Retrovans 1952 Beetle find in South Africa

[wcfvw69]

Nice build and looking forward to your first driving pics.
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Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

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[Retrovan]

Thanks, will be going back to the Split Beetle project as soon as she gets back from the upholsters

Till then

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Retrovan]

With the George show, the KKK and Customs, I have been slaking on this here project big time.

Since last, the harness has arrived, and has been installed, the Beetle is back from upholsterers, and we have spent a little time with her here in the workshop.

Have tested the harness and have found all electrical items working.

Must say that I was greatly impressed with the harness.Job well done.

There where a couple of small issues with the harness, such as the dim and bright foot switch wire where too short, as they where for the LHD, the brake MC wires had to be rerouted or they too would have been too short for the same reason. You must remember that the two pods are inverse on the RHD from the LHD also the foot dimmer switch sits on the other side of the tunnel as well as the MC.

To make it quit obvious, I run a blue and move wire next to the harness from the front end to the back of the dash, for the indicators in the head lights, this was that should the next custodian require them removed, it would be easy to identify them.

On fitting the new fuel tank, I found the lack of fuel at the rear of the car disturbing, and had to remove all the piping as well as the half filled tank to clear the pipe from front to back.

As it was total blocked, I filled the one side with carb cleaner, and applied 100psi air to it.

on the engine side. I inserted a new bonnet release cable I had in the spares box (for the Fastback) and ramed it into the pipe from the back.

By the 3rd or 4th ram, it spluttered and blow open, with all the muck coming out at high speed.

Reconnected the pipes, and primed the Float bowls.

Pressed the start button, and she sprang into life.....

This is where I am to Type in with gusto................ SHES ALIVE !!! ........

Fitted the engine hood, and had a mighty time getting her lined up and working right, but Hey !, thats half the fun.

Also fitted the back and side windows, so all I need to do, when Labour arrives, ( in the form of the Kids visit) is to fit the front screen.

so I will plod on, and keep you all in suspenders ....

as I will post photo's when she is complete.

See you all

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Retrovan]

Ok.... so I buckled under the pressure.....

The Beetle has gone on her 1st test run, Not clean, not completed as yet, still have to do a few things to make it ready for her 1st Photo shoot......

But here goes..

Before

After

]

So now for the list of things that have to be done.

Fit Safety belts,
Then Only can I fit the semaphores,
The side window glass needs to be replaced with one that is a few mm smaller on the width, as these are tight in the slides,
The door cards need fitting,
the car needs to be cleaned inside and out with finger marks all over.
Need to fit a eye level stop light (discreetly) so I do not get guys riding up my ash.
Then I need to Enjoy this here beauty.......

till then

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Mr. OGPaint]

Good job. This car is lucky to have found you.
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https://instagram.com/mr.ogpaint
-
Patrick Hall

[Rome]

[Retrovan]

Thanks for that, This I have been thinking about, but I do not want something obviously non original, that is why I have not fitted ADD-ON indicators to the car, as this is a non-negotiable issue with our licensing system.

So I have fitted a relay box and double flasher units to the car that interrupts the Brake light to pass as a legal indicator system at the back and fitted indicator bulbs to the head lights.

Managed to do a discreet job on the 3rd brake light, without it looking too bling.....

Made a "L" shape ABS section, and drilled two holes at the correct angle, and spaced the same as the center two ribs in the air intake.

Painted it all black and fitted it just inside the vents with the two LED's peeping through the slots.

Wired to the back taillights and here is the result.

When off, you can hardly notice the fitment,

Now hopefully, the other guys will notice the brake lights.....

Herman

_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[avk_27]

Nicely done! Enjoy it!

Nice to see a fellow South African on here.

[Retrovan]

So I need to know if the Beetle is Mechanically sound, so that the final finishing can be completed.

By the way, do have hub caps, but needed to test wheel nuts as I went along due to fresh paint on rims.

Would hate to get oil and grease in the incorrect places...

So I decided to take a trip from Jefferey Bay to Port Elizabeth and Back.

This went so well that it was extended to Nanaga Road Stall about 55 Km outside of Port Elizabeth on the N2

For safety sake I ran on the high way from J-Bay to PE, and then through to Nanaga.

On the way back we went the old Port Elizabeth to Cape Town road being the R102 as this was a much more scenic road and I had the confidence that the car was sound and would not break down.

She ran like Swiss clock work, only stopping a few times to set the timing.

This I always do on the run, as the engine will tell you where the sweet spot is, and where she will be happy to run for ever at a purr.

Made it back after 185 KM round trip, and she is now ready for her 1st Oil change, so we can see whats in and whats not in the oil.

Here are a few pic's,

Running out of J-Bay to PE on the Highway..

Running sweet ..

Stopped at Nanaga...

On the way back at Thornhill Station..

Van Stadens Bridge ...

Bridge over the Gamtoos river..

And back Home.... what a nice trip..

Well till next time when the interior is completed then You can see the inside, till then, you will have to wait, Sorry.

Herman

_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Rome]

Incredible work to reach the point where your car has a confident road experience! You did a wonderful job (and had tremendous dedication) to revive a neglected rolling shell into a beautiful Beetle.

I have some questions:
-How do your 3rd brake lights look when the car is outside in direct sunlight?
-How did you get by with driving on public roads without any lic. plates or obvious temporary paper registration in the windows?
-Do you have a front disc brake conversion which widens the front track? Your front drums look unusual with a "dished" effect.
-What muffler are you running on your engine? I don't see any exhaust tip.

[Retrovan]

Thanks for your kind words.

You are very observant, so let me try to answer your questions.

The 3rd brake light is not dazzling in day light but draws your attention as its in the shadow of the fins.

As a Trailer manufacturer, I have trade plates, and run with them in the car, as I do not want to scratch the car, I need to talk nicely if stopped....

Yes I do have the Golf 1 Brake disc conversion on with a 5 wide to 4 narrow adapter plate, that's what you are seeing.

If you had noted the speedo, you will know why I need disc brakes.

I am using a GT 2 TIP Empi Exhaust with the two wheel burrow handles cut off and welded end-on to hide them

Now most of you know what the GT 2 TIP exhaust looks like, well here is a pic of one.


But as this will not fit under the skirt of the Split, as it has no cut-outs for the pea shooter pipes, I had to modify my new GT 2 TIP, so that it will fit without being obtrusive.
Well here is what I done,

She fits beautiful without sticking out or touching any body work.

Also using USA spec head lights which is not standard here in SA as we go with the Europe spec. This I done to give me indicators and park lights within the headlight so I do not have to fit ugly add-on indicators.

Hope this clears thing up.

Thanks for the interest.

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Rome]

Thanks for the clarifications. Ingenious solution for your exhaust! Looking back at a few of your parked car photos, you can just see a piece of chrome peeking out by the mudflaps. I'd have never guessed how you worked the muffler.

25 yrs ago I bought a rough late '52 Beetle (LHD) "Zwitter" and mounted the body on a '74 pan which is IRS here in the USA. Kept the stock 1600 engine that came with the '74 but installed a pair of Kadrons, 009, and a 1 3/8" header with single quiet muffler. Installed Ghia front discs. Engine ran better than expected, easily getting the speedo needle "straight down" (approx. 90mph) on my brief "test" section of the highway. So I can appreciate your various modifications and upgrades.

[Retrovan]

Hoping to get the interior parts that are still outstanding this week or so,

then I will take photo's of the interior as as yet, its not complete

Till then

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Retrovan]

Being asked what her name is, not sure what to call her...

Been giving it some thought, should you see the before and after photo's, the only name that comes to mind is....

Phoenixia

Or

Lady Phoenix

The beautiful Girl rising from the ashes.

Whats your thoughts...

Still not sure about her name.....

But here are the photo's I promised.

So now we will do the paper works, and get her registered, that may be fun.

Thanks for looking and if you have been following this thread, I hope it has inspired you to take on a difficult Project and to stick with it till the end, as the fun in the work and the final reward is describable,

Please let us share in YOUR project here on the forum.

Till Later.

Herman

_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Retrovan]

Hi Guys,

@Everett Barnes Please contact Eben from the www.aircooledvwsa.co.za

as he has developed an program to load all Photobucket Photo's back onto the forum, and restore these threads with no photo,s

Sure he will let you have it.

Worked a treat on his forum.

Have a read here,

https://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=36173

Hope it will help

Thanks for a brilliant forum

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc

[Retrovan]

Restored some of the photo's, not all but now the tread should make sense again

Hope this Photobucket get a cramp, and everybody withdraws their photo's from their site....

Herman
_________________
1968 Fastback Type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (Red)
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc. twin 34 ICT's (Azur blue)
1975 Split Bus Type 4 1914cc. twin 34 ICT's (wh/aqua)
1972 Bay Panel-van with type 4 2 Lt. twin 34 ICT's (white)
2019 Beetle Flatbed Truck called MeFusco
1973 FT Hahn SP - Project 1776cc