Got one!

[scottytenspeed]

Got this ugly guy on 2-4-14. No rust on the pan or in the channels which is the primary reason I bought it. I think the PO started on this and could not finish. Got a great deal on it. I ordered a new Baja Kit and have cut and turned the front end already. Waiting on the shop to get me my arms back with new ball joints so i can reassemble the front end. My goal is to start at the front and work my my back to the rear. I did drop the engine since it was leaking oil from everywhere and nowhere. I dropped it and I took it down to the long block and figured out that the oil cooler was leaking at the seals. The manifold seals were also shot and it did not have manifold gaskets, just that rubber form-a-gasket crap. Cleaned and replaced all of that already. I have also been getting the heat back into the car since I plan on taking the kiddos camping in it. There are a couple of things I am missing as far as getting heat into it but i hope i can locate them through this forum. I will take more pictures and keep you updated on the progress. I have also posted some vids on youtube under the name "scottytenspeed" if you are interested in watching. I apologize for the first vid. I was a few beers deep and it was about 10 degrees in the garage. Very excited about this!

[scottytenspeed]

Here are some more photos. Here is the engine.

Here is the front cut and turned.

Here is where I welded the shock towers, also got the hook stop rod welded in place.

Put a solid mount on the back. Original rubber was in really bad shape.

Anybody have an idea of where i can get the heat exchanger under the seat? I also need the plastic piece on the backside.

[BUGGUTZ]

Are you in Michigan? We have a swap meet next month.

[scottytenspeed]

Nope. I'm in Colorado. Thanks

[scottytenspeed]

Got the disc brakes on last night. Looks like I am going to need an alignment.

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Olds Cool!

[endobear]

If you are interested. Im just West of you in Evergreen and have some brand new still in the packages parts you may need that I could sell to you on the cheap..
Alt and gen belts. Link pin spindle gusset kit. Poly 6" front axel beam bushings. Chromoly 5/8 HD link pins and 5/8 link pin bushings. 1 7/8" knobby poly torsion housing bushings.

[scottytenspeed]

Here is the front with the OG wheels and tires. Adjusted the alignment. not sure on what size tires i should run. Any suggestions? I was thinking 215's all the way around.

I took off the back hubs. 1st sign something was wrong was when the PO mentioned that he had replaced the rear bearings, and the way the rest of the car was put together, a red flag was instantly raised. After removing the essentially hand tightened rear hub axles and drum, i found this. Please notic the bolt just sitting there. This is just the way i found it and the whole brake assembly moves. Glad i made it home after the purchase.

Here is the rear torsion arm. The top two bolts were there but the bottom two were missing on both sides. Does this look right? Just want to be sure and i have been double checking all nuts and bolts in the car to be sure. I even found that the pedal assembly was slightly looses as well. Good times!

My rear torsion adjusting tool should be in tomorrow so i can get those adjusted as well as the headlight assembly for the front. I will post more photos ASAP.
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Olds Cool!

[BugMan114]

yeah, there's always just 4 bolts on the spring plate. Always wondered why vw put a hole but no bolt there.

And it looks like that bolt was rubbing the inside of the drum. I'd prolly check to make sure the moron PO didn't forget anything inside the bearing caps. I'd take them apart, and put new seals and o rings and everything. it comes in a kit. hell, make sure he didn't forget the grease on the bearings
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1974 Super Beetle: Custom resto in progress
1972 Super Beetle: Daily Driver
1971 Std. Beetle w/ 1929 Mercedes Benz Gazelle kit
1960 Baja Bug
1969 Baja Bug
Sand Rail- Homemade
Sand Rail- FUBAR

Aircooled Airheads

Why the hell do they call it a gland nut. its obviously a big fat bolt!!!

[scottytenspeed]

Will do and thanks.
I also discovered that the steering shaft is smaller in diameter than the bearing in the column so I have this annoying slop.
Any suggestions on tire sizes? This would get mild off road use as well as in town driving.
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Olds Cool!

[scottytenspeed]

So while I am waiting on the front bumper before I assemble the Baja Kit and ultimately, the front of the car and, getting some parts to finish the heating on the rear of the car, I started this last night after a few beers. It is only in the single digits here so I fired up the space heater in the cab and went after it. I originally ordered one of those aluminum dash boards but it is cut too thin and there is not a straight line on it. Garbage! Do not buy! So i decided to do this using scrap metal, rivets, and beer numbing decisions. Let me know what you think!

Here is somewhat before photo.

Here is a close up of the vents I covered.

And here it is almost complete with the exception of a couple holes. I was also thinking of throwing a couple spot welds on the front to give it a little something extra.

I ordered my wheels yesterday and i will be throwing on 235's all the way around. I am also fabricating the rear cage as well. Once the weather warms up here in Colorado, i should be able to start plugging away more consistently.

Fixed that rear brake problem as well. Found out that none of the internal seals, o-rings or washers were present. Fixed those immediately and torqued the rear axle nuts to spec. Thanks for looking!
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Olds Cool!

[dw66]

Right on man. I just got my 58 yesterday. The heater channels are good on mine also but it has a no heater box exhaust, the boxes are in the trunk. I like what you did with the dash. I built a 70 Baja and did the same thing but with aluminum diamondplate. I see your in denver, thanks for conforming the no salt on roads question. Mine was last registered in Delta Colorado in 96.

[Bad_chopper]

I like the dash work, I used one solid pies in the center that covers all the switch and radio holes, also used a normal glove box. Going threw all the work of getting the heat back why cover the defrost holes? Cool looking car by the way
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my build page http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=536267

[scottytenspeed]

Thanks for the positive comments. I will have it finished today and will post pictures when I am done. I figured the industrial, unrefined look is kinda cool.

It will mostly be garaged so I am not too worried about it and the side defrosters are still open. I am also redirecting the heat ducts so they will blow heat through the dash as well. Just trying to find vents like the ones i am picturing in my head. Still trying to find an effective way to fix the heat tubes that run from the heater channel to the defrost. That paper tubing is shot and I am not really sure on how to get your hand down in there any way. Any suggestions?
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Olds Cool!

[scottytenspeed]

Here is the dash completed.

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Olds Cool!

[Island Bumpkin]

Looking good man!

I know the space heater working well. Granted, it doesn't get nearly as cold here as it does there I've found those radiant heaters work a lot better than standard space heaters.


-Jameson
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Vehicles:
1971 Baja Bug, 1600dp, summer/winter/summer project
Follow my progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=556996
1988 F250 SC/LB 7.3 IDI/ZF5/Dana 50 front, Sterling 10.25 rear. 4" lift -Daily-
1976 F250 Reg cab/LB Stock 300/NP435/NP205 -Long Term Project-

[mkparker]

[BUGGUTZ]

I heard of someone cutting a hole and then welding it up. Gotta be an easier way lol.

[scottytenspeed]

So I got the defrost and "auxiliary" heat done tonight. I basically redirected the heat from the vents on the dash, since i have none and they did not come with the car, to blow into the cab just above where your feet would be. I made sure that the fuel filler tube will work as well. Tight fit but it works. Let me know what you think.

Close up of the "vent"

From the inside

Finished on both sides

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Olds Cool!

[scottytenspeed]

Got the front end on. Getting those light bezels in was the hardest thing i have done with this project so far. Started on the wiring and need to go buy some turn signals to complete it. Got the front bumper on and the side bars.

Thanks for looking!
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Olds Cool!

[scottytenspeed]

Got the engine in and discovered massive leaking from the pushrod tubes. ordered some collapsible ones and they are working great. Here is what they look like installed.

Got new wheels and tires as well. Still amazed at how different it looks with proper tires.

Now i have to tackle the wiring for the lights, then i am ready for emissions and registration so i can drive and fine tune everything.
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Olds Cool!