Got some new paint!

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:06 am Post subject: Got some new paint!

Picked up the Westy from the paint shop on Saturday. Did all the metal work myself and farmed out the paint in the interest of time. The two-tone was my wife's idea - I wasn't fully on board, but I like it now that I see it. This will be her tailgating/beach bus, so it's going to be a bit of a custom-resto with an eye toward comfort and practical upgrades.

I have all new mechanicals, rubber and exterior trim to go on it. I'm sure I'll need some help to remember where all the Westy parts go.

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Bala · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 7:46 am Post subject:

That looks pretty good! Smile

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1976 Westy

1966 Beetle

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

9mmMike · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:34 pm Post subject:

Looking forward to seeing this one go together. Nice choice on the color. Looks great so far.

Did you put a new nose on there?
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1974 Thing - x-Acapulco
1989 Intermeccanica Roadster
1972 SCCA GT4 Beetle
1971 Chianti Red / Pastel white Bus
mcode -
Click to view image

VDubTech · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 2:15 pm Post subject:

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject:

babysnakes · Samba Member Joined: August 19, 2008 Posts: 7106

I'm with you on the yellow and white. I'll not show my wife the pics because she would be all over "Lets paint the '72 and the Westy like that". It does look good though. Wink

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:12 am Post subject:

So it's been a while, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been working on this thing. After evaluating the questionable condition of the stock motor and rebuild costs, the direction of the project took a bit of a turn and this now resides in the engine compartment:

I went with a 2.4L Ecotec VVT out of a 2008 Cobalt. Thought about the Subaru, but I'm already familiar with the GM stuff and really like this motor. I'm also shooting to make it California smog legal and figured I would have a better chance with this motor. All of the stock systems remain operable, including the drive-by-wire throttle, EVAP controls, catalytic converter, internal fuel pump and fuel pressure sensor system. I had to make most of the wiring harness and everything else from scratch, but it now looks like this:

Not much room in there for everything, but it all fits:

So it runs great and now I just need to finish up the cooling system and exhaust, then get it over to the referee for an inspection. Hopefully within the next month. Note that there was no cutting of the rear apron, removing the gas tank or banging up the stock firewall. Only slight trimming to the rear flange to allow room for the radiator hose.

Quite a learning curve on this one since there's not much guidance out there for this swap.

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 7:55 am Post subject:

Time for an update. Got sidetracked for about six months, but now making slow but steady progress on this one. The motor and transmission have been in and out twice to make up new mounts and install a better in-tank fuel pump, but now everything is sorted and almost ready to go. Just need to finish up the front suspension and brakes before its maiden voyage.

Here's a video of the Ecotec. Note the stock evap canister and smog legal intake stuffed in the right hand corner. I'll be making a trip to the smog referee shortly to have the whole set up certified (assuming I can get through all the OBD2 readiness tests once its driving).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgZrP3fc9H0

Thrasher22 · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 8:15 am Post subject:

Badass work! That engine sounds great.
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1975 Westfalia - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516701

Bala · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 9:10 am Post subject:

That sounds/looks good. Nice work!
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1976 Westy

1966 Beetle

westcoastmarek · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:20 am Post subject:

Nice! I want that in my bus!!

What's the clearance like under the oil pan?
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1979 Westy Auto
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sold...
1979 VW bus, 2L FI, now with a rivi top
1971 7 pass. deluxe
1974 Beetle

fROMOHIO · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 12:15 pm Post subject:

WOW! that's great! Wish you did a step-by-step on the removal of that engine from the donor car, and the install into the bus! You know, because I'm sure you have nothing better to do than appease us, the curious masses! HA!

Did you use a Kennedy plate?
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'72 Bay Window Westy
Click to view image

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the compliments! Ground clearance is a solid 10" at the oil pan and about 8.5" at the exhaust. I could've tucked the exhaust higher but needed to keep the catalytic converter.

I would've kept a better photo diary but I've been making this up as I go and it is literally one step forward and two steps back. Nothing fit as planned the first time around. That said, I could easily duplicate this set-up and it is even easier if not going the smog-legal route. I did use the Kennedy adapter plate, but moved the entire motor/trans assembly back 2" to clear the firewall without cutting. I modified the stock tranny hanger but would probably make an engine cradle the next time around. Wiring was a complete bitch but again would be 10x easier if not keeping all the smog stuff. I'm using a Mini gas pedal assembly for the drive-by-wire since it is bottom hinged just like stock. Tons more information available if anyone is contemplating this swap.

I expect some criticisms on the radiator/fan set up, but I'm confident I have that figured out following some extensive R&D. The key is to keep the hot air out of the engine compartment, so don't assume that the fans are pullers. There's more to the set-up (but no Porsche parts). This passed testing with flying colors but if these fans don't work as planned in the real world then they go under the belly.

Any questions? Let me know.

skills@eurocarsplus · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 6:00 pm Post subject:

Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 7:51 pm Post subject:

skills@eurocarsplus · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject:

I will save you some trouble.....

after your first 2 days of sleepless nights trying to make it work....go under the bus Laughing

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Dynamite_Goat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 8:26 pm Post subject:

Ha! I'm already at a week of sleepless nights to get it to this point. I'll let you know how it works out and I'm happy to share if its a success.

Brian · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 10:33 pm Post subject:

those are some pretty shoes there. Whats the combo?
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

richparker · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 10:45 pm Post subject:


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