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My 1956 Oval Sunroof
vw54 - June 27th, 2011 at 02:06 PM

My 1956 Oval Window Sunroof model, turned 55 years old today

I have now owned it for 30 years as well

Over the years its has under gone some transformations

I purchased it in June 1981, after selling my 1928 model A tourer, I was looking for a new project to begin. I found it tucked away in the back of a garage with some 20 other Volkswagen vehicles. I went to look at a 1954 Oval that had been advertised and discovered the 56 in the corner. Knowing the value of an Original Oval sunroof I quickly snapped it up, although It had been cut down into a Baja Buggy ( what a waste )

Upon initial inspecting it was missing the guards, bonnet, and engine lid. I found these scattered around the place and added them to the purchased I spent the next 3 years rebuilding the car and restoring it back to all original condition with original motor and gearbox

Once restored I drove it to work in peak hour traffic for the next 7 years, also changing and modifying engine components along the way

First of I fitted a Ken virgin Twin Carburettor set up which gave the 36 hp loads of extra torque and also made it nippy. Following this I fitted a set of Maico front disc Brakes which made it pull up better. Then followed a Judson Super charger set up, which it still runs.

I took it off full registration in 1990 and used the Car club conditional rego scheme for a few years until 2003 when I stopped driving it and had it in storage as I had just completed my 1965 Sea Blue Sunroof restoration, and wanted to drive that around

About 3 years ago I decided to re restore the 56 and so progress is happening


vw54 - June 27th, 2011 at 02:11 PM

Baja


vw54 - June 27th, 2011 at 02:11 PM

.


vw54 - June 27th, 2011 at 02:12 PM

.


vwsteve - June 27th, 2011 at 04:13 PM

if only more oval rag projects were still around hey:cool:


vw54 - June 27th, 2011 at 04:14 PM

Ive only ever seen 3 origional ones in aussie

all the rest have been grafted


DieSchnelleKafer - June 27th, 2011 at 10:43 PM

i know of a other one near where i live (being restored)

so make that 4 you know of :yes:


SebastienPeek - June 27th, 2011 at 10:58 PM

My Uncle used to have one, original, was blue.

Don't know if it is still blue, floated around in South Australia.

Few years ago now though, probably 7 or 8 years since he had it, if not more...


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 12:16 PM

a few of the resto shots from 81 to 83

panel work is fiinished and paint is on


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 12:16 PM

managed to find a front and reqar clip to suit


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:16 PM

work on the floor pan


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:18 PM

body work done and assembly started


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:19 PM

wiring under way


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:20 PM

body and chassis back together after 2 years apart


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:20 PM

progress closer


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:22 PM

guards fitted and ready to paint


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:23 PM

finished and ready for registration 1984


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:34 PM

refurbished engine and gearbox


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:35 PM

registered and using daily for work


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:36 PM

At Valla and won my first trophy


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:38 PM

Number 1 son loves to ride in the Bug


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 01:39 PM

He even used to help me with the chamois some times


Camo - June 28th, 2011 at 03:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vw54
My 1956 Oval Window Sunroof model, turned 55 years old today


Happy Birthday, 56 Oval and thanks for sharing.

So this would have made you about 15 when your car came out of the factory :lol::lol::lol::lol:

How about a photo of it today with the birthday cake ;)

Cheers, Kev


vw54 - June 28th, 2011 at 05:22 PM

do yr sums again Kev i knew u failed maths :!::!:


wolfgang54 - June 28th, 2011 at 05:45 PM

awesome!!!! :cool:


hellbugged - June 28th, 2011 at 07:20 PM

:tu: thanx for sharing


Barnabie - June 28th, 2011 at 10:05 PM

Nicely done. :smilegrin:


ian.mezz - June 29th, 2011 at 10:44 AM

Rose says it looks like a old farts car :lol::crazy::lol:


vw54 - June 29th, 2011 at 02:45 PM

Yep certainly a lot of farts in there for sure

Main street of Valla in 1985


vw54 - June 30th, 2011 at 11:22 AM

On the club magazine