Here is the before shot of how I found the car - stored for 10 years under an old couples house after their daughter crashed the car into a truck - front clip damage, right front and rear gaurds buggered, drivers door buckled.
See below for progress pics and plans.
Alan
[Edited on 21-2-2004 by Dasdubber]
[Edited on 22-2-2004 by Dasdubber]
[Edited on 1-3-2004 by Dasdubber]
[Edited on 14-3-2004 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Here it is with a decade of dust accumulated! The old couple were the original owners which is nice - just rust and accident damage (no hidden dodgy repairs).
Dasdubber ·
I decided to use a 68 pan for the ball joint front end - I had already brought in a swing axle heavy duty side plate and super diff from the US so I stuck with a s/a rear end. Here it is after sandblasting and etch priming with some minor bog repair to a previously replaced battery tray area. Today I sprayed the first coat of POR15 - will have another pic soon.
Pan is to receive 4 wheel disc brakes from CB performance in porsche pattern for my Fuchs (6in rear and fronts narrowed to 4.5in).
Dasdubber ·
Now in por15 chassic coat...
duncombemu ·
Dassdubber, could you explain what this, "por15 chassic coat", is about. I'm at the same stage of my '71 floorpan. What is it, how is it applied and where do you buy it from?
Regards,
Mark:thumb
It is really hard wearing (scratch and chip resistant etc) - liquid gold (mainly because of the cost - $100 for 1L). I used up a full litre for two coats sprayed top and bottom on my pan. Turned out quite nice.
duncombemu ·
Thanks Dasdubber, I've ordered some POR15 today from their site and ordered their catalogue at the same time.
Thanks again.
Mark:thumb See this is what the forum is all about.
phatrat ·
duncombemu wrote:Thanks Dasdubber, I've ordered some POR15 today from their site and ordered their catalogue at the same time.
Thanks again.
Mark:thumb See this is what the forum is all about.
mmmm...how about grabbing the baja kit before I start charging rental space...It's time for it to go 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Here is the case - had all machining done at Crankshaft Engineering - balancing, lightned flywheel etc etc....having it all assembled at Leon's motors.
Dasdubber ·
And here is the rebuilt heads - 2L with 1800 valves installed. And don't worry the valves aren't in the wrong way - they are still to be assembled!!
moonlite6t6beetle ·
nice dub, what is your out and out future plans with it?
Dasdubber ·
It will be a weekend driver (get around on a motorbike most days to and from work) - but will build it to use it as cars should be! When it rains and I don't ride the bike I will drive it to work.
4 wheel discs, line lock, type IV engine with upright cooling, rebuilt tranny with welded 3 and 4 and super diff etc.....should be fun when finished. Just found out today that sandblasting has uncovered some nasties as it always does so that has the potential to end my plans to have it ready for nambucca - will know more this weekend :cry
Golde60 ·
sorry to hear that things are slowing down after stripping.
i stripped mine myself by hand and found only a few minor problem areas.
but theres no way mine will be finished in less than 1 year.
sounds like we have similar ideas re build ups and complete cars.
mines gonna be driven a little more and along the same lines as yours.
will be interesting to compare the finished products
cheers
Kim
Golde60 ·
hopefully mine will end up looking just like the one as my avator.
have you decided on colour yet?
Dasdubber ·
Yep, sounds like the have similar themes....still tossing up colour, it is such a hard choice, may keep it under wraps until Nambucca (if it gets finished) for the surprise 😀
pyr0 ·
looking good :thumb :thumb
Dasdubber ·
:cry
Sad day today - just realised that I won't have the project ready for Nambucca. I don't want to rush the rust repair which was uncovered with sandblasting and don't want to pay someone a squillion dollars to do it right!
Ah well, such is life. Here is a pic of the rust in one door.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the body - looks nice in one colour! A bit more welding ahead and panel beating - blasting all that paint and bog off uncovered some surprised🙁
Dasdubber ·
Here is a pic of the interior door trims and seats I picked up today - very happy with the quality of work.
Dasdubber ·
one more of the interior....
I will still be aiming to have it finished for a show here in brissy in september! I'll keep updating progress here.
Brad ·
I hat eto say it BUT I am gunna win me some BEER yippy....
:cry Would have liked to have lost this one though:cry
vanderaj ·
Looks very nice - you're doing it the proper way, so I personally would not be upset at you for missing Nambucca - it'll be a great car for next year! 🙂
Keep up the photos!
Andrew
Robo ·
That Beetle must be thinking your the best bloke in the world, rescuing the poor thing from it's dungeon! always good to see something brought back to its former glory. Good one Dasdubber.
PS. how much did the upholstry work cost if you don't mind me asking?
Rob.....
BenettonVW ·
Nice work.. Looks good mate, she'll be worth it in the end..
Dasdubber ·
Rob, I've sent U2U.
Thanks for the comliments guys, I will keep progress updated here - started (continued) on the rust replacement again today! The grinder and welder are both getting a workout. 🙂
Tazz ·
Good to see the work is comming along..
Pity about bucca.... but you can't rush these things....
Those seats look sweet!
:thumb:thumb:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Here is my spare wheel - late 6in fuch. Had it polished the other day. I will post pics of my other Fuchs now with tyres soon. Still working on the rust repair!
Got my engine back from being assembled, now have to get the upright kit and assemble that. Brakes are still sitting in Arizona (will be another 6 weeks before they get here 🙁
BenettonVW ·
That will be a sweet thing.. Looks sensational.
Dasdubber ·
Here are my Fuchs with tyres - 145 Michyelin fronts and 205/65 Yokahama rears. Brakes should be here in a week or so rather than 6 weeks which is good (at the additional expense of $600 - ouch).
Tazz ·
SWEEEET!
Hows the engine comming???
:thumb:thumb😎
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Tazz, engine is assembled (by Leon's motors - didn't want to stuff something up after spending so much cashola on parts/machining etc). I have the long block rapped up under the bench - now waiting for the upright kit from sharpbuilt.
Hopefully gearbox will be done in the next couple of weeks.
nbturbo ·
Was wondering why you sourced brakes from the USA? Is there nobody here that could supply what you wanted ?I purchased mine from John Sherman- near you I think,and with some small mods,I am quite happy with them.
Dasdubber ·
I wanted the dropped spindles that came with the cbperformance kit (I know I could have got them in separately though). I also had heard some mixed reviews of other locally made kits. It worked out a little more expensive to bring them in from the US - time will tell if it was worthwhile!
Dasdubber ·
Here is the rear body mount that I have had to mod to suit the 1968 pan I am using. See tech section for more pics. Excuse the poor welding 🙂
Dasdubber ·
Here was the first body mockup to do the rear mount adjustment (taken today).
Dasdubber ·
And the first wheel mockup - didn't have time to bolt up all suspension components though so wheel is just sitting on blocks.
Dasdubber ·
Here are my disc brakes in from CB performance - unfortunately almost had to mortgage the house to pay for the shipping but such is life.
BenettonVW ·
Awesome... Big $$, but will be an awesome car..
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Jim, yep spending more than I would like but luckily I was able to put the funds from the sale of my retro rally beetle towards this one to reduce the pain my wallet has been feeling.
pyr0 ·
looking great keep the pics coming its like a virtual re-build very kool 😎 :thumb 😎 :thumb
Brad ·
Hey that is looking sweat. You are doing a great job and should be proud of your efforts. It is excellent to see someone doing it themselves. To many get others to do it and take credit for their work.
I wouldn't be worried about your body mount welding, I reckon it will hold just fine and be covered in Tar anyway.
SKEWtYpe3 ·
looks damn fine !
love the POR 15 finish for some reason, just does it for me.... 🙂
looking good !:bounce
wish i had the talent u do !
Dasdubber ·
Here is my beam now painted in two pack silver/grey and clear coated...like wise for other suspension bits that couldn't be powdercoated the same colour because of rubber bushes etc.
Still welding rust holes (nothing major, just fiddly). Can't wait to get started on the body work for a change rather than welding and grinding!!
bugboymatt ·
It's all looking good mate. You must be pleased with all the work...
ETA to driving down for RWC & REGO or that still abit too far away. Still will albe done for summer i guess !!!!!!
:bounce
whatnow ·
looking very nice.
i must say i'm jelous i wish my 63 was looking that good (a loooong way to go)
now a Q was your floorpan painted in the normal por 15 or by the chassis paint do you mean the satin black (as it looks in the photos) if you did both what ws it like getting the 2 coats to bond with each other? i am getting closer (slowly to that stage as want to know as much as possible before i tackle it).
thanks.
henry.
once again it is looking v.good. looking foward to see it when it is finished.
Dasdubber ·
bugboymatt...I am still hoping by September it will be finished but because of nambucca and another weekend away it will probably now be closer to october/november unfortunately.
Now with respect to the pan paint, I have learnt a big lesson (which I am going to post in the tech section). Basically I sprayed chassis coat over the top of the etch primer - the bond is not that great and in areas where it is thin it is actually chipping/scratching easily. I rang por15 and they said ideally you should blast the pan back to bare metal, then paint in por15 rust preventative, then paint the chassis coat over that. I am not going to strip the pan again so I will probably just apply another coat of chassis coat over the top by brush to build up the thickness in hope it won't chip as easily.
decked dubby ·
Looking good Alan.:thumb
Great to see some on-going build up pics.
Damien.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Damien...
Here are my shiny bits and pieces just back from the chrome plater. The photo doesn't do the quality of chrome justice. Ain't cheap but I'd rather cry once, than have to do it again and cry two or three times! I highly recommend Chrome Connection here in Brissy - Rob Mitchell comes around and picks up your gear, then drops it off and gaurantees the chrome quality. Nuff said!
sikdub ·
Every time i look at the pics of what you have done i am very impressed. The pan looks good enough to eat off and the quality of the job you're doing just looks sensational. Top work, keep it up. 😎
Steven
whatnow ·
wow, this looks like it is shaping up to be one of "the cars" when it is done.
thanks for the reply. i just saw the post in the tech section... that must have ruined your day. 🙁
bugboymatt ·
Mate that chrome looks fantastic......
must get my act together and get on with my little project !!!
Dasdubber ·
Picked up my gearbox on the weekend and painted the axle tubes in the same colour and two pack base coat/clear coat as the front beam etc.
Internals include weldd 3rd and 4th, adaptor collar for later style throwout bearing (so I can run the 215 typeIV pressure/clutch plate), along with new needle bearings, background gears etc etc
Stock 1500 ratios - with 3.88 r&p.
Dasdubber ·
Here is my heavy duty billet side plate, and obviously can't see the super diff inside (both brought in from CB performance).
BenettonVW ·
Mate you are the man. Can you email me when you are finished with businesses and more importantly costings for each thing? I know you are probably keeping track, thats all. Just for future projects.
Alan, you are doing a fantastic job.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Jim, it should be worth it at the end of the project! I'm glad I am able to do the majority of the work (apart from that which requires specialist tools or training)...saves lots of $$.
I am keeping a pretty close tab on cost but not too close (I'd get too upset otherwise!). Let me know if there is something in particular you'd like to know costs for whilst it is still all fresh in the memory!
Craig Torrens ·
which bank did you rob😀
Very nice !!!!, love the chrome :thumb
Dasdubber ·
he he he....Craig if only it was that easy!
Its nice to have a little left over after all the bills nowadays, thats why 6 years study at uni was worth it in the end.
Plus the fact that I managed to get a few dollars for my last beetle when I sold it.
Dasdubber ·
Here is my Valla swap meet purchase...will strip the varnish off the wood rim and restain/revarnish (luckily the furniture restoration skills will come in handy)....plus polish up the spokes and centre. Looking forward to getting this on (has a crack in the backside of the wood, but will fix up okay).
Dasdubber ·
I sprayed a spare mudgaurd yesterday for the colour the car will be....although I will be doing some custom mixing to make it a little darker and adding my personal touch. Green should like against the silver suspension bits and tan interior!
Dasdubber ·
..and another...
Dasdubber ·
Can't wait to finish this damn rust repair...here are a couple pics of my passenger side door.
before....
Dasdubber ·
after...
I didn't want to cut the whole lower section of the door off because the crease (right angle at the bottom) of the repair panel was too round and not square enough for my liking...so I just replaced smaller sections.
Dasdubber ·
no short cuts and fibreglass filler here....just more welding (obviously will need filler to smooth things over but I couldn't live with just bogging over rust holes).
before...
Dasdubber ·
after...
pyr0 ·
you are the resto man 4 sure love youre work love it even more because yyou keep posting pics :thumb great job and keep on taking those pics :thumb
whatnow ·
nice... you certainly aren't doing things half a$$ed.
with that colour and the time you are putting into it you will turn some heads when it is done.
Dasdubber ·
Here is the stereo system that will be going in my bug....
Kenwood single cd head unit
Kenwood 350W amp for sub
Kenwood 500W amp for speakers
Pioneer 5in splits for front of car
Pioneer 6x9s for rear
Pioneer 12in sub
Haven't figured out installation location (sub box, kick panels etc)....will get to that soon (after all the other stuff!!).
BenettonVW ·
God damn.. Nice work mate. Different colour.. Looks sweet..
Tazz ·
Das,
Awesome........
Love that steering wheel...:P:P:P
Nice.......
You dont do things by half mate!
Keep the pics comming!
:thumb:thumb:thumb:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again everyone, I have always wanted to do a full body off resto - my last beetle was restored whilst driving it and never took the body off.
Once I am at this stage I don't see the point of doing things half-arsed!!
It looks as if I may be going to 17in Porsche Turbo Twist rims 9cup3) (sale pending on my fuchs)...should be nice! Don't want to count the chickens before they hatch though - I won't be buying the 17s until the fellow gets the money to me!
Dasdubber ·
Guess who will be getting new shoes? 17inches, here we come! (pic is of the style I will be getting, not my actual rims yet, have to work out offset etc now). (fuchs are sold)
bugboymatt ·
umm they nice mate........:bounce
Dasdubber ·
Here is the gearbox now in high temp paint and ribs all polished (more pics in tech section). Many hours work for something that hardly anyone will see but at least I will know it looks pretty!!
Stainless steel hardware will be bolted on soon.
Brad ·
I must say you are doing an awesome job and I am sure that you will have one of those Bugs that people talk about for years to come.
I reckon it needs its own webpage so if you get keen let me know and I will set you up some free space. Can give you an aussieveedubbers.com sub domain free also if you want or you cen get your own for about $8 USD a year.
Keep it up, I am not into street cars myself but I reckon your will be worth teh wait. :thumb:thumb
byronbus ·
:thumb sweet, keep them pics coming...
bugboymatt ·
I carn't wait to see this car once it is finished......:bounce
Dasdubber ·
Did a trial fit of the popouts this evening - had to drill the holes in the B-pillar to mount them. Lookin good - can't wait for that flow through air stream!
Have done more work on pan lately (gearbox in and front beam on etc) - will update pics soon.
Robo ·
Man that is gunna be one sweet ride!
I love to see a beetle get this level of work done on it.
How did you strip the paint off the body, I have heard that sand blasting creates warpage of the panels, due to the heat fron this process, is this correct, I have heard that plastic media blasting is OK in this respect.
Rob......
Dasdubber ·
Yep I had it sandblasted and etch primed at the same place. There was a bit of warpage in the doors but otherwise not too bad - I made it pretty clear when I dropped it off that I wanted them to be careful (they only do car stuff - not just a general sandblaster so it was okay).
I have enough body work to do so whats a bit more 🙁
Robo ·
Thanks for that.
I just scored a 64 for almost nothing, but it needs some surgery in the left front quarter, the bottom door hinge pillar is pretty sad, but the rest of it is cool, the sheet metal that beetles are pressed from is a bit thicker than your average jap, coke can, so maybe sand blasting is not too much of a concern on these bodys.
beats the hell out of paint stripper.
How much did they charge you?
Rob.......
Dasdubber ·
Here is the progress pics of the pan - front beam is on (not everything is bolted up properly just yet)....
Dasdubber ·
Dropped spindles and front discs in porsche pcd (from cb performance) are on as well - painting calipers at the moment.
[Edited on 15-9-2003 by Dasdubber]
Dasdubber ·
Gearbox is in as well - used stock rubber mounts - haven't indexed spring plates just yet.
bugboymatt ·
Looks good mate.
Ya must be well chuffed with all ya work
Dasdubber ·
Pedal assembly almost in place - dual circuit master cylinder conversion by Custom Offroad (uses a golf m/c).
Dasdubber ·
Slowly but surely Matt!! Hopefully will have a rolling pan in the not too distant future - have a 17x7.5in Porsche replica cup 3 (Turbo twist) coming in to size things up before I buy all four!
sikdub ·
this resto looks awesome. Looked back and checked out the colour you painted that one guard and it gets :thumb:thumb. I like the pics you post up here, continual input of a resto i always great. The pan looks tidy as. Cant wait to see the end result.
Steven
68AutoBug ·
Well, that has to be the BEST beetle in the country... what could You do to better it.... the only thing I could think of is to use stainless steel bolts & nuts everywhere...
Looks like a $25,000 Beetle coming up...
Great Mate, and many thanks for the pics..
Much appreciated... keep them coming..
Lee
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again for the feedback - believe it or not I'm a step ahead of you Lee, already using all stainless hardwear (except for those places where I need high tensile bolts/nuts, or items that are odd thread/size that are vw specific).
Yep, $$ are adding up but it is not often I would do a project to this extent (might as well do it before I have kids etc - then money will be tighter). After studying for 6 years, it is nice to finally have a few spare dollars to spend on stuff you enjoy. (just better not tell the better half the exact costs :o
vanderaj ·
Man, this car gets sweeter and sweeter!
The painted guard seems to have a couple of dimples - is that the image itself with problems, or was it just a test run of the color?
Love the color though! 🙂
Andrew
Dasdubber ·
Cheers Andrew, the gaurd was just a sample for colour - hadn't done any panel beating or real prep on that one! I'll be doing some custom mixing of the paint to make it a little different :bounce
mattie ·
nice job das how long has it been going so far
Dasdubber ·
I think it was around May this year (could have been a little earlier but not too much) - June is when I really got stuck into it though.
vassy66T1 ·
Looking absolutely fantastic!! I am in the process with my '66 beetle. Hoping to have it back on the road in the next month. Not quite at your level of resto, but pretty decent.
Where did you get your pop-out rear windows?? I would dearly love to get some for my beetle. Air flow is a bit of an issue with a qld summer arriving.
keep it up
Marcus😉
Dasdubber ·
Painted and bolted up the front calipers today - high temp brake paint of course. Also starting to sort out the tie-rods (just waiting for one more tie rod end to come in to Harding European). Just have to detail the steering box then that will go on.
Been busy with the body as well working on the removable rear apron (will post pics and how to in tech section once complete).
Dasdubber ·
Another view of the inside of the caliper and dropped spindle. Obviously brake lines to come.
Thanks Marcus, good to hear you're getting stuck into your '66! I bought my popouts from a fellow in Melbourne (I think they were originally advertised on here). I would keep an eye out on both ebay.com and thesamba.com - occasionally a bargain pair will come up.
Alan
mattie ·
damn this car is sweet i reckon it will be one of the best beetles in aust too keep up the great work
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks Dasdubber!
Your work inspires me to greater heights of VW madness. keep it up.
Golde60 ·
your constant updated are keeping me keen on my resto.
i am looking forward to the finished product, especially keen to hear how the t4 is gonna go.
nice choice of colour
Dasdubber ·
Finally got around to bolting up the rear suspension...indexed the spring plates just below stock height...I'm sure I'll be changing the height once things have settled in though.
Here is a pic of the rear disc brake caliper bracket (from cb performance).
Dasdubber ·
and a pic of the rear disc installed (not torqued up yet)...
Dasdubber ·
and another angle....details details...used anti-sieze on the stainless allen head bolts that hold the torsion bar cover on because it would be a nightmare if they strip when trying to get them out.
All other hardware is either stainless or high tensile. Calipers to come.
typ-fre ·
omg man what are you on steroids? how do you work that fast? youve got one sikass killer ride their man
good luck for the rest man
[Edited on 6-10-2003 by typ-fre]
Dasdubber ·
Thanks typ-fre, I just want to have it done so I can drive the thing! The time line has already blown out so I want to get it finished ASAP.
Here is the rear caliper that went on tonight...have to still mess around with shims to ensure it is centred but that'll come soon - have to torque up the rear axle nut first.
byronbus ·
im enjoying this...keep the pics coming :thumb
ByronBug ·
:sandrine
Alan, your progress is amazing.
Its going to be one hell of a beautiful bug.
Love to see it when its on the road.
Judy
robnjo ·
what can I say this restos is the BOMB! you have coverd everything in the photos.we are all looking at a step by step resto of whats guna be 1 of the best VW in OZ....don,t get to anxious to finish the job,remeber tortoise and hare.:thumb:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again everyone, hope it lives up to the hype!! At least you will know I haven't cut corners
Here is the headlight assembly minus reflectors etc...oval glass used (flash shows some of the stone chips) 🙂
Dasdubber ·
And a pic of the inside...bucket is painted same colour as suspension stuff.
Dasdubber ·
And the autometer stuff that will adorn the dash (now you can see what those three holes are for where the radio cut out used to be)...
pyr0 ·
kool auto meter gear is sick show hard core street cred that 4 sure :thumb keep the pics coming top work
DoNkEy ·
Wow mate!!! i am really impressed. I have never seen a car of any sort so clean and perfect...it is the sorta thing i would love to do!!!!. We are currently restoring a 74L and i though we where perfectionists...u put us to shame.:P
Love it mate look forward to seeing it finished...where is brissy are u....for all i know u could be the guy down the road:thumb
jonno-t3 ·
man...that is awesome...seriously all the good compliment words dont compliment u enough for what you are creating. that is awesome!!! keep it up dude ur on a role...just wish i could do that...i have to restore my car under a car port...god didnt give me a garage...:cry
jonno
Craig Torrens ·
All looks fantastic:thumb
the only thing I would change is the Temp, the range goes from 100 to 250 !
I assume its in Deg C, you may want a 50 to 150 etc, or else you probably won't move the needle for 80% of the time (100 or below)🙁
Just a thought :thumb
Oasis ·
Better than going to the movies! Looks BLOODY AMAZING.
I've got the same temp guage. It's American and in Farenheit, so 250f=121c... perfect.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks again everyone....it is coming together slowly....just trying to finish off the removable rear apron then I can get stuck into the bodywork. Also still waiting for some wheels to arrive in from overseas which is holding up the pan a bit.
DoNkEy I live in Tarragindi just on the south side of the city.
And yep, I can't complain I have a garage to work in, although my pan is at my mate's house whilst the body is at mine (if only I had enough room to store both!).
Cheers
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Well its been a while since the last update, namely because I've been flat out for the last month and a half renovating our house (in readiness for our just passed engagement party). Still have lots to do on the house but will be getting stuck back into the dub so expect some more pics soon...
not many progress pics of late so here is some more gear that will be finding its way onto the car soon...
firstly, the welded and balanced fan from US (not berg)
Dasdubber ·
And some more pics...
first the hurst roll control - hope 17in tyres aren't too exy 😀 (may have to invest in some cheap spares - ps. don't worry folks, private road burnouts only, I'll be sensible)
second the indicators that will be mounted on the bumpers....
and third the holley blue pump and regulator with red spring to keep pressure down to what the dellortos will like....
Dasdubber ·
About time I posted some pics of the removable rear apron....work in progress so don't be surprised if things change. Here are a few pics after the apron was removed - lots of spot welds to be drilled out. Also where the engine bay seal is there is some brazing/weld that holds the apron on there. It is a matter of drilling, prying gently, drilling some more, grinding a little, a bit more prying etc etc.
You'd be pretty lucky not to drill through in a few spots therefore had to do some remedial welding (last pic).
Dasdubber ·
Basically it is a matter of trimming the apron (once removed to fit). I had to cut off the 'wings' on the inside so that I was able to slide it up and off easily. Also had to round the lower section off (indicated by white pen in pic) the engine bay seal section to avoid scratching the inner panel when removing/installing the apron.
Had to round off the sharp edges of the panel where the apron sits on (hard to explain - first pic) to avoid it getting stuck when pulling the apron up and off. That is where I am to date - will update as I go.
Dasdubber ·
Looks like I may use a repro rear apron (depending on cost and quality) - the original one has a fair bit of panel beating required - so that is on hold for another week or so.
So now onto the dash mods - essentially I will be extending the under dash panel where the ashtray and ignition is so I can fit my stereo head unit in as well as the original stuff. Used a donor dash section (below pics) from a 58 (thanks Brad). Lots of cutting, welding, shaping, bending etc but it should turn out alright - I'll post more pics as progress continues.
1st pic dash as it currently stands (holes for autometer gauges)
2nd pic dash section after cutting and some initial shaping.
3rd pic same dash section with new metal being sized up for welding (today's project).
Alan
Dasdubber ·
More boring pics to update you with...
1st pic is the initial hole cut in the dash
2nd pic is the new extension piece welded in place to the donor dash
3rd pic is the bigger hole left in the body (if you listen closely to this pic you can hear me saying to myself "what the f*ck have I done here?")
4th pic is where I started to feel a bit more at ease when some nice primed metal was going back in (tacked at this stage)
Dasdubber ·
more pics of the new modified dash section tack welded in place.
The second pic shows an annoying little hole that required a very complex (that is time consuming) piece to be cut and bent, and bent, and cut again etc....
Third pic is the section welded in (just have to do the other side then weld the whole thing in, prime...then start the panel beating/filler work!
The hole on the right side of the ashtray is for the wolfsburg west cigarette lighter I got from the US (don't smoke but hoping it can be used to charge my mobile phone)
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Well the dash is coming together - still have to finish the welding and grinding and general tidying up but here is how the stereo etc will look.
Couldn't get a decent pic tonight though because the flash kept reflecting off the gauges.
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Finished welding and grinding the dash yesterday and primed it up. Have to tidy up the stereo cut-out still and commence the filler work.
KOM123 ·
I get more impressed than I already was every time I see new pics 😀
Dasdubber ·
Thanks mate, much appreciated! Taking longer than expected but thats what a knee operation, house renovations and getting engaged ($$) will do to a project! 🙁
koolkarmakombi ·
Man with all that on do you ever sleep?
your almost Mrs Das Dubber must be VERY understanding!
love your work.
kkk
Dasdubber ·
Yep kkk, Mrs Dasdubber (to be) is very understanding....especially when you bring home a set of these babies....:bounce
My Cup3 turbo twists (17x7, ET52) have finally arrived. I managed to wipe the drool off for a few moments to take some pics....
Dasdubber ·
Sorry I meant to say 17x7.5 (not 7).
Made in Italy but obviously repros. Caps are blank but I might get some real ones (if funds allow) some day. Here are some pics of a mock up of the front suspension.
No clearance problems, should be sweet.🙂
Rear is a different story though... 🙁
Dasdubber ·
Here's the problem...originally when ordering the wheels I was told I Could get them in 27 offset which would have suited the rears perfectly. Alas after 6 weeks of being stuffed around, I was told they could only get 40 offsets (which would have been tight but may have just worked)....only to find out after another 3 weeks that I was told I could only get 52 offsets. So guess who now has to organise some spacers (more $).
Ah well, thats what you get for a custom project. Those discs look cool under there don't they 😀
Clearance on spring plate and bump stop are the problem areas.
VolksFolks ·
Cam ·
Much respect for those wheels dude 😎
They're awesome!
Congrats on the engagement too.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Cam!
Did a bit more work to the dash mods today. Finished the underside bog work (first couple of pics look ugly yeah?)...although looks like a lot of filler used, it is quite thin thanks to a fair bit of panel beating.
Something different at least (haven't seen such a mod in mags (not saying it hasn't been done though)).
Primer is on, just the under bonnet area to finish.
Alan
Cam ·
Nice, again! Have'nt seen a dash like that before. Looks wicked:thumb You don't often see custom dashes in beetles nowadays, let alone so subtle and complimentary as this. Makes you wonder why people don't play with dash set-ups more often?!?! I've often thought about using a 993/6 dash cluster in a beetle, but changing the insturment faces to look more "period". Costs might outweigh the end result tho.
Can't wait to see more pics. It's becoming a mad car 😎
Bumpstopbus ·
Hay Alan you are doin a great job there.
good to see that you are doin all most every thing yourself not like some poeple. 😀
Can't wait to see it.:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Kurt.
Here are a couple more pics of the inside of the dash mod. Just got the primer on tonight. Still have to do some final blade putty work to smooth out the tiny pinholes etc.
Also a pic of the new repro rear apron I'll be using (the original was just too much work, already spent 20 hours plus on it and still requires a lot more work!).
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Got my tyres fitted today :bounce
Falken FK451 205/40 front and 215/45 rears.
More photos to come when I do the mock up on the pan.
Alan
Dasdubber ·
Mounted up the wheels today to the pan and finally the rubber is touching the ground. The pan was sick of sitting on saw horses I am sure! Front wheels no problems re. clearance for suspension, rear I used some washers to space the wheels out so I could mount them temporarily. Spacers to come.
Dasdubber ·
pics didn't load last time...I'll try again.
Dasdubber ·
The rear will require between 25 and 30mm spacers to be fabbed up (or bring them in from Germany with their TUV approval). Will put the body on for a trial fit first to check for clearance between the guards. I am hoping I don't have to narrow the front to fit the wheels under the stock guards! But thats a custom project for ya. The rear wheels are going to hit the bump stop (which has to be clearance) and spring plates so I will sort that soon.
In the last pic there is Brad's (blup58) oval in the midst of body off resto. Stay tuned for pics and info from Brad, IRS conversion, 2110, 4 wheel discs, 16in fuchs....better not say anymore!
Alan
bugboymatt ·
😀 mate your doing a fantastic job. i for one carn't wait to see end result.
said before and again good on ya.
Fantastic effort.
:bounce
Dasdubber ·
Thanks Matt, I too can't wait for this thing to be on the road! I'm sick of working on it...I just want to drive it!! 🙂 Still lots more work to come though, I really really really really really really want it ready for valla (if it is confirmed to be on?) this year. Fingers crossed.
GL1972 ·
Dasdubber,
You are doing a fantastic job! How long have you been at it now?
Dasdubber ·
Thanks GL, started about May last year. In the mean time I've been busy with house reno's, getting engaged ($$ ring :P, and a knee operation so things have gone a little slower than I would have liked. Still progressing alright though. Thanks for the kind words.
GL1972 ·
May last year! You are going great. I started in Oct 2002 and am just starting to paint.
Whilst VWs are our passion and hobby we can't neglect the other important things in our lives.
Dasdubber ·
Finally re-mated the pan and body today (amidst 40 degree plus heat!). Feels like I am progressing now even though it is a just a trial fit! Front wheels should just clear the guards, have just finished (8.30pm) reindexing the rear suspension as you can obviously see in the pics that it was set way too high. I like the 4th pic though, the front looks nice and agressive!
Must have stuffed up somehow when taking my measurements with the protractor...pretty easy fix though, should be sitting down nicely by the end of tomorrow (have to grind the bump stops before putting rear wheels back on).
I still have to get spacers made for the rears due to the ET52 offset wheels...probably around 25-30mm. The rears will hopefully just tuck under the stock guards but I may have to get the guards rolled.
Alan
Dasdubber ·
In the 4th pic you can see my type IV longblock bolted up to get a more natural weight distribution when setting rear suspension. Gladwrap is to keep dust and crap out during storage.
Whilst it is in I'll be bolting up the manifolds and carbs so I can cut access holes in engine bay to improve the ease of tuning.
Alan
bugboymatt ·
Great pics mate.
kroozzn63 ·
inspiration to all thanks for putting time in between to give us a push to do our own
looking very nice "i like interior colour"
Dasdubber ·
Reindexed the rear suspension one inner spline which equates to around 9 degrees lowering or about 6cm roughly. The suspension should settle down a little more with a bit more weight. Rears will easily clear guards which is great, had to grind off some of bumpstop to ensure I didn't rub on that.
Fronts will be tighter and will most likely roll guard lips but shouldn't have to narrow beam as I first initially thought.
Pic below shows dual dells (40mm) mocked up. Still figuring out access panels/holes to make tuning easier. Also have to finish removable rear apron before I pull the body off again.
alan
Bumpstopbus ·
Hay Alan she is getin close mate,that would have to be the worst thing about doin a custom job getin every thing to fit and work just right.Is it going to be ready for valla?:thumb
Dasdubber ·
I will be pushing hard to get it done for valla kurt. I would say without much doubt it will be ready but I don't want to jinx myself!!
Anthiron ·
looking very very awesome keep up the good work:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Had a bit more of a fiddle with the removable rear apron tonight - the new replacement apron of course doesn't fit quite right since the pressing is not the same on the top corners as the original. Wish I had a NOS one!! Brazilian stuff...hmmm...sometimes okay but others not so okay.
Anyway, nothing major, just more work to make it right. Second pic just shows the clearance under the engine block...didn't have a can to show height...only had a grease tub!
Dasdubber ·
Another mockup of the engine "tin" wear. Figuring out now where I have to drill holes, make brackets, cut etc before any paint is laid down. Shroud is just resting at the moment - not bolted in.
Bumpstopbus ·
Hay Alan lookin good mate,are you going to weld the exhaust slots up as well or are you goin to leave them.With a motor like that you should be puttin a tuned exhaust system on it.
Dasdubber ·
Kurt I am going to leave them as I would like to have either a twin outlet (will get a custom exhaust) or single with a dummy in a nice size pipe. Will get someone here in brissy to build it as supposedly exhaust is everything in typeIVs so don't want to screw that part up!!
There is a bloke who has a turbo metallic red typeIII who had his exhaust made up by someone here in Bris - will follow that lead up when it comes time!
nbturbo ·
It's probably buried somewhere in this post-is that a Sharpbuilt fan kit?Good looking finish on the fibreglass.Should be easy enough to get motor out without a removable rear apron???
Dasdubber ·
g'day nbturbo - yep it is a sharpbuilt kit. The finish on the fibre glass is very good - will need minimal prep before the primer/two pack is laid down.
The removable rear apron will make life a lot easier as I am sure the engine will go in and out a few times whilst sorting out all the new project bugs.
lil bug ·
Nice ride, u've done a sweet job. Cant wait to see it all done.
Hey how r u securing your rear apron? Could u post a few more pictures showing what u've done with it?
Dasdubber ·
Thanks lil bug, I have only thus far modified the replacement aprong to fit but haven't quite decided on the way to fix it in place just yet - will update as I go.
Here are another couple of boring pics of the engine. Got the breast plate in place after a bit of fine tuning (nothing major). Still tinkering with the rear apron.
Third pic just shows the washers I used to determine the width of the spacers I will be getting made in the next couple of weeks (probably around 28-30mm). Spoke to the automotive engineer I am going through and he said that this method of spacing the wheels out is okay (I will be holding him to his word!!). :P
nbturbo ·
Did you see the article on removable rear apron in a VW Trends near the end of last year?From memory it was one of their better how to articles.If you didn't see it I will try and find it.
Bumpstopbus ·
Hay Alan who are you usein to get all the mods approved.
Does he come out to you or do you have to take it to him.
I am lookin for someone to approve my disc brakes when it comes time.
Dasdubber ·
Thanks nbturbo - I didn't see that article - that would be sweet if we could work out some way for me to see it (shhh...maybe scan, photocopy or whatever??).
Kurt, I am going through a fellow called Richard Larson (www.loadsafe.com) - he did all the mod inspections for Wes's baja V6 conversion. I have arranged to get stuff to him to inspect but thus far have mainly just had phone contact and only one inspection of my brake bits way back when. He can be a little hard to get onto sometimes but is pretty good with giving information that is required.
Alan
nbturbo ·
I found the article-August 2003.If you can't find it -email me and I will photocopy it and post it to you
lil bug ·
Thanks I'm still trying to work out if thats the way I will go.
No I dont have that issue, would u b able to email it to me... pleeease.
Dasdubber ·
Had a bit more of a fiddle with the engine cooling tin today. Had to cut the existing doghouse oil cooler tin off to make way for the wider fibreglass extension piece to fit the typeIV cooler inside. Not a fun job, but not that bad.
Also made the holes for the oil lines in the shroud, trial fitted a dizzy for clearance (this is not the one I'll be using). Alternator clearance on the stand may be an issue (not seating properly - the front lip is hitting rather than the actual body seating in the stand). Got the cooling tin around the manifolds to fit (after having to clearance the manifolds)...all part of the fun....of course after I had them HPC'ed. This is why the trial fit is important - I'd hate to do all this after everything is painted nice and shiny!
Alan
Brad ·
Wheel spacers.. I am guessing you are going to get complete spacers made, ie not 5 seperate spacers, rather one large plate.
Just remember it is the friction / contact between the two areas that gives the wheel its drive, not the studs.
Looking cool :>
:thumb
Dasdubber ·
Administrators?? I know there have been problems with the attachments and multiple attachments and these are being resolved (I think) - I don't know how many posts have gone missing from this thread though and why all the other pics aren't loading? Any help is appreciated as I'd like to update the progress but don't know where to start from when I don't know what is missing and what pics are where.
ta
Alan
Che Castro ·
wow...
the last 2 pages of pics dont work????
Dasdubber ·
Wow just saw this old thread which has the last few pages of pics that didn't load - a bit of blast from the past....especially the bit about having it ready for valla....yeah right!! Ah well, wishful thinking!
Just like it was supposed to be ready for dubs by the pub....last year!! It would have if I didn't keep changing my mind about certain aspects of the project!! Looks like most stuff is finalised though so now for paint.