TheSamba.com :: View topic - Safaris

Thu Aug 17, 2006 2:40 pm

Hi, I'm installing a original safari on my westy, and I have the following problem.

I'm following the safari window's installation instructions on this link http://66.34.72.138/howto/safari.html and it talks about a "threaded plate", I made one, but is too wide, can someone send me plate's size?
I will appreciate any sugestion about installing safaris and especially installing the "threaded plate"

another question, how big and what's the correct position of the hole I must drill to insert the threaded plate?

Greeting from Argentina
Marcos

Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:15 pm

A modern day step-by-step installation would be nice.....

Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:05 pm

The plate is 1/2 wide and has a offset bend where every screw goes. the hole in the corner is aprox 1/2 as well, you put the right side in from the left and the left from the right. the holes in the windshield upper frame are 3/8 aprox. Here are 2 pics i just uploaded to the gallery under my name.

frig it look here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Metalwizard

I hope this helps later

Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:17 pm

Here is a pic from when I installed my nut plates... like Kelly said, put the left in from the right, and the right in from the left. I cut notches (see pic) in my upper center windshield pillar to slip them in. Use a pick, or tack a piece of wire to the end of the nut plate so you can move it into position. Original safari buses have a tang welded to the inside of the upper windshield frame to keep the nut plates from moving all over the place. So unless you cut apart the sheet metal, good luck getting them out.

Fri Aug 18, 2006 6:33 pm

I cked today for twin, from the center post below the radiused corner, measure over 2 7/8 for the first hole, from that point the holes are 2 3/4 on center. On an original bus frame the holes area aprox 3/8 dia. Hope this helps, i'll be out of town tomorrow picking up my 15 window deluxe from Danny's in Wrightsville Beach. Sunday i'll be at Piedmont for the show. Later

Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:00 am

Metalwizard? are you posting pictures now? It's a new day folks! :D

kind of fun isn't it 8)

Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:21 pm

Hi, Thanks for all your information!!!
I allready install them, just need to weld the internal suports at the body shop next week.
First I put the plate onto position from outside and using it as a guide I drill little holes with a dremel at lowest speed.

After check if they are on the correct position I drill 8 mm holes, but not on the center, later after install the threaded plate and check again that all holes are right I drill a 6 mm hole in the center

I drill the holes to insert the threaded plates wich I made with out bends

I know I have to change the internal mirror :wink: is on the way
Then I fix the threaded plate by the center screw

and install the safari window

Next week my westy is going to the body shop to paint them and to change and paint some non original parts, (tail lights, bumpers, etc).

Thanks!!!
Greetings from Argentina

Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:58 pm

Funny this came up, My body guy and I were just having this conversation on putting a set of safari windows on my bus, lucky for me I was able to find a complete set of NOS safari windows from campingbox complete with NOS rubber seals and the mounting plate that the safari windows get attached to. On my bus someone had a set of safari windows already installed in it but they just drilled into the upper part of the window frames to mount the safari frames. Met Wiz sent me some specs on where the holes go and I also had other people on samba send me pictures of the exact place to make the holes. I am going to remove the plate just above the windows from the inside of the cab so that I can mount the safari brackets and also the metal tang to hold them in place afterwards weld the plate back on. I will post pictures of the step by step soon.

Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:10 am

twinwindowsJHC wrote: Funny this came up, My body guy and I were just having this conversation on putting a set of safari windows on my bus, lucky for me I was able to find a complete set of NOS safari windows from campingbox complete with NOS rubber seals and the mounting plate that the safari windows get attached to. On my bus someone had a set of safari windows already installed in it but they just drilled into the upper part of the window frames to mount the safari frames. Met Wiz sent me some specs on where the holes go and I also had other people on samba send me pictures of the exact place to make the holes. I am going to remove the plate just above the windows from the inside of the cab so that I can mount the safari brackets and also the metal tang to hold them in place afterwards weld the plate back on. I will post pictures of the step by step soon.

So what's the step by step process anyone anyone :D

Sun May 25, 2008 9:10 pm

Is anyone making/selling the safari nut plates? I'd like to get my hands on a pair.

Mon May 26, 2008 12:27 am

Yep, Creative Engineering in the UK make them, I have fitted a set to mine.
Made from stainless as well.

Dave

Mon May 26, 2008 8:47 am

Thank you Dave, I'll look into it.

Can anyone help with a N. American supplier?

Mon May 26, 2008 9:20 pm

original in a '61:

original in a '65:

Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:41 am

Who has these threaded plates in N. America...or just make my own ?
I have searched several web sites/ F/S samba with no luck.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:54 am

Notch Head wrote: Who has these threaded plates in N. America...or just make my own ?
I have searched several web sites/ F/S samba with no luck.

PM the Wiz or contact him through www.metwiz.com, he will make a set for you.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:33 am

MetWiz will just about make anything you need. Ask me how I know? 8)

Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:40 pm

What's the advantage of having the plates over using a Rivetnut? I guess with the plate (over than looking original) you have adjustablility there?

Wed Aug 27, 2008 4:02 pm

My thinking is durability more of a solid mount
then again this will be my first set of safaris.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:22 pm

Adjustability= bucks, strength= extra bucks, and the ability to install, remove and re-install as you please without the screw holes getting all sloppy=mega extra buck.... knowing that you installed them the way the factory would have= priceless.

Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:49 pm

PM were sent off to Metwiz also an e-mail with no response
I still need a pair of plates for a set of Izzy's safaris...Hello Metwiz ???