TheSamba.com :: View topic - Project Crunchie '87 Syncro Tin Top Overlander. (Pic Heavy)

Fri Oct 19, 2018 10:22 am

This is an amazing build thread bravo.

Thu Jan 31, 2019 8:56 am

Steve Arndt wrote: This is an amazing build thread bravo.

It sure is. Any more progress since this past summer?

Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:10 pm

So long time no post again. The most recent update is that I've moved cross country to Oregon back in November. It's a move I've been wanting to make for the past 10+ years and was finally able to make it happen. I drove the van and it did quite well. The Bostig conversion hummed along without complaint. It did whimper a little during the longest/highest passes, to where my speed dropped close to 50-55 mph at the top elevations. I did however have the van way overloaded, so I attribute some fault to that. Somewhere in Idaho, what I believe to be the left front wheel bearing started to fail. I pushed it to the Oregon boarder, but at that point, it was starting to sound and feel a little too unsafe. I ended up having it towed the rest of the way, as I wasn't really in a position to wait or leave it. It is what it is. I have spare uprights loaded and ready to go, but I'm likely going to have a shop swap them out. I'm open to any suggestions for the Salem/Portland area. I haven't had a chance to research much yet. Once that's squared away, I hope to button up the A/C project once it warms up.

Thu Feb 21, 2019 3:40 pm

PM sent

Sun Mar 03, 2019 1:14 pm

OK...it only took me 3 days to go through your build. ..what a great investment you have created. ..you my friend are way more anal than I am about detail. ..I hope that you have many years of enjoyment from your Syncro. ...a great job well done. ..from the looks of your achievements, I'd say that you must of sank roughly 60k into your van...that's dedication!
=D> =D> \:D/ :D

Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:36 am

So more of a personal update, than anything on the van. I moved out of the rental and bought an acre of Oregon's finest along with a 1920's farmhouse. The house needed some updating, so that' been soaking up most of my time and budget. I still have the van and we've been using it for camping, but I still need to get back to work on the interior. I am hoping to set up a shop, but that's probably a bit down the line still. The property did come with a barn and workshop which I'll make good use of, but it's not something I can pull the van into.

Tue Feb 25, 2020 7:23 am

Good to see you back for a quick update. I was thinking about that amazing scynco rebuild a few days ago.

Tue Feb 25, 2020 12:28 pm

I reference this thread more than my Bentley.

Congrats on the new digs!

Tue Apr 21, 2020 12:50 pm

I am so curious to see the interior aka the kitchen and cabinet area and the carpets you used. Did I miss something in this thread or did you not post it?

Tue Nov 17, 2020 7:54 am

Thanks for all the great info and pictures! This is really an amazing project!

Thu Mar 04, 2021 1:05 pm

Signalocity wrote: So more of a personal update, than anything on the van. I moved out of the rental and bought an acre of Oregon's finest along with a 1920's farmhouse. The house needed some updating, so that' been soaking up most of my time and budget. I still have the van and we've been using it for camping, but I still need to get back to work on the interior. I am hoping to set up a shop, but that's probably a bit down the line still. The property did come with a barn and workshop which I'll make good use of, but it's not something I can pull the van into.

Where did you land in Oregon?

Thu Mar 04, 2021 4:36 pm

Why , PDX of course ....

Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:36 am

Inspiring build, I don't know how I've missed it so far.

That side tank is beautiful, I'd love one for carrying water.
I hate to be the turd in punch bowl, but that location is extremely exposed and collapses in side-impact collisions.
I'm too risk adverse to ever take on the liability of owner-installing an aftermarket tank there to carry gasoline.

Sun Mar 21, 2021 4:34 pm

sanchius wrote: Inspiring build, I don't know how I've missed it so far.

That side tank is beautiful, I'd love one for carrying water.
I hate to be the turd in punch bowl, but that location is extremely exposed and collapses in side-impact collisions.
I'm too risk adverse to ever take on the liability of owner-installing an aftermarket tank there to carry gasoline.

How about LPG tanks in that location?

Sun Mar 21, 2021 4:56 pm

tjet wrote:

How about LPG tanks in that location?

There ok because when they blow your troubles are over.

Sun Mar 21, 2021 5:08 pm

from this thread
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=546624&highlight=

Muskrat wrote:
I got t-boned in the drivers side just in front of the rear wheel. the propane tank ruptured or something and there were flames on the roadway as the van rolled. now with the van upside down the flames were raining into the cab. the interior was almost instantly engulfed in flames and my seatbelt wasn't letting go. thankfully i always carry a seatbelt cutter in my pocket and i quickly cut the belt, and made it out through the window as the whole thing went up. this picture was taken about 15 seconds after i got out. no injuries other than a scrapped knee from the asphalt while exiting the vehicle and a bruised thigh from hitting the steering wheel when it landed on the roof. the doctor at the hospital called me ''the miracle man''.
i cannot stress enough the importance of the seatbelt cutter. if i didn't have that on me, in my pocket, i would've more than likely been burned beyond recognition.
i'm a lucky boy.

Wed Mar 08, 2023 7:49 am

I find myself referring back to this thread quite often, so much detailed information and time put into this. Going to be getting an AW high-top in a few weeks and once again some great sealing info.

Would love an update on the van... Hope all is well.

Tue Apr 02, 2024 11:53 am

I wonder where he got all his stuff plated. I'm in the process of rebuilding a 70 year old truck and I need to get some rare NLA brake parts plated.

FYI - My syncro has been on the back burner for the last couple of years because of this truck...

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/1950.590942/full?lightbox=1&last_edit_date=1697545923

Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:40 am

tjet wrote: I wonder where he got all his stuff plated. I'm in the process of rebuilding a 70 year old truck and I need to get some rare NLA brake parts plated.

FYI - My syncro has been on the back burner for the last couple of years because of this truck...

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/1950.590942/full?lightbox=1&last_edit_date=1697545923
DIY maybe?

Wed Apr 03, 2024 5:48 am

I'm no S.M.E, but that video doesn't appear to show/mention the whole next step/process of "baking" to avoid Hydrogen Embrittlement. I surely wouldn't be "hobbying" with fasteners/ parts that require graded strength/hardening. And that fixing solution(Dichromate)will Rust anything ferrous with 4 feet, so I wouldn't be doing this in garage/shop or kitchen