say more pics the better. This is in the top 5 threads most viewed on the site mate, so don't stop now.. too many people are watching!
Desert Moose ·
Dasdubber wrote:This gives you an idea of how the prep work pays off in the end. The colour sanding process took about 2.5 hours for this door. Hopefully the other one will be done this arvo (providing I am not too drunk after the obligatory Australia day BBQ). :beer
Now that retaining wall could do with a lick of paint or maybe some killrust on the bolts of the pier's, and you should mow you lawn more often.....:P
Dasdubber ·
Desert Moose wrote:Now that retaining wall could do with a lick of paint or maybe some killrust on the bolts of the pier's, and you should mow you lawn more often.....:P
:thumb I was waiting for someone to pick that up! This is why the beetle has taken so long - I am still in the middle of renos on our house....the stains are from the hardwood beams that will support the trusses for the carport (which are sitting in the front yard under tarps waiting for the roof sheets to be delivered!)....after carport is done the yard will be scalped back to dirt (you should have seen the size of the weeds before I mowed them!)....then the retaining walls will be painted after I turf.....pity work gets in the way of these things, why do weekends only last two days?
Cheers
PS - Had too much to drink to operate power tools so I'll leave the other door for another day :duh
[Edited on 26-1-2005 by Dasdubber]
GL1972 ·
How many coats of color and clear did you apply? Looks like a lot of clear. I'm sorry now that I only used 2 litres of clear looking at your work.
Brendan
Dave R32 ·
I never thought I would read 23 pages of a thread, but I have tonight.
The work you have done on this car is simply amazing and taking the time to share it with us all.....thank you.
I hope to see it for real one day at a show or a cruise.
Cheers
Dave.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Dave, being in Brisbane I am sure you will see it sooner or later (hopefully sooner rather than later!).
Brendan, I applied four coats of clear using just under 5L in total. If I had more time I would have sanded it all back (to the same degree as before I hit it with the buffer), then applied another two coats before going through the same process again but that time with the buffer. That would give it even deeper gloss, but I am pretty happy with how it turned out so I am certainly not complaining!
GL1972 ·
I 1200 grit the color before applying the clear. The first clear coat had 10% color in it also. Made for less color sanding work at the end but looking at your car I don't think I started with enough clear lacquer. Lesson learnt for next time (shhhh don't tell the missus).
I'd like to see yours and CT's (fullnoise) oval in a lineup. Would be cool.
Brendan
Dasdubber ·
Nothing too exciting to report - colour sanded the little bits like tail-light housings, licence plate light, glove box lid etc.
Just another shot of the car for no real reason :P
GL1972 ·
I look forward to you posts. Very straight! I now wish I had spent more time on prepping the body of mine. Once again fantastic job.
Brendan
DoNkEy ·
seen this baby in the flesh..she is pretty 😀
BTW the kombi is mid engine rebuild 🙂 cheers
ColumBUS ·
mate every time i see progress on this thing i drool.
hope youve made a huuge cabinet for all of the trophies youll be winning!
Dasdubber ·
Finally finished the drivers side door - surf has been pumping so things have been on hold for a little bit 😉
Dasdubber ·
Hard to get decent pics in the dark but you get the idea. Now I can start on the body itself!
pete wood ·
don't stop now dude, I can't wait to see this thing finished! 😎
GL1972 ·
Alan,
Now you are teasing us with those pics.
I know how you feel. Surf is the reason my bug took two and a half years. You know what they say "if you use to surf, you never did" and "the only bad day's surfing is one where you don't".
How do you get a German Look roof rack for a beetle to effectively hold surfboards?
Brendan:jesus
Dasdubber ·
I know what you mean Brendan, as much as I want to get this beasty done, still have to find time to do the things in life you love (surf, wife etc) :P
Re. roof rack, well I still have my wood slat Harding European roof rack - not exactly german look but will do the trick when needed!
From the pics your G-Looker's paint looks pretty damn good Brendan, its easy to get very critical when you look at it every day and go over it with a fine tooth comb! (I know the feeling).
GL1972 ·
What craft do you ride...hope it's not a Mal.
I had some problems where the etch primer reacted with the POR15 so I'll have to fix those places up at some time in the future.
Regarding the roof rack I've been thinking of getting something made out of oval aluminium tube of 50x25 and then get it powder coated.
Brendan
Dasdubber ·
Definitely short board for me (anything from 6'1 fish to 6'10 gun depending on size - lately its been the 6'4).
The aluminium rack would be pretty cool - polished would be nice but hard to do.
I have a ragtop roof so I could look like a nob and stick it out the top like I've seen some of the richy rich's driving around the gold coast in their new saab/audi/etc convertibles with the boards hanging out (I'm sure more for decoration than actual use most of them!).
GL1972 ·
Phew I would've had to stop conversing with you! Kneeboard for me (cause I'm an old worn out bugger). Got three boards all 6 footers. They fit in the passenger seat but you look like a parker when you are with someone and they have to sit directly behind you.
I'm going to get a couple of pieces of 1/4 aluminuim and shape some side plates. Once I get the curve and angle correct I'll get flanges welded on for the crossbars. The plan is to have the bars easily removable to add foam tube when needed. A single clamp each side to the corner of the door jam made out of stainless also. If I get adventurous I will design the crossbars to have some inlaid padding instead of the foam. I also want all the fixings to be as hidden as possible so there may be quite a bit of experimentation.
Carbon fibre/kevlar would be nice.
Brendan
Dasdubber ·
Finally stuff is starting to go back together! Rear lights, licence plate light, glove box lid, ashtray etc done.
warb ·
Thought it was a 63 😉 .. Looking awesome mate, hopefully I will see it in the flesh one day...
Dasdubber ·
Its a mish mash of models - 68 pan, 63 body, 58 rear gaurds, bonnet off a 61, tail lights off a 57...I just used the bits I liked/needed off each year! :thumb
geewiz ·
This is just one _insane_ resto! All the efforts and craftsmanship make this bug truely sublime...
Blown away mate 🙂
1966creambug ·
Hi, which model of 911 are your headlight lenses from? Can you provide their Bosch number for my parts dealer reference? Thanks for help.
Dasdubber ·
Well, I guess thats the risk of posting so many pictures in such a short time - they have the risk of being all lost. These things happen though, I'll try and repost them.
I have to say thanks to Brad for hosting them at the manx club site, it will be easier for me to figure out where I left off!
MikeM ·
DasDubber,
Great job. Can't wait to see this car in the flesh.
Just a question on the paint that was chipping on the chassis. I read somewhere that the POR on the chassis was chipping, so you sanded it back and painted it with POR...? I'm confused, can you clarify.
DoNkEy ·
he he this resto gone backwards :P
Dasdubber ·
1966creambug wrote:Hi, which model of 911 are your headlight lenses from? Can you provide their Bosch number for my parts dealer reference? Thanks for help.
Hmmmm...no idea sorry. I bought them off a mate who bought them off ebay (from the US) a while back. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Dasdubber ·
MikeM wrote:Just a question on the paint that was chipping on the chassis. I read somewhere that the POR on the chassis was chipping, so you sanded it back and painted it with POR...? I'm confused, can you clarify.
I originally painted the etch primed pan with Chassis Coat (made by POR15 - I think that is the company name). Depsite being assured by the sales rep that it would adhere well to the primer, it did not....it would flake off just looking at it. So I stripped it back to bare metal in as many places as possible and painted it with POR15 rust preventative paint which is a gloss and not UV stable. However it does have better adhesive properties. So fingers crossed. So far it has fared well for dropped screwdrivers etc on the pan!
Dasdubber ·
DoNkEy wrote:he he this resto gone backwards :P
That would be the end if I had to start all this work again! Fortunately I have just lost pics and not actual work!
So here goes, get ready for a reload of all pics posted since the last forum back up. If it crashes again I won't be reposting them all....so lets hope 😉
Dasdubber ·
Well the on again off again relationship continues - pan and body are two once again (for colour sanding).
Dasdubber ·
Thanks to a mate, the pan is now stripped once again in readiness for POR15 (not chassis coat this time).
Dasdubber ·
Finished sanding the body just on dark - tomorrow will start the buffing process.
Dasdubber ·
Put down two coats of POR15 onto the freshly sanded pan - lookin nice and shiny.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the body as I tackled it this morning - all flat, but very dull.
Dasdubber ·
Here you can see half of the roof section done - the reflection is of the pole cross pieces of the temporary carport I put up as it was 'ken hot today.
Dasdubber ·
Now its all smooth and glossy.
Dasdubber ·
Not mirror straight but good enough for a home job.
Dasdubber ·
Reflections coming up okay.
Dasdubber ·
This pic is a little dark but gives you an idea of the depth of finish...the vw sign just caught my eye as I walked past.
Dasdubber ·
Freshly painted pan looking glossy inside - time to start reassembly finally.
Dasdubber ·
Body back on pan - luckily it is light to lift when stripped!
Dasdubber ·
I have been polishing up miscellaneous bits and pieces like the door latch, ignition barrel, ashtray surround etc.
Dasdubber ·
Ar$e end is lookin pretty tidy 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Things will slowly go back together...slowly but surely.
Dasdubber ·
Just another shot taken this arvo...still fiddling with the little bits.
Dasdubber ·
...and another shot....
Dasdubber ·
Hopefully will be putting the ragtop to good use when cruising in the near (hopefully) future!
Dasdubber ·
Wheels may not be to everyone's taste but I still love em!
Dasdubber ·
Once I scrounge up enough cash to get the front splits I will make up the custom kick panels which will wrap right around in front of the pedals as well.
Dasdubber ·
Cap polished up, autometer sender in place, -4 braided stainless breather line connected....things are coming together!
Dasdubber ·
Had to ramp the pan up to allow a bit of room to strip and repaint the underside today. Lots of fun...not.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks to my mate for installing the new 10mm stainless hard line through the tunnel - turned out very neat!
Dasdubber ·
The line and swage-lock NPT fittings are good for up to 20,000psi (no $hit - they are originally for gas lines)...so they will handle the 3.5psi quite adequately!
Dasdubber ·
-8 braided line into regulator, -6 out to each carb. I had breather box custom made.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the engine on the way in - took of valve covers and it slipped right in.
Dasdubber ·
I am certainly glad I made the apron removable! Makes life a lot easier.
Dasdubber ·
-10 braided lines from custom breather box should ventilate the case and valve covers adequately.
Dasdubber ·
Starting to come together now, more work to continue soon.
Dasdubber ·
Shroud is back on so its coming together nicely. Carbs temporarily bolted up to check fit again.
Dasdubber ·
Alt pulley is HPC'ed but don't worry I have a shiny new nut and washer to go on.
Dasdubber ·
With the tight fit of the breather box you can see why all those trial fits were necessary! Wouldn't want to find out now that something didn't fit!
Dasdubber ·
The oil pressure sender relocation line from aircooled.net allowed me to mount the sender tucked in next to the shroud for a sano appearance. (as it wouldn't fit due to the oil lines running through the shroud).
1966creambug ·
1966creambug wrote:Hi, which model of 911 are your headlight lenses from? Can you provide their Bosch number for my parts dealer reference? Thanks for help.
Hmmmm...no idea sorry. I bought them off a mate who bought them off ebay (from the US) a while back. Sorry I can't be of more help. [/quote]
never mind. Do they have any part number casted on their face? Please take a look if it won´t bother you...Thanks again...
Dasdubber ·
Doors are back on - feels like I am finally making progress!
Dasdubber ·
...rollcage is back in...
Dasdubber ·
...along with seatbelts...
Dasdubber ·
Tomorrow hopefully will yield more progress...we'll see how it goes.
Dasdubber ·
Stinger Roadkill expert sound deadener was applied to both doors and rear quarters...and soon to be rear parcel tray and firewall, as well as other misc areas.
Dasdubber ·
Same mate who has helped in previous posts tidied up the brake lines for me - he is a perfectionist....so c'mon Alan (same name as me just in case you're confused)...time to get your beetle back on the road! You can see my highly technical steering stop zip-tied on - this is still my stock width beam - narrowed one to be trial fitted when I get my shortened tie rod back from Custom Offroad.
Okay that brings us up to date pretty much. More sound deadener has gone in, carbs are back off, some dash bits in as well. Will update pics soon. Please don't crash again :duh
[Edited on 22-2-2005 by Dasdubber]
akean1 ·
that photo of the tank came up a treat, looks like an advert for expensive jeans/stereo/coffe or something
Dasdubber ·
akean1 wrote:that photo of the tank came up a treat, looks like an advert for expensive jeans/stereo/coffe or something
I thought that actually....like I have fancy lighting and tricky lenses and stuff. But alas just got lucky with the old 2 megapixel digital camera and natural light. If only I could have some hot chicks from the jeans adds draped over it, that would be nice. Of course I'd just be briefly glancing at them (my wife might check this forum, better be careful). :kiss
GL1972 ·
Alan,
If you put it on a trailer unfinished as it is and brought it down to the Nationals, I'd reckon you'd walk away with some silverware.
Looks great.
Brendan
barls ·
looking good mate am interested in how well the sound deadening works
Dasdubber ·
Here you can see the retractable seat belts (attached to roll cage) and sound deadening applied to the floor pan.
All that guam you can see in the door is wax I sprayed into all the cavities - the stink is just starting to subside. Should do the job well though. :puke
[Edited on 23-2-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Dash is slowly taking shape - speedo is a km/h unit. Gauges are voltmeter, oil temp and oil pressure. 😎
[Edited on 23-2-2005 by Dasdubber]
cray ·
that's pretty
BenettonVW ·
Ho ho.. man.. I hope we didn't lose too many of these pics..
I am ver interested to know about the sound deadening and the wax too.. I might u2u you at some stage.. A bit off that stage yet.. :duh
mountainbug ·
As usual totality arrwsome, one in a thousand, if i get half as good as this i'll be happy.
keep it up dassa
063bug ·
Keep the pictures coming...... and the good work......:thumb
pete wood ·
awesum! 😎
ruckus ·
Seriously Das you could make a nifty little book out of all of the things you've done, with these photos (I'm sure there're more you haven't posted) as a how-to kindo thing. VWMA could be interested? Either way I'd love to get my hands on some hard copies showing a chronology of progress.
vanderaj ·
I've said it before, but this is one THE best modified VW's I've ever seen. The attention to detail is just awesome. Keep the pics coming!
Andrew
Dasdubber ·
Thanks for all the kind words gents, they are all appreciated. I've always wanted to a full body off nut and bolt resto so may as well do it right and avoid any regrets later if I cut corners now!
Anyway, better get to it - hopefully popouts will go in today and maybe even exhaust. See how it goes - will update pics later.
whatnow ·
is it just me or are there heaps of others out there waiting to see what will happen next???
h.
Dasdubber ·
Well, not a bad day. Both popouts in and both rear gaurds on. Extractors bolted up - muffler tomorrow.
Popout glass is a little scratched up (as I bought them) - they are not perfect but really....I don't mind, just can't wait to put them into good use!
Dasdubber ·
Whoo-hooo....gaurd makes it feel like completion is getting closer.
Dasdubber ·
Still have to trial fit up the narrowed beam when I get some more time (hence front gaurds won't go on for a while).
Dasdubber ·
After bolting up the extractors looks like the rear end will have to come up an inch or two to get a little more clearance.
Dasdubber ·
The rear won't come up much, just enough so I don't rip off the exhaust that cost me a pretty penny :blush
It was worth it though, can't wait to hear it roar to life!
More to come tomorrow hopefully (unless surf is cranking all morning...still should find time though to do some more work).
warb ·
what can i say, seet mate, the work is awseome, and its realy paying off, i hope i can see it in person one day... (and maybe you :P )
StenGuns ·
Do yourselves a favour and go back to page one.. What a frickin journey.. Note that Dasdubber was expecting a height issue once weight was in the rear..
ikube ·
Just so Porsche with those Cups. Awesome, good luck with the final touches!
hellbugged ·
beeep beeep beeep beeep.........come on das, time to get up and inspire the masses once again. good morning:sandrine
063bug ·
Hey Das, I like the idea of you trailering it to the next show for others to see...... even if it is just to make it a little higher so people don't have to get on there hands and knees to look under it.........😀
pete wood ·
amazing, woah, that is looking better and better everytime I see it. 🙂
56astro ·
Hey Dasdubber
Now it's time to type up some istructions on those pop-outs. I haven't put mine in yet cause I'm afraid of drilling holes on the wrong spots.
Was it difficult, or a piece of cake?
Dasdubber ·
Well another big day - thankfully we got the carport up last weekend - makes working under it so much more enjoyable compared to the QLD sun!
Re. popouts, it helps having two people one to hold, whilst you mark and check fit before drilling. It wasn't too difficult, I remember writing instructions way back in the tech section in response to someone's query....maybe worthwhile doing a search and if no luck let me know (I'll try and remember!)
After hitting the surf early this morning, returned to continue work on the beetle....door rubbers (around perimeter) are on, quarter window rubbers in, and more importantly that shiny stainless muffler is bolted in place!
Dasdubber ·
Four supporting brackets hold it onto the block to avoid excessive vibration and placing too much stress on the flange (joint between extractors and muffler).
Dasdubber ·
Oh yeah, tail-lights are on too. Dang I love that muffler :bounce
Its nice seeing it on the car rather than on my spare room floor!
[Edited on 28-2-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Even with the sun shining its hard to catch the true depth of the colour....you really need to see it in person/flesh....and yes you will soon..........er or later. :P
I hope to have it at the show in May at Cleveland.....and definitely plan for valla and nationals next year!
Dasdubber ·
Don't worry, I've left the guard beading long intentionally - will trim to fit once the rear apron goes on eventually.
Over and out. 😎
StenGuns ·
Oh......my....god!
malcolm ·
Dasdubber great workmanship ,how much did you lower the rear and what is your ground clearance I,m welding in a 944 rear torsion tube 60mm higher and I work out I should have 150 mm ground clearance.thanks Malcolm.
Dasdubber ·
Hi Malcolm, I am unsure of the exact amount of drop I performed in the rear end - I will have to measure up some areas of clearance but most likely it will be coming up about an inch some time soon.
Che Castro ·
this is very inspiring! great work
ruckus ·
You're such a tease Das. Why are you wasting time surfing when you should be finishing this car so we can perve on it! :thumb
pete wood ·
that exhaust is soooo horn, man if porsche released something like that how awesome would it be.
YOU ROCK DAS!!!! 😀
Dasdubber ·
1966creambug wrote:never mind. Do they have any part number casted on their face? Please take a look if it won´t bother you...Thanks again...
Finally got a part number off the box - 1305 614 005. Sorry it took me so long!
Dasdubber ·
Shot is a bit dark but you can see the stainless trim (I polished it up) and side indicators (from a Golf) are back in place.
1966creambug ·
Dasdubber wrote:
1966creambug wrote:never mind. Do they have any part number casted on their face? Please take a look if it won´t bother you...Thanks again...
Finally got a part number off the box - 1305 614 005. Sorry it took me so long!
THANKS A LOT!...I check this thread everyday just to see the progress..The car is great and some details are awesome. I´d personally go with more "retro" looking wheels, but its your car and its still one of the best restorations I´ve ever seen.
Jan from Prague, Czech republic
063bug ·
Keep going......:bounce
....need more pictures......... morepictures....... they run out too quick:cry
sean68 ·
this post is like an addiction
have to check in every day to get our photo fix
your doing an awesome job on this bug das
giving me and no doubt others on this forum inspiration to keep going with our cars
can't wait to see the finished product:bounce
cheers
sean
Dasdubber ·
If only there was more hours in the day.....actually, make that if only I didn't have to work....or could work less....well you get the picture. Chipping away a little each day. Bonnet stainless trim back on today and original vw badge polished up and installed.
Dasdubber ·
Photo is a little blurry (hand is a little shaky after a few beers tonight!)... wolfsburg crest (off earlier model) also polished up and back in place. Rechromed bonnet handle to go back on after I pick up the latch mechanism from powdercoater.
ruckus ·
awesome
Davecho ·
looking awesome das!!! bet your getting really excited now!!! light at the end of the tunnel
cray ·
beautiful.
makes me feel like i've done a really bad quarter ass job on my own car :duh
jenz58 ·
OMG....WOW.....looking so good ...
akean1 ·
cray wrote:beautiful.
makes me feel like i've done a really bad quarter ass job on my own car :duh
he he , makes me feel like that too, "but the woods woul be a verry quiet place if the birds who sang best were the only ones to sing"
Dasdubber ·
akean1 wrote:he he , makes me feel like that too, "but the woods woul be a verry quiet place if the birds who sang best were the only ones to sing"
Too true, I love hearing all the birds in this VW paradise we call Oz singing in harmony! :kiss
Had it custom made as the business name indicates 🙂 Exy but it is an awesome piece of work.
Octa ·
mannn... sweet resto... 😎 I wish I had the time/money/experience to restore my own notch like that. I have been dreaming of maaking my notch a german looker. Excellent work and what astounds me as well is the way you have been documenting your progress with this project. It servers not only as inspiration and a good resource for future resto nuts out there.
Thanks for sharing.. and more pics :bounce
Dasdubber ·
Not too much to report in last few days. Did fork out some more cash (for something different.....not) on some new 6.5in Dynaudio 240GT splits. They sound absolutely awesome, can't wait to get them running!
bugeyedbabe ·
das,
i love coming to this thread eveyr day to see what u've done.
great work, absolutely fantastic.
u must be so proud.
great looking speakers....
jenz58 ·
.....OMG....sound.....other than wind n flapping 😀
So cool.....you will have an AWESOME Dubb to get around in das
Dasdubber ·
Thank you both! It certainly is a slow process but good for y'all watching this thread to realise the actual time it takes to do a full resto since it is updated in real time.
Lot of bloody work but will be worth it eventually!
fullnoise ·
I'm speechless (Lucky I'm typing). Wow.
Can't wait to see it in the flesh one day.
That's a credit to you and a big one at that.
CYA CT
Dasdubber ·
Cheers CT, your oval was always a source of inspiration with its awesome paint - I remember it a few years back at Raleigh raceway. Spoke to you briefly in the pit area when you were tuning your webbers. I love to see someone giving such a beautiful car some stick like you do!
E ·
come on das, i want to see this one finished soon (long time listener, first time caller).
ColumBUS ·
E... would you poke da vinci with a stick to make him paint faster?
leave it be...
...
...
... stuff it, come on das you can do it!!! but more importantly you can do it faster!
bugeyedbabe ·
Leave him alone...
this car is a masterpeice.
And yes he could do it faster, but which would u have him give up, family or surf...
one keeps him grounded, other keeps him sane, one keeps him connected to society
u work out which...:thumb
das, the work is fantastic. I lvoe logging on and seeing if u updated...and when u do, I always inspired to do more on my cars. 🙂
but what will u do when ur finished, u'll have so much more time on ur hands....🙂
Dasdubber ·
Hehehe....I know its all in jest. I had hoped to have it done for last Valla show so after establishing, then subsequently blowing out all expected dates of completion, I'm resided to the fact that it will get finished when it gets finished.
You're right though, if I forced myself to work on it just to get it done, I'd end up not enjoying it and therefore start to cut corners and god forbid not finish it at all! Not thats going to happen now though!
Well after this one is done, there is another full body off resto to complete on a 68 beetle (not to the same extent as this one though) - it will be sold as soon as its finished! So stay tuned over the next 6-12 months!
Anyway, lunch time is over, better get back to the beetle!
Dasdubber ·
Nothing too exciting to report today - just fiddled with door internals for a while and had to run around chasing bits. Got a new windscreen (thanks to dannyboy for the advice). Will fit it tomorrow along with rear window. Also more sound deadener to go on.
This pic you can see the side trim on finally. Hopefully tomorrow will trial fit the narrowed beam finally (got the remaining tie rod from custom offroad the other day).
Dasdubber ·
...just another pic of the side indicator. More to come tomorrow.
warb ·
coming along quite nicely...
bugeyedbabe ·
looking so nice
bugeyedbabe ·
have i told u that recently :thumb
ruckus ·
Hey Das can you tell me how expensive that sound deadener is?
(u2u if you don't want people to know how much you spend on the 'little things' :thumb)
Dasdubber ·
Well, pretty productive weekend mostly - popped the rear apron on temporarily for a trial fit. It will obviously fit better once bolted in place.
Dasdubber ·
Decklid on - fortunately the quick release hinge pins make it easy to get it off (will help when putting carbs in and wiring engine.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks to dannyboy for some more advice...got the rear window in after a couple of attempts. I have done this before but its still a bit stressful each time I do it!
Dasdubber ·
Windscreen in as well...no cracks or breakages fortunately!
Dasdubber ·
Maxrob wheel finally back in position!
Dasdubber ·
Must admit it is much nicer pushing it around the garage and being able to steer it for a change rather than pushing and pulling the front wheels :o
Dasdubber ·
Back to bed so to speak....
Got most of the drivers door back together apart from the quarter window which I have to put the glass back in place (have to make the jig to squeeze the glass and rubber back in). So more fun to come.
DIY-DUB ·
this is seriously hot, h8 2 think how much u have spent on this, u probably do 2
BUS-234 ·
I like it a lot
Che Castro ·
damn that is the shit!
pete wood ·
guarrrrrg, sorry I'll wipe the drool off the screen now, 🙂
GL1972 ·
700 replies..
Das's '63 is the new drug!
Brendan
ruckus ·
Man, and I thought it couldn't get any better!
Dasdubber ·
May as well add another to the long list of replies then!! Good to see people are interested in whats going on.
Bolted up the windscreen washer reservoir/pump. Didn't have time to do much more tonight.
ColumBUS ·
and i thought an engine rebuild was major work for a car!
only one word can sum this up
inspirational!
62deluxe ·
Just when I think that this machine can't get any better.............
You have alot to proud of mate!:thumb
bugeyedbabe ·
were u able to source the last of the parts u needed??
bugeyedbabe ·
were u able to source the last of the parts u needed??
bugeyedbabe ·
saw it in another thread...
but this car is just so nice...every day i come check to see what is done
11CAB ·
That washer bottle is awesome......where did you get it? and what is it off?...... Very cool
Dasdubber ·
bugeyedbabe wrote:were u able to source the last of the parts u needed??
Hopefully - Brad from Custom Offroad has offerred them to me which is great! He just has to pull them out and make sure they are the right ones.
Now just to replace the Golde ragtop components that the chrome plater lost....this is proving fun so far...NOT. I have my fingers crossed that a dude in the US thinks he has the right bits!
Well, after work managed to fit the rear quarter interior panels back up...
Dasdubber ·
Also finished sound deadening the parcel tray and rear wheel arches - fiddly but hopefully will be worth the effort!!
11cab the washer bottle was from CB performance - you buy it as a bolt in kit...pretty sweet I must agree. 😎
Dasdubber ·
....and one final (blurry) pic...lovin the steering wheel a lot at the moment :thumb
Chewy ·
Is the rear apron just the stocker made removeable??
how does it bolt back into place?
sorry if you've gone through this already...
I would love to see this thing cruising down the highway! too bad you're in brisbane 🙁
Dasdubber ·
Rear apron is a repro but does bolt in place with the use of a bracket each side. See here for details:
lookn good
hey dassdubber were you the one that bought my corvair motor a few years ago
Dasdubber ·
That was me indeed - it is patiently awaiting eventual installation into my 1964 splitty double door panel. As you can see from this thread though, I kinda got side tracked with a beetle!
After this one is done, I have a 68 beetle (body already done) which I have to finish the body off resto on....so I can sell it.
Then the splitty will start (but that one will take a few years I think!) Actually my dad borrowed the dizzy off your old engine (he has a 64 corvair convertible) to see if the electronic ignition works better than the points set up he has been having troubles with on his engine.
kombibob ·
you still have to take me for a drive when you get it going
it was a shame to have the motor so long and do so much research and never hear it run
Dasdubber ·
Yeah I can see you spent a lot of time and money on it! It will be going to a good home/vw....eventually! I'm sure you'll see it at the shows in a couple years and will certainly take you for a spin 😉
1966creambug ·
Hey what are your ideas for front indicators? Will you use some sort of indicators which go into front horn grilles or other?
With greetings from frozen Europe, Jan
[Edited on 9-3-2005 by 1966creambug]
Doug Sweetman ·
Keep up the fantastic work.
Its prob been mentioned on one of the other 17 pages of replies, but...... thats a bloody nice exhaust you have !
Dasdubber ·
Cheers Doug, the exhaust is very nice - can't wait to hear what it sounds like.
Jan, brrrr....looks kinda chilly over there! Re. indicators I would say most likely the little bullet harley style ones that will be nestled in close to the early over-riders on the bumper (or maybe below). Still a little undecided.
Dasdubber ·
Finally got around to pulling out the standard width front beam this morning....
Dasdubber ·
...thank god I "massaged" the body to fit the 80mm narrowed beam before I painted the car!
Dasdubber ·
At first I couldn't figure out why I couldn't locate the steering box in the correct position - realised the grease nipple was in the way so I had to remove it. Most likely will have to plug it, drill and tap the beam in a different spot to allow a grease point - ahh the joys of modifying!
The pitman arm also had to be modified to fit due the the 80mm lost out of the beam.
Dasdubber ·
Last shot for today.....the arse end will come up a notch soon (maybe tomorrow if I get time...but more than likely next weekend).
Cheers
boersch ·
that paint is magnificent!
akean1 ·
there is some tight squeez's going on there:blush
bond ·
whats the number plate man?! hehe
DIY-DUB ·
can we get a pic with both the lid and apron on @ the same time so it looks finished? in all pics its none, or 1 or the other
bugeyedbabe ·
1st car, be patient..u wouldn't ask davinci to give u a quick water color of the finished product would u?? (hurry up and put the blue in)
these things take time...
Dasdubber ·
1stcarbug wrote:can we get a pic with both the lid and apron on @ the same time so it looks finished? in all pics its none, or 1 or the other
Thats probably because it is not finished! 😉
There is no point in me putting the apron on now as it will have to come off again soon...so you'll just have to wait I'm afraid.
Number plate is nothing special, but like the apron it will be seen some time soon.
Anyway, front suspension temporarily bolted up again and guards back on.
bugeyedbabe ·
it is sooo nice...
Dasdubber ·
The 3 and a bit inches taken out of the beam has tucked the wheels in nicely. I have temporarily added some washers (to a width of around 16mm) between the disc and wheel bolt surface so I can work out the width of the spacers I'll need made up.
Dasdubber ·
Still have to play around with the camber on the front wheels....and rear will be adjusted next weekend hopefully.
Dasdubber ·
911 glass in headlights just there temporarily (like a lot of stuff!) - not worth putting this stuff in permanently until I get the wiring sorted.
Dasdubber ·
There is a good amount of clearance now and finally I have some turning circle back again!
boersch ·
those wheels suit the car nicely! who says they're only for german lookers?
Octa ·
Those wheels and the 911 headlights look amazing.
Bizarre ·
Dasdubber wrote:The 3 and a bit inches taken out of the beam has tucked the wheels in nicely. I have temporarily added some washers (to a width of around 16mm) between the disc and wheel bolt surface so I can work out the width of the spacers I'll need made up.
Just out of interest - why didnt you just narrow the beam 48mm??? ie 80 - 16 - 16 = 48mm??
So inportant to get the wheels to fill the guards.
You got it perfect.
Still... i recon struts are easier to do :thumb
Nice work.
Not long now ???
Dasdubber ·
Mainly because I could not determine accurately how wide the spacers needed to be before I got the beam and guards back on. At initial estimates the spacers had to be anywhere between 15 and 30mm (will probably get them 20mm). In the case where 30mm each side was required, I needed to ensure I had enough out of the beam to account for this (plus I wanted to tuck the wheels in a little more than originally anyway).
It is a lot easier to get wider spacers than it is to re-narrow an already narrowed beam! So I figured better to go more than less.
Re. finish date - still have to rewire the whole thing which will take a while....but its getting there.
Cam ·
I love those wheels on that car they suit it perfectly. Love the headlight glass too, the thing just looks fast, even when it isnt complete.
squizy ·
I've said this before, and I'll say it again....that is going to be one nice looking bug.
Squiz...
bugeyedbabe ·
okay das...the ride has been awesome, but u've only told half the story here on this thread...
It goes into even more detail...and it is FANTASTIC...
alan, the work was amazing, especially when u see it ALL, the full details show the true story...I am in awe...
if I can do even half as good a job as u, i will still be proud of myself...
awestruck...just awestruck
ColumBUS ·
das i just checked out the whole sotry with bugeyedbabe's link... i think im aout to cry its so beautiful! :cry
i think we need to make this guy a trophy
Dasdubber ·
Yeah the first half of the story was lost when the forum crashed ages ago (that is why this thread is named "part 2") - I've posted the link to the manx club website where the full story is situated before....but always good to get another link up for people who haven't seen it thus far.
Cheers again for the compliments. :kiss
DIY-DUB ·
Im with kk bring on the trophy
Dasdubber ·
Bolted on the amp rack tonight just to see how it looks and to prepare (eventually) to make the fibreglass surround.
Dasdubber ·
Another view...pic is a little dark though.
Dasdubber ·
Alpine CDA-9833 head unit in position (will be replacing black surround with a silver one soon).
Dasdubber ·
Last one to show the backside of head unit etc. Looking forward to wiring it all up.....not. Ah well, I'll get through it eventually.
By guts I assume interior (seats etc) - if so then nope not in for a while. No point until I finish the kick panels and sub box....and doors...and sound deadening.
Patience my friends....if you're getting antsy waiting for it to be done, spare a thought for how I feel after working on it solidy for 18 months (pretty much every weekend and most days after work). No-one wants it finished more than me, but no point rushing now. :duh
063bug ·
Hey Das, you won't be able to drive the car with the height of your car if you don't get that driveway in soon........ :duh
ps. 063bug will be cruising this weekend...... might let you have a spin this weekend to keep the motivation up 😉
Dasdubber ·
Whoo-hooo - great to see it back in action! Make sure you pop around!
Re. driveway, if all goes to plan the rest of the concrete should be poured weekend after easter!
DIY-DUB ·
tell me something, this has blown ur budget u originally planned by heaps hasnt it?
Dasdubber ·
Probably only by about three times initial estimates :duh
Lucky I have a very understanding wife! :kiss
DIY-DUB ·
arent u a lucky one! those are rare items 2 my knowledge
Dasdubber ·
Just a quick pic....put the flat 4 mirror on today as well as a bit more door assembly and continued pan sound deadening with Fusion stuff (not as exy as stinger or dynamat fortunately as the pan is a pretty big area).
oval TOFU ·
Jaw dropping work alan! Gott in himmel that's some pain staking work you've done! Keep up the fantastic work..
btw.. where did you source the sound deadener material? Got a url?
bugboymatt ·
Mate....... fantastic....
GL1972 ·
Alan,
I'm interested in what you would call this look. I am by no way a purist of any VW style. I thought that due to the 17 inch wheels and the Type 4 engine = German Look. The bodywork and interior is Cal Look styling.
Perhaps you would consider coining a new term. This car is truely one of a kind.
I'm think everyone who religiously visits this thread (myself included) would like a synopsis on what brought you to this point. I'm sure it would make good reading.
Regards
Brendan
ColumBUS ·
yeah das we want a 5 page essay on ur feelings at this time... ten pages when its done
squizy ·
It could still be termed a Cal looker, as Cals can run any style of Porsche rim.....17 inch....why not? But then Cals will usually run 135 or 145's on the front as well. Maybe it's an "early German Looker" or a "Resto Custom"
.....luv it all the same.
Dasdubber ·
I think perhaps a brief summary will suffice 😉
When it all started I was quite content with my old beetle (#76 logos, BRMs etc)...just enjoying cruising in it. One day I drove up to the local post office to post something (funny that) and an old lady sitting on the bus stop came up to me to comment on how nice the beetle was which was cool....and she then said that they had one under their house for the last 10 years after their daughter had crashed it. Glimpses of excitement of a split or an oval conjured up in my mind so I told her I'd love to check it out.
Turns out it was a 63 in pretty average shape (accident damage and rust) but it was one owner after all so hadn't been bodged up. She offerred it to me for free as long as when I finished restoring it I'd take her and her husband around the block in it for old times sake which I agreed to.
So the resto began....I had always wanted to do a full body off resto and after finally finishing uni and having some money rolling in it was perfect timing. Stripped, blasted, repaired, panel beated over many months. Original plans were for a cal-looker (hence started with Fuchs and swingaxle box for straight line stuff). As time went by I was leaning more towards the german look (big wheels, type IV etc)....so out went the fuchs, in came the turbo twists. Then began a phrase which I have caught myself saying many a times over the last 18 months - "I've spent this much time/money on it already, may as well not cut corners now".
By no means do I necessarily consider myself a non-conformist, but I do like to stand out a little. So I just combined different aspects of different "looks" into a package that I thought would work well. Stock upholstery (cal look) but minimal headliner (german look), roll cage (german look) but big stereo (? look), type IV (german look) but painted and prettied engine tin (custom ?), 17in wheels (GL) but swing axle box (CL), custom colour (GL) but stock side trim (resto custom).....too hard to analyse!!
Anyway, enough rambling, I just know through trial and error what looks good together (in my opinion) so just ran with it. Many factors have changed throughout the project which ultimately cost more money but I won't be doing another resto to this extent for a while so I'm not too worried. As I said, lucky I have an understanding wife :P
Octa ·
I would like to see the look int eh faces of the previous owner when you show up with the DasResto :thumb
PS. (hey, maybe that should be the name of the new look, not Resto Cal, not German Look, not Cal Look, but DasResto).
GL1972 ·
How about DasLook?
Well said Alan. There must be a male gene that is triggered by the length of time it takes to do a resto. T x $ = n x direction change
Octa ·
How about DasLook?
yes that's better.
Dasdubber ·
oval TOFU wrote:btw.. where did you source the sound deadener material? Got a url?
I got it from a car audio outlet where I bought my stereo stuff from - Northfield Car Audio:
Almost any decent car audio place should have it though. Good stuff is not cheap so beware...probably cost me around $500 thus far (hopefully that will be all I need!!!) Ouch yes.
Re. the look, I guess its not warranted coining it with a particular genre as you'd have to build one pretty much the same to class it under the same banner. I'm just happy with DasResto....you'd almost have to call it DasHybrid or something similar to encapsulate the combination of "looks"....but that sounds crap so I'll stop talking now. :duh
DoNkEy ·
Less talk, More Pictures :P
or just More pictures.
Need my daily dasCar fix
Dasdubber ·
Started work on the kick panels finally today - started masking up the footwells and surrounding areas. You can also see the fuel level guage attached to the steering column - tried to tuck it away....didn't want to make it look too ricey.
Dasdubber ·
Here it is all masked up....
Dasdubber ·
Spray adhesive was then applied over masking and alfoil attached (and taped at joints).
Dasdubber ·
Plastic was to stop resin from getting everywhere. Foil is to avoid resin seeping through any cracks in masking and messing up the paint, sticking to it, and potentially ripping it off. It provides a seal as such.
Dasdubber ·
Here it is after two coats of chop mat and resin applied - this will form the basis of kick panels so they are sealed enclosures for better response.
Dasdubber ·
Hopefully tomorrow I will cut and router the mounting circles for the dynaudio splits - they will be glued to the glass moulds seen here, then fabric stretched over it to give the kicks their shape and complete the enclosure.
Surf is cranking again though so not sure how much will get done :P Have to have some way to stay sane through this ordeal!
ColumBUS ·
how do you do it mate? i go insane when im changing a carby let alone this!
koolkarmakombi ·
what about Al-look?
kkk
that little ol lady is going to get a MAJOR shock!
Gibbo ·
As in Al-I-Fornia Look... 🙂 I like it...
Tops Work as always Al.
koolkarmakombi ·
lolol as in
Al-Built
to take his Mal-Board
to the Al-Waves
cant sleep, clown will eat me !
pete wood ·
I hope you're masking up the rest of the paint too :duh
empi ·
Hey Das is you car painted in Bmw M3 greeny/brown? Not to sure if u have specified it before ,dya know the name of colour
Ad
BenettonVW ·
Adam, he said he would tell us the name upon completion of the project.
Nice work Alan, cruisin along sweetly.. Got your first song for cruising picked out?!?
Dasdubber ·
I removed the base in once piece today (didn't get as much done as I hoped because surf was good!!) - its obviously thin still - more layers will be added for additional strength.
Dasdubber ·
Cut the big piece in half for easier management and to enable both sides to be sealed independently.
Dasdubber ·
After marking it up (in previous pic) I cut it to shape with air cut off wheel (dremel with cutting disc would do the same) - not a bad fit seen here.
Dasdubber ·
I made the 6 1/2 in splits MDF rings as well as rings for tweeters (not shown here) so they are flush mounted - for appearance and so I don't kick and damage them. This is all I got to today unfortunately.
Dasdubber ·
Last pic to finish for the weekend. :thumb
warb ·
after seeing all this, now i know why im going rat..... cause im lazy.... top work mate, lots of effort,.... just awesome..
SKEWtYpe3 ·
Top marks you deseve a gold star, the colour is outstanding !
all your choices have paid off big time, Daslooker is a killer !
I think we should get this locked to the top for everyone to be inspired by !
Dasdubber ·
BenettonVW wrote:Got your first song for cruising picked out?!?
Hmmm...will be a hard choice. I think I will be nervously listening for strange noises, rattles, bangs, pings etc for the first few trips so most likely won't have tunes on! But I think maybe Dumb Enough from Hilltop Hoods will be getting a run early on - in fact I'm lovin the whole album at the moment. :thumb Should be able to really give that sub a workout!
Turbo54 ·
Hey Das, Hilltops Rock, I went to school with them at Blackwood up in the hills in Adelaide and we all used to hang out at the blackwood roundabout. Suppose that's where Hilltop Hoods came from. Get the first album 'left foot, right foot'. It's really good, like your car!
T54
If your after some other really cool and different hip hop, try Koolism, Mark B and Blade, Jurassic 5, BLACKALICIOUS, After Hours (another blackwood group), Certified Wise, Deltron 3030. None of these are your typical ghetto rappers always talking about guns, money, sl#ts, drugs etc. All positive and mostly about world issues, problems with society and how to draw positives from everthing. Hope you like them.
Dasdubber ·
Cheers T54, I do like Koolism, Blackalicious and Jurassic 5 - I'll have to check the others out!
Dasdubber ·
Finally got my latest delivery from Wolfsburg West (and yes before you complain about keeping $ here in Australia, I checked with two brisbane VW shops and from a list of around 20 items, only 1 was available).
Anyway, I previously got some como green running boards in but have decided they don't suit the paint so brought in some black covers. So the como green covers (not the boards themselves) are up for sale - U2U if anyone is interested. They cost US$19 each which equates to around AU$49 for the pair. So I'll take $40 (not including freight). http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111821531ACG for details.
Dasdubber ·
And another shot :thumb
Dasdubber ·
Here's my dawg watching over proceedings this arvo.
Dasdubber ·
Retaped and drop sheeted the interior again and applied another two layers of fibreglass matt. Always tends to take longer than expected!
Dasdubber ·
Not much work this weekend - heading to Sydney for Nationals!! Last couple of pics (unless I squeeze something in after work tomorrow).
Dasdubber ·
Over and out.
squizy ·
Make sure you come up to the AVD stand Alan and say g'day.
Dasdubber ·
Shall do. :thumb
Looking forward to it despite unfortunate drag cancellation.
DIY-DUB ·
ur comin 2 the nats?
Dasdubber ·
Dasdubber wrote:Not much work this weekend - heading to Sydney for Nationals!!
Yep :thumb
Unfortunatley not in a vw though...flying down.
DIY-DUB ·
still good tho, ill be there 2 not in a vw either
Dasdubber ·
Picked up the Eclipse sub today - would like to mount it inverted but the rollcage gets in the way so it will sit like this:
The 6x9 holes are still to be glassed over soon. Thats it till next week - bring on the nats!
DIY-DUB ·
u realise now u gotta get some under car neons bro
Dasdubber ·
Maybe some LEDs to highlight some of the audio install but no under car neons for me thanks :duh
Speaking of audio, managed to hot glue the 6.5in woofer and tweeter mdf rings into position today using wooden dowel:
Some careful positioning was required to ensure adequate clearance for feet...
....and to try and obtain the best imaging as possible for the front stage (which is hard without seats in place and no power to run speakers...bit of a gamble but hopefully it will pay of).
ruckus ·
Noice
Brad ·
so are you going to turn this into a Baja bug once you get sick of street driving ?
Dasdubber ·
Hehehehe....you are a funny man Brad :P
I must admit I have been lusting after a buggy like Andy's project - it's taking shape very nicely!
Brad ·
so is that a maybe ? Just thought you could paint the kit whiclst doing the car
reub ·
you've am awesome bug there...love those wheels too! need to get some for my bug.
Dasdubber ·
Cheers mate, your car is looking awesome as well!!
Bit more work on the kick panels today - MDF skeleton was cut to form the shape of the kicks so the material can be stretched and stapled over the supporting structure.
Dasdubber ·
Ports were incoroprated due to small volume of the enclosures - may not be best possible tuning parameters but it will suffice for what I am after.
Dasdubber ·
I tried changing the angle of the woofer ring to better parallel the tweeter but the limited space behind did not allow any adjustment, and if I kicked it out at the bottom my feet would hit....catch 22.
Sound deadener was brushed on to dampen resonance.
Dasdubber ·
Last shot for today - more work tomorrow hopefully.
BenettonVW ·
How come your car doesn't get dusty? 🙂
BLUE_62 ·
The thing aint ever left alone long enough to collect dust...
Not that, thats a bad thing. I wish mine was like that. Its still just sitting in the shed.
One day.... 😉
malcolm ·
love the detail and are you makeing jigs ie the front and rear speaker housings because could be a good seller great work.
Dasdubber ·
It gets dusty, I just give it a quick blow with compressed air to keep it in check!
No plans on making the kick panels to sell, just don't have the time and I don't think people would be willing to pay ~$300 for to cover the labour involved (even with using them as a template, there is a lot of stuffing around). Hence why it is good to do this myself - no labour charges 😉
Speaking of which, better start work...time to clock on for the day.
Dasdubber ·
Another day of (slightly hungover) work today - kicks were covered in stretchy fabric and trial fitted again....
Dasdubber ·
...before being coated generously with resin.
Dasdubber ·
After removing the kicks, sound deadener was applied once again.
Dasdubber ·
Just another general pic to finish off for the day.
h ·
mighty noice... that final pic of the day!!
Davecho ·
lovin those rims das
Special Air Service ·
Can you please stop reminding us how good those rims look as my wife is getting sick of "can we get some of these"
Dasdubber ·
Special Air Service wrote:Can you please stop reminding us how good those rims look as my wife is getting sick of "can we get some of these"
Hehehe....keep working on it, I think my mate has just convinved his better half that his beetle "needs" them!
Further work continued on the kicks - put down a few layers of chop mat and resin - a couple more layers to come before prepping them for paint.
pyr0 ·
the custom speaker install is looking awesome mate keep it up 😎
Dasdubber ·
The circled area is where I had to adjust the underlying frame so my foot has clearance for when the clutch pedal is depressed. Gotta think of these things sooner than later!!
ruckus ·
Aww man, why don't I have skills?!
Yet again awesome work Das.
frenzix ·
so inspiring
Octa ·
Nice. I have space in my notch, I should spend time creating something like that too, except in wood rather than fibreglass resin cause they look like hairy monsters :P .. joking, I just have no resin skills, so I better stick to something I am more familiar with: reading the forum :blush
Dasdubber ·
Octa it is not hard, just messy! My sub enclosure was the first attempt I had - and these kick panels are only the second thing I've ever fibreglassed so give it a go!
Just read some stuff on the net then dive in the deep end, thats what I did. Here is a good link to give you an idea of whats involved:
have you worked out howyou are going to fasten these to the firewall/kickpanel? I am very interested in this part of the equation.
Cheers
Dasdubber ·
Special Air Service wrote:have you worked out howyou are going to fasten these to the firewall/kickpanel? I am very interested in this part of the equation.
Cheers
Two holes were predrilled through the base of the kickpanels (one through woofer hole and one through tweeter hole - see red circles in pic below). Stainless M6 bolts with large OD washers will be used with nylock nuts - obviously these will be fastened before screwing in the woofer etc.
On the front sections I am still to decide - either stainless fine pitch thread screws through firewall back into the kicks....or bolts through both skins of the kick through firewall (but don't want these to be too visible....hence why I am still to decide). These will be roughly in positions of purple circles.
Special Air Service ·
Thanks I will stay tuned then
[Edited on 5-4-2005 by Special Air Service]
Turbo54 ·
Keep it going Das! Looking fantastic. Sorry to interupt but going to hi-fill the bottom of my pan on the weekend and want to know what brand of Hi-fill did you use and would you recommend it. I am after something that is really easy to sand and isn't to gluggy to fill up all seams etc. I am going to do something a little different to the underneath of my car so I want it almost perfect. Cheers again and keep it up,
Turbo54
Dasdubber ·
I was really happy with the stuff I used.....I know all the paint was from spies hecker but will have to check tomorrow the brand of the high build stuff and will U2U you.
Great thread. I spent a great deal of the morning studying it. you are right, it is very doable.
Cheers
Baldy67 ·
keep up the good work das
Dasdubber ·
Worst case scenario is that if they turn out crap, well you've wasted a few bucks and a weekend. To get custom kick panels made by a car audio shop you will pay a minimum of $300......the materials will cost way way less so give it a go!
Managed to sand down and cut off the edges and trial fit the kicks again....a little more trimming/sanding is required to get them to slot in all the way (didn't want to force them in for now and risk getting them stuck!).
Dasdubber ·
There are a few gaps....as I said, this kick was not in place properly for the pic - it was too late to fire up the air tools again (angled die grinder with sanding disc, die grinder with flap wheel, and cut off tool) - lots of high pitch squeals the neighbours I am sure love hearing!
More work tomorrow hopefully. My watsons streetworks wiring kit should be here tomorrow...so hopefully I'll be able to crank the stereo some time in the near future....not to mention start the damn thing!! $hit this project is taking a long time 😠
Davecho ·
those kick panels are lookin mighty fine das!!!!
BenettonVW ·
Wicked. Nothing left to say mate.. You are doing a superior job. No more, no less.
hellbugged ·
who gave das the day off? probably went surfing or maybe he is still working and tomorrows post is gonna be huge......cool.
Dasdubber ·
Nah, didn't have the day off....but got a new puter so had to sort out all the files and software before uploading the new pics.
Turned out to be a $hitty day anyway - readjusted the rear spring plates but somehow (which is strange because I've done it many times before) screwed up one side so it is higher than the other. To top it off, one of the $hithouse brazilian axle boots split (again not excessively twisting it or anything like that) and dropped gearbox oil all over the new concrete. So lots of joy.
Ah well, here is the view with the rear wheel off - you can see the 35mm spacer (yes I have talked to the automotive engineer).
Dasdubber ·
...and the 10mm stainless fuel line poking out of the tunnel, going into the -8AN fittings plus filter, then up to bulkhead fitting.
More work will continue on the kick panels today - I am going to leave the rear suspension for a day I am a little less angry 😉
Dasdubber ·
Not too much done today (busy with house reno's) - managed to put a couple of primary layers of filler on the kick panels to rough in the shape. Still more sanding, glaze filling, high build priming etc before paint (brings back memories for the body work!).
Dasdubber ·
Watsons street works wiring kit finally arrived - very nicely organised...just got to find time to install it!
GL1972 ·
Alan,
I had the same problem with setting my rear torsion bars. Has happened twice! Seems that when you are setting near the unsprung angle of the torsion bar (for a real low car) the take up spring rates appear to be different.
Great work with the fibreglass. Bet you are handy at fixing board dings also!
Brendan
Dasdubber ·
Yeah I was pretty sure I had it right (as I've done it lots of times before) but obviously something went wrong - ah well, whats another couple hours work!
Ding repairs will be a lot easier after doing this f'glass work! Fortunately haven't had to do any for a while!
Dasdubber ·
A couple more coats of filler, followed by sanding, followed by filling etc occurred after work. Still a bit more to go before its ready for primer....then there will be a bit more as that will show up a few more blemishes!
pete wood ·
how are you gonna attach them without drillin holes in the sides of the car?
Will let you know how it goes but I have been highly impressed thus far, the instructions and colour coded diagrams have been excellent.
Dasdubber ·
Well, another few hours spent o readjusting the rear suspension height - evened out side to side and set to best compromise between slam-factor (desirable) and usability (ground clearance). Still looks pretty good.
Dasdubber ·
...and another shot:
Dasdubber ·
Well, as I've experienced many times already during this project...plans change. So here is my latest change of direction....will it change again? Time will tell.... 😉
[Edited on 16-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
[Edited on 16-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
16x6 front and 16x7 rears with Falken rubbers.
Dasdubber ·
Spacers removed on rear, stock short swing axles tuck em in nicely.
Dasdubber ·
Noice. :P
Dasdubber ·
Few layers of high build primer went onto the kicks - pretty happy with them thus far.
Dasdubber ·
Few pinholes in filler to fix up but otherwise will be ready for paint soon. More work tomorrow hopefully on sub enclosure.
warb ·
Dasdubber wrote:Noice. :P
VERY
pete wood ·
well there you go, I liked the porsche cup wheels, but I guess you really can't go wrong can you now. Love the kick panels. Dead sexy 😎
hellbugged ·
nah, there's plenty of beetles with fuches' , just looks like another run of the mill build up without the others. still an awe inspiring build up tho-a credit to you das! now go get back to work.
just spent a few minutes with the mouse wheel going up and down up and down- you've spoilt yourself too much, worked too hard for too long and gone silly. I give you permission to have the day off tomorrow, no note from mummy or daddy or wifey or doctory required. get well soon. love your work tho.:sandrine
[Edited on 16/4/2005 by dumone]
ikube ·
Cup's just look awesome.. 😉
Fuches are nice too but as said, just too comon, well~ compare to Cups!
squizy ·
Both wheels look great Alan. You could change them every weekend depending on how you're feeling. :P
65busser ·
Like to see Radars on it. I reckon it wants big wheels. 18" Radars?
Doesn't matter what you put on it. The game was over ages ago when you put the paint on. We all give in...you win.
They say nothing's perfect but mate you're sure giving it a nudge.
Resto64 ·
am a big fan of old skool look go the fuchs or some radars
great job Das all the same
Dasdubber ·
Time will tell all 😉
koolkarmakombi ·
porsche cup on one side fuchs on the other!
Euro_67 ·
What prompted the change in wheels ? the cups looked trick, the fuchs look great too.
Cam ·
Stay with the cups dude, they look different, fill the arches and set the car off spectacularly!
ColumBUS ·
yeah im gonna say i like the cups better, fuches looked okay, but the cups just made it killer.
BLUE_62 ·
I am a sucker for old school and the full chrome wheels
look good against the darker colour in paint.
Ultimately the choice is yours. What ever you decide to
do will look great. As always. Thumbs up too ya :thumb
silver ·
As a man of impeccable taste, I say go with the cups
fullnoise ·
I've got 16 x 6/7 Fuchs with black centres on my oval at the moment and the car looks real mean.
I can always change back to the polished Fuchs for that showy look or when I go racing.
Then if I get really board I've got some silver ATS Cookies.
Just make one set your street set, one your track set and get another set you can slide under the car for safey if the car falls off the jak stands. That's how I justify my Porshce wheel fetish.
Looking good either way.
CYA CT
CYA CT
Adam_C ·
Dasdubber wrote:Spacers removed on rear, stock short swing axles tuck em in nicely.
they tuck in..... allowing you to go lower...... LOWER!!! LOWER!!!!
Dasdubber ·
dumone wrote:you've spoilt yourself too much, worked too hard for too long and gone silly.
[Edited on 16/4/2005 by dumone]
Yes indeed....gotta fess up and tell the truth (I was going to let it ride for a bit longer but I am not a good liar). The Fuchs are not mine (although like CT says I may one day find a set for track/drag days because I love em!).
They are temporarily bolted in place (loaned from my brother in law) whilst my cup wheels undergo a bit of custom treatment. I have seen a few beetles now in Oz with them so I am just striving to be a bit different. I just wanted to mess with some minds and keep you all on your toes for a bit!
So rest assured....the CUPS WILL BE BACK 😉
By the way, here is my brother-in-laws KG which the Fuchs will eventually find their way onto (by the way those are my BRMs he is borrowing for the time being so it was a fair swap!).
:thumb
bigbaja ·
gee both those cars look familier
sounds like you need more cars
cause you got too many mags
terry
Dasdubber ·
Yes indeed, both cages made by Custom Offroad thanks Terry :P
Nothing too exciting happenning to my Turbo Twists, but just enough to make them stand out a little more. I love old skool, but this beast will be mostly a new(er) school graduate.
Anyway, the KG has aforementioned rollcage, and 911 seats installed in readiness for the (one day) 2110 and IRS, plus 4 wheel discs. I had to post a couple pics of it because I love it so much! It is and will be a mighty cool car.
[Edited on 17-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Today I was engrossed in sub box modification - had to figure out how to cover the 6x9 holes (not needed with a sub) and still make it look part of the original design. Covered entire surface of sub box with masking tape to protect the primed surface.
Dasdubber ·
After tape, alfoil was glued in place with spray adhesive again to form a barrier to avoid resin getting through to the primed sub box.
Dasdubber ·
Then a few layers of matt applied before allowing a couple of hours to cure before laying down a another couple of layers. This is where I am up to thus far. I will keep you in suspense regarding the plans for this "faux" outer panel.
pyr0 ·
its for dvd screens :sandrine
love the work as usual mate keep it up, it gives us all something to strive to 😎
Dasdubber ·
Filled the pinholes in the kickpanels and re-primed with two more coats of high build primer which will be lightly sanded with 400 to obtain a smooth base for the colour coat.
Dasdubber ·
pyr0 wrote:its for dvd screens :sandrine
love the work as usual mate keep it up, it gives us all something to strive to 😎
$hit I wish I had that much money to burn! Sorry to disappoint but nothing so high tech unfortunately, just a bit of "two tone" treatment. Will explain more soon.
Last shot for today, kicks lookin nice and smooth.
[Edited on 17-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
oval TOFU ·
wow, your resin work looks outstanding! I can't believe it's not butter, I mean, your first time dealing with the material! A really, really sensational job!
btw: CUPS! The ride height looks perfect - with the top of the tyre just about to tuck in the guard yeh? Das ist sur gute!
Octa ·
uuuooohhhhh!!! the kickpanels are looking the bizzz... make sure you don't do much kicking eh?
mountainbug ·
Wow......... over 20,000 hits, testimonal of a shit hot resto
personally go the fuch's
But as allways it is nuth'n but the best
P.s i'd hate to see the surf flat...... Rome would be in trouble.
Go Dassa
Dasdubber ·
I'd go insane without surf...so lets hope it does not go flat for any extended periods! :o
Managed to get away from work early today and lay down four coats of base coat and three coats of clear. Turned out pretty damn sweet - can't wait to get the dynaudio 240GTs in there and bolt them to the car!
Davecho ·
mmmm very nice and shiny!!!
Special Air Service ·
Now thats impressive
oval TOFU ·
Are you gonna start building a trophy cabinate before or after you start taking this thing to shows?
Dasdubber ·
oval TOFU wrote:Are you gonna start building a trophy cabinate before or after you start taking this thing to shows?
Any trophies will be a bonus, but the satisfaction for me is the personal fulfillment of the process moreso than the end result. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait till its finished and I can actually enjoy it - but I think I enjoy the actual restoration just as much (sicko I know)....and no I won't restore anyone else's car just because I enjoy doing it :thumb
Thought I'd just preempt those requests 😀
Octa ·
Dasdubber wrote:Any trophies will be a bonus, but the satisfaction for me is the personal fulfillment of the process moreso than the end result. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait till its finished and I can actually enjoy it - but I think I enjoy the actual restoration just as much (sicko I know)....and no I won't restore anyone else's car just because I enjoy doing it :thumb
Thought I'd just preempt those requests 😀
By the way, have you crancked the motor already? This reminds me of the post that you added on some really sweet looking beetles with mad sounding exhausts and I kept wondering how yours sounds.
BTW, those kickpanels look incredible, it looks like they are going to look as if they were part of the sheet metal and from factory 😀
[Edited on 20-4-2005 by Octa]
mountainbug ·
Das... curious what the specs of your tp4, all out mongrel or pacified street donk (est HP ?)
Size, carbs, stroke, etc
Cheers
Dasdubber ·
Yep I was trying to integrate the kicks into the surround paint work so they would blend in!
Re. the type IV, haven't cranked it yet because haven't had any wiring in the car (that will be solved soon!). Should be soon then I'll try and figure out how to upload an mpeg or sound file!
Specs are pretty mild, stock 71mm crank, stock rods, 2L heads with 1800 valves mild port job, 215mm flywheel lightened slightly, stock type IV pressure and clutch plate, standard grind cam (wish I would have gone a bit more agressive), dual 40mm dellortos with CB performance update kit (horizonta discharge tubes etc), mallory unlite dizzy (with vac advance) and promaster coil.
So basically nice healthy torquey type IV that shoud give me lots and lots of trouble free miles. And I certainly expect that sweet exhaust to have a nice note. Estimated hp....hmmm...I will be getting it onto a rear wheel dyno after run in but I'd say about 90-100hp at rear wheels (big guess though).
mountainbug ·
farrrk if its any thing like outside/inside resto, i'm sure with those specs you will get more than 70k blind on that....
Think a had a few to many beers last night, can't remember what the above means????
[Edited on 21-4-2005 by mountainbug]
Dasdubber ·
Hehehe....I was thinking the same thing mountainbug!!
Anyway, I slipped the dynaudio splits into position tonight just to tease myself - man I wanna hear these things running soon!
[Edited on 22-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
...and another pic. Will be busy with house renos this weekend but hopefully will find some time to do some more dub work!
11CAB ·
What?? So you mean the car won't be ready for Klubfest next month............bugger.........:thumb
Dasdubber ·
11CAB wrote:What?? So you mean the car won't be ready for Klubfest next month............bugger.........:thumb
Who knows...it might make an appearance....but definitely will not be finished. Will depend on weather though as the ragtop probably won't be fitted by then :o
BenettonVW ·
Excellent. Very nice mate. I just want it finished already!(but not to rush it.. 🙂)
063bug ·
Hey das, what's the plan for the long weekend?? :thumb
Doug Sweetman ·
phark.
You could make a real name for yourself building cars like that.
Those front enclosures should give you excellent response and good extension (I know you mentioned they were a little small, but they are the largest I've ever seen in the front of a beetle). Especially with quality drivers in there like what you have got.
Whats the rest of the components in the system ? Good move ditching the 6 x 9's, they are a great compromise speaker for those of us who cant justify a sub (the rear luggage area behind the rear seat makes quite a bassy enclosure for most good 6 x 9's conincidentally), but certainly not high on the list for sound quality.
Oh yeah, and while the Fuchs look good, the cups look way better.
Awesome paint too.
Dasdubber ·
063bug wrote:Hey das, what's the plan for the long weekend?? :thumb
Depends on weather - rain = VW work....fine = house renos. Have to get ready to pour the remaining half of the driveway next weekend plus tidy up all the shite in the front yard so the posty doesn't get cranky with us! Oh yeah and finish the carport, side fence, prepare for topsoil and turf, garden edging etc etc....now you can see why it takes me so long to finish this bloody project! :o
Re. audio.....Alpine CDA9833 head unit (time alignment, and some other features which will help with tuning), Eclipse 12in sub, Kenwood amps (may upgrade down the track), Stinger 1/0 power wire, distribution block and batt terminals etc etc. Should be a nice tight system that is not over the top.
Doug Sweetman ·
Yep, and I get the feeling with the build quality that has gone into this car you wont be chasing rattles for very long....
Davecho ·
2 days and no posts...... *pokes everyone* anyone alive😉
063bug ·
The house reno's must be going well...... bet Monday will be car day.... I hope.:bounce
Dasdubber ·
Too busy surfing again :thumb
Did get a bit done though....marked out the filler panel for the sub box so I can cut it to shape (tomorrow).
Dasdubber ·
The marking was only rough so I could gauge how far to apply filler to provide additional strength and to start smoothing out the bumps. Here is after a couple coats of filling/sanding etc.
Dasdubber ·
Bolted in the drivers side kick panel this evening - certainly isn't going to rattle as it is tight to get in and the three bolts with nylock nuts make them very secure.
Dasdubber ·
Fortunately managed to run the speaker wiring fairly discretely. Tomorrow the passenger side will go in.
Everything takes so damn long! 😠
Davecho ·
those kick panels are amazing das!!! never seen anything like them
BLUE_62 ·
Any damn closer fit and u'd say they grew there 😉
Nice work as always. :thumb
pete wood ·
Hope you've got a big trophy cabinet...coz you're gonna need one. Those speaker housings are awesome. You should make up some moulds and sell them through some dub shops. You'd make a mint. :thumb
DIY-DUB ·
id have some 4 sure, uve inspired me 2 make some 4 myself now, just need somewhere 2 do it
Dasdubber ·
Thanks guys, yep I am pretty happy with the kick panels and although time consuming and messy they were not that all that hard. No plans to make moulds at this stage though...but who knows maybe down the track.
Speaking of which, after a bit of clearancing the passenger kick panel went in.... a little pursuasion was required due to the tight fit, but they got there eventually!
The sun in this pic made it a little hard to get good photo.
Dasdubber ·
Two bolts accessed through tweeter/woofer holes and one through the port hold them in place - all of which are a pain in the ar$e to access but to have them hidden from view it had to be done.
ruckus ·
Das they look insane!
Dasdubber ·
A plastic wire fitting (like those used for bulkhead fittings instead of an o-ring) was used to route the 16 guage Stinger speaker wire through to under bonnet area.
Dasdubber ·
After a bit more fine filler, I cut the filler panel to shape which will cover the 6x9 holes.
Dasdubber ·
This is the filler panel if you didn't guess already :P
Dasdubber ·
If I had my time over I would have recessed the sub or made the box so it could be inverted (but rollcage gets in the way)....but still looks good I think.....will look better after paint.
BLUE_62 ·
QUOTE: The sun in this pic made it a little hard to get good photo.
Mate, for what its worth you could just describe an addition too your car and everyone would already know it would not only look shit hot but the finish would be perfect........
Thats a damn good reputation too have! Hate to see ya house renovations.... one can only imagine the quality there. Nice work as always... If you change ya mind on the sub box all together, just send it my way 😉
Peter Leonard ·
quite a ride. you know it's a good thread when you're compelled to read all 38 pages...
those cups are gonna look sweet chromed 😉
Dasdubber ·
Peter Leonard wrote:quite a ride. you know it's a good thread when you're compelled to read all 38 pages...
those cups are gonna look sweet chromed 😉
Nah won't be chromed or fully polished....just a slight change to make them a little different (nothing too extreme).
Cheers for the compliments once again. :kiss
I managed to thread some clear plastic tube through the heater channel last night (from under the rear seat up into the under bonnet area [not using original heater]) so I can run my wiring from the battery to amps, ignition etc and back to to fuse box under rear seat on the passenger side....trying to keep everything hidden and as neat as possible.
Octa ·
Dasdubber wrote:Two bolts accessed through tweeter/woofer holes and one through the port hold them in place - all of which are a pain in the ar$e to access but to have them hidden from view it had to be done.
Hey Das, in the picture you posted, what are the holes, in the kickpanels, facing each other in line with the tunnel?
EDIT: The one you posted on 25-4-2005 at 19:38
[Edited on 28-4-2005 by Octa]
Peter Leonard ·
*puts hand up*
they're ports. they're ported enclosures due to low volume and space constraints. I reckon you should put a couple of little tiny streamers next to them so when it's pumping they flick around :thumb:thumb:thumb
it's gonna be a hack of a sound stage. splits are definately the way to go, with the largely non-directional low frequencies coming from the back. You can get little ~15 degree angled bosses for the tweeters to point them up further if you need to btw das, but when mine were in the top of the front door panels they seemed to offer reasonable clarity. alas, since being t-boned a while back I never re-installed them in the front and have lost considerable high-mid definition. I take it you have no real need for a separate crossover with the two amps? I bags first droolride 😀😀
Peter Leonard ·
oo how bout gunmetal/anthracite/haematite....
ooooo
*waits for cups to reappear*
*starts getting ideas*
*leaves it to you*
Dasdubber ·
Yep Peter has it in one - the ports were calucated using box design software (some of which is over my head) to obtain optimal response from the midbass woofers. As stated above with a low volume the efficiency of the woofer's movement would be adversely affected, therefore a 2in diameter port at 5in length was calculated to provide the best response.
I haven't decided yet whether to run the front splits active (off the amps) or passively (via the dynaudio crossovers)....probably passive to start with. I tried to keep the tweeters as far away as possible from the driver/passenger in attempt to equalise pathlengths from each tweeter - hopefully that way the sound stage will be further enhanced (better Left/Right separation). The time delay feature of the headunit will help as well with the tuning. Fairly simple system compared to some, but hopefully will sound quite nice. :P
Peter, you must think like me re. the wheels! I had the tyres stripped today, so hopefully in a few weeks they'll be back in all their glory. Front spacers for the wheels will be made next week as well.
[Edited on 28-4-2005 by Dasdubber]
MikeM ·
Good work! As always.
BLUE_62 ·
Thats creative using the old heater channeling to conceal the wiring. Not to mention neat and practicle and all those other things. Good thinkin 99.
Do you need an active heater for a car to pass roadworthy laws. As in does it need hot air can you just blow cold air?
upliftin ·
Tis bug NEEDS to be on the front cover of every Bug magazine on the planet!
BLUE_62 wrote:Do you need an active heater for a car to pass roadworthy laws. As in does it need hot air can you just blow cold air?
As far as I am aware you need to have a working windscreen demister/fan setup - I will be mounting a kombi electric fan (used for the heater) under the amp rack with hoses connected to the windscreen vents. If hot air is required, a rethink of my plans may be in order. I'll check with the engineer next time I talk to him.
Jon, nice beetle! I love the smoothy hubcaps - looks nice and tidy.
Davecho ·
no updates today???? *cries* I need my fix man!!! lol
Dasdubber ·
Been busy yesterday puring 4 1/2 cubic metres of concrete! Plus down the coast surfing 😉
Nonetheless, I managed to feed some plastic tube through both heater channels to route the wiring - the brown stuff you can see down in the a-pillar is wax. Obviously all the dust and crap in these pics will be cleaned up soon!
Dasdubber ·
Here is the drivers side under seat area that will house the optima yellow top battery....and the Stinger 1/0 gauge cable which will power the amps under the bonnet.
Hopefully some wiring will go in tomorrow!
Peter Leonard ·
Noice. Bet that wire is gonna be fun to terminate.. what connectors are you using?
koolkarmakombi ·
Out of interest Das, No heater? (not that you need one here)
kkk
Dasdubber ·
Peter, I'll be using stinger platinum terminals for battery and same make distribution block to divide the 1/0 into two runs of 4 gauge for the amps.
Nah, no heater. Not really necessary here in Brissy - never had one in my old beetle...just had to wear a thicker jumper every now and again 😀
Anyway, big day on the wiring today - took a couple of hours to lay out all the cables to figure out what had to go where (wanted to avoid pulling the wrong cables through the wrong spot!).
Dasdubber ·
I kept most of the power wires through the right heater channel, and most other wires through either the left heater channel or through the roof (where original harness ran).
Dasdubber ·
After a bit of lube (silicon spray) assisted slipping the cables through both tubes - especially the thick power cable.
Dasdubber ·
Knocked up an MDF mounting box for the fuse panel - wires everywhere at the moment but it should be pretty sano once done. Painted it in body colour so it looked the goods (sorta).
Dasdubber ·
As you can see, I still have a bit of work ahead of me :o
bugboymatt ·
Umm stringy fun !!!
Octa ·
that is a lot of wires. Is that just for the stereo or the regular loom included (lights, indicators, etc)?
Dasdubber ·
Octa wrote:that is a lot of wires. Is that just for the stereo or the regular loom included (lights, indicators, etc)?
Apart from the one thick power cable for the amps, every other wire if for the normal loom (lights, gauges, ignition etc). Haven't even started wiring up the stereo yet! :duh
Che Castro ·
Heheh looking good, speaker pods look awesome.
I'm not looking foward to wiring my own car either, even though I wont have a big stereo. Although comparatively, it makes me appreciate how simple the wiring is on our cars, compared to something made in the last 10 years or so.
[Edited on 3-5-2005 by Che Castro]
[Edited on 13-5-2005 by Che Castro]
Dasdubber ·
Holy crap - thats a lot of wires in that pic!
Back to the simple stuff - managed to solder wire ends and insert them into fuse panel. Bit more tidying still to come....and haven't started under the bonnet yet!
Dasdubber ·
I was going to keep this under wraps until painted but I wouldn't want you all to think I haven't been doing anything on the resto would I?? I had the sub box insert panel covered in vinyl by the upholsterer....then filled around the edges to make it a flush fit.
Dasdubber ·
After some more fine filler and high build primer, not to mention more sanding....base and clear coat will go on. Should be a nice contrast with the vinyl. Thats it for now, still busy with the house so progress will be a little slow. :duh
EgeWorks ·
Damn that's looking good! I take it the rest of the sub box will be painted the same colour as the rest of the car? Very nice!
Dasdubber ·
EgeWorks wrote:I take it the rest of the sub box will be painted the same colour as the rest of the car?
Yep, you are correct 😉
malcolm ·
dasdubber I still think you could market thoughs speaker boxes.
Dasdubber ·
malcolm wrote:dasdubber I still think you could market thoughs speaker boxes.
Maybe one day, but then mine would no longer be custom hey 😉
Seriously though, I wouldn't have the time to do a mould to make a production run, but down the track maybe.
Sandy ·
Beautiful job mate. Where did you get your sound proofing from?
Dasdubber ·
Sandy wrote:Beautiful job mate. Where did you get your sound proofing from?
Northfield Car Audio at Moorooka in Brissy. Most car audio stores should stock such sound deadener.
Sandy ·
Thanks very much
DIY-DUB ·
wow this would be the lowest ive seen this topic in this list since the start, it was the 20th down, figured this would help it rise to the top again
gayanne ·
Dasdubber,mate i have won over 10trophies,Best engine mods,5 Best engineer,Top super comps,Best presentation at Street Machine Shows and Vw shows, Front cover of Zoom mag.Mate thats a show car,detail is 110% iam blown away.The craft work you have done is a credit to you.Das what iam saying many Car Show Trophies are coming your way.(Please !!!put the Cup Wheels back on just looks tougher)😀😀😀JVLRacing
NigeType3 ·
Hey Das I thought that wiring set was designed so the fuse's where behind the dash. I like the position your putting it better. Have you come across any problems positioning it under rear seat?
Cheers Nige
Dasdubber ·
1stcarbug wrote:wow this would be the lowest ive seen this topic in this list since the start, it was the 20th down, figured this would help it rise to the top again
Thanks 🙂
gayanne wrote:Dasdubber,mate i have won over 10trophies,Best engine mods,5 Best engineer,Top super comps,Best presentation at Street Machine Shows and Vw shows, Front cover of Zoom mag.Mate thats a show car,detail is 110% iam blown away.The craft work you have done is a credit to you.Das what iam saying many Car Show Trophies are coming your way.(Please !!!put the Cup Wheels back on just looks tougher)JVLRacing
Cheers for the compliments - I absolutely love your car and spent a lot of time looking over it at last Valla. The engineering is a big credit to you! I'd love to fit wheels as big as yours on my car...but that might have to wait for another project some day! The cups will be back on soon trust me!
NigeType3 wrote:Hey Das I thought that wiring set was designed so the fuse's where behind the dash. I like the position your putting it better. Have you come across any problems positioning it under rear seat?
Cheers Nige
In the instructions it says you can mount under bonnet or under rear seat so I have come across no dramas thus far. All of the wiring is long enough to account for either location - only one wire I have had to extend because it went from the fuse box to speedo (generator light) then back to the alternator - everything else thus far has been sweet. It cost me around AU$500 ish to bring in but it was well worth it in my opinion. I have been wiring up the gauges in the last few nights - will try and get some pics tonight (but its not that exciting at the moment!).
Dasdubber ·
Wiper and headlight switches are back in place (but not yet wired up) and the little alloy retaining nuts were polished up. New ignition switch also in place (which has an accessory position).
Dasdubber ·
Monster tach back into position as well and wired up - expanable nylon cable conduit was used to keep the wires tidy, and rubber grommet for wires through the body of course.
Dasdubber ·
Man all those connections took bloody ages to solder, join, clamp into connectors, heatshrink and bolt in place. It will all be tidied up a little more once I get the ignition switch, wiper and headlight switches and wiper motor sorted.
hellbugged ·
hey das. i know you've checked it, i know i should'nt ask nor worry, i know its too late anyhow, BUT, hows your knee clearance on the dash extension for the stereo??i've got my tacho down there , there not much room.help me sleep, i've been biting my tounge on this one for a while. i always thought the cups were not going too far for too long.
Dasdubber ·
dumone wrote:hey das. i know you've checked it, i know i should'nt ask nor worry, i know its too late anyhow, BUT, hows your knee clearance on the dash extension for the stereo??i've got my tacho down there , there not much room.help me sleep, i've been biting my tounge on this one for a while. i always thought the cups were not going too far for too long.
No probs thus far with knee clearance - I trial fitted the seat when deciding on tach mounting location...and at the time had no concerns. This pic is going back in time a little but it shows the seat in place:
hellbugged ·
yeh thats a better angle. my tachs up next to the "drop" for the ashtray-knee just goes under whilst changing and rests against shifter when cruising, so you had it covered all along --thought so. ahh a good nights sleep for me. luv your work:kiss
Special Air Service ·
Hello, weekends over and the crowd is getting restless.lol
Dasdubber ·
Special Air Service wrote:Hello, weekends over and the crowd is getting restless.lol
Tell me about it, in the last three days my wife and I have shovelled 13 cubic metres of soil around the front yard, then layed 230 square metres of turf, not to mention installing a full irrigation system....and to top it off managed to almost break my middle finger when it got caught between the sledge hammer handle and a star picket (don't ask). I was going to have a crack at the wiring but couldn't squeeze a pair of pliers so the vw sat idle all weekend 🙁
Did manage to go the show so had some vw interaction, hopefully if my finger regains some function I'll post some updates this week! :duh
I do have the cup 3's back though - still a little more "work" I have to do on them, but they will hopefully be back on soon!
BenettonVW ·
Man.. Alan maybe we should have a running show of your house resto too!! 😀
Dasdubber ·
BenettonVW wrote:Man.. Alan maybe we should have a running show of your house resto too!! 😀
I know you don't want a step by step reno update ala VW resto, but here is why the beetle is taking so damn long! Here is the backyard when we bought it:
Dasdubber ·
....and after....
Dasdubber ·
....and another...
Dasdubber ·
Front yard before...(there is my old beetle!!)
Dasdubber ·
....during.....
Golde60 ·
damn, and i was getting excited cos i thought i was gonna get my weekly dose of bugnography
BenettonVW ·
Gawd.. sorry I asked. Now I feel even lazier.. Great.. Just great. 😉
Dasdubber ·
...and as of this arvo (I am still smiling because I hadn't yet smashed my finger with the sledge hammer!)
Dasdubber ·
Golde60 wrote:damn, and i was getting excited cos i thought i was gonna get my weekly dose of bugnography
Not a progress shot, but better get this topic back on track - just to remind you what the beetle looks like 😉 (taken about a month ago of course)
Special Air Service ·
All the top class mechanical,electrical,interior,panel & paint work I could genuinely appreciate, but landscaping as well, now your just plain showing off.
Dasdubber ·
I don't like to show off, but am certainly proud of the work I do. I would have had the house and car finished by now if I did things half-arsed....but these things take a long time when done properly!! :P
56astro ·
I was reluctant to show the Mrs this thread cause of your progress on your car compared to mine, .....
now after seeing the pics of your yard-work as well, she definately aint seeing this thread!
Can't wait to see it in the flesh, and shake the hand that shapes the (Oz VW) world.
matara ·
Das,
Can you think about having some kids, so they can slow you down to the pace of the rest of us 'normal' folk!
And you manage to get a surf in too!
Your the VW 'pocket rocket'.
Keep it up!
Steve
blup58 ·
Done properly?....What about the carport Al. 😉
(hehehe.....actually maybe I shouldn't make light of that one)
063bug ·
Slow down das, you landscape your house, you perfectly restore your dream car (and ours now) and you ALSO update my thread too (My 63 upgrade).... thanks for the photos..... 063BUG :thumb
