TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Jun 21, 2011 7:44 pm

Hey guys! I've been working on my thing for almost 2 years now and am hoping to have it ready for KTE in July. I'm being optimistic and already have sent in my registration (MON.) and got a hotel room :D I've honestly been too ashamed of my working conditions in my basement to post pics before now. My dad came over and we worked for about 4 hours aligning the front end, putting in the gas tank, and getting the engine started for the first time. We had to work through some wiring grimlins, but finally got it going. I'm finally basically down to reassembly and can't wait to see it all together. Anyway, I just wanted to share what I'm going now that I could get some pics I'm not ashamed of :lol:

Tue Jun 21, 2011 7:52 pm

Your on the right path it looks great I am glad to see that I am not the only one cutting it close keep up the good work we will see you in Georgia.

Tue Jun 21, 2011 7:59 pm

Hey onemore. Yeah, it was your post yesterday that gave me the courage to go ahead and post some pics of my car. I know I'm cutting it really close, but it'll be worth it. I went to KTE last year and sold parts and had a blast. I really want to be able to take my car too. I've looked at your gallery and you're like me and made a few mods. You're using a 3" body lift correct? I made mine of 2" tubing and am tweaking the suspension just a little. Yours is looking great! If all goes well, we'll see you in GA!

Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:34 pm

WOW! Love the build, would have liked to have seen more pictures along the way. Looking forward to seeing it in GA in a few weeks.

Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:13 am

Another nice restoration that you have. Looking forward to seeing these new additions coming to the Kubel Treffen. All "Things" are welcomed regardless. It is all about great people with a great car getting together. See you guys in Geogia. Car entry numbers registration and room reservations continue to grow. Have safe travels and see you soon. 8)

Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:18 am

Dells, Your not the only one cutting it close.. I still have to install my new windsheild, put the new Engine in, reinstall roll bar, install guages, fix some "cut" wiring, hang the fenders, install seats,........ugh.....yeah....

Your Thing looks Awesome! I love the green!!

Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:33 am

Looks sharp and clean job.

joining the crowd here....if you have some interim build pics, please share.

Best of luck getting ready for the show. That first outing makes it all worth while.

Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:46 am

I wish I had some before and during pics, but I'm really horrible at taking pics. Not to mention that I'm honestly ashamed of the mess and tight quarters that I was working in. I actually rolled the car through a set of double doors going into what used to be the garage side of our basement. Without the fenders on, we only had about 2" of clearance on each side :shock: It was a little scary to pull it out yesterday with so little space! It's now a laundry room with some storage (most recently where I worked on the thing :D ). I was just tickled to get it out into the light and actually be able to get back and see what I've got :D I look forward to see everyone in GA. My mom is a little under the weather, but I hope to be able to make the trip. I've looked forward to it since I came and sold parts last year!

Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:56 am

Hey Dell,

That THING looks pretty cool man! I like it! :D

I like the seats too, where'd ya get them?

Let's both hope we can make the show, chat with ya soon.

T

Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:00 am

looks great.
What are the tire choices?
nice stance
Did you go longer rear arms? The wheels look very centered

Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:52 am

Thanks guys! I'm at the point that I really need encouragement. I've really enjoyed the build, but it seems like the final touches become more of a chore than a pleasure. I guess I'm just anxious to get it going so we can ride. The seats are Racetrim seats. I know their is debate about their quality compared to Beards, but my parents got them for me for Christmas right after I started on it and I think they look good and couldn't bring myself to ask them to put the money into Beards - for my project these are great. I've got the rear bench to match, just not installed yet. The tires are 235 75 15 Wintermark Mud and Snow radials mounted on 15" beetle smoothies. They pucker out some, but I like the look - it adds to the offroad look. I made a 2" bodylift from 2" square tubing and have tweaked the suspension just a little in back and with adjusters in front. The rear wheels do tuck to the front a little with the fenders on, but not too much since I didn't do a radical suspension raise. If everything works out, I'll have her together soon :D

Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:19 pm

I was thinking about a 2 inch body lift... what did you have to do to your steering to get that to work?

Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:24 pm

That looks great! 8)

Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:38 pm

On the steering, I ended up cutting the collapsible section off, welding in a splined shaft and using a super beetle universal shaft that I found on here for $25. So far, in theory, it seems to be working out. One of the bolts on the upper u joint was hitting the gas tank and I had to cut it off, but other than that I can turn lock to lock with no trouble. The only thing I worry about is my own welding :oops:

Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:11 pm

Hey guys! Just a quick update. I had to go get a new carb this morning. I rebuilt the one that came with my motor and no leaks with the seals, but it must have a small crack in the float bowl bottom :x It ran great too! It just leaked enough to smell and empty the float bowl. I got my thing shop top put on yesterday and WOW!! Man it looks great and fits like a glove! I also went and bought my son a GRACO car seat at Toys R Us sat. evening. He's soo excited about getting to ride the car! Well, all I've really got left is to put on the fenders and bumpers and work out the light gremlins. Hopefully my mom will be well enough for me to get away for a couple of days! I'm looking forward to KTE :D !!!!

Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:19 pm

Go man GO! :D :D :D

Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:05 pm

wish i could go was at the last 2 shows i got my engine in 2 days before and we finished the doors a day before last years show the car had 20 miles on it on friday when we left for the show except for a small oil leak under the gen stand everything went ok the car now has 4400 miles on it, i thought you work on the last day is normal, my brother and tee put on a good show, moneys too tight since i retired everybody have a good time and dont talk about me too bad and nice job on the thing the same color brother and i are putting on a customers thing we are finishing up, more work gets done in the last week before a show than any other time

Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:31 pm

Hate that you are not going be able to come :cry: Dennis. Wanted to pick the masters brain on a few "Things". I always learn a lot every time I get with you. We will miss you and I am sure I will be seeing you in not to distant future. Take Care and have safe travels.

Tee

Tue Jun 28, 2011 7:40 am

Hey Dennis, thanks for the complements! I had trouble getting the avacado in a two stage system at the local Colormatch store. They could mix it single stage, but I wanted two stage. Just in case anyone else has run into this, we took a computer and matched to the original avacado under the decklid and it was an almost dead on match for BMW Urban Green. I really like the color. It looks completely different in the sun!

Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:55 am

thanks brother is going with single stage but if he changed his mind it is nice to know of a 2 stage color match