TheSamba.com :: View topic - Westfalia/Bus/Vanagon Restoration Stories

Tue May 03, 2011 1:35 pm

Here's a photo. We won't even talk about rust. Not yet, I am still too weak.

Tue May 03, 2011 2:03 pm

I'm still in the middle of the restoration of a vanagon that was neglected by the PO - I still wonder if the guy actually had any sense of hygene ;-)

best thing so far I've found while digging into the van was a pretty big magnet (!) attached to the frame with a hose clamp - I really don't know why the guy did that - perhaps he was afraid of using a screw or a cable binder.

here's the magnet, not where I found it but to showcase the size (and the strength of that thing):

Tue May 03, 2011 6:43 pm

that red van is fantastic. great job.

Wed May 04, 2011 11:27 am

Here is my rig at the one-year mark in restoration. At some point I had to stop and snap a photo just to see how far it has come. From black slime and critter nests, broken skylight and windshield...to a trusty ride that is ready to go places. I pause.
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Landsailer: been there. Do not give up. It will be worth the effort. Besides, if you need to bail it can always be sold and you get your coin back. Yet something tells me you have been smitten by it's charms. Ahh springtime romance.
Cheers,
Jeffery

Mon Feb 27, 2012 10:49 pm

Well all it took was for my slider handle to fall off and out came the RotoZip. The rain was steady outside while in the garage some serious metal cutting was happening.
My green camper had a mash at the slider/rear panel. The previous owner (R.I.P) had done the honors. It had taken me the better part of 18 months to procure all panels, seals, trim and hardware before the task could start.

My target for paint is March.

http://plummerdesign.com/picts/westfalia%20bodywork.pdf

Cheers,
Jeffery
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(Westfalia travel/camping videos at YouTube link below)

Sun Mar 18, 2012 6:31 pm

Okay, let me be the first to admit it- bodywork is more enjoyable than replacing the fuel lines/tank hoses.
That is what was happening in the driveway last year, same time.

Looks like Dick Hanna Auto Body is running a $599. special on paint. Might be just the ticket!
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Cheers,
Jeffery
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(Westfalia travel/camping videos at YouTube link below)

Mon Apr 02, 2012 6:28 pm

The work continues. There was a rumpled fender flare on the drivers side that made me grab the grinding wheel.

Big thanks to Mr. Tipton for the AWESOME welds! New fender flare puts the project back about two weeks until paint booth day. Full story in pictures at this link : http://www.plummerdesign.com/picts/westfalia-bodywork-3low.pdf

Cheers,
Jeffery

(Westfalia travel/camping videos at YouTube link below)

Fri May 04, 2012 5:22 pm

Today I went to see the camper at the paint shop. It had only emerged from the oven an hour or so earlier. My goodness, they painted it nice.
Next week it will be picked up and brought back home to reassemble all of the bits and trim.
So let me do a HUGE shout out to the crew at MAACO of Gresham. It is owned by Mr. Jody Noto. Mike did the painting. The big plus was the great customer service given by Joe in estimates. Great team they are. Top recommendation.

MAACO of Gresham 503.618.6997 gresham.maaco.com

Cheers,
Jeffery

(Westfalia travel / camping videos at YouTube link below)

Tue May 15, 2012 12:19 pm

It is so nice to finish a project.
Last year I knew this one was on the calendar...to do the bodywork. Now it is done. The camper is all dressed up and ready for summer.
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The two year restoration mark has been noted. Some highlights since last May:
- Restored a used slider door (creased/orange color)
- Replaced all vaccuum hoses
- New panel clips, new handle (rekeyed as well) seals and trim for slider
- Replaced TPS, o2 sensor, dig. idle stabilizer
- New pass. quarter panel metal, new rear drivers rear wheel arch
- New GoWesty hook ups
- New decals for post-repaint
- New window seals and chrome trim
- New chrome door scrapers *AMEN*
- Repaint

Full details/images here:
http://www.plummerdesign.com/picts/vanagonBodywork4.pdf
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Cheers,
Jeffery
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(Westfalia travel/camping videos at YouTube link below)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:05 pm

Quote: - New chrome door scrapers *AMEN*

I ordered mine yesterday from Geunzl. I can't wait for them to arrive.

Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:12 am

Hi Jeff,

Good job done on your van. It is my dream state for mine.

Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:20 am

Hi Jeff,

Good job done on your van. It is my dream state for mine. [/code]

Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:51 pm

These are such lovely and inspiring stories. I do love to hear of machines left for junk restored, running, and returned to good service.

I have a van!

:shock:

Best!

Sun Apr 20, 2014 11:46 pm

Hours and hours of work, and still not be finished :) I'm driven by passion for these great van car with must history and charm.

http://http://cubelounge.blogspot.it/

This forum is the best!!!