TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:20 pm

Thanks Harleyelf, I'll try my impact wrench after I dig out the compressor, but I'll still buy that wrench, it just annoys me that it is not available elsewhere. She runs with the belt that is on it but the neighbors aren't pleased with the loud squeal and nether am I.

Harleyelf wrote: Linda:

Could you possibly gain access to an impact wrench? Electric ones are available at the hardware store which can zip your pulley nut right off. The spanner wrench is the correct old school method. Have you looked at your local bicycle store?

Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:34 pm

An oil filter strap wrench works too :wink:

Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:37 pm

Cool idea hope it clears, off to the tool boxes :wink:

busdaddy wrote: An oil filter strap wrench works too :wink:

Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:43 pm

Insert screwdriver and pull a bit on the handle toward the rear of the VW. Screwdriver will find one of the two slotted screw heads that hold the generator together, as you rotate the pulley around.
When you get it to lock the pulley, make sure to keep screwdriver as straight from center of pulley as possible. Any leaning from center will result in bending up the pulley half.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:15 am

Thanks, I meant to post but was out of town, I finally found the spot by looking for the assembly bolts. I didn't try removing it yet but I should be OK.

Now that I have your attention I'm curious how do you hold the pulley on the motor? I have seen pulleys with degrees marked on them and they look like a good idea for valve adjustments requiring TDC, top dead center. I hope I'm correct on the terminology. Although I can put a drop of white paint on the TDC spot but how would I know where that spot is. Yes prepping for valve adjustment if my fingers can stand the cold.

Eric&Barb wrote: Insert screwdriver and pull a bit on the handle toward the rear of the VW. Screwdriver will find one of the two slotted screw heads that hold the generator together, as you rotate the pulley around.
When you get it to lock the pulley, make sure to keep screwdriver as straight from center of pulley as possible. Any leaning from center will result in bending up the pulley half.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 9:08 am

Just put it in gear and apply the e-brake. Wedging a chock or two around the rear wheels wouldn't hurt. You can find TDC the old school way: with the valve covers off, slowly rotate the motor until both #1 valves are closed and insert something (i use a heavy duty tie wrap) into the #1 spark plug hole. Continue to slowly rotate the motor (I use a big wrench on the pulley nut). You will feel the piston come to TDC. You'll need two marks on the crank pulley. Rotate the engine a full turn and #1 will come to TDC 180 degrees away from your first mark. Have you considered converting to an alternator? All you need is the alternator, a new generator stand, and a spacer for your carburetor. If this is still about removing the generator pulley, get an electric impact wrench. I have a 12V one made for wheel lug nuts which works great on pulley nuts.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:22 pm

To find TDC:
1) Pull distributor cap and rotate motor until the rotor points to #1 (provided distributor is installed correctly).
2) Pull #1 spark plug and slide a dial indicator gauge into the spark plug hole. The probe from the gauge will contact the piston and the gauge needle will move.
3) rotate the motor slightly clockwise, then counter clockwise. The gauge needle will move in one direction; when you hit TDC the needle will stop (note the reading on the gauge); as you pass TDC the needle will move in the opposite direction.
4) Once you find TDC on #1 mark your pulley. Hold a straight edge from the split in the case across the top of the pulley. Use a small file to file a notch in the pulley. Color notch with white or yellow fingernail polish or paint for visibility.
5) To find BTC, repeat steps 1-4 using spark plug#4.

Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:54 pm

Do beware that a lot of the aluminum pulleys are smaller (or belt runs lower in the groove) than stock DH crank shaft pulleys. Smaller diameter will result in less fan RPMs and less cooling air pumped through the engine tin, so engine can run hotter, less reliable, less longevity.

Or you can use the stock crankshaft pulley and get an adjustable timing light.

Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:47 am

Installed my one year only gas door, it was easier than I thought I just needed to push it into the side a little. Now to order the rubber grommets.

Also posted below the new interior I bought from Clara, nice detail work well done A+ Clara.

Mon Feb 27, 2012 6:34 am

Yayyyyyyyyyy for Linda!

Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:28 pm

I remember the day at flanders when you sat in my 67 westy with a big smile on your face! Now I cant wait to see that smile in yours when its finished!

Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:34 pm

are us locals going to see this out and about this show season?

Mon Feb 27, 2012 2:09 pm

I would love to see this bus too, great work.

Mon Feb 27, 2012 4:53 pm

I've been waiting for an update on this bus. Looking forward to seeing more.

Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:31 pm

As the weather continues to get warmer I am doing a little bit at a time. I have decided to try and get those pesky jalousies polished and install instead of the solid glass and gaskets I bought. If I don't like how they turned out in the polishing area I'll remove them and put in the solid glass. I have been so very busy helping my chemo kitty survive and it has been exhausting to say the least especially subqtainious fluids, meds and the expensive chemotherapy.

My best friend now has breast cancer and that has kept me busy as well. Life certainty gets in the way of bus repair as you all know.

Updates this weekend.

Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:32 am

You can put them in unpolished and polish them in place with a drill motor and a 3 to 4 inch buffer wheel and rouge with out any damage to vinyl seals, paint, or the mechanism.

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Mounted_Loose_Cotton_Buffing_Wheel_p/vts-274.htm

Tue Feb 28, 2012 2:11 pm

BarryL wrote: You can put them in unpolished and polish them in place with a drill motor and a 3 to 4 inch buffer wheel and rouge with out any damage to vinyl seals, paint, or the mechanism.

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Mounted_Loose_Cotton_Buffing_Wheel_p/vts-274.htm

Thats how I did mine. Came out pretty good!!

Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:33 pm

BarryL, wow that will make it a whole lot easier to keep them in one place. How did you keep from hitting the body?

Going to be a long nigh as I'm helping my kitty Stitches over the bridge either tomorrow or the next......fuck ...cancer

BarryL wrote: You can put them in unpolished and polish them in place with a drill motor and a 3 to 4 inch buffer wheel and rouge with out any damage to vinyl seals, paint, or the mechanism.

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Mounted_Loose_Cotton_Buffing_Wheel_p/vts-274.htm

Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:35 am

Linda Grunthaner wrote: BarryL, wow that will make it a whole lot easier to keep them in one place. How did you keep from hitting the body?

Not sure what you mean by "keep them in one place". The little toy buffer wheel and rouge stick isn't going to win you awards at the Concours D'Elegance. You could even use it while the windows are out. On yours I'd probably fold a tiny piece of 800 grit sandpaper and do a quick whisk of the oxidation before the rouge. You use the edge of the cotton wheel and just be careful. The jalousie with glass has to be closed tight. You'll get a little bling out of it but Major Woody's method is the best for doing it up right.

I know what a task it is irrigating your cat.

Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:58 pm

Linda,
I just found this thread and spent 2 hours reading the whole thing. Whew! What a story! My hat's off to you for your dogged determination to completely restore your Westy. I personally would never take on such a project. Forget the money, it's the time required to take on such a project that really separates the men from the boys, or should I say, the women from the girls in this case.

I remember meeting you at Englishtown and how enthusiastic you were. Little did I know that you were embarking on such a challenging project! Anyway, I look forward for your Westy's debut in the up and coming VW show season. Keep the postings coming!
Dave