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1985 VW Caravelle T3 Project (Links Fixed)
zoofish - August 20th, 2016 at 06:25 PM

1985 VW Caravelle Project.

SO after a while away from projects, I bought this little project in Melbourne. Honestly I have no real idea of where the project will go, but it is completely rust free. The only thing I have known that I wanted to do from the outset, is to have a Subaru 3.0 H6 engine transplanted into it

The Bus loaded and ready to go to Sydney

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-Vzcj4dV/0/e30f14db/L/IMG_3116_zps47hifycn-L.jpg

Complete interior, but still thinking about what to change it to

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lpnpwtdpuekvn2v/IMG_0905_zpsw9s8pgcx.JPG?raw=1

Test fit 18" staggered Mercedes Benz SL AMG Wheels (18"x8.5" up front ET30 and 18"x9.5" out back ET32). Sliding side door just opens past the wheels

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7j8saqyw6k8plw/IMG_0765_zpsgwicfbqu.JPG?raw=1

Bought a complete Subaru 3.0 H6 that was written off after a minor bingle. 101,000 Km's on the car and a complete service history.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w0cie8qdrqhp6mv/IMG_0769_zpszigzkjau.JPG?raw=1

10+kg wiring looms and ECU's on their way to AGT Engineering be converted to run in the Bus.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxl2v756dle2ty/IMG_0782_zpsi2bn5v0r.JPG?raw=1

The complete wiring loom returns, including a Subatronics Canbus Emulator and wired for Aircon and Cruise Control. The joys of a fly-by-wire system sorted. Thanks to Andrew Todd @ AGT Engineering in Newcastle for sticking with it. Had a few run-ins with Subaru to get the Codes, but eventually got them from my local Dealership - They were GREAT!

Engine taken out and serviced by our mechanic.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ovitwziddsyc9e8/IMG_0776_zpsaxfov3sk.JPG?raw=1

Engine hanger fabricated and ready for install.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ge2ma3wew8rml90/IMG_1048_zpswvb26f6u.JPG?raw=1

Engine bay repainted white (I'm thinking the Bus will become white) and engine goes in.

Engine lowered (to ensure engine lid closes) and plumbing continues. Engine fired up first time.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7vgw64q23oavg48/IMG_1025_zpsc2aa6w15.JPG?raw=1

A long way to go, but exhaust will be fabricated this week.

More updates to come :).

grazza7755 - August 20th, 2016 at 06:46 PM

Great job so far.
You're going to love the result.
You probably already know but just in case, smallcar.com make nearly everything for this type of conversion. Cables, hoses, brackets, exhaust, catalytic converter, muffler, adapter, wiring etc.
I bought everything that was needed.
The stainless exhaust kit I bought for my H6 in a T3 was and is fantastic.

Enjoy the result.
Cheers

rocknrob - August 20th, 2016 at 07:05 PM

nice work...whats it going to be? family car, sunday cruiser?..i,m liking the T3 more and more..

karmann141 - August 21st, 2016 at 07:36 AM

Excellent.

zoofish - August 21st, 2016 at 08:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by grazza7755
Great job so far.
You're going to love the result.
You probably already know but just in case, smallcar.com make nearly everything for this type of conversion. Cables, hoses, brackets, exhaust, catalytic converter, muffler, adapter, wiring etc.
I bought everything that was needed.
The stainless exhaust kit I bought for my H6 in a T3 was and is fantastic.

Enjoy the result.
Cheers


Thanks. Yes Smallcar has great stuff. The plan is to get the transplant up and running and then probably get their stainless exhaust to add to the car. Thanks for your message. I saw your H6 build and was inspired :)

zoofish - August 21st, 2016 at 08:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rocknrob
nice work...whats it going to be? family car, sunday cruiser?..i,m liking the T3 more and more..


Don't know just yet, but probably a completely restored weekend car

mackaymanx - August 21st, 2016 at 08:44 AM

If you want some more room for the intake hose against the bulkhead try a Cobra Head elbow.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=cobra+head+intake+elbow&espv=2&biw...

Or just cut the bulkhead.

Bizarre - August 21st, 2016 at 12:15 PM

What wheels you running? Merc AMG?

Kroozzn61 - August 21st, 2016 at 12:42 PM

Looking good!

zoofish - August 22nd, 2016 at 02:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mackaymanx
If you want some more room for the intake hose against the bulkhead try a Cobra Head elbow.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=cobra+head+intake+elbow&espv=2&biw...

Or just cut the bulkhead.


Excellent idea. Thanks

zoofish - August 22nd, 2016 at 02:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bizarre
What wheels you running? Merc AMG?


I trialled the 18" AMG Wheels, but decided to sell them and am looking at running 17" Airevo Wheels for now until the restoration is complete.

zoofish - August 22nd, 2016 at 02:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kroozzn61
Looking good!


thanks. A lot more to come :)

Scottkombi - August 25th, 2016 at 10:42 PM

I see its been tapped with the lowering stick - looks great with the Merc AMG wheels

With that donk it should go just as well as it looks....

mackaymanx - August 28th, 2016 at 08:57 PM

A few pics of a cobrahead installed in a van

http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=147567 

zoofish - September 5th, 2016 at 02:07 PM

Exhaust was fabricated and popped on last week. Sounds great!

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-QZdrd73/0/b45f640e/L/received_1664482590546595_zpswfpaywo9-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-JcGcSgK/0/82cb3c2b/L/received_1664482747213246_zpsr8wwsiis-L.jpg

zoofish - September 5th, 2016 at 05:10 PM

I do love those Cobraheads. I'm definitely going to install one :)

Quote:
Originally posted by mackaymanx
A few pics of a cobrahead installed in a van

http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=147567 

zoofish - November 8th, 2016 at 08:38 PM

The Bus is almost done with its Subaru H6 engine transplant and will hopefully be back on the weekend. In the meantime, a set of 19"x8" AMG Replica wheels (ET35) - NO rubbing issues

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-LqZhzG9/0/5699fbbf/XL/IMG_1229_zpsv5wqdxya-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-Ft8HrRq/0/6d3511b1/XL/IMG_1227_zpsd0cvqhnv-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-W2Hr26r/0/6aa569de/XL/IMG_1228_zpsxgpogtbt-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-XzPgjcF/0/37b0f6f8/XL/IMG_1223_zpsr7oudouc-XL.jpg

The original paint does shine quite nicely after a polish, even though I am not sold on the colour (yet)

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-GjRK6f6/0/790d4b98/XL/IMG_1233_zpsqgi8l72m-XL.jpg

Bizarre - November 9th, 2016 at 07:05 PM

:tu::tu: sweet

Scottkombi - November 20th, 2016 at 08:56 PM

Wow thats very nice.

I am taking my 30 odd kgs of Subaru wiring up to Andrew next week to get sorted ready for an EJ 25 install in my syncro.

Just waiting for my speed sensor to come from RJES in the UK then my wiring loom will be complete.

Have you had yours running yet?

The colour looks great.

zoofish - November 21st, 2016 at 03:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Scottkombi
Wow thats very nice.

I am taking my 30 odd kgs of Subaru wiring up to Andrew next week to get sorted ready for an EJ 25 install in my syncro.

Just waiting for my speed sensor to come from RJES in the UK then my wiring loom will be complete.

Have you had yours running yet?

The colour looks great.


Hi Scott,

Yes the Bus is done and comes back this week from the Mechanic. The Bus sounds awesome and cannot wait to get it back.

As for the colour it is growing on me, so I might leave it as is for a while.

Cheers,
Trevor.

scoob02 - November 28th, 2016 at 09:41 PM

man that is cool!

Just picked up a T3 with the 2.5L in it - goes well

I want to put some wheels on, those reps look good - are they a direct fit?

and clear the hubs?

stock bolts?

Cheers mate

zoofish - November 30th, 2016 at 10:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by scoob02
man that is cool!

Just picked up a T3 with the 2.5L in it - goes well

I want to put some wheels on, those reps look good - are they a direct fit?

and clear the hubs?

stock bolts?

Cheers mate


Hi Scoob,

The wheels are a direct fit, with zero issues. I did fit longer studs into the brakes (Front & Back). I will have to fit shorter grease caps up front and a smaller spacer out back in order to run the centre caps on the wheels.

Christopher Schimke (From T3Technique.com) is on TheSamba as well and he was a great help with regards the various wheel fitments and has extensive posts on wheel fitments on TheSamba.

I hope this helps,
Trevor:).

zoofish - May 13th, 2017 at 09:16 PM

Time to take the Dashboard out and start changing the Brown interior to Black, whilst also addressing Blower motor issues

Before:

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-PJdsDPq/0/29c04915/M/20170513_111825_zpsuecueves-M.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-sVdZJMq/0/e8e9de27/M/20170513_113526_zpsqnmcdfmw-M.jpg

After:

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-63sMzTL/0/51392447/M/20170513_145316_zpsyhzluw6s-M.jpg

I'll have to lift the front, as it is just too low - even though the stance upfront, unloaded is perfect

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-cbKLD3K/0/8e0073d4/XL/IMG_1235_zps87phibnz-XL.jpg

Scottkombi - May 31st, 2017 at 03:48 PM

Awesome job.

What was the diagnosis on your heater blower motor?

I have a dead motor in my caravelle too.

Thanks,

Scott

zoofish - May 31st, 2017 at 07:23 PM

Thanks.

Yes, the blower motor was seized, so I got one from JustKampers and it was a simple plug and play really. Once the Dash and heater is out, it really is quite easy.

Cheers,
Trevor:).

Quote:
Originally posted by Scottkombi
Awesome job.

What was the diagnosis on your heater blower motor?

I have a dead motor in my caravelle too.

Thanks,

Scott

Scottkombi - June 1st, 2017 at 09:24 PM

Thanks

zoofish - September 11th, 2017 at 04:15 PM

After much consideration, I've decided that the colour will be changed. Test paint of the nose over the weekend looks promising.

Considering I've never done this before, I'm quite happy with how it has started. Just annoyed that we ran out of paint :(.

Goodbye Cream and Bamboo...Hello White...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-ScDZ89s/0/6b1a6a32/XL/8200AE11-D8FC-4CFD-970B-18E67C43A1C2-XL.jpg

Scottkombi - September 18th, 2017 at 09:11 PM

That looks nice.

The roof is the hardest as its a massive area to get even and shiny all in one go.

zoofish - September 18th, 2017 at 09:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Scottkombi
That looks nice.

The roof is the hardest as its a massive area to get even and shiny all in one go.


Yeah...Not really looking forward to that part of the process :(

Bizarre - September 19th, 2017 at 08:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Scottkombi
That looks nice.

The roof is the hardest as its a massive area to get even and shiny all in one go.


meh.......... no one can see it

looking great Zoofish