TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:24 am

Anyone know where I could rent workspace? Anyone ever used a storage space? I live in an apartment and need to restore my VW.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 1:43 pm

Here is a thought.

Take a class at a community college or adult education tech high school in Automotive Bodywork, Engine Repair, Welding or something like that. Usually they have all sorts of tools and people who have done various repair work for years, and actually know how to do it the right way.
They will usually go out of their way to help someone who shows a little interest in doing something productive. I took a carb rebuild class ($10) at the local high school once and rebuilt the carb on my 1939 John Deere Model B (all cherry now - early styled with hand crank). One of the guys I met there helped me rebuild the magneto later. I actually learned something in the process and met some pretty interesting folks.

A little enthusiasm goes a long way with a lot of people. Me included.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 1:56 pm

You know..thats the best advice I've heard yet. I actually go to citrus college and they have a somewhat prestigous auto body repiar department, and I also need to get my Bus painted. Yet it never occurred to me to take a class and get it done in the process!

I'm gonna do it.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm

Boy that is a nice Splitty, you have there. Definitely worth doing some work on. A good one is tough to find anymore. Is that a Dormmobile?.

In 1974, I had a 66 panel converted-to-a-camper by the PO that was the most fun anyone ever had. It took me everywhere all over the country. It was like staying at the Hilton, strictly first class! I think I drove it well over 100,000 miles and loved every minute of it. 6 volts, 53 HP, and I was livin' large.

You have a nice one there, enjoy the ride.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 5:14 pm

Ya I love this thing, man! its a Westy...interior is perfect! original vynil on the seats..not even a tear. The original paint in the interior is perfect..even under seats! no rust AT ALL on the inside.

All she needs is a paint job, some little parts here and there, chrome stuff(bumpers and front emblem), safaris and then shes gold. Its my first project, actually.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 7:45 pm

Kevin, Do you have any other photos? That ride looks really smooth.

Would like to see more.

Fri Sep 19, 2003 9:58 am

Kevin, I am around the corner from you, I work in Covina, live in Baldwin Park. We are lucky to have a lot of good VW mechanics and such around here. They are low profile and don't do any advertising. But the price is right. I got the hook-up for paint and body, upholstery, and mechanical work. Take a look at my '71 bay, it is coming along great. E-mail me at regalasr@hotmail.com

Fri Sep 19, 2003 10:47 am

obviously, you need a garage with electricity... and the closer it is to where you live the more work you are going to get done. In the past, i have printed up some quick flyers- "responsible auto buff looking to rent garage space. ph #....." put em up at the neighbourhood grocery stores, conrer stores, bodegas, etc. walk around your neighbourhood, looking for the homes owned by old men or old ladies (preferable) with detached garages. put a flyer in their mailbox, or knock on the door. a few years back, i was able to score a three bay garage with a built in compressor and a pit for $50 a month, because the woman who lived there was a widow whose husband used to restore old fords. If you don't look like Charles manson or act like an ass, you may even be able to get the use of a grage for free in exchange for occasional lawn mowing and odd jobs.

Sat Sep 20, 2003 12:51 am

regalasr, can you hook me up with some one who does body work? I live in Echo Park near downtown. Btw... I have a '71 bus I'm trying to get rid of cheeeeep. It's being stored in West Covina. Anybody?