1969 Baja Bug - TX Build

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:09 am Post subject:

So I am having to replace both heater channels, and was considering replacing them with square tubing instead of stock style replacements. I would be replacing them from the front main body mount all the way back, and welding them to the stock body sheet metal. The body would still separate from the pan like stock. It would be kinda like a body lift that didn't actually lift the body since the stock heater channels will be removed

Anybody know if that Would that make my baja 5/1600 illegal? I really would rather avoid putting stock heater channels back in but I will if I have to to avoid making it intelligible for racing in the future
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 8:04 am Post subject:

well turns out for 5/1600 I pretty much need to keep the body as stock as possible, so I ordered replacement heater channels and will be welding them in, then starting the cage.
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 9:24 pm Post subject:

parts FINALLY started showing up, econo heater channels are here!

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

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 7:10 am Post subject:

Parts are still coming in, still waiting on my big order w/ bearing/piston/jugs etc.

MOFOCO 040 heads w/ stainless valves showed up last night:

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:32 pm Post subject:

more PO repair fun today! 1/4" bondo over the worst brazing I have ever seen, and to top it off there are more riveted patches on this thing than the Titanic!

Anyways some pics!

Sure, use the whole can of bondo on this one panel after you braze it with a blowtorch and a coat hanger, that seems like a good idea...

cut that crap out

oh look, a riveted in patch, I wonder what's behind it? NOTHING MUCH [heater channel out!]

at least the new parts fit well

how she sits now, onto the drivers side tomorrow

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

Snowking63 · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 10:18 pm Post subject:

Love her stance! Looks like a fun build can't wait to see what you end up doing with it. Any plans on the front bumper style and lights yet?
_________________
Money is a gas, not a trip
OGK
my 63 baja daily driver
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6485278&highlight=#6485278

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2015 9:41 am Post subject:

I'll custom fab the front bumper, going to keep it tucked up pretty close I'm not a big fan of the ones that stick out 2 feet and go full width with 8 lights on them.

I like the round light look. I'll definitely hang two under the one piece from end in "stock location", and maybe a couple on the front bumper. I'd like a three round light rack over the windshield at some point but that is down the road.

Does anyone know if it's normal for the SCORE rule book to take over a month to show up? I paid for it and have yet to see it
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2015 5:48 pm Post subject:

Got the passenger side heater channel tacked in, the door aligned (closes with 1 finger!), tacked in some patch panels, and started prepping the driver's side to remove the other heater channel. I used my mig to tack everything in, once the other side is tacked in I'll pull the body and seam weld everything with the tig

High tech door alignment haha

Passenger side front wheel well patch

Rear passenger side patch (partial anyways)

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 8:08 am Post subject:

Got the drivers side rust cut out:

This is the second full can of removed material!

Both new heater channels tacked in, body coming off:

The pan:

Bottom view of the body:

Today I am making patch panels for everything I have cut out, and then I'll be welding for a day or two to seam weld all the patches

Once the welding is done I'll strip the body down and it'll get some paint!
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

warwgn · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 9:55 am Post subject:

coming along great!!

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 5:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks! I'm a few steps behind you - your thread has been helpful!

Got the new metal in:

It looks like a disaster! Haha

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

warwgn · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:17 am Post subject:

think we are running purdy close in our builds, and alot of the same thing going on. I had to fix those same spots as you did but mine were not as bad as yours were so had it a little eaiser. I like how yours is turning out and fully understand how much work your putting into it!! I ran out of gas on the mig and around here nobody is open on Saturday so hope to pick some up if I get off work early enough.

I really like the bends in the metal you tacked in, bet it will turn out great.

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:03 pm Post subject:

I haven't touched the pan so your a bit ahead of me there!

I'm welding up the heater channel seams, the spot welds are few and far between on these cheap replacements. Got 6' done tonight that's about all the super thin sheet metal welding I can handle in one night

Also welded in the drivers side quarter patch. Needs a quick grind and it's good enough! Haha

_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

mkparker · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:34 pm Post subject:

Man, I admire your persistence! There are a lot of Texas Bug bodies around that are in way better shape than that one...for your next build. SCORE is pretty slow and with new management it's probably worse.

When you get it done, come out to west Texas and break it in close to home.

https://www.texasdesertracing.com/

There are some basic rules on our site:
https://www.texasdesertracing.com/classes/
_________________
Michael

Pit Boy 6163 Spec Trophy Truck

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks i think! Yea i wasn't planning on the extensive rust repair and until i pulled the carpet it was really well hidden behind layers of bed-liner. I figured it was in decent shape since the pan looked real good but hey maybe next time! The silver lining is the repairs are only setting me back about $200 since I have the tools to fix it all, and I wont have to worry about it again for a long time

Talked to SCORE today, rule-book is in the mail! Their Paypal system is not working so they hadn't been getting many rule book orders lately but they didn't know why - apparently i was the first to call Shocked

I will certainly be at some TDR events to break it in, (or just straight up break it!). What kind of car counts do ya'll see in the 5-1600 and 5-unlimited classes? No reason to travel extra distance if there is good racing here in Texas
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

mkparker · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 5:36 pm Post subject:

We have 30-40 cars total usually. 5-8 Bajas of various configurations. With small car counts, several classes usually get combined. It's a great inexpensive way to get your feet wet though.

It was a complement by the way, nice work so far!
_________________
Michael

Pit Boy 6163 Spec Trophy Truck

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 9:52 am Post subject:

Cool deal, I look forward to getting out there Cool

Thanks!
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:24 pm Post subject:

Progress has been slow, life gets in the way sometimes!

Welded up another few linear feet of seams, should be able to knock out a little bit every night for the next week or so
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty

warwgn · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 5:32 am Post subject:

was wondering what happened to you, glad to hear your back at it. I have pulled ahead of you while you been slacking Laughing

sailtexas186548 · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:26 am Post subject:

I'll catch just watch !

I'm going to strip and paint, no body work so i'll make up time there
_________________
it's more fun loud and dirty


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

1969 Baja Bug - TX Build
Page: Previous 1, 2, 3, ... 10, 11, 12 Next Jump to:

	Forum Index -> HBB Off-Road	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: Previous 1, 2, 3, ... 10, 11, 12 Next Jump to:
Page 2 of 12