TheSamba.com :: View topic - **Koerspiloot's 65 Panelvan ** full resto project

Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:11 am

Right on! This thread kicks ass. Very inspirational work. Thanks for sharing it.

Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:46 am

Mowser wrote: Have you looked at what Gerson has to offer? I've heard nothing but good things and when I get closer I'll be getting a set of DC gates from him.

His URL is: http://www.klassicfab.com/ :!:
Yes, I've seen his work, pretty amazing!

But, I guess his sheetmetal is for earylier buses!, and shipping from Colombia to Belgium costs alot! I think I'll order them @ Autocraft in UK

Yesterday, I started making a construction to support my bus before I weld in my C-pillar and roof. As I tried to fit the cargodoors, I noticed that they didn't fit as I mounted them... But now, everything seems to be fine!
As you see, a complete body-off resto also has its disadvantages
Meanwhile, I received the 3 crossmembers and 1 jackpoint, so they are also ready to welt in. I'll post some pics within a few days

Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:25 pm

few new pics of the recent workz:

within 2 weeks, I'll have my Autocraft sidepanels 8) can't wait to fit them :D

Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:04 pm

Amazing work!!

Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:36 pm

That is some sweet work going on! I can't wait to see the *brand new* bus you'll have when you've finished! Keep us posted!

Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:51 pm

What a great attitude. Smiles after almost every sentence. Your doing a great job.

It would be a bit hard for me to keep my chin up after finding so much work in my project but I guess it wouldnt be a project then.

It certainly looks like that bus found the right hands to be in.

Keep up the good work, Great Job.

Carlos.

Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:11 am

carloscolt wrote:
It certainly looks like that bus found the right hands to be in.

Carlos.
Thanks

I'm satisfied with the works so far. I had no welding/coachwork skills before i began this restoration, so I'm pleased with the result , even there's alot work to do.

From now on, I guess this project will continue in 3rd gear, cuz many parts will arrive by the end of this month. Welding those crossmembers and outtriggers was just quite boring, but soon I'll line up those sidepanels and rockers, to make that C -and B-pillar so there are no surprises at the end ;) It would be a shame. I'll keep you guys up to date, and thanks for the good comments

I hope the weather in the US changes asap, so my roof can be shipped to belgium. Can't wait to fit that :)

Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:31 am

You're gonna get a big head with all these props but fair play fella...its pretty inspirational stuff.

Was the Thai help a small asian fellow or a bud? :wink:

Sat Jan 20, 2007 1:56 am

Very nice work. Your bus resembles mine in so many ways. I was starting to get discouraged about how much my project was starting to cost. I was starting to wonder if saving a late split with so much rust was even worth the effort. But I think it takes some big ones to take on a project like this. There is more pride in saving a bus that the majority of people would have cut up for parts. Good on ya mate! You have really inspired me to press on with a good attitude! The more busses saved, the more for the next generation! Keep up the good work! :D :D :D :D :D

Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:55 am

bunnytrucker wrote: The more busses saved, the more for the next generation! Keep up the good work! :D :D :D :D :D

Hey I dont know about you guys but after all the work I am doing to mine, when its my time there burying me in it.
Its going with me.:lol:

Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:29 pm

Hi

I made some progress this week... I had to remake a pattern so I could drill the hole 4 the steeringcolumn , handbrake,heathertube and precisely. That took couple of hours, but it was worth it. It all seems to fit correctly, I'm satisfied!

Next: Installing the pedals + making the holes in the floor + oval descent around the shifter (just like an original floor). If I have the headlight supportpanel, I can make the correct curve and make a border so the cabinfloor is finished!!! :)

This bus is ready for it's noseclip :)

See ya!

Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:33 pm

koerspiloot wrote:

This bus is ready for it's noseclip :)

the rest of the bus was resenting the nose anyways! Looks great all that new metal straight metal and your bus wont be old anymore. Keep up the good work.

Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:39 am

Hi,

I'm pleased to introduce you our(group of vw-enthousiasts from Belgium) new website 8)

This site is still under construction (needs a "How to" , "pics@work" , ... section) and it's daily updated (video's + pics), because there are several running projects (and some more in the near future!) , so come over and check it out

Retropilots website

Feel free to visit/register our forum!

Enjoy 8)

Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:30 am

thats great, wish I could read it.

Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:38 pm

heres a link to some of those welding clamps for sale $5 each free shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&...1&rd=1

Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:31 am

Finally, after 8 months waiting, I received my missing dogleg! So I could continue my work.

Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:31 am

more:

PS: Don't mention all the filler on the cargo/cab-doors...(it reminds me of my complete fillerbus as I bought her a year ago :( ) I still have to remove that, it didn't get of at the sandblaster. Probably, I'll buy other doors/skins if there's a lot dent. :roll:

Good news: The original front panel is on it's way to Belgium 8) I'll pick it up as I receive my roof :D I'm looking forward to it

More info + pics @ WWW.RETROPILOTS.BE

Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:28 pm

koerspiloot wrote:

I saw it on vwrides.com, the only thing you need is a chisel and a hammer and a lot of patience. Those Thai are real masters, my floor ain't 100% original(ribs pattern), but he fits as well and so I'm satisfied

Hi, koerspiloot
May the Thai you're mention is me :-)

my name is 'ppp' on vwrides.com

Nice job you've done. Keep us posted.

Cheer,
ppp

Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:43 pm

I may have mentioned this a long time ago but I noticed in one of your pictures that the made-in-Brazil right side outer rocker had the "packing" primer still on it. Packing primer is shot on unconditioned panels just for shipping purposes and must be removed, and, the inner sides of any panels that will be enclosed, conditioned and painted with zinc rich paint or a primer and top coat, before installation. I hope that you did it. The outer sides can be done at the same time, which would be easier.
I understand that even Klassic Fab's panels are not conditioned before the primer is sprayed on so, in all cases, I would recommend removing any primer or enamel from panels, conditioning them, and painting with a waterproof paint.

Thu Apr 19, 2007 1:14 am

Campy wrote: I may have mentioned this a long time ago but I noticed in one of your pictures that the made-in-Brazil right side outer rocker had the "packing" primer still on it.

Hi

I know that the outer rocker still has 'packing' primer on it. I'll remove it when it's welt in and paint it with a 2K Epoxy primer :) No panic at all

Here are some pics of the recent works:

making the driversside Bpilar:

My "new" roof is comin' :D

Cargo floor is in: