Syncro SWB Project - The Lightweight.

SyncroGhia

Well I've actually made it down south to collect the donor vehicle for my syncro SWB lightweight project.

It's a Crewcab syncro which will slowly be transformed into a single cab syncro but with many body modifications.

These will include a slightly shorter wheel base, almost no overhangs and 35 inch tyres.

I was in two minds whether to wait until I'd got the shell done in case someone else steals the ideas and has a chance to put them into practice before me. There is always that chance but I'd rather publish my ideas so other people can use them and share what little knowledge I have.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

As you can see in the first photo, the roof, front section of the body and B pillars have been removed. The plan is to use a single-cab Cab but using the Crewcab bulkhead as the bulkhead for the single-cab Cab. This is a very simplified version of actually what will happen as some of you will already have noticed that there's too much of a gap to fill.

I'll fill in some more details as I go on and keep photos coming as I get work done.

Here's an early draft of what it should look like finished...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

MG
_________________
1989 Syncro 16 S6 Westy Limey
1991 Syncro Lightweight SWB
1989 S8 Bluestar
1990 Tristar

gelPsy · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:

I guess I'll have to boomark this thread?! Smile

35" tires... I hope you've got plenty of 6,16 crown wheels / pinions in stock? Smile

.martin
_________________
tiger2asia 2011/12 - http://log.tigerbus.de/reisen/tiger2asia-201112/
14", 1.9 TDi, V2A exhaust/DPF, 2 difflocks, decoupler, 30x9.5R15, ATE57/Lucas38 conversion, Weinsberg poptop, RAL1028

SyncroGhia · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 2:19 pm Post subject:

Hi Martin. Smile

Yes it's getting 6.17 ring/pinions along with a 2.5 Subaru.

I've had these plans for almost three years now and have been trying to think of any way of gearing down lower but have always come back to stock syncro 6.17s.

MG
_________________
1989 Syncro 16 S6 Westy Limey
1991 Syncro Lightweight SWB
1989 S8 Bluestar
1990 Tristar

gelPsy · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 2:26 pm Post subject:

Hm why Subaru? They need revs before the newton meters really kick in... if you can't get a shorter diff, i'd rather go for a low rev high torque engine? Well, I guess you have thought about it enough and there is a reason for everything Smile

)

.martin

EDIT: Won't ever be street legal anyway, am I right? At least over here they'd kill you upon asking Smile

))
_________________
tiger2asia 2011/12 - http://log.tigerbus.de/reisen/tiger2asia-201112/
14", 1.9 TDi, V2A exhaust/DPF, 2 difflocks, decoupler, 30x9.5R15, ATE57/Lucas38 conversion, Weinsberg poptop, RAL1028

SyncroGhia · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 2:45 pm Post subject:

The Subaru engine down to weight, size and power/torque. The lightweight shouldn't weigh that much and I'm hoping it'll pick up quite quickly.

As to whether it ever makes in onto the road... good question. Ask me again when it's running Wink

MG
_________________
1989 Syncro 16 S6 Westy Limey
1991 Syncro Lightweight SWB
1989 S8 Bluestar
1990 Tristar

I am Wildcat · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:03 pm Post subject:

I can't wait to see the finished product!
_________________
1991 Syncro 1.9 mTDI aka Wildcat

For Sale:
2.5 TDI - AAT 5 Cyl Engine Conversion 2WD/Syncro

r39o · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:17 pm Post subject:

Reminds me of a Unimog
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22 running well...

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

VWhead · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:50 pm Post subject:

I'm watching...Cool project!
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
---------------------------------------------

sonic23 · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:08 am Post subject:

Hey Mike - nice to meet you on Monday.
Now I can see what plans you have for this. Very smart.
Are all of Elvis's fingers still attached Very Happy

I'll follow with interest.
cheers,
Rich

foodeater · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:25 am Post subject:

Looking at the line drawings and photos I wondered where your legs would go with the wheels right under the doors (and therefore the seat platforms). Then it dawned on me, you can use the place between the platforms and create a central drivers position. If you make it a sort of 1.5 cab (si-ble cab) you can then offset the passenger seats to the rear so there legs would be more stretched out and alongside the driver, or just say to hell with passengers this is my toy and make it a single seater. You could still put benches, or seats in the bed for passengers.

like this:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
'84 westy Tiico-daily driver
'64 Studebaker Commander-crushed by a tree
on 6/10/08
'82 Caddy diesel-sold
'87 Vanagon Syncro-RIP
'81 diesel rabbit-sold
'82 Vanagon auto-RIP

tencentlife · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:31 am Post subject:

Cool project, Mike.

ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:50 am Post subject:

propshaft tube is going to be about 4" long Smile

this is going to be a cool vehicle, god luck!

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

SyncroGhia · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the replies and ideas.

It's good to see how this project is working on everyone's imagination.

The Lightweight is now parked up and waiting for some parts.

I'm on the hunt for a single cab which is being broken!

MG
_________________
1989 Syncro 16 S6 Westy Limey
1991 Syncro Lightweight SWB
1989 S8 Bluestar
1990 Tristar

SyncroGhia · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:16 am Post subject:

Back home and relaxing a little after chopping lots of panels off the project!

Here's a photo of the van as it was when it was for sale.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

It was for sale for a while but with no takers, I said I'd be interested in the rolling chassis for a project and the owner had use for all the panels which would be removed.

There was a fair size dent in the other side after an altercation with a forklift truck.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Mid chop...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Complete rear bed ready to be used on others...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Lots of panels...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

And now the back looks like this...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Which is the front?? Laughing

MG
_________________
1989 Syncro 16 S6 Westy Limey
1991 Syncro Lightweight SWB
1989 S8 Bluestar
1990 Tristar

vwlovr · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:03 am Post subject:

fun project, when do you make the time for all these vanagons!?

anyway, i'm just making sure you saw this thread...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=456188

not exactly what you're doing, but close.

i've thought of doing something similar, but making it crazy with like a c303 drivetrain and center mounted engine but i need to stop living in an RV before i can start some of my own crazy syncro projects Smile

SyncroGhia · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:17 am Post subject:

Jon_slider · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:37 am Post subject:

Thanks for sharing your amazing creativity syncroghia

Crankey here has an avatar something like your sketch
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

FrankenSubySyncro · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:22 pm Post subject:

The subaru 2.5 will be a great power plant. Mine would climb steep rocky hills in low gear with 29.8" tires and 4.86 R&P reving at 2k rpm.

I just put in 6.17 R&Ps and it is like a 3 speed gear box with 2 crawler gears (G and 1st). I usually start in second since I have the stock 2nd ratio. Also I don't need to give it gas when letting out the clutch, it just starts moving on its own. I used a .73 4th and 1.09 3rd from weddle. It drives great on the highway too, lots of get up and go. I am very happy with it
_________________
1987 Syncro (converted 2WD auto)
2004 2.5 SOHC Subaru
F & R lockers, decoupler, SS, 6.17 R&P
EMPI race prepped 930 CVs and axles
Bilstein coilover front, rear ProComp MX-6066R shocks, hypercoil springs
30x9.5 15" BFG Muds
Custom skid plates
Nose job (custom front bumper) http://www.flickr.com/photos/subyvanagon/sets/72157624970330925/

240Gordy · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:31 pm Post subject:

You will use the subie trans? It will be a middie?
_________________
Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."

2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR

FrankenSubySyncro · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject:

You can't regear the suby trans that low.
_________________
1987 Syncro (converted 2WD auto)
2004 2.5 SOHC Subaru
F & R lockers, decoupler, SS, 6.17 R&P
EMPI race prepped 930 CVs and axles
Bilstein coilover front, rear ProComp MX-6066R shocks, hypercoil springs
30x9.5 15" BFG Muds
Custom skid plates
Nose job (custom front bumper) http://www.flickr.com/photos/subyvanagon/sets/72157624970330925/

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