TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri May 18, 2012 5:18 pm

not exactly the ideal time of year to tear down a dune buggy, but I've had the side-pods sitting for about 4 years, and the wiring anchors all came un-stuck, AND I needed some new seats, ....it just needs a refresh.
So, here it goes;
Plans will include (as funds allow): Fitting pods and painting- I'm hoping for a decent match to the original gel-coat. Then i'll clear/flake the whole thing, we'll see how that turns out.
New seats- Corbeau Classic II and Race-trim kids seat for passenger.
Clean up the wiring. Might add front discs if I have the cash left. Engine cage,
probably a new exhaust..something hidden.
Anyway. . .I'm shooting for back on the road in a month-- luckily the MAnx Pods aren't that far from fitting. I don't plan on 'blending' them, so to get a nice fit shouldn't be real hard. We'll see.

Fri May 18, 2012 7:10 pm

Cool. Maybe you'll have it done in time for the "Burger Meet" in mid-July. It was a good looking car when I saw it over here two years ago, but beauty isn't just skin deep for the owner/operator/chief maintenance officer.

Fri May 18, 2012 8:08 pm

Yeah, that was an awesome weekend, 300 miles in the Buggy in 2 days and it was a champ. It was 75*+ on the mountain passes and I cruised easily at 75-85mph. No a single hiccup...which is better than any Porsche I ever owned!
Last year the weather wasn't exactly awesome, ...this year I may be out of town, can't say if I'll make it for Vintage meet...but hopefully I'll find a reason at some point to rally it over the pass.

Fri May 18, 2012 8:47 pm

Bub,

I skipped last year too...bad weather and unresolved "sea trials" issues were the only two strikes I needed as reasons to pass.

Those side pods will make it look and maybe even feel like a different car. Love that blue, I think it is great that you are trying to keep it.

Maybe sometime this summer (or next) we can arrange a buggy "summit at the summit". It would be a success if we could get even a dozen cars at one place at one time, not a lot of us up here in the PNW, even including our friends north of the border.

I seem to recall you didnt have a rollbar when I saw your car. Maybe it did and I dont remember it. I have one to sell that will fit if you were thinking of adding a mousetrap while the car is apart, it's a single bar, old school with a backwards rake to it, probably 1 7/8 or 2" diameter tubing. Came with my car and I didnt utilize it when I made my full cage. Drop me a pm if you are interested, all it really needs is some light prep, then paint or powdercoating.

Fri May 18, 2012 9:59 pm

Why the repaint? Is there damage not seen in the pics?

I would try a good wet sand and buff before going to the trouble of re-finishing.Be carefull with metalflake when sanding,less is more in this case.Try a little spot with some 1500 wet,follow with 2000 and buff with the 3m 2 stage compound.

Sat May 19, 2012 8:19 am

Well, it's not a full repaint. I'll wet sand it first of course. But I figured I have to paint the pods anyway, then a clear coat with flake over the whole thing would not only help 'blend' the pods but give the body a little extra sparkle + shine? I won't be doing the paint work myself, I have a pro that'll do it. There's no real damage, but the sun is starting to take a toll on the gel coat and the thing was literally brand new 5 years ago. So...maybe he'll have a different opinion..