March 1st 1954 (Delilah)

left_coast*9 · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 6:27 am Post subject:

Yeah, John asked a good question:
"Are you going to have the body media blasted when you are all done with the metal work?? "
What IS your plan?

U prolly saw my posts, but I'm working on my first VW (if not go find the main one), a '57 oval rag. Not sure if it a Deluxe yet, waiting on the BC to come back from Germany Smile

.
Anyway, my car is pretty much in the same stage: in pieces! Working on the fenders and such now, looking for front AND rear aprons, etc. Have most other parts already. Car is SOLID SOLID, I'm lucky. Anyway, I'm really enjoying this thread and will follow closely. You're a madman to try and get this car on the road b4 June, man! You're definitely a role model, though. Cheers, and thnx for your service to our country!

valentinesr · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

The body had been previously hooked up and prepped. Im not going to media blast it though. The fenders will be taken down to the metal as well as the hood. Were going to use a sealer before painting though. Heres a pic of the primered body thats ready to be blocked. Paint should be done within a couple of weeks..Ill have some pics soon of the progress of the steering wheel and my engine. Heres a new one for now..this was taken yesterday. Next on the list will be sending the seats and other bits to be powder coated, different color this time for the interior pieces..
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Heres the pictures of the Batwing Resto Progress. You can see from some of the previous photos where the pieces around the cone shaped back were missing. With the epoxy and some sanding and a little patience..I was able to reform the shape. When I was sanding I came accross the stamp on the back left side of the steering wheel. It says "11 VDM in a triangle". Ill be sure to save that spot and leave it visible when painting..
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Then theres the 1959 36 HP Engine that came with the 54 when I bought it. Im just dressing it up, Ill try to give the look of the 54 engine...
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_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

AlteWagen · Troll Joined: February 23, 2007 Posts: 5363

did you ever find out what the OG color was? I know the BC did not specify what color but was there ANY paint left?

On my 56 vert the entire body was blasted so I thought there would be no way to find out. Lucky for me the firewall under the gas tank did not get blasted. Also the engine compartment seal groove (above the starter) still had a bit of rubber in the groove and the media did not get to the paint under it. Imagine OG paint that has never seen the light of day since the seal was put on at the factory? BEAUTIFUL!! I thought it was Coral red but the seal area looks more like Inca Red, with no "orange" color to it.

Hope you find Iceland green somewhere on it!!!

BTW going with hearts or eggs?

valentinesr · Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 11:07 am Post subject:

Heres another update on the wheel resto and some information on the original color of the 1954. I was able to find in the nooks and cranies of the 54 some OG paint color. Heres a sample of the L257 Light Beige and on the BC it explains the Red Leatherette as an M-Code. I have the original upper back rest which was still covered in the red leatherette, also you can see on the underside of the front seats some of the red leatherette as well.
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You can see how the cone shaped came out, after some sanding and filing.
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This was me just getting excited and having a little fun with the goodies box.
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_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

AlteWagen · Troll Joined: February 23, 2007 Posts: 5363

That wheel is looking great!! I think that light beige will look great on the steering column, wheel and seat frames too.

Dont you just love NOS goodies?? I wish I had that for my batwing going on the vert!! The clean original one I had was used as the final bit to pay the finders fee for my 15 window, it was definately worth it as I got if for free in a box of parts. Now I wish I would have bought one way back when they were affordable

Just wondering what the OG color you found in the 54. The red interior was used with many colors. I have seen it in black, beige, polar silver, strato silver. I saw it in an iceland green sunroof but not sure if that was an og combo as the car was restored.

valentinesr · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 6:33 am Post subject:

Heres the latest update with more pictures on the way...For the Batwing Resto part...heres the first stage of primer after the POR 15 repair... This just lets me know where all the fine little hairline nooks and missed spots that are there..Ill do another phaze of POR 15 for all the small stuff...then primer again and off to the paint shop..As for my Delilah...shes painted and in the garage to cure for a couple of months..then color sand...Im going to post up some pics when I get them in..Unfortunately for me..Im off to Afghanistan again..so Ill be just stocking up on the rest of the parts that I need..but I will also be having some stuff done while Im away...I still have left:
Powder Coat Seat Frames, Steering Column, Shifter & Housing etc..
Powder Coat More Black Satin Pieces
Chrome, Split Bumpers, Vent Window Frames, Dash pieces and its & bits
Purchase 3" Narrowed Beam
Wiring Harness
Interior
Rims & Tires
Rag Top Canvas
Pedal Assembly Rebuilt
Glass Installation
And install all the pieces to make everything work, ignition, regulators, choke, switches..fuse boxes....damn I still much to do Shocked

Well heres the pics for now of the steering wheel..Ill be posting her in her new home...

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_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

johnshenry · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 7:41 am Post subject:

Wow, that wheel looks GREAT. Good work, now I am sure you know how tedious it is. I would never do that "for the money", just not worth it.

Thanks again for your service to our country BTW....
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'51 11E Standard Sunroof (PhotoBucket resto pics)

AlteWagen · Troll Joined: February 23, 2007 Posts: 5363

Did you ever find out what the OG color was? What color did you end up painting it?

valentinesr · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 7:36 am Post subject:

Here she is, with her new color L227 Strato Silver. Her original color was Light Beige. Its been about 8 months now since she first got to the shop back in September. Shes had apron repairs to both front and back..Original pieces fabbed in, Original front fenders, and both dimpled rear fenders, one original off a 54, the left side is off a 56 Oval...dimpled though..Need to do some work to cover up that hole though..it needs to be dropped down some to I believe. Door repair, hood repair as well. Well until I get back from Afghanistan, Ill be able to continue..but Ill be doing what I can from over here..She will be sitting in the garage for a couple of months letting the paint cure correctly and then color sanded to bring out that shine...Heres the pics. All the body work and paint was done by F&J Body Shop in Downey, Calif. Thanks Freddy & Packy Very Happy

Getting ready to take the ride from the shop to her new home..
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In the garage safely home..
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Until the next update....
_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

nedz · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 8:40 am Post subject:

valentinesr · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 3:18 am Post subject:

Well sorry for the delay on the update, Its been a little busy over here in the boonies. Right now were having a pretty nasty dust storm, and its so thin like baby powder..so it gets into everything..gear, eyes, ears, nose, lungs.... Confused

but this is my second tour here, so all the same crap.
On with the update, Delilah is at home in the garage, the guys from F&J will be headed down to the house in July to do the final buffing & color sanding on her. Everything was painted, under the deck lid, hood and little nooks & cranies. I didnt want them to get too involved underneath the fenders as Im going to get it undercoated.
As for how long did it take, well from her arrival at the shop in September 08 until May 19th on her delivery this year in 09. But I wasnt in a hurry as I was still in Afghanistan. I had to purchase original metal replacement pieces and get them shipped to the shop, so that took time. That included, all correct fenders (except left rear off a 56), period correct hood, front & rear aprons..as you can see in the thread its been a little bit, but well worth the wait indeed. Cool

As for cost, theres a couple of different figures and options to consider. F&J does excellent work, they fabbed in my aprons awesome. The body work is bangin! Paint job Wink

So I would say it would differ on what you want..I paid for the strong durable paint around $900 for paint. If you want to add in the cost for all the other stuff like aprons, hood, fenders...were looking at a different and much more higher figure. I paid about $550 for both my front fenders. $300 for both rears. $125 for the Hood. So it all depends..plus my car wasnt that bad as far as dings and stuff...everything was baby stuff..one bent hinge on the drivers side that took some time...No cuttting out of body rot, or pan damage. Hope this helps, if your in Cali checkem out. There located in Downey, California.
_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

valentinesr · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:25 pm Post subject:

Its been a while since Ive posted anything new, but heres the latest. Just got the pictures from the Pedal Resto..via PedalWerks in San Bernardino done by Scott. The work just looks awesome! I could just imagine what there going to look like in person and mounted.. Thank you Scott & PedalWerks for doing a kickass job on the pedal assembly. Here are some pictures of the before and after. I purchased the pedals here on TheSamba and had them shipped to PedalWerks, then from that point, they were dissassembled and refurbished. Everything that is in the PedalWerks ad was as promised. Thanks again.

Before (Thanks for the Pedal Assemby Tim)
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After (Excellent job PedalWerks Scott)
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As for any other updates on Delilah..Ive been picking up parts like crazy, things that were missing and that she needed. Im picky about repops, so the search has taken a while for a few things..But this is the shopping list of where Im at so far since Ive been back in Afghanistan in May:

Hulls Recliners 1954 Dated
NOS BOSCH 12 Volt Super Coil K Date (1954)
Single Strap Aircleaner
54-55 Fuel Pump
Cruiser Pedals MI Germany (Two of them on TheSamba) $55
Brake Pedal Assembly (Tim)
Brake Pedal Resto (Scott Pedal Works)
BOSCH Early Headlight Assembly 1ea (Have the other)
BOSCH Early Headlight Parts Pieces
Door Support Bracket for Passenger Arm Rest
Early Vent Wing Posts Complete Sets Driver & Passenger
NOS O Profile Key for Steering Lock (Gabriel, Allen, TX)
OG Shift Pattern Knob 10MM
1954 Early Front Floor Mats Complete Set
1954 Early Front Floor Mats Just Fronts
Dome Light Screw Type
Hood Latch Mechanism
Hood Latch Cover
BOSCH 356 Fluted Scripted Lens (Non VW marking)
52-55 Front Left Fender Piece (To repair the extra set of 52-55 front fenders I have)
Period Correct Flat Muffler Clamps
NOS ATE Front & Rear Brake Cylinders
NOS ATE Rear Hoses
54 Arm Rest Assembly
OG ZAR Tag
One of them Blank VIN Data Plates from eBay..
Turn Signal Cover (My other ones lost in the garage)
OG Passenger Side Visor X2 (Stampings: One DGBM & One Germany)
OG Mirror & Visor Assembly
OG Perspex Back Washer for Rear View Mirror
SHO Orange Semiphore Lenses (Used but clean)
1952 Only Bumper Guards (For my Split Ribbed Bumpers)
Bosch Amber Scripted Fog Lamp
Behr Column Mounted Fan
OG Oil Fill Tube 1954-55
OG Hood Crest 4 Brick
OG E Brake Boot
Interior Streifen Braun (Ricardo, Argentina) All paid for..just waiting to see the finished product and Ill post pics...then shipped to Cali..
NOS Thermostat Throttle Ring Stoppers
OG 1951 (54) California License Plates (Thanks Tim Torrance, CA.)
OG 3 Fold Golde Handle Assy. (Brad Huntington Beach, CA.)
November 1954 Issue of DAS Auto..had a Five Fo on the cover..had tooo..
NOS Brake Switch Screw Terminal
Heart Tail Light Seals (Housing to Body) Kaifer-Nastalgie
Oval Semaphore Screws (Kaifer-Nastalgie)

I think thats all of it as of right now..I still have to purchase the wiring harness from Wiring Works, Carpet Kit, Headliner Install & Rag Top Canvas, 3" Narrowed Beam, Rubber, Rims & Tires, Windshield and Glass Install, Stainless Moldings, Running Board Mats and...... Confused

So still cranking, cant wait to get home on November 24th and start the assembly... I guess I was a little too excited when I first got her to think I was going to have it running and be able to go by some of my previous goal dates..but Its alright...For sure in 2010...
_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

54ovsemi · Samba Member Joined: April 15, 2008 Posts: 1559

Valentinesr...first of all, thanks for serving your country. It's because men like you we can enjoy our freedom...... That is one nice 54, great work. I'm currently restoring a April 54 sedan as well. Keep the progress pics coming. Be safe!! God Bless!!

illazilla · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:39 pm Post subject:

Hey Ray... good to see that 54 getting the attention it deserves. It's looking as good as I knew it would. Keep it up.

caseydenise · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:33 pm Post subject:

Nice work

Thanks for serving too.
_________________

valentinesr · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 8:48 pm Post subject:

UPDATES:
Here we go, heres another update on Delilah. We have F&J Body Shop at the house doing some color sanding on the Strato Silver. That paint shined and was nice and smooth.. It was an all day job, from morning until the evening. Thanks Freddy, Packy and Chicken Nugget. Heres some pics. Ill be posting more of what I got done while I was home.
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After the the color sanding came the undercoating to the wheel wells and under the fenders.. Heres some pics of them too..
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_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

valentinesr · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:08 pm Post subject:

Heres some of the Lt. Beige Powder Coating that was done also..
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_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

FRK · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:48 pm Post subject:

Looking good Ray! Hope to see it up and running soon.
_________________
"Rare Vintage Air" VW Club
"Strictly Air VW's"
July '55 Vert / July '53 Sedan

valentinesr · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 1:45 am Post subject:

Thanks Frank, Seen your vert at the shop, looking good; coming out nice and smooth, cant wait to see that bad boy on the road...Heres some pictures of the front fenders installed with the fender beeding from Wolfsburg West..the harnes from Wiring Works and the Fuse Blocks were Delilahs OG Parts..Notice the "L" Part Numbers on them..
Oh..The baby scorpion shell was found when I took off the E-Brake Cover to replace my E-Brake Handle..Im glad it was just a shell..I peeked in and didnt see anything bigger..Came from Arizona..so maybe it stayed there.. Shocked

I wanted to use as much as I could of her OG parts...this was some of her old Bakelite stuff..Checked out good..small chip, but thats okay..
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I thought this pic was pretty cool.. Cool

_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Montclair, California

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March 1st 1954 (Delilah)
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