Pistol Pete's 1974 Resto

peteandvanessa · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 4:16 pm Post subject:

The used airbox I purchased on-line arrived yesterday, so I dismantled it, cleaned and painted.

Re-assembled it today. Looking nice:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Then the mailman arrived and delivered me a big box from Sew Fine.

Yipee the seat covers and headliner had arrived.

So, now the Airbox was re-assembled, it gave me some time to test fit one of the seat covers. The quality from sewfine is really, really good.

They also marked in white chalk, where to cut holes for the seat bolt (where the back of the seat is bolted to the seat base. Nice touch)

Then I moved onto the seat back. This took a little longer to adjust:

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

AlienJohn · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:58 am Post subject:

Awesome work man!
_________________
All Hail Snorkelstang !

72 Standard Beetle
74 Karmann Ghia Coupe
76 Fender Telecaster

peteandvanessa · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 7:24 am Post subject:

Still have some adjustments to make on the drivers side seat cover. The left hand side of the cover is a little too high compare to the right hand side of the seat (when looking from the rear of the car towards the front). Will sort that out this week.

A few tips for those who are planning to install seat covers:

1. Make sure that the seat padding has enough material to fully pad out the seat. Too little and the seat covers won't be taut and will wrinkle. Too much and the fabric will be under too much tension when you fit it. It's better to have a little too much padding than too little, but don't over do it.

2. It's critical that the thin steel wires are installed at the front and rear of the bottom of the seat. The fabric is under a lot of tension when pulled tight. Without the steel wire, the metal spikes at the front and the rear will tend to tear the fabric, so the steel wire will add additional support and stop the fabric from tearing. My front steel wires were missing, so I went to Lowes and looked for steel wire. In Lowes they have some steel wire (sometimes call piano wire) used for hanging ceiling tile squares, which are about 18 inches in length. They are just slightly wider diameter than the original seat wires but fit in perfectly.

3. When installing the seat onto the chassis, move the seat fully to the FRONT of the sliders (don't insert the seat into the runners yet as you pull the seat forwards), slide the seat backwards into the runners, push it all the way back, then put the L shaped part of the seat into the center support and then slide the seat forward. Then install the Z shaped metal piece into the seat slider stop at the front of the center support.
If you try to install the seat into the chassis from the rear first and then slide the seat forward, it's a bear of a job.

4. On the head rest, start by pulling the seat cover over the head rest, then the seat cover has a flap that gets pulled from the front to the rear of the seat, insert the steel support wire through the flap (it's about 8-10 inches wide) and secure the steel support wire with the metal spikes at the rear of the headrest.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:59 pm Post subject:

Adjusted the front seats that I wasn't happy with. Ended up adding a little more foams on the sides.

Then moved onto the rear seats. I think I over padded the rear seats, the rear upright part of the seat, I had to remove the foam padding because the fabric was so taut when stretched, then I trimmed the foam padding to give me a little more fabric to work with and then re-installed it.

Here's a few pics of the seat covering process:

I got some dry cleaning bags from the dry cleaners locally (10 bags for $1), which really helps when you are pulling and stretching the fabric onto the seats. Without it, it would be really hard to pull out any wrinkles.

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

AlienJohn · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 4:01 pm Post subject:

I watch this thread with my jaw hanging open.
Amazing stuff

JB
_________________
All Hail Snorkelstang !

72 Standard Beetle
74 Karmann Ghia Coupe
76 Fender Telecaster

a.wilson · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 9:34 pm Post subject:

Seats turned out eggcelent!

peteandvanessa · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:52 pm Post subject:

So I decided to build a seat back cover for the rear seat. No one will see it unless they pull the seat back down, but I would know it's there.

So I hopped over to Joanne's and bought a 72 inch by 24 inch piece of dark felt, which cost less than $5 (will match into the carpet when I get around to that). Then dropped by lowes and bought a 48 inch by 24 inch piece of Wall wainscoating for less than $20.

Made a template out of cardboard and cut the felt with about 1 excess all round.

Glued the fabric onto the wainscoating:

Made relief cuts around the curves:

Now I need to drill the screw holes and mount it onto the rear of the seat.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 4:05 pm Post subject:

I wanted to see if I could make my own covers for the current sun visors I have. What possessed the original owner to paint an octopus on one of them is beyond me.

So I dropped over to Joanne's and got some material that will match my headliner.

The first two tries were a disaster, but I tried a different technique on the third attempt.

First I traced around the Sun visor onto the material and cut out it out using the pattern:

I then used a sewing machine to stitch the two halves together all the way around, but I left the top seam open.

I then inserted the old sun visor into the two halves and pulled it in snuggly.

Then I followed up by gluing the top seam shut with my favorite fabric glue.
Note: This is the first time I've used a sewing machine (just getting in touch with my feminine side Smile

), but the visor turned out pretty good for my third attempt.
Will do the other Sun Visor later this week.

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 4:46 pm Post subject:

Made a custom shifter boot today out of a mock leather material.

Turned out pretty good. Will make a custom boot for the emergency brake later this week out of the same material.

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 10:17 am Post subject:

Just spoke to my bodywork and paint guy. Body work starts next week and paint should be done by 1st-2nd week June.

Metal work that needs addressing are:

1. Roof dents dollied out
2. Front wheel well repair
3. A few minor dents on the door
4. Fit new front right fender
5. Passenger quarter panel dollied out
6. Rear crescent vents rust (both sides), cut out and patch panel welded in (they might get away with one patch panel)
7. Front right bumper mount needs pulling out and dollied
8. Radio cut out dollied out

Paint will be metallic red on main body and metallic Gun Metal Gray on the sides (something like this:)

Can't wait to get it back and bolted to the chassis
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 4:16 pm Post subject:

I made a template for the Emergency Brake boot out of card.

I looked for a template on the web, but couldn't find any, so I thought I'd share my design (not that it's great or anything), but someone might find it useful.

Start by making a template out of card:
Here's the dimensions I came up with (all in inches)

Here's the template cut out and folded into shape on the bench:

And here's the template folded and mocked up on the emergency brake:

Now I need to cut out the material, sew it up and post back here what it looks like later this week.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 11:29 pm Post subject:

The seats are amazing!

I did my 1974 Super Beetle seats , using Wolfsburg West horsehair (coconut fiber) pads and TMI upholstery. I'm pretty happy with it, but the driver side springs were sunken in a tad and the cover shows a slight want of a little more padding than the OEM-style horsehair pads (which are very comfortable, by the way) provided. I should have gotten some one-inch foam to apply over the horsehair pads. They still look fine, though.

I used regular old-fashion coat hanger wire to slide into the seat sleeves. It worked fine, slipping right in. You have to get the thickest hangers, though and file the ends, well to make them round.

I like the rear cover you made, also. Very well done.

You might try a console that MidAmerica sells. It's on page 32 of their catalog. The letter on their picture of the item is "K". And the part number 304-743. It would look beautiful if you re-did it in your fabric. I have one on mine that is "Saddle" to match my door panels and seat upholstery. It has the shifter boot built in--and it can be adjusted all the way up to the knob (but I let it go only to half mast. MidAmerica didn't have it in Saddle, so they had TMI make me one and mailed it direct to me.

Looking good!

Tim

peteandvanessa · Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 8:09 am Post subject:

Thanks for the compliments Tim.

I'm really happy with the way the seats turned out. Mine are a little over stuffed, but it really helps to make the seats look smooth and finished.

I've not looked into the center console yet, I'm saving that part to after I get the body back from paint and re-attached to the body, then I can review what space I have in the car.

The first job after the car comes back from paint, will be to install the headliner. I was going to get someone to do the headliner for me, but the labor costs to install it would be $500-$700 and I think I can tackle it with my Son and myself. I already have a matching Sewfine tweed headliner in my garage.

Then the glass and new window seals will get installed next. Again, I'm planning to tackle that task with my Son to save costs.

I'm visiting my engine builder tonight to discuss engine options, most likely Ray Vallero in Auburn will be doing the engine, since he has a great reputation, he's built a number of engines for a few folks I know locally and his work is top notch.

I don't have the budget yet to start the engine build, so that won't start until later this year, but depending on his advice, it might be a 2332cc engine with a Porsche style fan. But if Ray recommends going a different route then it might be a more traditional engine build.

I can't believe how far I have come in 9 months with this build, and I want to do it justice and build it right, especially since this car was purchased by my Son for me with his hard earned money. So I am making sure that this one is built right, without cutting any corners.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

Mr. Whatever · Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 8:23 am Post subject:

Pete,

To piggy-back on all the other replies - awesome thread. I unfortunately did the opposite and let a shop restore my '74 Super. Over 7 years later, I am still finding things that were not done correctly or not done at all. Lesson learned.

I once had a '73 Super (that I stupidly sold in 1995 Rolling Eyes

). One of the cool things I had in there was a center console from JBugs that already had pre-drilled holes for guages (tach, oil pressure, voltmeter and cylinder temp). When I got my '74 Super, I wanted the same look - but JBugs does not sell it any longer.

Any ideas on where a console like this could be found? Otherwise - after seeing all of your ideas and such - I may try and make one myself.....hhhmmm.

Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!!! Very Happy

peteandvanessa · Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 9:05 am Post subject:

peteandvanessa · Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 8:29 am Post subject:

Sewed up the Emergency Brake Boot yesterday. This was the trickiest sewing I have done so far, but it turn out very well, partly because I made the template first.

Here's a few pics of the finished Boot:

Feeling pleased with my Emergency Brake boot, I turned my attention to the Assist Straps. Compared to sewing up the Brake Boot, these were a breeze to do and they will match the tweed seats and headliner:

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 9:30 am Post subject:

Quick Update:

Placed an order with Wolfsburgwest for all new window rubbers, window trim, new headliner bows and padding. Also ordered new fender beading and hardware in preparation for the body coming back from paint in 3-4 weeks time.

Visited the engine builder Friday, and discussed engine options, have some great ideas where we want to go with the engine build later this year.

The used German Dash should turn up sometime today in the mail, will post pics when it comes in.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

peteandvanessa · Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 3:04 pm Post subject:

The original German 1974 Standard Beetle dashboard arrived today from New York. I'd been watching out for a really good used Dash on the samba classifieds for months. So when this one came up I couldn't believe my luck.

It's in fantastic condition, with no cracks, cuts, gashes, almost perfect condition. It's going to look great in the Bug:

Sure beats the old crumbling and painted dash I had:

_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189

webberjames95 · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 10:37 am Post subject:

These are sweet. You could sell them
_________________
1967 Bug:
Olga: the Cal look car lost in the PNW SOLD Sad

1984 Vanagon:
Berty the Vanagon

1973 Bus
Amber the Bus Sold

INSTAGRAM @jwebber95

peteandvanessa · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 11:42 am Post subject:

I'm too busy sewing my own stuff up. But seriously, they are pretty simple to make.
_________________
My 1974 Standard Build Thread:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568220&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My Son's 1971 Bay Window Westie Build Thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7295189#7295189


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