My 66 Build

[sportin-wood]

Looking great! Was this your first attempt at a headliner installation? Did you utilize any books/dvds for the installation? I'll be doing mine myself eventually and wonder if I should even try for fear I'll just screw it up....
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Paused 66 project bug
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli

[Todd66]

This was my second. I got all my interior from JBugs. It came with a DVD. It is fairly old so you can get a good laugh at it, but it is not like anything has changed. There are some good tips in there. The one thing I did that they didn't use was the binder clips. I used them on this one and it does make it a little easier. It is not that hard, you just can't be in a hurry, take your time. The one nice thing, and this was my thought the first time, is the headliner is not that expensive if you do screw it up. If you glue it wrong you can just pull it back off. The only thing that can ruin your day would be to cut too far. Just use you head and don't cut til you are sure. It is like anything else, cut a little less. You can always cut more, it is a little more difficult to put it back

[sportin-wood]

Thanks for the tips, Todd. I do have that same Jbugs dvd, so I'll make sure to watch it a couple more times before I make any attempt.
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Paused 66 project bug
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli

[Fifty-Eight Rag]

I agree with Todd...
Just take your time, don't get in a hurry and don't cut too much.
I used the heck out of binder clips and my heat gun to stretch and work the material around to get it right.
I didn't use the DVD but got some neat tips from some installation photos on Sewfine's website.
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1956 Oval
and a barn full of VW parts

1956 Oval build thread
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

1962 Single Cab Restoration
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7959298#7959298

1967 Beetle Restoration
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=495269&highlight=larrys

[Todd66]

I have been pushing to try and get my project done. Not a whole lot of excitement to show, but I figured I would give an update. I ran the wire harness (new repro). Then I had to add all the wiring for the tach, oil press, oil temp, cyl head tem, and wideband guages, heated seats, homemade anti-theft, etc. I also ran some auxilary wires for future use (sound system). I think there is now more add-on wiring than factory wiring. I also finally got my A-1 sidewinder exhaust and installed it. The engine is almost ready to install
Still have to clean up the wiring

Whole lota wire

Wideband sensor. I just have to find a grommet to fill the hole.

[Todd66]

I got my headlights, bumpers and soem misc body pieces installed.
My garage helper

[aaronr25]

Looking sweet. Great choice of wheels.
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65 Bug
66 Landcruiser FJ40

Life's too short to drive a stock VW

[harley611]

Looking GREAT!

[Todd66]

Finally got the engine installeed. It fought me every step of the way. My first issue was self-induced. I didn't have the clutch lined up perfect (I don't have an alignment tool. I have always had good luck on "conventional" RWD cars just lining it up by eye. I think my problem was just that there is not enough wiggle room in the engine compartment to make that work. I was trying to figure out what I could use. I finally found a deep 3/8 socket (I believe it was a 3/8 or 10mm) fit pretty well in the pilot bearing. I then wrapped electrical tape on the big end to get the desired thickness to fit snug in the disc splines. Worked perfect. I ended up having to trim the sheetmetal under the rear bumper mounts to get them to fit. (This is due to the aftermarket sheetmetal I installed. I thought I trimmed enough before, but I believe the aluminum valve covers I am using are a little bigger than stock). Installing the dual carbs just takes time to set up. They said the Spiral Pro plug wire boots are difficutl to get on. That is an understatement. SP motor might not be too bad, but DP is a PITA. I am sure they will seal great, just very tight due to the thick seals.

Ride height with engine in might be a little low for practical purposes, but I am going to get it all finished and then decide.

I have less than 4 weeks on my self-imposed deadline (4th of July car show)to get her done. I hope it works out

[Chip]

What show are you trying to make? Bug is looking awesome!

[Todd66]

Thanks. They have a huge carshow up in Logan every year over the 4th. It is a general show (not just VW's). There are usually like 800-1000 cars entered. They have no restrictions so there are a few 91 ford tempos. But there are a lot of really cool cars. My in-laws live up there so we have been going for almost 20 years. They have a main street cruise Sat night after the show. It is big, but very low key. They even give away a tricked out car each year. I would really like to get a few miles on mine before I make the 200 mile round trip.

[Todd66]

I've been working on getting the engine ready to rumble . I got the alternator tins painted as well as the gas tank and front bumper brackets. I should have painted the alt tins earlier. I was not able to snake the alternator back in as easy as I had hoped. Oh well. Got all the engine wiring done, and the remote filter/full flow ran and mounted. Intake port matched to heads. I just have to get the fuel lines routed and the breather. Then I can get her running.
Intakes before and after

Front bumper installed

[estofer]

Sweet car!!! Love the color!

Just a quick question....how narrow is your front beam? I like the stance!

estofer
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1964 Type 1 Vert "Ruby"
2019 Tiguan
2020 Tiguan

[YouBugMe58]

Great Looking Car, I love BRM's they just make the car for me. Not going to make my deadline (my birthday in August) just way to much to do, maybe by Thanksgiving. Good Luck
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59 Euro Ragtop Build (Finished)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=493553
Working on the boring stuff is still better than a good day at work!
Only 3 things matter in life, Those you Love, Those whom Love you and Your final Destination! Enjoy Them.
Seriously - If there is something you don't like about my car keep it to yourself.

[Todd66]

I narrowed the beam 3". It still has the stock front brakes with 1/4" spacers. When I get the funds to put front discs on it, the extra 3/8" will fill up the gap a little better. My thought was even if the discs push them out too far for clearance I can just removed the spacers which puts it back to basically where it is now.

[Todd66]

YouBugMe58: My original deadline was Jan. So I understand delays . I am currently making the wife a little angry with all the nights in the garage, but I am going to get it done. As long as there are no major setbacks I think I can get in done in 3 weeks.

[BenTen]

What a great looking 66. Following this one to the finish for inspiration on my (really my sons) 66 standard.

[wendol]

Awesome work!

[Todd66]

Thought I would give an update. Deadlines . I was sick for a week and couldn't work on it. Then I spent 3 or 4 nights trying to get it to run. It would crank, but not fire. The starter seemed to be cranking awfully slow, so I replaced that, which made it crank faster, but still no fire. I finally started swapping parts from my daughter's car (dist, coil) I finally discovered my new VDO tach has issues. Once I disconnected the tach lead on the neg side of the coil it fired right up. Broke in the cam and changed the oil. The next day I set the valves and synced the carbs-much smoother. Sounds great! I decided I had to get the rear end up a little so I reset the torsion bars. I am stoked to drive it. First I have to get the seats and carpet done. I have 3 days. Hopefully no more set backs.

[Chip]

Glad to hear there is progress! Keep it up! We all understand setbacks for sure. There is light at the end of the tunnel!