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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:43 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1967 Air Ride Beetle Journal |
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Well here goes...
With the help of the posts and questions and answers from users of the Samba, I picked up a Beetle. Always wanted one as a kid, growing up my cousins used to rebuild them. So now the story begins. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. (the rust belt).
These poor little bugs never stand a chance here. Usually they are way too far gone or require WAY too much effort to get them solid again. I have always wanted one, and had been keeping an eye out for "just the right one". Being in the hobby I have several vehicles that I am working on, restoring, building etc. At the end of last year, I decided to get a brand new 2011 Nissan Altima as a daily driver and retire my 1997 Jeep Cherokee 4x4. I put a lift kit on it, and kept it well maintained. When I retired it, I had over 220k miles on it. And since I traded in the wife's mini-van for the new Nissan, she said she wanted the Jeep. Well that didn't last long. In July she decided that the Jeep was costing her too much in gas, and she wanted a "smaller" car. In August, a co-worker had his daughters Toyota Corolla go up for sale. I got it for a measly 500 bucks. The wife fell in love with the little car. So now, with the Toyota and all my project vehicles, I have 7 total. The Jeep was nice to run to the junk yard to pick things, up. Heck I've hauled long block Chevy V8 motors in the back of it (the sellers were usually surprised when I put the motors in the back of the Jeep. But it didn't make sense to keep it. So I put it up for sale on Craigslist. Here in Wisconsin it's easy to sell a 4x4...only one catch though, they sell better when there's snow on the ground...that wasn't happening. Plus with the horrible economy no one had cash. I even offered it up for trade but alas, I had everything from boats to video game systems and even a juke box! I figured if I was going to trade it off, it would be for something I wanted.
I found this 1969 Beetle on Craigslist. I emailed the owner and he called me back. He said he was looking for a different daily driver and said that he would be interested in a trade. So, I set everything up and spent the next couple days before hand looking on here to make sure I knew what to look for since I really know little about these Type 1 bugs. After some in depth research I felt confident that I knew what to look for.
I drive out to Cross Plains, WI. about 110 miles from my home in South Milwaukee, WI. While driving out there, I got lost. Had no cell phone coverage and my GPS had no freaking idea where in the hell this guy lived. So, I stop in a local hardware store and the girl gives me directions and writes them down for me. I pull up at the guys place and he comes out to greet me. Younger guy (I am 40) guessing he was in his middle 20's. He explains to me that he's taking a job in Kentucky and wanted a "better vehicle" than what he had now. He points to an older Saab and proceeds to tell me that it had somewhere in the neighborhood of 300k or more on it. He said that he didn't trust it for the trek to Kentucky for the new job and all. Made sense to me.
So, I go and look over the bug. Looked really clean. Its from Alabama and still has the dealership sticker on the back lid. Looks all original except where the PO decided to do some "touch up" primer work. While looking it over, he tries to start it, but it wouldn't start. He said that he picked it up not too long ago, and that he wasn't car savvy. He wanted to learn on this one since it was simple to work on. He said he bought it in Jefferson, WI which is about 65 miles or so away and he drove it back. I take a look and find that the battery terminal is one of those "bolt on replacement" type and it was really loose. I flipped the wire retainer over and tightened it up. I showed him what I was doing. He cranks it over....it's cranking really hard. Can hear the starter motor labor. It almost starts and dies. Now it won't crank over. The battery is dead. He told me he bought the battery last week. It looked new and all. He starts to apologize and explain that he's really sorry that I came all the way out and he can't make it run. I said "do you mind if I tinker with it?" He said no and I started to tinker. I pulled the jeep up next to the passengers door and hook up a pair of jumper cables. I tell him to start it. He hops in and starts cranking...he's pumping the gas feverishly... I yell to him to stop pumping the gas and hold it to the floor. I move the choke and it starts to fire...put put put....and then it's dead again.
I tell him to stop and wait. Now mind you, the wiring in this thing is so terribly cobbled together. There was an aftermarket key switch wired in and just hanging out of the radio opening. I asked him about it while the Jeep was charging the battery. He said "the guy I got it from only had the wires hanging out and they would touch them together to get it started. I said "ahh". A good 10-15 minutes went by as we were talking and charing the VW battery. I said "let's try it again" he hops in turns the key and it's cranking faster now, but still sounding "labored" with the occasional grunt...like the timing is too far advanced. I tell him to hold on. I loosen the distributor and give it a turn...just a little. I tell him to crank it again. It's getting closer to start...I adjust the distributor a little more and wham, it fires...now it's running. This is where he tells me it won't hold an idle. I said let me adjust the carb and see what I can do. I got it to run a little smoother but still not holding an idle. No biggie. As long as you give it some gas it would stay running.
I decided to take it for a test drive. I hop in it, start it and we take off. Seemed to have a lot of power for a little air cooled engine. I was pleasantly surprised. Going about 60 now. I hit the brakes and WHOA! it whips to the right...and I have my foot turning white from pressing so hard. Luckily we are on country back roads. Not a soul in sight. It eventually stops where I wanted it to, but wasn't expecting what happened. I get it back to his place and we negotiate.
I was hemming and hawing...I wanted it, but knew damn well it needed some serious love. I really wanted a '67 or earlier. But I am in the damn rust belt, and those bugs are expensive here. So...I figured what the heck, it's close enough. I was on the fence. The guy that owned the bug could tell. He says "well are you interested" I said I am, but I'd have to drive this back. I am not comfortable doing that. I said I'd have to roll a trailer out here or have someone chase me just in case. He shook his head and agreed. He said "how about I drive it back for you tonight?" Ok...seriously? He said I drove it here. Was over 65 miles. As long as I am on the freeway and don't have to stop I should be fine. I was like hmm... Was still on the fence a bit. The deal was getting better for me. I look the bug over again. Now I am really nit picking... looked at every little nook and cranny. Found nothing that really bothered me. He said I really want the Jeep. He goes, tell you what how about I drive it back AND I will throw in some cash. Interesting I said to myself. I asked "how much were you thinking?" He said "well...how about 50 or 100 bucks?" I must have made a face and didn't realize it. He fired back immediately "I could do up to $200". I thought for a little bit and said what the hell "deal" we shook hands and then the trip back started.
Next entry will be the Road Trip
Here are the photos of the bug from the Craigslist Ad:
The Jeep I traded:
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:14 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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cletus_zuber Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2010 Posts: 2406 Location: Gladstone, Ore
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:53 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like you did good to me, Mister.
Not bad for a rust belt beater. Ain't nuthin' wrong with a 69 either, first year for the "IRS" trans.
Hell, I had to wire up an electric fuel pump for a beater I bought years ago, still have that car. _________________ 1972 1302
HPMX 40's & 019 |
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Starr1969 Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2011 Posts: 228 Location: Henderson, NV
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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My 2002 Jeep Cherokee was totaled in Late June (so not my fault) early July I got a 69 beetle in Toga white with red interior. _________________ HERS: "Starr" 1969 toga white w/ sunroof
HIS: "Orange Crush" 1974 Super
OURS: 1976 Riviera Camper...needs engine work |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:37 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - The Road Trip! |
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The owner and I work out the directions to my place. What highways to take and the best route. We discuss who's paying for gas since he has to drive the jeep all the way back. I told him either we can take it out of the $200 cash or I will just pay. He agreed. He said "let me get the cash and the title." He comes back with the cash and the title as well as a receipt. He said "I hope you don't mind" I said, "not at all" I said "I would have done the same thing". Next he said, do you mind if I bring my girlfriend with me? I said "uh, not at all" I was confused. He looks at me and says "she's a dancer". Again, I can only imagine the look on my face as I am sure it was a completely dumbfounded look. All I could think is "really?" and now I was wondering what kind of dancer.....
He wanted to give me the cash right away. I said let's take care of that and the receipt when we get back to my place. He agreed. A little bit later his girlfriend comes out. Very tiny petite girl no taller than 4ft tall. She's checking out the jeep. I notice that she has an SLR camera with her. I asked her about it and she said that she like taking photos. Figured that she was headed to Milwaukee and may find something interesting to take pictures of. She seemed upset about the Beetle and the trade. While her boyfriend was doing something I asked "was this supposed to be yours?" She had kind of a sad look on her face and said "something about her family worked on them and she's always wanted a 69 beetle. But since they were moving to Kentucky and couldn't take it with them she understood that it had to go." I told her it would be in good hands and that they should keep in touch so I can give them updates (thus this journal). She seemed happier about that.
So we hop in the vehicles, and head to the gas station to get some fuel in the beetle. I let him get in front of me and I follow behind (there's no brake lights, head lights, turn signals, wipers or anything else for that matter that works electrically other than the engine. He told me that the person he got it from started to replace the wiring harness with an nice aftermarket one but only got as far as making the engine run. So...with hand signals he takes off. We go about 5-7 miles up the road and pull off at a gas station. He gets to the pump in front of me and I pull up to the pump behind him. I pay for the gas in the beetle and then put about 30 bucks in the Jeep. I figure that will put it right back to where it was when I drove out there. He hops back into the beetle to take off, turn the key. Cranks slow and that's it. Ugh... I pull the jeep up on the drivers side and pass the jumper cables behind him. Jump the beetle. We let it charge for about a good 10-15 minutes and it starts right up. We take off down the road.
All is going well, moving at a good clip as well... Doing about 60-65mph with no problem. We get about an hour down the road. Make our way to the I-94 headed East towards Milwaukee. We get into Jefferson, WI. I am noticing that he's slowing down to about 50mph. I can see the exhaust on the beetle bouncing around. I know that this can't be good. We pull off and I follow him off the off ramp into a Park and Ride. He parks in a stall and said that the beetle lost all the power and it just wouldn't keep up to speed. It stalls out. I pop the engine cover and have him try and start it. It won't start. We messed with it for about 1/2 hour. And the battery is now dead again. We jump it again with the Jeep. I am looking at the motor. His girlfriend comes around to the back and said "hey what's that screw doing on the engine?" what had happened is on the passengers side of the carburetor is a hex type needle valve that fell out and landed on the top of the motor! I was like "holly crap!" that was pure luck. I tried to put it in but everything was so hot. I find a pair of utility gloves, slip them on and put it back in. Crank it over and it fires up! What luck! While this was all going on a Jefferson County Sheriff pulls up and asked if everything was alright. I explained what we were doing and what was wrong. He mentions that if we can't get it going, there's a repair shop up the road that specializes in VW's and beetles for that matter. I thanked him and he went on his way. We disconnect the Jeep's jumper cables and the other guy and his girlfriend hop in the Beetle. We were about to get back on our way....
He pulls out of the spot and said "something doesn't feel right with the brakes" I said "drive it around the park and ride and let me know what you think" he does that, pulls back up and said "you know, this doesn't feel right." He said "there's like no pedal anymore and it's really hard to stop" I am thinking "oh great, how in the hell am I going to get this back?" I said "do you feel comfortable or not?" He said let's see how it goes. We head out of the park and ride, down what's left of the off ramp and then back to the on ramp. There's a stop light and an intersection before the on ramp. I am watching him....lights yellow. He's still going....going...going...EEET! I see white smoke off the back tires and he's almost into the curb lane of traffic. I could see him doing a panic stop in it. And now the beetle is dead again. It wont start.
I pull the Jeep off the side of the road and on to an embankment. I go up to the Beetle and say "when the other light turns yellow, take your foot off the brake or push in the clutch, I will push you across the road and then pull up on the gravel off the on ramp." Light changes and I start pushing. He and his girlfriend are in the car...I am pushing...pushing...pushing...now it's up hill. I am dying. We get it across the road. I then run back to my jeep and pull up behind him. I then decide to jump the beetle while we are trying to figure out what's wrong. I check the master and there's no fluid in it. Great.... I said "I will get some brake fluid and see if that helps. There's a Pine Cone on the other side of the freeway" (This pine cone place has doughnuts as big as your head! It's a truck stop and a stopping point for a local swap meet attendees that happens to occur in Jefferson 2 times a year.)
So I disconnect the jumper cables and reverse off the on ramp (yeah I know...I know..) and of course while I am trying to do this cars are trying to get on the on ramp. So I back onto the grass (thank god it was a lifted Jeep) and then make my way back on the road over to the Pine Cone. I get some brake fluid and get back to them. I dump almost a whole container in. I tell him "pump the brakes" I said "anything?" he said "nope...nothing". We stop for a moment. I hook the jumper cables back up and let the battery charge. I said well we are about 1/2 way. What do you want to do. He said "heck with it, let's just get it back". I said alright. I explained to him that once we got to a specific spot on the freeway I would jump in front since by then we would be heading into the city. We hit the road again. He was keeping his distance from other cars, and I was still following behind him. We got to the spot where I said I would get in front. This all worked out very well. It was about 5:30ish on a Sunday. The roads were really light and not much traffic. I jumped in front of him to let him know what was ahead. We timed it out perfectly. If I seen that there was traffic or a red light, I would motion with my hand out the window to either slow down or come up. This worked really well. Timed all the lights perfectly and then he pulls it into my driveway. We fill out the titles, receipts and pays me...I look at the cash and it's all small bills. 200 hundred bucks in 1's and 5's... Hmm... The owner of the bug is also a pizza delivery guy for Papa Johns. I am sure the money was from tips
I open my garage up to put some stuff from the Jeep in there and his girlfriend walks in and starts checking out my 50's pickups I am working on. She mentions that they are cool and then he tells me that he is late for work and probably will get written up. I apologize. He calls his work and explains that he had some "car trouble". I pulled the plates from the Jeep, and they head on their way. He asked about how to get back on the freeway. I told him I would guide him with my car. I take him back to the freeway and he heads off with the Jeep.
This was the part that fell out on to the motor. It's really loose in the carb and to get the thing to idle, I had to put teflon tape on it so it would stay in and not vibrate out.
Here are some shots of the bug when I got it home.
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:25 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:17 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - Checking things over |
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Now that the Beetle is home, it gives me a little time to give it a good once over. Here's what I had found that is wrong:
Drivers side front wheel cylinder - Leaking
Master Cylinder - Questionable
Ball Joints - Worn
Drivers side inner tie rod end - Sloppy
Generator - Not charging
Turn Signal - Broken, not wired up.
Rest of electrical - not connected
Rear Floor pans - Only riveted and sheet metal screwed in. Will need to weld in. Rest of pan and heater channels are SOLID!
Brake Return Spring - Broken
Column Ignition switch - Found it in a bag, looks like it's refurbished from Brazil.
Tires - New
Rear Brakes - Unknown but will guess they are bad
I am sure there's going to be a lot more. But parts are cheap and plentiful unlike some of my "other" projects! (like the 1947 Studebaker M5 pickup I had)
My goal is to get it running and driving reliably (and stopping ) And then maybe decide on a direction.
I have always had a soft spot for the "cal bug" look. I am thinking lowering it, and cleaning up the engine. It seems strong and may not need more than that. Maybe put a progressive 2bbl carb on it, either drop spindles or just modify my front beam, shorten it by 2-4 inches and add an adjuster kit on it. I have some ideas of what I am after...
I am really partial to this idea. I like the idea of the black. the interior is already red so it would go with the theme to my opinion.
This is my 2nd favorite. I'd like more of a "seafoam" green color. Think it would also work with the color scheme of the interior. Or I could just change everything.
My wife is partial to blue. It's okay. Not my 1st pick, but I think it wouldn't be bad.
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:28 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:29 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - The Work Begins! |
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After going through and seeing what I need, I make sort of a priority list. 1st thing is to get brakes in it and working. I call my local FLAPS and order up a bunch of parts. They know me there with most of my projects and I get a discount on the parts. I start rattling off parts and they are like, what the hell are you working on now. I told them I picked up a 69 Beetle. They said cool. (This place is a supporter of a local Drag Track here called Great Lakes Dragaway. Great Lakes Dragaway is owned by the local MoFoCo here in Milwaukee) go figure...
So I decided to start at the front. I ordered up:
Front Brake Hoses
Front Wheel Seals
Wheel Cylinders
Brake Hardware Kit
Master Cylinder
Runs me a little over 100 bucks for everything. The brake hoses were pretty spendy. So I pick up the parts on the weekend and get to work. I also do powder coating in my shop and decided if I was going to go that far in I may as well powder coat the parts. Glad I did.
Before:
After:
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:33 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:47 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - The Work Continues |
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After getting all the front brake parts on, I figured I would adjust up the brakes and bleed the system. The master cylinder was bench bled before hand and came with a nice bench bleeding kit. (I am saving that....) So I go and start bleeding the brakes...getting nothing but air... strange...I also notice a lot of fluid leaking after the new cylinder was in. What had happened is the hoses that connect the reservoir to the master were all dry rotted, cracked and leaking. It was also allowing air to enter the master.
So I head to a new FLAPS in my neighborhood. (I can't tolerate counter people sometimes) I put the pieces of hose on the counter and say I need some hose this diameter. The guy behind the counter (new of course) and probably never changes his own oil or repairs his own car) says "what is this? Is this hose?" I roll my eyes. I said yes. It's hose. He said, I never seen hose like this before. I said it's cloth covered. He said we don't have that. (I roll my eyes again) I said, I just need RUBBER HOSE THE SAME INNER DIAMETER AS THIS. He walks in back and comes back out with some vacuum hose. Sigh...why me? I said no. I said look inside, see the size? He goes well it's all frayed. (Ugh) I said get me a pair of scissors or hose cutters. He walks away and comes back with hose cutters. I cut the hose and said see? This size has to be the same. He goes...OHH.. and comes back out with a foot of the hose I needed. I then asked about brake hose retainer clips (they are missing from the front of my beetle) that took an additional 20 minutes to explain and then I had to get the manager to look for them. And it was a WOMAN! She said we normally stock them in the "help" products. I said I know, but didn't see them there. I also told her, I hope to god that the guy I was dealing with was new. She said yes and apologized. I said if he's still here in a couple months doing the same thing, I said I will no longer come here. She said, if he's like this for a couple more weeks he's outta here. I get my hose and leave.
I connected it to the master and the metal tubes using some small hose clamps. Much better. Still try bleeding the system. I was using a vacuum bleeder, but something still wasn't right. So I had the wife in the Beetle pumping the brakes while I crack the bleeder, capturing the fluid in my vacuum bleeder container. Pedal was getting better. Wife got tired and then a friend of mine that was over hopped in and took over. I am under the back of the Beetle doing the drivers rear...I tell him to pump the brakes and then hold it. He tells me the pedal dropped to the floor. I was like what? And then notice a stream of brake fluid out of the bottom of the drum and backing plate. That's it...I called it a night. I knew at that point I'd have to order the parts for the back brakes now.
Old master cylinder.
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:35 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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justaguy Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2008 Posts: 457 Location: Cambridge, Ontario
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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When you order the new back brake parts see if you can order the new german blue brake hose. It is the only rubber hose available that is rated for brake fluid (that I know of in the correct size). Regular rubber hose will break down with the brake fluid. It isn't expensive and cheap insurance. Best not to take a chance with your brake system. |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:06 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - The Work Continues |
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I have been working long days at work and it's cutting into my play time in the garage.
So Thurs night rolls around and I get outside. I pull the back hubcaps off the Beetle and what do I find?
Yep, that's a nail. I guess it shows that the PO was in there at one point.... So I remove the nail and proceed to remove the nut from the axle. I fire up my air compressor and break out my CP impact it has 875ft pounds of torque. It takes a bit, but the nut comes off. Everything comes apart like it was supposed to. I take a look at the drivers side and just as I had thought, a blown wheel cylinder. And it's been leaking. I also notice the smell of gear oil. Yep, seal too. Oh well... Now I know for sure. I go back inside and call my FLAPS, I order up, brake hoses, wheel cylinders, brake shoes and axle seals. (little did I know what I was going to encounter)
Friday rolls around, take the wife out to dinner and pick up my parts. I find out that the brake hoses didn't make the truck in time so they won't have them until Monday. (great....)
So I decided I'd just stop at Mofoco. (they are local for me, so I can just walk in and get what I need if they have it in stock) Now it's getting late and I figured I would watch the Bugme video to make sure I know what I am doing. I see that there's more than just a grease seal that I need.... (ugh) I go on Mofoco's site and see that they have the seal kit with the shim, gaskets and the o-rings. I make a small list of what I'd like and decided I'd call them Sat morning.
Sat morning rolls around. I wait until 9am and call them. I get Randy on the phone (the owner) and tell him what I need. He says he has it all in stock and come on down. I head over there, pick up the parts. Also grabbed a used regulator (to see if I can get the Generator to work and save some cash from the alternator upgrade) also picked up a used rear seat support that was missing from mine. They had the hose clips, hoses and everything I needed. I headed back and started working. I got the drivers side rear all done, replaced the hose, removed the backing plate, cleaned it, sand blasted it, powder coated it, assembled the shoes back on it and put it back together. I was beat by 4pm. Decided to call it a night. Plan is to get out there tomorrow, sandblast the drums, powder coat them and the passengers backing plate, get the brakes all adjusted and bled.
Here's what the side I was working on looked like before:
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:36 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 6:19 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - Brake Work Finished |
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So I got outside this morning started on the other side. I disassembled the backing plate from the axle, sand blasted and powder coated it. Replaced the brake hose on the passengers side and all the brake parts, bled the brakes and went to put the gas tank in. I had noticed that when I put it in, there was a small gas leak. I thought it might have been the nut that holds the feed tube or the compression washer on the inside. It eventually stopped and I paid no attention to it. I hopped in after adjusting the brakes up and took it for a spin.
It was nice to finally drive it with brakes. Figured I'd drive it around a bit to get the brakes worked in. Was stopping decent (boy I completely forgot how much pressure you need to apply for manual brakes!) I drove it around my neighborhood. Wasn't going fast, 20-40mph tops. Breaks were great. All of a sudden I noticed that I had a strong odor of fuel. Thought for a second and wasn't sure if it was from the back or the front of the car. Drove a little more and it was getting stronger. Ok, time to get back home. I pull in the driveway and now I see a STREAM of fuel coming out of the tank. (you got to be kidding me!) I open the garage door, grab a socket wrench and pull the tank in record time (by the way, it's still almost full from the trip of picking it up). I set the tank down and inspect the damage. It seems that when I pulled the tank out the first time, I disrupted the "rust gods" and moved some of the rust sediment off of the weak spot in the tank.
So with the tank out, I grab some JB Weld and hit the tank with a 3M roloc disc. Nice and slow not to cause too many sparks and get it down to metal. I can now see some "pits" and "weak spots" in the tank. I give it a couple healthy coats of JB weld and call it a night. The tank is sitting out and now that stuff will cure for a couple days to fully dry. Enough to buy me some time to locate another gas tank...sigh...it's always something....
Here's a couple shots of the rear brakes.
Before:
After:
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:46 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Bigmeat Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2007 Posts: 304
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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Keep up the fine work! |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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cletus_zuber - Thanks! It's not really a "rustbelt beater" It's a 'bama car. I have big plans for it... She won't see bad weather anymore. Worst she might see is occasional rain shower.
Starr1969 - Sorry to hear about your jeep. I've had several cherokee's and love them. But I've always wanted a Beetle. Only problem I have is I can't get money fast enough to fix it! (besides having 3 other project cars!)
justaguy - Understood, however keep in mind that the wheel cylinders have rubber parts in them along with the rest of the parts in the brake system. It will all break down the same. (Had brake training from Raybestos years ago working for a auto parts company) Brake cleaner is the worst for rubber parts! IT DESTROYS IT. (don't believe me? Get a balloon, blow it up and spray it with brake cleaner) But I've seen the hose that you are talking about and will eventually pick some of it up though.
Bigmeat - Thanks for the words of encouragement. This isn't my first project nor my last....
So here's my plans as of now... since the cash flow is not as great as I'd like.
I ordered a bunch of parts about 2 weeks ago that should be in tomorrow. That will allow me to start working on the wiring for the bug and get the electrical all hammered out.
Next paycheck will come the new alternator kit (going to upgrade it since the generator is toast). And going to buy a new gas tank. Called Mofoco a couple days ago. They said that they had one in stock. It's about 10 bucks more than I can get it online, but will save $45 in shipping since I can just drive there and get it!
Debating now if I should pull the motor and clean it up since I have to replace the generator and pull the dog house (I know it can be done without having to pull the motor) but I already know what's going to happen....I will pull the intake and then just have to eventually pull the motor anyhow because I will find some other issues (gaskets, seals, etc.) Besides she's a leaker right now. I think the PO never put valve cover gaskets in it and the bottom is completely covered in oil. The other thing I have noticed is it only has 70k original. Everything is still VW on this thing. When I did the brakes and the front and real seals, they were still VW. Drums, hoses and wheel cylinders were all VW.
What do you think?
Should I pull the motor and clean it up?
If I do, I will probably powder coat the dog house and all the tin. (I have some extreme chrome powder coating) Or I can do it in the Bike Black (what I used on the backing plates and drums) Tell me what you think...
Here's some of the parts in the Extreme Chrome for one of my 50's Chevy Pickups...
Or I can do it in the Bike Black (what I used on the backing plates and drums) |
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75smith Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2011 Posts: 2275 Location: NH
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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Good find!!
Do the tin in black- it helps keep the heat down
I would personally pull the engine, to check the clutch and crank endplay - minor endplay could mean rebuild but since it's running that would be up to you- let it run until it fails or rebuild and not worry about it.
I would also pull the heads too see if they are leaking or just do a compression test - again a decision to be made by you
my 2 cents
good luck and have fun |
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75smith Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2011 Posts: 2275 Location: NH
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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Rust2Rods wrote: |
Or I can do it in the Bike Black (what I used on the backing plates and drums) |
292? what color is that(yellow?)-wondering because it almost looks like the color of my brothers 292; just not that shiny (his was custom painted by the PO and he wants to know the color) |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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75smith - Thanks, for the comments. I might do a combination of the black and the chrome powders. As far as end play, the motor is very strong. Like I said, only 70k on it and before I bought it, I pulled on the lower pulley and there was little movement fore and aft. So end play shouldn't be an issue.
The motor is a 1955 Chevy 235. The color is a 3 stage Metal Flake Candy Lime Green. The photos just don't do it justice. The paint is from HOK (House of Kolor) That truck is going to be a 60's period hot rod.
You can check out my other projects here:Hot Rodders Project Journal
As a personal goal I really want to try and keep this journal focused with the Beetle. If you look at my other journal, you will see the progress of several years of projects and a lot about me and my day to day life.
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:37 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - Now the Electrical |
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Last week, I ordered up a bunch of parts for the beetle. I ordered a replacement turn signal assembly, downloaded a bunch of schematics until I was blue in the face, did a little arts and crafts and sectioned the schematic and blew it up so that I could track things easier. With that said, I spent a couple days on the wiring and got about 90% of the electrical done. Only thing really left is the wipers, and some dash bulbs that are missing. I will have to order those this week.
I also have to replace the headlamps and some tail lights that are either failed or just have a bad ground. I also don't like the idea of the unshielded female push on connectors. I think I am going to replace them with some nylon insulated style connectors. Then I will re-route everything and make it look nice. |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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So tomorrow since there are 5 weeks in this month, that means that I have a free paycheck! I will be ordering up a new alternator kit to replace the burned out generator, new gas tank, sending unit, gauge lamp sockets, gauge bulbs and other little odds and ends. I patched the original gas tank up with some JB weld. It's only temporary until the new tank gets in.
So here are my current plans:
Found a set of fenders for pre 67 along with head lamps and tail lamps. Going to change over the look to a pre 68 beetle (since that's what I really wanted)
Next will be to rebuild the beam, go with thru rods, and air shocks for the front.
Re-index the rear arms and lower the back a bit.
Also found a set of bumpers with overriders. |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:57 pm Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - And the fun Begins! |
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I was seeing the old Bugsy (that's what the wife is calling it now) has a problem holding her fluids...seems that she has a bit of a problem in that area. So I bought a new set of valve cover gaskets. And boy am I glad I did. On the passengers side 3/4 of it was missing. I guess the PO decided he was going to replace it (eventually) and the drivers side was missing a good chunk of the corner of the gasket. I got a set from Mofoco, put them in and low and behold...the inside of this motor is very nice... Take a look!
Here's Bugsy marking her spot...
And here's what I had found inside!
And since I am a Beetle Noob..Not sure if there's anything other than just a plain old stock head with the casting numbers....
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:49 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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mainfr4me Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2010 Posts: 94 Location: SE WI
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Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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Keep it up - nothing beats away the stress of a day at the office like wrenching! |
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Rust2Rods Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2011 Posts: 299 Location: South Milwaukee, WI
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 3:58 am Post subject: Rust2Rods 1969 Beetle Type 1 Journal - And the fun Continues |
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Earlier this week, my alternator and the rest of my electrical parts came in (alternator, bulbs, sockets, and other doo-dads). I started to remove the old generator. While at work, I talked to one of my co-workers who also owns a beetle, he said it would probably be much easier to change it by pulling the motor. After looking at it a bit and coming up with a plan of attack, he was right. I yanked the motor out, pulled the generator and fan assembly. Then I started pulling the tin off of the motor. Guess now I will powder coat the tin and replace a bunch of the top end gaskets as well. Looks like a run to Mofoco for parts since I am really getting sick of waiting 2 weeks for my parts to come in.
Here are some photos of the process.
And it's out of there!
I will have to clean and paint the engine compartment.
And the motor's out...
And with most of the tin removed...
And then time to clean and powder coat the parts....
Last edited by Rust2Rods on Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:55 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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