TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:24 pm

i think its gonna be a bit before i get anymore parts in once i do i'll update.. this week got a set front door tops.

Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:22 am

Nice progress I've gotten good service from the budget wire feed welders for sale around $100US. In fact they have outlasted welders I paid 5X more for.

Tue Jan 26, 2021 3:49 pm

just got this in the mail
a really awesome find a 1950-62 crank apron fits decent

Thanks guy in Saskatchewan your super helpful

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:22 pm

Just started tacking this frame rebuild what a challenge any suggestions on how to rebuild this or positive comments welcome

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:49 pm

check out this guy's thread, if you havent already.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=672869

Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:13 am

after floor was out on the third day started practicing welding by designing and welding a few frame pieces on.. here.

then fixed the rear frame and put a few more panels on so i can mount the apron.

go cip1.ca parts go
todays day 10 of working on this bus everyday for a few hours planning on fixing rt corner or battery tray haven't decided yet..

can definately say a fun way to gain better welding skills

Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:33 am

trying it using a flux welder on it as suggested. pretty decent so far..

just got a couple more frame parts in.. its slowly coming together.

Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:33 pm

vwuguy wrote: after floor was out on the third day started practicing welding by designing and welding a few frame pieces on.. here.

then fixed the rear frame and put a few more panels on so i can mount the apron.

go cip1.ca parts go
todays day 10 of working on this bus everyday for a few hours planning on fixing rt corner or battery tray haven't decided yet..

can definately say a fun way to gain better welding skills

I would make sure you are getting good penetration with your welds and are prepping the weld area well. A poor repair in this location could be very dangerous. Also make sure your welder is up to the task of frame repairs. It may not be.

Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:48 am

welder definately can weld up do the job. Just need more practice welding been a few years.. Any suggestions how to weld non existent rear corners in.

Fri Feb 12, 2021 10:07 am

I think there is body profile measurements are hear some where, so a template can be made so you can achieve the proper hight of the corner panel. Or you should be able to line it up with a straight edge from the rocker panel. The later is an educated guess ,so some one please correct me if i am wrong :?

Fri Feb 12, 2021 10:51 am

i'll go get a pic of it give me a few.. its missing the bottem inner fender

Fri Feb 12, 2021 10:58 am

trying to figure out how to weld on the lower corner so i can weld on inner fender piece any ideas. do baywindow bus corners fit?

Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:14 am

after getting this frame piece in the mail on day 11 I made up this frame piece yesterday for the drivers side.
Day 12 rt now of working on it everyday, just measuring and grinding drivers frame rt now to fit the new piece. the template was toughest part to figure out.. to make this.

did you guys cut the old rusty part out and use magnets and clamps to weld in the new frame piece or did you guys just cut the rust out and put the new frame piece over the old one.
what works better?

Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:17 pm

You would be well served to review some of the detailed metal work threads in the stickys at the top. There is an order of operations that is important. Corners are the least of your concerns at this time. You need to properly brace the frame before cutting sections out. Again reviewing those threads will help. Suggest slowing down, making a plan including order of operations and associated purchases and practicing your welding skills somewhere other than the bus first. The previous frame repair looks questionable at best and may be worth re-doing once your skills are honed. Or have an experienced welder do the frame as its important.

Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:44 pm

Yes what he said.When fitting any lid "cargo doors ,front doors,rear hatch, apron and engine lid" ,you must have those items in place before welding any surrounding metal in place so you're gaps won't be way off. When these parts of the opening frame are separated "aka rusted off" ,It is easy to adjust to achieve those said gaps. But when new parts are welded on with out taking this important step those gaps will not be right and you may have to cut out a lot of the new metal out and start over. Just ask me how I know :oops:

Sat Feb 13, 2021 1:56 pm

you asked why I am concerned about corner rt now i'm slowly ordering the parts on my starving volksartist budget and noticed they were on sale rt now so just wondering how to install them so if i get them this week then i can put them in..
trying to install something everyday for a year till it is able to drive to the front
for a more comprehensive restoration. i'm not looking to make money here just trying to learn welding and better repair techniques and your help is invaluable.

i have long metal posts i think i'll make up those adjuster bars as shown in the one thread or measure it out although it did have a floor and frame to begin with unsure if its needs that.
a new rear engine lid would help its pretty rusty probly buyin that. if you have parts you wanna donate to the cause well that might help.
Thanks

Sat Feb 13, 2021 6:33 pm

HI Erb, you would be well served listening to the posters above. While it is a good idea to buy panels when the price is right, once you have them the panels can wait until you are ready. Rather than spend a day on work that you may well end up redoing, spend the day researching the treads mentioned above and formulating a plan. There is a ton of good info here for free if a jobs worth doing its worth doing right, it doesn't have to be perfect but it should be done properly, especially if you are undertaking frame repairs. If you cant be bothered reading there are some great videos. This is a benchmark thread that illustrates how to restore a bus properly at home... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545030

Tue Feb 16, 2021 1:13 pm

got this in the mail thanks

fits good..
one small step closure to it being better storage shed/ art..
trying to fix one thing everyday..on day 14 rt now..
it has frame again welded in..
aiming to have a pretty cool storage shed this summer.

Sat Feb 20, 2021 5:58 pm

day 17
spent last few days just drilling holes and prepping to weld this in.

started getting the crossmember in

still needs lots of work grinding welds paint ect..

Sun Feb 21, 2021 4:17 pm

todays progress day 18
installed rear top hat crossmember and fixed the shiftertube with shiny piece