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Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:00 pm

Hi,

I have some questions, if someone can help? 1954 Panel.

1) Does 30ps mean 36HP? (I know 54's should have the 30ps one, but is that the same as a 36HP engine?)

2) Where can I get more info on restoring barndoors?

3) Hard one: What's the hardest parts to get for the barndoor restoration? (Money wise, etc). Ie, if you found a BD, and it was missing these x parts, would you pass on it?

4) Where can I get body metal for BD's? :) (Rockers mainly).

Sorry for all the questions.
Oh! Last one, What does it take to be a made man? :) (Just owning a BD? or something else, just curious).

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:17 pm

decided to keep it jp?.............. 8)

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:32 pm

sounds like someone might have a barndoor soon.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:45 pm

Hey Paul,

I might keep it, the only reason is, I'm scared. Yup, I'll own up to it. I'm scared to restore it because I have some type of reverential thing happening here. Do you know what I mean? I've restored other VW's, I'm no expert, but this one just seems different.

I've done ovals, droop nose Ghias etc, but never a bus. This is my first resto on a bus, and not just any bus, a BD (nice place to start). So I don't know if I should sell it or restore it.

I know VERY little about BD compared to Ovals/Ghias. Yup, scared :) (But I figured I try to learn about them before I made up my mind).

I should just slam it, and drive it and maybe I'll lose that feeling of reverence for it? :)

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:49 pm

where are you at? im only 16 and i got my first bus back in august, and when i started to work on it, i asked myself "what the hell did i get myself int?" with a bus, you will run into problems, there is no keeping away from it, especially if it is a barndoor. i suggest you get on the barndoor mafia? thread. talk to the barndoor owners on there, theyll take care of ya.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:51 pm

I read the whole BDM thread, but I didn't want to seem like a noob interfeering. Just thought I would post it seperate and not clog up the big thread.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:10 pm

well - jp - it depends- I personally would love to see pics- and take it off your hands (naturally :wink: ). It's an inner feeling that you are going to have to come to grips with- Yah, it's a BD- but it's only metal too..

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:20 pm

whatever you don't feel you have to 'slam it' to be cool. These buses are cool just stock. It seems most people feel they have to slam there buses in order to be accepted by others. screw that i say. :roll:

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:24 pm

eh0s wrote: I read the whole BDM thread, but I didn't want to seem like a noob interfeering. Just thought I would post it seperate and not clog up the big thread.

For the sheer fact that you read the *whole* BDM thread, you're not a noob and go ahead and ask! You gotta BD! Your a made man, G!

-Taylor

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:27 pm

Hey Ehos, Don't loose any sleep restoring it. Barndoors have been restored both well and poorly in the past so if you know that it takes the pressure off. Some were modified with cut wheel wells and 2X4 wooden bumpers, what could be WORSE than that?! I think the fact that your honest enough to admit your fear means you will be consciencious enough to put it in a direction better than when you got it, and that is by far a very good thing not to mention keeping it from the scrap metal man!

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:30 pm

where are the pictures???

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:32 pm

eh0s,

BD's and buses are night and day difference. Everything is different! And very EXPENSIVE!!!! If its rough but can be put on the road?? Just get it running. And you can do whatever you want to it! Slam it or not! It's your bus! I'd say 95% of BD's get passed around, go from one owner to a new owner because they don't know what they get themselves into. Parts are scarce and expensive. I am not trying to scare you off, just preparing you for the challenge. But if you have one and your up for it........GO FOR IT!!!!!

Laydo

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:42 pm

eh0s wrote: Hi,

I have some questions, if someone can help? 1954 Panel.

1) Does 30ps mean 36HP? (I know 54's should have the 30ps one, but is that the same as a 36HP engine?)

2) Where can I get more info on restoring barndoors?

3) Hard one: What's the hardest parts to get for the barndoor restoration? (Money wise, etc). Ie, if you found a BD, and it was missing these x parts, would you pass on it?

4) Where can I get body metal for BD's? :) (Rockers mainly).

Sorry for all the questions.
Oh! Last one, What does it take to be a made man? :) (Just owning a BD? or something else, just curious).

Answers: :D

1. 30ps in europe, 36hp in usa, (same engine)

2. http://www.barndoor.dk/ http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=V262&subject=20

3. anyparts can be found/fixed but all barndoor parts are expensive,taillights and bumpers will set you back a few hundred $

4. rockers are the same as up to 67 buses. http://www.metwiz.com/
http://www.ahschofield.co.uk/vanPics50-67/BRP1/BRP1.html

5. if you have to ask what you need to be a mademan you arnt going to be one. 8)

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:43 pm

Thanks for the support!

I will have pics when the snow melts (oh boy, snow!). And I was joking about the slammed look, I see now why people do that. It really takes the old, vintage theme out of them and maybe they're easier to deal with that way? I mean to say, if they can be lowered, and have fuch's on them etc, then they can be easily worked on without fear of 'wrecking' them. (in terms of 'originality').

No disrespect to anyone who lowers or keeps their bus stock height, I like them both!

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:50 pm

Sorry for the double post!

Thanks for all the answers Keith! I was curious about the made man initiation (I heard mention of it on the BDM thread).

And as for the BD's being passed around, I can see why now! Someone told me it's like restoring 3-4 Ovals, at once to restore a BD (gah, I hope not, my Oval took 7 years to restore!).

So, see ya in 28 Years? :) I think I will try to get it running and driving first as BDM mentioned (when is your site going to go up? Need a programmer?) :)

Thu Mar 04, 2004 4:58 pm

52ambo wrote: whatever you don't feel you have to 'slam it' to be cool. These buses are cool just stock. It seems most people feel they have to slam there buses in order to be accepted by others. screw that i say. :roll:
I'm with you 52ambo.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 5:56 pm

eh0s

Slam your bus if YOU want too??? Don't do it because everyone else is!! It's your bus and do whatever you want to it! Barndoors look BAD ASS REGARDLESS!!!!!

Laydo

Thu Mar 04, 2004 5:57 pm

Rusting Hulk are you sayin' your not part of Rikki's crew?! I'm blowin' away. I thought it was against the Barndoor law in England not to slam and 4 wheel disc brake and big motor a BD Deluxe.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 6:08 pm

52ambo wrote: whatever you don't feel you have to 'slam it' to be cool. These buses are cool just stock. It seems most people feel they have to slam there buses in order to be accepted by others. screw that i say. :roll:

Amen.

Thu Mar 04, 2004 6:12 pm

Barndoor Mafia wrote: eh0s

Barndoors look BAD ASS REGARDLESS!!!!!

Laydo

Lowered or stock.