Thought it was about time I put something up on my old girl.
I have had it for just over a year now. Picked it up from down at Armidale where it has spent most of its life. It was sold to a primary producer who used it and when they went to trade it in the VW dealer in Inverell who sold it to him said "I'll have that one, thanks" and put it into his personal collection. They didn't register it but along with a few other VW's it was stored for some time. His whole collection was then bought off him and they sold one or two to fund the others,
Here is a pic of the Kombi as I found it and on the way home.
vassy66T1 ·
Ute was registered with only the need to replace the 4 tyres that were all perished and away she went. Not even a single globe needed replacing ... yee hah!
Gotta love the highland country air for being kind to a 40 year old car.
vassy66T1 ·
Shortly there after the tray was stripped back (remind me never to do that again) and painted with POR15 and a hard tray liner out of a shutz gun. (think that is how you spell it)
Since that it has been given a refresh on the whole brake system with a new master cylinder from the later model being adapted onto it. All the wheel cylinders, shoes, flexible lines, etc. were replaced. Stock brakes really work quite well.
modulus ·
What a beauty!
Looks like it has been well looked after, though well used.
vassy66T1 ·
The transmission was rebuilt by Dave Butler with stock ratios and as I was installing it I discovered that the motor was sadly at the end of its life. A new aluminium case and the rest being stock 1600cc single port with everything renewed in the heads, new carb (30/31 pict), nos german muffler ceramic coated, and a doghouse oil cooler setup to help keep it all happy.
vassy66T1 ·
Latest editions are a scat shifter, period radio/cassette modified to plug an mp3 into, personalised plates.
vassy66T1 ·
The current project is the canopy, a canvas one.
It is well on the way and should be completely finished by the end of next week. My wife is a genius and loves the kombis as much as I do 😘
To follow after is a new rear bumper (I have one that I am prepping, and re-paint of the rims.
Last photo is of the ute with a half tonne of flooring in the rear. The old girl does get used.
RATAFIED ·
..................AWSOME ....................😎
shaven ·
mate nice ride...
love the tent😂 how did you mount it to the tray? what mounts are left when the canopy is taken off.
OHH... & the son's footy jumper... "LEGEND"😎
62deluxe ·
Great ute mate! Gotta love an early bay!!
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks for the replies 😎
Shaven there is a couple of photos of the mounting of the canopy frame. They were original (and/or existing) holes.
The tent ... canopy ... isn't quite finished. Will look more complete when the windows and the rest of the hardware are in place.
The timber slats actually help brace the rear bar as the tray and the connection points would really need reinforcing otherwise; the old trays are pretty thin.
Dak-A-Tak ·
Marcus , hotel accommodation for Warwick this year ,Hey !
vassy66T1 ·
Certainly won't need a tent 🙅
Looking forward to it!!
MrSmith ·
The Becker Europa you show was not offered on the European market till the early 1980's. For your own benefit, in case you thought it was late 1960's
An earlier Europa or Monza would be more period correct
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks for the info on the radio cassette Mr Smith. I knew it wouldn't be '60s (or assumed it wouldn't) as it has FM. I don't know when FM came to europe. I didn't want to have just AM so I was aware that it wasn't period correct ... cheers again for the info. How did you know that??
MrSmith ·
They were fitted to various European cars s in the early 1980's
at the time expensive radio
Even today you can pay $100-150 for a good complete unit with the amp box.
20bkombi ·
Nice work marcus & wife, that canvas look awsome and cool timber slats. What timmber did you use? I'm a caby, thats all.
Keep up the progress
Aaron.
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Aaron
Just 42 by 19mm Batu (Kwilas cousin) and painted with water based floor finish. You can brush off your cabinet-making skills on me anytime 😘
20bkombi ·
Good choice, and the s/s bolts too.
Is there anything to do after painting the wheels and bumper?
ps. is that a turbo or water pump in the 2nd picture? (caught my eye).
vassy66T1 ·
I had the carburettor off to change the main jet, I am pretty sure that is the pic you mean (looking at the rear of the ute)
In time the ute will be painted (that is when Tricia's is finished) and I will most likely go with a red and white two tone scheme. The red that is correct for the 69 is very bright though and I like the earlier kombi reds. Apart from that I plan to make a roll out draw for the treasure chest (climbing in there when packing isn't that much fun), lower it just a little (probably only 2 inches) and put new shocks and sway bars at the same time. Last will probably be the upholstery and some sprintstars.
At this point the motor and gearbox (all stock) I expect to last for around 4-5 years so I won't be doing anything there. No plans for wheelstanding rotary motors at this stage 👍
vassy66T1 ·
Tell me what you think ... which looks the goods??
Can't choose a canopy as an accesory on Bus Selecta which is a shame.
20bkombi ·
The first one looks cool!!!😎
This was the photo, look in front of the windscreen😂
vassy66T1 ·
That photo is down where I bought it (Armidale)
Have absolutely no idea what that is.
Meat mincer ??
Pastit ·
It's a blower for a blacksmiths forge, and a gazzillion bits of worn out totally useless VW pieces. 🤓 The second one looks betterer, just needs to be lifted up a couple of inches though. The red and cream always looks good.
NullaDub ·
I think the first or second...you would be disappointed with wide 5 centrelines. They look better on Selecta than in person, I just put a mates on my bug to compare and it was a let down.
Troy
vassy66T1 ·
Cheers for the thoughts! I am probably going to go with the stock wheels, and I won't go as low as the picture shows Glenn ... too old for a kidney belt🤓
vassy66T1 ·
Couple of photos of the old girl with a completed canopy.
Very happy with how it came up. Rear window is not quite right in its position or proportion but hey, it is actually central to the panel it is on.
New inlet manifold and electronic dissy are the only other recent changes.
kroozzn63 ·
very nice love the stock look canopy ...
pete wood ·
great little truck. I'm jealous.
btw, those wheels in the third red/white pic are actually ERCOs I think.
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks guys
Yes they are Ercos.
Maybe sometime later I might do that. I have a second set of stock sheels already blasted that I am re painting.
66BTL ·
go the stock rims and white walls
vassy66T1 ·
Cheers!! I have a second set of stock rims that are just waiting for me to put some paint on after being sandblasted.
I will have to sort out the whitewall option then.
Wannavee ·
Thin red walls with the white rims might look cool ??
I reckon one of these bays will be my next purchase.Looks great mate,congrats
vassy66T1 ·
Any ideas on how the red stripe is achieved? I do like the look but like the michelins that I have on the bus.
Wannavee ·
Theres bound to be someone that does the 'paint on' red walls in Qld.
We've got a couple of guys that do it here in SA.Cost me $80 for 4 tyres whitewalled on my old ute.
They sorta grind the tyre a bit then just paint it on with some sorta machine that spins the tyre on the vehicle
Cheap way to do it and looks fine
dAVo ·
I love it mate! Looks really nice. Is gonna look awesome in red.
vassy66T1 ·
What do you think about this?? 🤘
vassy66T1 ·
Here is a photo of the new engine for the SC.
Matt Berry will give it a once over so we know it is setup the way the bus needs it to be e.g. compression, oil line and muffler set up etc. It won't be in till Feb next year but will be good. I am stealing the MSD dizzy, coil and unit for the beetle engine.
The first photo of the lowered kombi is after the RH rear torsion bar cracked. It is sitting on the bump stop. Surprisingly it actually drove okay on the way home.
Octa ·
vassy66T1 wrote:Latest editions are a scat shifter, period radio/cassette modified to plug an mp3 into, personalised plates.
How did you modify it to add the AUX plug. I believe you bought an AUX female plug, but what did you connect to out back? Did the radio cassete have rca plugs in, or an existing aux in, or????
EDIT: Nice SC btw...
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Octa
My Father in law is a crazy inventor/problem solver person so he actually opened up the player and worked out where on the circuit board was the right place to hook into. It was the feed that came off the back of the tape player head. He does make his own circuit boards so is very good with his electronics. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Wannavee ·
Cool mate,still needs to come down a bit in the front though 😉
Octa ·
vassy66T1 wrote:Hey Octa
My Father in law is a crazy inventor/problem solver person so he actually opened up the player and worked out where on the circuit board was the right place to hook into. It was the feed that came off the back of the tape player head. He does make his own circuit boards so is very good with his electronics. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Lucky you!!!! My father in law is an accountant. I do all the handy work for him, computer tech support... and keep his daughter happy 🤓
vassy66T1 ·
Here is a couple of photos.
The first one is with the wife's '71 Dormobile camper on the way home from a camping weekend
Second one is the heads for the kombi after some unshrouding and setting the cc's. Thanks Mr Berry
Third one is the gearbox (an 1800 box with 1600 4th gear) 3270rpm at 100km/h by my calcs. Thanks DB
Fourth one is the kombi fitted with a nice accessory
matberry ·
Hey mate, the bug is finally on the road. lol
Ahhhhh porgress 🙂
vassy66T1 ·
Keep the dream alive 😀
jacky_moo ·
LOVE that last pic!!
Looks a great car mate. that engine looks the bits too
oldskl60 ·
As always, very cool mate!
You have been scoring well!! should make the sc cruise along nicely...
Good to see plenty of progress from your side.
Hope ur well!
Cheers Tom
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Tom!
All is well and I am very happy at recent progress (so is Trish)
Look forward to catching up soon. Are you going up to Dubs by the pie?
vassy66T1 ·
Well the heart transplant for the SC almost has a heartbeat!!
Some photos hot off the press below of the bottom end going together. Thanks Mr Berry!😘
I'm sticking with building houses because I think it holds less stress. 🤪
I have been making a new rear engine support due to both the sidewinder headers and the oil pump cover fouling the stocko support. Will post some photos when I finish the last weld tomorrow evening. Off to the custom exhaust shop then to have the muffler fitted.
vassy66T1 ·
Finished the rear enginemount last night. Took me five times longer than it should 🙅
Off to the muffler shop tomorrow for the muffler to be fitted.
dangerous ·
That mount looks great Marcus!
Anything new to report?
matberry ·
Getting closer.......
I better get to work...see ya 🙂.
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Dave.
Thanks for the compliment :-) It's not quite as 'pretty' as I would have liked but it is certainly structural.
The final stage of engine assembly and angine and gearbox install is happening now (Matt Berry is doing it) along with the other bits and pieces that this brings e.g. some extra gauges, electric fuel pump, oil cooler, gear shifter repair, etc. The old engine and gearbox are out now and engine will be together head to head today (had to wait for new rings). Photo below shows the old engine out (new muffler in an interesting design by Cookies exhaust at Wynnum: it is a genie turbo in a cylinder muffler)
All being well the SC will be alive this weekend. Will put up pics and vids when they come to hand.
😉
vassy66T1 ·
A few more pics of the engine ... almost complete.
If the planets align then it may see first start up tomorrow 👍
vassy66T1 ·
Couple more pics. Matt Berry has been burning the midnight oil.
Coming together and looking good in my books 😎
71-BEETLE-SEDAN ·
There is a company called redvan who paint on red or whatever colour you want on the sidewall of your tires for bout 30 bucks a tyre
Joel ·
vassy66T1 wrote:
kinda way off topic but that pic is like a predated version of my current desktop pic:
vassy66T1 ·
Very cool Joel.
Expensive garden ornament though 😁
Joels72Lowlight ·
A bit rough but you get the idea
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks Joel. Cool pic.
I do have a set of dragways (very similiar to the 5 spokes) that will get freshened up and go on when I do the brake upgrade in a few months. Cheers
Joels72Lowlight ·
Thats cool mate. It was only a very very very quick job.
Could have done better but didnt have time 😂
matberry ·
Joels72Lowlight wrote:A bit rough but you get the idea
Ha !!! didn't realise this was photoshopped. Thought that was another sc looking very like Marcus' 😂😂
Joels72Lowlight ·
Haha serious?
Well Ill take that as a compliment lol. Empi's that big would look sick 😂
vassy66T1 ·
Picked up the SC last night.
It is smooth as you like and has some delightful sting in it 😎
I will try to borrow a decent video camera to post a vid. Till then these are some quick snaps with the phone. Thanks to Matt Berry for his efforts and to Dave B for the gearbox.
bajachris88 ·
hang on! ur not the lad that picked up the 2nd hand 3 rib 1600 irs kombi gearbox from me in Edens Landing a while back?
was an ebay win, and a nice white single cab rocked up on my drive way. was that you!??
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Chris. Yes it was. Two gearboxes along now. Had an original 1600 gearbox rebuilt by Dave Butler after I wore the one out I got off you and then this 1800 gearbox with the 1600 4th gear for a bit of legs in top.
bajachris88 ·
ah! nice work mate 🙂
Good to bump into you again. Luved ur kombi
Certainly looks like its gone a long way since the last time i saw it. good stuff.
dangerous ·
Anything new to report here Marcus?
Love that narrow rear end look(comma!! haha)
Been checking the throttle response?
Where's that video?
vassy66T1 ·
Hi Dave
Sorry I missed your reply.
The engine is great. Very smooth and delivering good power to somewhere a bit above 5500rpm. It will dawdle along in top at 60kph very happily. Matt B and I agree that the combo could have coped with the Engle W120 cam quite easily. It is a joy to drive. Have let the rear wheels loose once or twice in second gear so throttle response is good 👍
I just need a fifth gear ... can you help me? The video is only from my phone. It is run in now and I am having a blast. Might need to upgrade the brakes next...
Link to vid ... sound is rubbish (thanks Nokia). I will do an on road vid some time soon.
vassy66T1 ·
Did a fuel consumption check on the last tank. The motor has about 1600 mile on it now.
10.8l/100km !! Pretty happy with that.😁
matberry ·
That's great fuel consumption Marcus, who said big engines and big carbs use more fuel lol, love it, and power to boot !!!!
LUFTMEISTER ·
the fuel consumption reminds me of my favourite VW story
This guy buys a new 60's VW and starts bragging to his garage workmates about how good the fuel economy was compared to their big american iron. His mates decide to play a gag and for a week they add 1/2 pint a day (usa story) to his unlocked gas tank. Then the next week they add a pint per day. The owners on cloud nine, bragging & bagging his mates Then each week after that they drop back to 1/2 pint, then nil, then they take out 1/2 a pint, then a pint. This drives the fuel guy crazy and he puts in new points, changes the distributor, adjust the valves a dozen times , changes all the ignition parts, adjust his brakes. After about a month they let him in on the joke.😂
vassy66T1 ·
Love the story 😂
I guess I need to put a lock on my fuel tank to stop people donating fuel to me 😵💫
westi ·
com on were's the action vid.
on the brake frying those tyres.yeh baby.
who cares about the fuel economy.
10.8 per 100.drive it like you stole it and then cheak you economy.lol.
sound's good marcus ,drag's at warwick for you or what.
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Westi
I will ask Mr DB for the okay on a line lock burnout with an open diff ..
I will definitely be giving it a run at Warwick and maybe even before then if I get a chance.
I wouldn't mind the disk brakes being on before I give the quarter a go
I'll see if I can empty the tank in 200kms of stolen car driving 😂
vassy66T1 ·
Well I got around to doing a driving vid.
Had to wait till I got a new camera.
No tyre smoke but the last part where I give it a boot full is 70mph in 3rd gear which is around 5600rpm.
You can do all the burnouts you want,
but you WILL BREAK IT!!😂
vassy66T1 wrote:Hey Westi
I will ask Mr DB for the okay on a line lock burnout with an open diff ..
I will definitely be giving it a run at Warwick and maybe even before then if I get a chance.
I wouldn't mind the disk brakes being on before I give the quarter a go
I'll see if I can empty the tank in 200kms of stolen car driving 😂
matberry ·
Cool vid Marcus, sounds tame as tho......you can do burnouts with the engine mate, might have to speak to db hey !!!😂😂😂
vassy66T1 ·
Cheers for the comments and the comedy ;-)
It does sound tamer on the vid than sitting in it. Sounds like I am not even revving it out.
You have got to wonder about that DB guy ... maybe he was one of the guys who dobbed Lewis Hamilton in 😵💫
matberry ·
vassy66T1 wrote:You have got to wonder about that DB guy ... maybe he was one of the guys who dobbed Lewis Hamilton in 😵💫
😂😂😂😂😂😂
westi ·
cool vid,
now that it's all going so well maybe you can sort out all the junk in your garage,or photoshop it out next time.
as for the gearbox,should be under warranty,lol.come on give us a burnout.
will have to catch up at warwick.i recon the back off that thing would make a great spa or eski.
dangerous ·
Stock gearboxes get a two part warranty.
If you break any part in two, you get to keep both parts.
vassy66T1 ·
Thought I would get around to putting up some more photos that Matt took during the engine build.
The engine now has 4000 mile on it and is just getting better.
Spent the weekend helping (or hindering) Mr Berry in putting 1971/2 model discs and drums on the old girl with the 69/70 master cylinder (un-boosted). The job held challenges as usual. I left the reservoir that sits on top of the master at home, the brake piping was different, the rear wheel stub axles were approx. 8mm narrower and a bunch of other random things. Job finished and now it stops almost as well as it accelerates. I have a little present for it when some wheel nuts arrive. Will post photos then.
Engine specs are here.
• Case: Type I, Auto Linea, 2165cc : 78 x 94
• Heads : CB cnc round port, 40 x 35.5mm s/s valves, performance multi angle valve job, chambers reworked, un-shrouded valves & polished. Stock 1.1:1 rockers, Shimmed HD shafts, Porsche style swivel foot adjusters
• Crankshaft: Scat forged chromoly c/w 78mm, endfloat set to: .027”
• Connecting Rods: Scat I beam ARP 3/8 bolts
• Camshaft : Engle W110, endfloat set to: .002”
• Camshaft manufacturers recommended valve lash : Intake .004”, Exhaust .004”
• Straight cut timing gears with .003” gear lash
• Cylinder spacer fitted: 1.5mm
• Head gasket fitted: .060”
• Combustion chamber volume: 60cc
• Deck height: .060”
• Static compression ratio : 8.6:1
• Carbs: Weber 44 IDF, Jets fitted: 36mm venturi, 175;F11;130;60
• Distributor : 009
• Ignition : 32* total advance
• Spark plugs: NGK D8EA
• Clutch: KEP 200mm Stage 1, 1700 lb, dual compound solid disc
• Flywheel: 200mm lightened 12lb, 12V
• Exhaust System: 1 5/8”, 4 into 1, Stainless steel sidewinder
• Oil system: 26mm blueprinted pump, full flow with filter, cooler and thermostatically controlled fan, deep sump and case modified for improved windage and oil return
• Engine assembly balanced and crank oil clearances set to .0025” - .003”
• Vented tappet covers and oil filler with ½” lines and Empi breather box
• Engine oil: ACE 30, 20W-40
vassy66T1 ·
The engine was going to hurt itself before too long if I had just put it straight in after purchase.
Pistons were hitting the heads: witness the marks from too tight a deck clearance.
Fin damage and some interesting tin fastening technique
Muffler placement and oil line proximity would have given elevated oil temperature.
Have to say that I am still very happy with the purchase though as the value of parts was worth it 😁
vassy66T1 ·
Chanmbers modified on top set of heads to unshroud valves improving flow and therefor improving head temps also.
Before
After
Case savers milled
vassy66T1 ·
Case had oil flow and windage reducing mods done
Other half
Pistons had ceramic coating to tops and friction coating to skirts
Barrels have had a heat dispersant coating on them
All coatings undertaken by Competition Coatings
vassy66T1 ·
Crankshaft engineering undertook the machining work.
Matt doing rocker geomoetry check.
Inlet gasket needs some mods
Tinware modofied for J pipes running much higher than a standard Volksie exhaust
Note the neat locating of the fuel pressure regulator (a Holley Red)
vassy66T1 ·
Ready for install ... will make a 41 year old kombi quicker than a 51 year old Porsche 🤪
Go in there little fella
In like Flynn
Second gear burnouts are a surprise to those following you at the roundabout 😂😂
matberry ·
Great post Marcus. glad the ol' girl is now stopping a little better. I was very impressed how well the non boosted discs worked. How was it after a day in Brisbane traffic?
That inlet manifold gasket pic is from the original build and actually no gaskets are used now 🙂.
oldskl60 ·
Great post Marcus - such a cool bus!! And with all the fruit...
I only just saw the vid then, very cool! Nice work gents
Brakes are excellent Matt.
Thanks for the comments Tom. Some cool utes and busses in that list.
I might fall outside the times that they have set. Now that I can stop I will give it a run down the 1/4 though. Let me know when you are heading out again and I will come.
RZEDGE ·
loving the pics and story - gotta love a lowlight pick-up truck!
about to start a new thread for my daily driver... here she is!!
20bkombi ·
Sorry for my ignorance but what is the cylinder used for in the last photo page 3?. Is a vacume atached to the cylinder (oil-air seperator?) then to the case breather for the first start up?
Thanks for the pics of the build and specs
Good to see it comming along Marcus.
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks Aaron.
I am pretty sure the cylinder it is to pump up the oil pressure before first start. (Could be wrong and even if I am not I don't particularly understand how it works 🙄 )
rzedge :your pick up looks a treat. Bring on the photos of it.
matberry ·
Yep, your on the money Marcus.
The old fire extinguisher is filled with oil and then pressurised with compressed air. I have used this method for years to fill the engine with oil and pressurise the oil system so there is no time running dry on initial start up. Cranking for pressure is also sus as all cam lubes are wiped off before they get a chance to do their job.
vassy66T1 ·
Here is some photos after I finally got to the end of my drama with finding wheels that fit my kombi.
Answer was that none did so I did my sums and measurements and had some new drop centre 15" bands fitted to my late bay centres. The rears are 15 by 8" and the fronts 15 by 6".
Tyres are 225/60/R15 on the rear and 195/65/R15 on the front. I am a very happy boy. I did do a test fitment with the hope that I could squeeze 235/60/R15 on the rear but it was not to be.
The baby moons are compliments of Roy and I had the rims powder-coated after the bands were fitted. Sweet!!
matberry ·
New wheels look great Marcus, esp the Moonies 👍.
matberry ·
Hey Marcus, I believe an update is required since your Warwick efforts.......pics and details please.
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks Matt
I haven't got that many good photos of it yet. Go figure.
Here is one of it out on a job site at Karana Downs.
The second pic is of the weir near there that is one spot where the water from Wivenhoe dam is pouring through.
matberry ·
Pffffttt
One pic....what the....?
How about a certain other family member also having a ride at Warwick??? Maybe you could fill us in some details there too!!!
NUG637 ·
hey mate i dont know if you recall but i think i spotted you back at the loading dock of the HIA Home show, my brother and i were in his white 15 window splitty, i spotted you there the year befor aswell but in the parking lot 😎
vassy66T1 ·
Hey NUG. I do remember. Cool bus.
Here are some better photos Matt. That one on the phone at the job site was rubbish. 🤪
Had to wait for the sun to shine to take a photo
vassy66T1 ·
And here is a couple of Tricia's.
Volksy85 ·
great cars....very envious!
geez i want a ute 🙁
Pastit ·
Looks good Marcus, good to see it being used like it was meant, a working machine.
vassy66T1 ·
Here are the results of a dyno tune last year.
Made a couple of changes.
Idles to 55, Main up to 140,(will probably go 57 now after another 5000km more on the engine: freeing up a little and just wanting that bit more), and airs are 180.
Temps are still very good (never over 85 degrees) and economy sticking around the 11l/100km.
Will get to the 1/4 mile one of these days to see what it might do for giggles.
logwood ·
i just thought i should show you my ute that i recently purchased..seeing yours has inspired me to go with a full cnopy
vassy66T1 ·
If we can all manage to inspire each other every now and then it is a good thing.
I quite like the look both ways (i.e. with and without the canopy) but I like driving it without the canopy. Better vision and so much less wind drag.
bens1964vw ·
killer sc mate.
SlownLow ·
what a fantastic find and story thanks for the pics
vassy66T1 ·
Nothing too exciting
I put an MSD system in the bus after some spark/ignition issues that were just annoying.
Very, very happy with the result. It is noticeable, particularly at idle being smoother, and the crisp at higher revs.
Worth the effort.
vassy66T1 ·
More engine pics.
The oil breather (tiny thing in the last picture) was not doing its job on the odd occasion. (usually when sitting on 70mph on the highway for an extended period.
I bought the CSP breather and used some Phenix fittings and hose. Came up quite neat. I need one more fitting (a 45deg) to fix up the angle of the hose onto the driver's side carb.
The CSP breather is immaculate in its welding and design.
matberry ·
NICE mate. 🙂
h ·
👍 schweet!
dangerous ·
Looking sweet dude.
Separate those ignition leads!!
vassy66T1 ·
Thanx for the +ve comments.
Dave, is it a crossover ignition thing or magnetic?
matberry ·
May induce a cross fire. Trust DB to pick up on it.....do the 2 cable tie method ......like what was on there 🙄🙄😂😂
vassy66T1 ·
Still have a smile on my dial from Wednesday night test and tune!
That was a hoot 🙂
Here are the time slips.
Good bracket car (slow bracket I admit but up to any Kombi challengers except Aaron)
And a pic
vassy66T1 ·
Nothing too exciting happening, just a few little things that bring much joy.
The ute went to Matt Berry's for a little bit of attention.
The front was lowered to balance up the stance a little. I like it.
An MST sand seal pulley kit was installed to rid the engine bay of an oil misting issue. Issue solved and no more oil leaks (2 thumbs up)
Lastly I installed a new head unit that gave me digital radio in the old girl. The sound is sensational (CD quality, noticably better than the Ipod) and I have a plethora of stations to choose from.
(Google plethora and "The Three Amigos" on you tube for meaning if unsure) 🙅
Last pic is out at Christmas Creek near Rathdowney with the family.
I am loving the ute right now.
Next on the cards is to fit a set of NOS 45 DRLA Dellortos that I have had sitting in my cupboard for 7-8 years 😵
vassy66T1 ·
Well it is an exciting day in my calendar.
A set of previously mentioned NOS Dellorto 45mm DRLA carburettors have been sitting in my cupboard (with my jumpers) for just on a decade.
They were previously sitting in the wardrobe of a guy out redcliffe way since he bought them new 6 years approx. before I bought them off him.
Today they went onto the 2165 in the ute.
I am very happy with them though it will take a little bit of tweaking to get them perfectly spot on.
Performance seems okay with the speedo reaching the 6pm position on the test drive. That's between the M and the P so must be somewhere between medium and park. (MPH)
Some pics. Yes they are just carbs, but how often do you get to fit a brand new pair of Dellortos???
matberry ·
Good to hear they went on ok mate. Who gets to fit new 16 year old Dell's.....not many can do that !!! At least they were cozy with your jumpers. 🙂
66deluxe ·
They look beautiful. Love the 45 DRLA's. Its funny my speedo points to 6 o'clock with my 45 Dells too.
matberry ·
Mine saw 7 o'clock last time we were out cruising Damo
66deluxe ·
Maybe mine did too.
vassy66T1 ·
I think 7 o'clock is a stretch for the ute 😢😂
tar76 ·
engine bay looks the goods man, luv the Dells
vassy66T1 ·
Well the ute has had another birthday with some upgrades (mind you it's birthday is in January)
I wasn't entirely happy with hitting the bump stops with the ute lowered so was keen when a set of Wagens West spindles came up for sale recently. Thanks to Jason for his excellent packaging and interest. Other little gifts for the ute were a MWS wooden rim steering wheel and a vintage speed shifter.
It was also time to catch up on a niggling brake compatability issue that has been around since I changed from the wide 5 '69 brakes to '71 brakes and hubs/spindles. The rear shoes had not been sitting nicely in the drums (side to side) and so maximum braking effort was not a happening thing.
The gearbox had developed an issue that was at this point unidentified.
So on up to Matt Berry's for engine and gearbox out and replacement of spindles and brakes. Thanks Matt for your excellent attention to detail. 😎
I sourced some 73 and on backing plates believing this may solve the problem with a change in the 'backspace' of the adjusters/wheel cylinder. Not to be. '68 and '69 baywindow rear hubs are approx. 10mm further inboard at the face that mates to the backing plate. I could have changed the hubs to later but my wheels/tyres on the rear have 2mm to spare on the outer and 3mm to spare on the inner/spring plate. (DO NOT MOVE THAT HUB FLANGE)
Spacers were made up out of 10mm plate to bring the brake backing plate and shoes into the correct fitting of the drum. (modify brake balance bars, find later lower springs, make a locating pin that steps from 10mm to 8mm ........)
Front end had the spindles fit on magnificently but not my '71 discs and calipers. Different caliper bolts and offset. 🥲
So new ATE '74 and on calipers and discs fitted to front.
At least all the braking system (with the exception of the master cylinder not being boosted) is 1974-79 kombi.
The lowering of the front via the spindles meant we had to raise the front via the Avis style adjusters. One of the challenges here was that the upper adjuster was going to interfere with the shift rod. Worm screw out and shortened as much as possible and then cradle made for shifter rod to allow top face to be panel beaten flat through that section.
The other major item was the gearbox which had been suffering from the scat gland nut pushing against the inut shaft. Gearbox out and back to Dave Butler for a refresh. Thanks for the quick turn around Dave.
Engine and gearbox back in and it is sweet 😘
The trip home was fantastic! The ride is really good, gearbox shifting sweetly, engine purring along at 75mph. I do love my single cab.
Of interest is that this engine and gearbox have done just over 51,000kms since install. Purrfect!
matberry ·
Pics look great mate. She is going better than ever, and you've got those Dells humming. Cool to hear she's 51 000km young. 🙂👍
vassy66T1 ·
With now over 60,000kms on the 2165cc I am impressed by engine temps even when the heatwave was smashing us in Brisbane.
I do run an external cooler with thermo fan (mounted above the gearbox) but think that it is worth showing that stroker engines don't have to run hot. These pics were after about an hour of mostly freeway driving where the engine gets its warmest. Just under 75mph on the speedo is 100kmh by the GPS fyi. It was just over 40deg celsius this day.
matberry ·
Sweet, she will have many more thousands of kilometers to come mate.
vassy66T1 ·
69 miles on the 69 SC
Craig Torrens ·
a great number 😉
1303Steve ·
Craig Torrens wrote:a great number 😉
if you can stand the smell you've got it licked
Craig Torrens ·
1303Steve wrote:
Craig Torrens wrote:a great number 😉
if you can stand the smell you've got it licked
sounds like someone needs some 'femfresh' 😂😂
vassy66T1 ·
I do often wonder if people think I am being crude with 69 on my number plate 🤪
Carl and Emily ·
vassy66T1 wrote:I do often wonder if people think I am being crude with 69 on my number plate 🤪
ARE you??? 😂
Cool ute Marcus, love it👍
Bob down ·
saw you on the road the other day, mate bus looks and sound awesome!
vassy66T1 ·
Cheers 👍
I actually missed the 99999 to 00000 roll over and was just lucky to see this.
"ARE you??? 😂"
We all live in hope 😏
vassy66T1 ·
I thought it might be time to update the thread with my single cab turning 45yo in January and now getting a well deserved Birthday freshen up.
The panel work is being done by Matt Berry Motorsport and my wife's cousin Rod Fuchs is undertaking the final prep and paint.
It has just come back from the sandblasters on Friday and is getting a new Gersons Fab tray and gates (thanks Das Resto Parts) and the other panels needing replacing are Autocraft made.
With the whole vehicle being painted I am now considering whether I will stick with Lotus White (the factory colour) or make a change to L345 Light Grey.
Anyhow some pics:
Off to the blasters
vassy66T1 ·
Sandblasting
vassy66T1 ·
LUFTMEISTER ·
Nice Birthday present. Nothing like a face lift at 45.🙂 Suprised by the amount of hidden rust. She looked like a good specimen before the reveal. Should come up a treat.
Bizarre ·
It is really getting some love
Any ideas on colour?
vassy66T1 ·
Hey Luftmeister,
I agree that it was about as clean as you can find but still needed some love. I have owned it for 6 years next month so it deserves it.
Bizarre, I am torn between leaving it the Lotus White that it was or changing it to L345 Light Grey that was a colour for that era.
I am leaning towards the grey maybe with a white roof.
coletrickle ·
hey marcus you trying to out do the missus?Trishs camper is pretty nice!Seriously its good to see someone doing what it takes to do it properly unlike some of those $50.000 shitboxs from the "kombi chop" and "kombies from hell"and the like and not painted some stupid colour.Ritchies gonna be pitching for lotus white but grey would be very cool!Your gonna have to let me have a drive when she's all done she was ok last time i drove it but with all those fixes it must have been great?With no rust and nice paint i guess she'll be sign writen and on the books as the work vehical and the triton off to the auctions?
Bizarre ·
Grey with white roof 👍
vassy66T1 ·
Bizarre wrote:Grey with white roof 👍
That is what it is going to be 😎
I found out by doing a little looking back that the colour it had been was not Lotus White and it was originally Green/beige according to the original sales receipt.
It has made it easier for me to go away from Lotus White given that was not it's stock colour.
Here are a couple of pics of where it is up to
Interior is looking good with the exception of a couple of dents
The windscreen surprised me as it looked okay with just some rust in the passenger side. All but 200mm will be replaced now
The area near the fuel tank will soak up some time and effort
Both sills in front of the rear wheels will have a new Autocraft panel fitted
I have my badge come with the order too. It never had it before (a little bit excited)
grinderman ·
It's going to come up a treat with the grey/white combo.
For a kombi of that vintage the amount of rust is quite reasonable, as most of the metal under the tray in my dual cab is getting replaced I know how bad they can get.
vassy66T1 ·
I agree. It was a very good body compared to most. Amazing how much still shows it's ugly little face 😏
matberry ·
Great write up Marcus. The body is extremely good as far as Kombi's or any other 40+ year old motor vehicle goes. By going the strip/sandblasting route you will achieve your longevety goals, and after this step, it's nice to see how well your ute faired, even 29 years ago we had some cars that were literally given back to the owner in a cardboard box!
vassy66T1 ·
I agree Matt
A couple of pics as the repairs are underway
Sill in front of rear drivers side wheel arch
From the inside
Floor section under fuel tank being replaced
vassy66T1 ·
Well it has been a few weeks since I updated this 😂
The steel and panel work will be completed this week (all being well)
Under the tray, treasure chest and engine bay have been painted.
I did go with the L345 Light Grey : it is a khaki, grey, beige colour. I like it. It goes nicely with the L581 Cloud White which is a nice creamy white.
Any how, the pictures tell the story. It should be quite neat. I will pick it up on Sunday to take it to my wife's cousin who is quite a handy spray painter.
The metal and panel work has been done at Matt Berry's by his specialist panel beater Max. Great work, and highly recommended if you can get on the waiting list.
The area under the fuel tank was the worst part of the single cab
Wheel arch near the battery needed some love ... no surprise there
New divider made and scribed for between treasure chest and fuel tank to ensure the treasure chest stays completely dry.
Passenger side wheel well/engine bay area ready for some seam sealer
The top hat sections for the rear tray were straightened and replaced as needed: even strong enough for my eldest boy to lay on, fat as he is
Windscreen area repaired. It had got worse so quickly after I last had the windscreen replaced.
Passenger wheel arch repaired (a few layers as usual here)
New outer sill ... are you bored yet??
Getting pretty straight now ... Max the master in the background
Slide out drawer is getting installed to make the treasure chest a nicer option for easy storage
This is all the little rust pieces that have been removed. Boy expensive bits of rust $ 😉
New tray panels being test fitted and prepped
Colour has been applied here to the underside of tray areas
grinderman ·
Looking great, should be good for another 40+ years !
vassy66T1 ·
That's the plan 😁
modnrod ·
Great colour!
lunar_c ·
Lovely SC. I can't think of a way it could be any better and I think the light grey/white combination will look amazing.
I love Kombi Utes .. And this thread is tipping me to breaking point .. But then my 67' would have to go to make way - decisions!
Best of luck with the rest of the work.
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks so much 🙂
Pastit ·
Hiho Marcus, for a vehicle that didn't appear to have much rust it had a shipload. Great it's going to be put to the use it was built for.....working. Triffik job. Glenn.
matberry ·
I love this pic Marcus, Richie being a chock ... 😂
Any updates from Rod?
2014-03-12090319_zps81807ac2.jpg
(EDIT: pic didn't work, can anyone fix it, it's the last pic of this post at the end of p7 posted on 16-3-2014 at 10:30)
lunar_c ·
matberry wrote:I love this pic Marcus, Richie being a chock ... 😂
Any updates from Rod?
2014-03-12090319_zps81807ac2.jpg
(EDIT: pic didn't work, can anyone fix it, it's the last pic of this post at the end of p7 posted on 16-3-2014 at 10:30)
matberry ·
🤪😂 love it, thanks mate
lunar_c ·
No worries.
vassy66T1 ·
Pastit wrote:Hiho Marcus, for a vehicle that didn't appear to have much rust it had a shipload. Great it's going to be put to the use it was built for.....working. Triffik job. Glenn.
Hi Glenn
It is amazing how much repair was needed as it was the cleanest ute I had seen in original condition.
It will be quite spectacular when it is done.
vassy66T1 ·
I thought you had said "Richie being a chook" Matt!!
I should put my glasses on 🙂
matberry ·
vassy66T1 wrote:I thought you had said "Richie being a chook" Matt!!
I should put my glasses on 🙂
If the shoe fits... lol
vassy66T1 ·
It's creeping closer to seeing colour
A huge amount of work has gone into it. The pics tell the story. It should be very straight 🙂
lunar_c ·
Such a great job on the panel work! My wife prefers dual cabs but if I had my way I'd have a single cab just like this any day!
adlbeetle66 ·
Sweet build man!!! 😎👍👍
vassy66T1 ·
Well colour has made it to the underside of the single cab.
I went with a mildly textured version of the raptor coating in a low sheen.
It is a mixture of L345 Light Grey and Black as best as we can figure close to original in where colour is and isn't.
A lot of hard work in this part of it by Rod Fuchs who has been doing the body work.
It will be a lot easier from here as the rest of the prep is ready with just a light rub back and spray colour.
vassy66T1 ·
vassy66T1 ·
grazza7755 ·
Looking great, what a lot of attention to detail you have done.
What are you doing to rust proof it?
Scottkombi ·
Where is the Like button
vassy66T1 ·
Thanks.
Grazza, Rod does up his own brew of product for rustproofing.
When I remember what is in it I'll let you know.
vassy66T1 ·
Well I picked the ute up from the painters yesterday with everything painted except for the outside.
It is now going to have the dash, motor, gearbox, fuel tank and electrics fitted.
It will then go back for the final wet rub and colour for the outside.
It is fantastic and beyond all of my expectations. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
