TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Mar 14, 2003 8:07 pm

I am going to be dropping the engine in my '79 Transporter tomorrow and I'm toying with the idea of cutting off the back of the engine compartment, welding some brackets onto it and bolting it back on. The idea is that in the future I would be able to remove it easily and just slide the engine straight out rather than going through the ol' floor jack ballet to get it out. My only concern is the structural integrity of the bus. How important is that section, and would bolts and brackets make up for it? If any of you have done this modification or have any thoughts on it, please let me know.
Cheers,
Richard

Sat Mar 15, 2003 8:46 pm

just my opinion: think about in the long run, how will this bus hold up, if you are an expert craftsman go for it. but if it will be done shabby and sloppy than dont do it. remember in my opinion only, if you can make it look like it was supposed to be like that than go for it. because we all know how much it sucks to ballance that engine on that long trip down.
whatever you do good luck
lc

Sat Mar 15, 2003 10:23 pm

Certainly an interesting idea, but how often do you plan to remove your engine? I don't personally think it would hurt the structural integrity of the bus, but it seems like it would take a lot of effort to do it right cosmetically speaking. I don't have any strong opinion one way or the other, but it sounds interesting so keep us updated if you go through with it.

Sun Mar 16, 2003 5:31 pm

I'd make sure that the brackets and bolts are on the inside or underneath so the only cosmetic difference would be the seams (hopefully looking like regular body panel seams). I never plan on dropping the engine often, but something always seems to happen once or twice a year. Last fall it was the clutch disc, pilot bearing and a few odds and ends. This time it's yet another dropped valve seat...The biggest advantage for me would be that I could remove it by myself 'cause I could slide it off and steady it on the jack at the same time. Anyway, if I do try it, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for any future how-to's. Thanks for the opinion on structural integrity...