TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:07 pm

I just got this 63 a few weeks ago. I picked it up in Big spring TX. so far so good, seems pretty straight to me. I've got some rust questions but I'll save those for later.

Here are a few pics. I've got a 12v conversion question at the end.

In the garage.

Engine - some 6v some 12v

No more tint.

Top removed. Is that Turkis I believe?

Now my question. I've read a lot about 12v conversions, but I want to make sure.

I have:
12v choke
12v regulator
12v generator
12v coil
12v wiper armature
12v bulbs
6v starter

Looking at diagrams of what I have and what I think I need to go to:

63 wiring diagram (6V)

6v battery, the Black+ wire goes from the battery --> starter --> v-reg --> front of car.

67 diagram (12V)

12v battery black+ wire 1 --> starter
12v battery Red+ wire 2 --> v-reg B+ --> front of car.

So the only real change is the + wire that goes to the starter on 6v now goes straight to B+ on the 12v v-reg. I also have to add a ground (brown) between the generator and v-reg. Otherwise DF to DF, D+ to D+ and the blue (warning) wire goes to the v-reg.

Thanks for the help, hopefully this makes sense.

Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:57 pm

Looks like a cool project! Any particular reason you're converting it to 12V? Maybe a big sound system? Because I'd keep it 6V. I think if you're going to use a 12V starter, you'll need to change the flywheel too which involves grinding the bell housing a little to make it fit. But a lot of people use a 6V starter on a 12V conversion as long as you don't ride it for long crankings and burn it out... Post pics as you go. Good luck!

Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:15 am

good looking ride, good luck!!

Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:20 am

No particular reason, just thought the lights would be brighter, stereo (nothing crazy), etc... I'll keep the 6v starter until it dies.

I plugged everything in last night. The electrical gremlins are busy creatures. I turned the ignition to start and the wipers came on. There is an extra on off switch between my headlight and wiper controls. For some reason this was plugged into my wiper motor after coming from ignition. It was also plugged into the 12v flasher relay. No idea for that, but it was late and I had to stop there.

The car has been in storage since 1990.

I think I have the back of the car wired right, now I get start sorting out the stuff in the front.

Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:52 am

great project!..and nice lambretta!

Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:01 am

Id suggest wiping off that red primer, see what ya got.

Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:37 am

That brings back some memories....... I just finished my 63 euro ragtop. it was the L380 color. Went back with the same color. I did a complete body off restoration, wiring, trans, engine, everything was replaced. So if you have any questions let me know, I have probably done it.

started with this.......

Take your time with the wiring, dont get in a hurry. if you are planning on going 12 volt an you have pulled the engine, I would at least grind out the bell housing on the trans to accept the 12 v flywheel. Easier to do it now than later, just my opion.

Have any questions just ask.

Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:54 am

Nice work on the two tone!

I'll be pulling the engine and transmission in the near future, just to clean them at a minimum. Right now I'm trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. Figure electronics, brakes, fuel tank cleaning, then engine/transmission.

Three of the fenders have been replaced, so I know they don't match colorwise. The doors have some rust at the bottoms, but I am going to try and see whats under the primer. after that, I'll probably re-primer it one color until I can put the money together to really paint it and restore the pan. Possible adjustable beam in there somewhere.

Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:25 pm

Electrical progress!

I changed the positions of some wires and cleaned a few connections. I also picked up a 12v backing plate for my generator and a 12v fan without the holes. Right now, the generator is just sitting on the stand. I'll be putting the fan together and installing that next.

So far, I've got headlights hi & lo, rear turn signals, rear running lights, most dash lights, and the red/green warning lights.

No front turn signals or driving lights, no fuel gauge light, no brake lights, and no starter. I'm thinking of disassembling the ignition switch.

:) Good times

Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:32 pm

So I'm looking at the brakes. Might as well try the hard stuff first.

Rear axle nut!

Yes, I read all the posts, no i didn't listen. Broken breaker bar, broken 1/2" socket wrench, bent cheater pipe.....correct tools ordered and hopefully on the way.

Since I had the rear tires off, I removed the dead starter. Is there an easy way of determining the flywheel size without removing the engine? The engine is not original to the car.

Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:40 pm

The torque meistrer the way to go. It is amazing how much easier those nuts come off with it. Oh and PB blaster that stuff is great. Put it on let it set, whack it a couple times, put more. Blaster on it .whack it a couple more times,.it will come right off

Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:04 am

Do you have at least a 30 gallon air compressor and an impact wrench?

After having one for 7 years (plus many other air tools) I cannot imagine going back to manual anything... Things go much faster, with less worry, and less fatigue on your body.

James

Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:13 pm

I don't have a compressor, but it is on my list. My brother has a 20-30 gallon one I can borrow, but right now, my garage is a bit full.

.....patiently waiting for the torque buddy/meister/whatever.

Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:05 pm

hey, where do you live? I'm in Midland, and have a 59 ragtop I'm working on. I've seen that one for sale for a while. PM me if you want

Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:23 pm

I hauled it from Big Spring back to the near Austin area.

scored this today. 12v rebuilt bosch starter $20 and a bugpack dual quiet pack setup with the header for $100. I can't use the exhaust...yet (1200)

Now I need a fly wheel.

With a 12v flywheel, what clutch parts do I need to keep from the current 1200cc setup and 63 transmission? Also, what is best used to grind it for clearance of the larger flywheel?

I'm planning on building a 1776 eventually. Which cases are to be avoided for a rebuild, which are the best?

Thanks in advance.

Doug

Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:30 pm

Nice score, I tried to trade for that, but he didn't want my 54 International.. :( We just finished wifey's 62 ragtop... (which we got in Austin 8) )

Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:32 pm

Thanks, I saw the pic of your 62 earlier, but now its not there. The red was nice.

Tonight I took the front brakes apart and I've got new stuff on the way.

Should there be a locking tab of some kind between the two nuts?

Drivers side left hand thread, very dirty.

passenger side, dirty also.

driver side spindle, looks good I think, just lots of crud.

Passenger side spindle.

Now to clean up the parts and see if the hubs are useable.

This is the passenger side, it has some deep grooves.

Can't wait to drive this car!

Wed Jun 27, 2012 7:45 pm

Not sure what happened :? jsut go slow and do it right and she'll get there :D

Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:13 pm

6 volt starter will last a long time and turn the engine over really quick with 12 volts. mine lasted for years.

Thu Jun 28, 2012 2:09 pm

The 6v starter was/is toast. I took it apart, the rust alone was keeping it from moving. Now it moves, but still doesn't work. At least I can say I know how it comes apart and goes together.