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VeloMikey Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2012 Posts: 646 Location: So Cal
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 9:50 am Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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CerveloMikey wrote: |
Is that Ultramarine Blue? |
It came up when I was searching for Azure blue so I'm not sure. If anyone did a paint match of a true Azure blue car I would be interested in the formula. _________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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obieoberstar Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1126 Location: Tucson
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Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2015 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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who is going to be painting your Alken? |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 8:44 am Post subject: |
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JeffL wrote: |
On the net I just figured out that the license lights are from a 57 Ford. It has a FL57 cast into it.
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I finally located the NOS rear license light lenses. They were uncommon because they were from a 57 Ford Country Squire Wagon.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 8:57 am Post subject: |
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JeffL wrote: |
Worked through the door latches the last few days.
The Ford latches are pulled by a cable. The cable goes to the rear of the doors, goes around a pulley, out through the door panel and through a rubber cord. The cable is anchored on one end but movable on the other (rear). You can see the cable through the one hole running from the latch to pulley.
This was the rope rail on the back seat of a 50 Flat Head Shoe Box Ford. I spend months trying to figure out where/what the chrome ends were from. I was missing three of the chrome pieces. Once I understood what there were it only took a month to purchase the missing ones. Quite simple.
The last photo shows the cleaned and plated hardware.
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The door pull spears I could not find NOS but found 4 nice ends to plate. At Fall Hershey this year I found a good picture of a 52 Ford Crestline Convertible that had these spears. These were only on the convertible.
Later, I saw a 53 Nash Healey, one of my favorites, and it looks like the Alken guys like them too because the door pull seems to be inspired by this car.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html
Last edited by JeffL on Fri Dec 04, 2015 9:30 am; edited 1 time in total |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 9:05 am Post subject: |
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JeffL wrote: |
Working on the wiring harness today. I decided to buy a new 56/57 Beetle harness and if I have to lengthen it I will do it in the heater channel where it can not be seen. I bought enough heat shrink tubing today and a gun to equal the cost of the Wiring Works harness
I need to find the right stly brass looking crimp on loop connectors and brown ground wire to get grounds out to all of the lights.
These are the 48 Chevy style turn signals used originally on the build. Just test fitting the new ones I bought.
Below the test fit are pictures of the Blue Alken and our Alken. Both must have been built at the same time then transfered to NicLSilver.
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Since I am doing some documenting on where they got period parts for the Alken here is a nice photo of a 48 Chevy where they chose the tail lights.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 9:07 am Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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obieoberstar wrote: |
who is going to be painting your Alken? |
I found a shop in Akron, Ohio that has done some specialty cars overtime. I'm glad I was able to get into his schedule.
Here is an Auburn that he did and the upholstery guy I am using did this car too.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2015 10:56 am Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Looking to add a little bit to the Alken.
I am thinking of have a Porsche script scanned, changed to Alken D2 and 3D printed for on the dash like the speedsters. This way it will have some identification.
I will also look to make a few VIN tags. Possibly put in the luggage or engine compartment. The chassis has a specialty vehicle tag mounted over the standard pan VIN. It would be all black and silver, this was just a mock up for the supplier.
Just playing a little and will look for a source.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Great research by my friend Geoff Hacker at Forgotten Fiberglass. Goeff uncovered some racing photos of the Alken from 1958 that go with the one racing photo from news clippings that were popular but grainy.
What I like is this photo shows the license plate and that the race car was used in a lot of other Alken advertisements at the time. MUB853 We don't know where this car is, it is unique because it used 4 late 50s Beetle tail lights in the rear not seen on any other photos or the 4 remaining cars.
All of the early documentation of the Alken helps to assure these were important to the development of specialty bodies.
More than likely this was Ray Beckers car based upon him saying that his car was used in the Alken brochure. The Alken brochure shows 4 Beelte tail lights. Ray never talked about them racing his car. Certainly the young lady sitting in the car in the brochure is the same lady standing next to the car in the photos before. One of the photos in the brochure shows this license plate.
Does anyone have a way to look up owners of old CA license plates?
What's the one car in the background, a Panhard Dyna Jr?
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2016 9:47 am Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Happy New Years
In completing the engine we ran into a bad carb. Here someone already stripped the fuel line input and used a 13mm banjo bolt (not sure where they found it). I ordered a thread kit and correct 12mm from Summit racing. Luckily they are only about 30 mi away. If I get that repaired this week and the hi temp coated exhaust back we will fire it up. This carb also had the jet cover stripped and I already repaired it.
The Knecht labels came in for the oil filter. They look quite nice and add some more color.
It seems the supply company I wanted all the fabrics went out of business so we are re-starting the search.
The 3D printed dash script is under way.
Also looking to have a 3D rendering of the Alken made and possibly 3D print it! This will add some of the latest technology to what was new technology in the 50s, the Alken.
I know I over plated some items on the engine, it is a pretty dark engine bay so we wanted to spice things up a little. We can always change the color back later if needed.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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Erik G Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2002 Posts: 13247 Location: Tejas!
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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thanks for the compliment
Here is a look at the first 3D rendering, awesome
Version 2, this is as much fun as building the car, maybe more fun. Lots of details to do yet.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 3:35 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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JeffL wrote: |
Happy New Years
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Well I learned that you can drill and tap too far in the top of the carb. I actually had two threads of the helicoil cut into the top of the carb body and ruin it. Looking for a nice carb top now..... _________________ http://karmannghias.org/
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Jacks Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2006 Posts: 2344 Location: San Clemente, Ca.
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Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Oah, a helicoil is a bad choice for this repair, due to the very narrow sealing surface of the banjo fitting. A modified Timesert will give much better results. Leaks often occur at these fittings because of irregular surface at the carb. Remachining or careful flat filing can correct this. Oversize OD fiber washers (I don't like to use aluminium washers. Copper type is a no-no) can also be a solution. The number one cause of failure here is over-tightening, usually when a fuel leak is detected. Another issue is use of non original banjo bolts that are too short for adequate purchase. Too long has additional problems... _________________ Jack Staggs
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 7:00 am Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Jacks wrote: |
Oah, a helicoil is a bad choice for this repair, due to the very narrow sealing surface of the banjo fitting. A modified Timesert will give much better results. Leaks often occur at these fittings because of irregular surface at the carb. Remachining or careful flat filing can correct this. Oversize OD fiber washers (I don't like to use aluminium washers. Copper type is a no-no) can also be a solution. The number one cause of failure here is over-tightening, usually when a fuel leak is detected. Another issue is use of non original banjo bolts that are too short for adequate purchase. Too long has additional problems... |
Thanks, I had to look up Timesert, I have seen these installed but didn't know what they were called. All points make a lot of sense. Certainly provides a good sealing surface.
_________________ http://karmannghias.org/
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splitjunkie Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2006 Posts: 4083
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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What happened to the carb top that makes you say it is ruined? _________________ Chris
You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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splitjunkie wrote: |
What happened to the carb top that makes you say it is ruined? |
When I was cutting in the threads for the insert I went too far and it cut into the float chamber. Those last 2 turns..... _________________ http://karmannghias.org/
https://karmannghias.org/GAlken/index.html |
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GüteAndTite Early Convertible Güru
Joined: June 16, 2005 Posts: 2144 Location: Low So Cal
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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JeffL wrote: |
Happy New Years
In completing the engine we ran into a bad carb. Here someone already stripped the fuel line input and used a 13mm banjo bolt (not sure where they found it). I ordered a thread kit and correct 12mm from Summit racing. Luckily they are only about 30 mi away. If I get that repaired this week and the hi temp coated exhaust back we will fire it up. This carb also had the jet cover stripped and I already repaired it.
The Knecht labels came in for the oil filter. They look quite nice and add some more color.
It seems the supply company I wanted all the fabrics went out of business so we are re-starting the search.
The 3D printed dash script is under way.
Also looking to have a 3D rendering of the Alken made and possibly 3D print it! This will add some of the latest technology to what was new technology in the 50s, the Alken.
I know I over plated some items on the engine, it is a pretty dark engine bay so we wanted to spice things up a little. We can always change the color back later if needed.
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what company did the 3D script for the dash? _________________ Official 58-60 "Early Big Window" Convertible Thread & Registry
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=426481
F&S Saxomat Automatic Clutch System Thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=462533
61-67 Delanair Air conditioning Thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=457944&highlight=air+conditioning
PUNCTUATION CHANGES THE WORLD: "I need to help my uncle, Jack, off a horse" is way better than, "I need to help my uncle jack off a horse" |
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JeffL Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2004 Posts: 1370
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 6:37 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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Working with a company by Pittsburgh to make the script. They have made some 300sl scripts for Gullwings they have restored when they couldn't find the badging!
I will keep the thread posted on the progress. I started with the shop but I think they have it printed in stainless by someone then polish and chrome plate it.
My brother toured their shop as part of an AACA event.
http://hahnvorbach.com/
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Jacks Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2006 Posts: 2344 Location: San Clemente, Ca.
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: 57/58 Alken Fiberglass Coachbuilt Project |
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JeffL wrote: |
I know I over plated some items on the engine, it is a pretty dark engine bay so we wanted to spice things up a little. We can always change the color back later if needed. |
Jeff, I think you did a marvelous job on the detailing of your engine. The only deviations from factoty paint/plating would be the clip for the oil filler cap would have normally be painted black (I have often had these plated for durability), and the carb linkage cross bar would have been plated, not painted. Oh, flip the carb down links over so that double nuts at the ball sockets are at the top, rather than the bottom.
It all looks really, really, great.
Well done! Nice to see you back on the project, and thanks for the terrific photos of the Alken in competition. It adds so much to the mystique af these rare cars. _________________ Jack Staggs
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