TheSamba.com :: View topic - Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy

Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:47 am

cmonSTART wrote: Fantastic progress so far!

Agreed.

Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:00 pm

New Brakes, Suspension, & Bearing work

Replaced the front rotors, upgraded to Vanagon calipers, repacked the front bearings. Fixed the saggy rear end with a refresh/repaint and 2 spline adjustment of the rear torsion bars & new bushings, clean and repack of the rear bearings, new brake shoes and drums, new seals, & new emergency brake cables. New shocks all the way around. Noticed that the front drivers side sits 1/2" lower than the passenger side - may look at getting a new adjustable front beam at some point to adjust the ride height a little higher in the front to match the rear.

*Old Height*

*New Height*

Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:15 pm

Interior Build.

Insulated the walls and used 1/4" textured mat for panels

Used 3/4" plywood to make a full width bed with high density foam and new checkered material

Came with no seats so used a pair of Ford Freestar 2nd row seats that fold flat (quite comfortable) and found a pair of old 73-76 VW seat bases for the latch mechanism off the Samba Classified so they are fully adjustable using the original seat track

Found a 3-Way fridge (with freezer section) from a Tent Trailer and modified an oak finished desk to make a cabinet for storage

Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:07 pm

So are you posting these updates as you do the work? Because holy smokes you're making some seriously quick progress!

Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:32 pm

cmonSTART wrote: So are you posting these updates as you do the work? Because holy smokes you're making some seriously quick progress!

No, I'd have to be a magician to be doing all of this over the last few weeks. I've had a few people asking me if I had a build thread going and up until now, I haven't. The early work (engine, trans, and floor work) was done last Fall (2020) and the rest this year. I will continue to add details to the existing threads as well as add more work done as time permits.

Thu Sep 16, 2021 1:45 am

looks like its really coming together really nicely, great job. :D

Wed Sep 22, 2021 8:42 am

Pop Top Refresh

We used Pre Kote primer and top coat paint by Interlux and sandpaper from 60 to 320 grit and applied it with a brush & roller (not foam).

Before

After

In the Wild testing including thunderstorm downpours and continuous rain

Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:05 pm

Love these swap posts. Need to do a belly radiator on mine too and this helps a lot.

Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:00 am

Merling wrote: Love these swap posts. Need to do a belly radiator on mine too and this helps a lot.

Glad that you've found the thread helpful.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 6:04 pm

Out for a drive but still some work to do.

Thu Oct 07, 2021 8:53 am

Trailer Hitch

I was considering making something myself but came across a hitch from a Nissan Axxis from the late 90s that was free and looked close width wise. I originally thought it was a 2" receiver but it ended being a 1.25" but rated as a Class 3. I cut it and made it wider by adding a 16" piece of square tubing that fit over the 2" tube and welded it. For extra strength, I added 2 U channels just wide enough to sandwich the frame rails and used 4 bolts through the frame and the hitch itself attaches by 3 bolts each side. It sits perfectly between the bumper and muffler and is hardly noticeable from behind. I use it mainly for a bike rack but also to pull a small sport trailer.

Mon Oct 25, 2021 9:04 am

Mud Flaps

Added the rear mud flaps but still need to do the front and then clean, paint, and coat the wheel wells with rockguard or similar.

Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:53 am

Added a pair of Monroe MA803 Max-Air Air Shock Absorbers to the front end. Experimenting with the air pressure but keeping it low (20-60psi). Really liking them so far as the ride has improved (smoother) and the handling is better. They should help until I can either get a rebuilt adjustable beam or a new set of leaves for the existing beam next summer.

Mon Dec 20, 2021 9:26 am

Speedometer kit install

After my VSS from Busaru split and died in the summer, tried a few low cost VSS off Amazon but they were all garbage and only worked up to about 50mph even at 1/16" or less gap. I talked to Mick at Busaru to order another VSS and he recommended the RMW Subaru Speedo kit from Vancafe which I ordered and installed at the weekend. Happy to say that it works flawlessly and I have a fairly accurate speedometer again.

Installed Kit from Vancafe

Kit from Vancafe

Old cheap VSS off Amazon

Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:43 am

Shonandb wrote:

for the love of God please tell me you aren't driving this thing around with those shit ass brake hoses....i mean i can literally see the date code ring on it

Mon Dec 20, 2021 12:08 pm

skills@eurocarsplus wrote: Shonandb wrote:

for the love of God please tell me you aren't driving this thing around with those shit ass brake hoses....i mean i can literally see the date code ring on it

Skills, thanks for your concern. Yes, I take it for short test runs. The brake lines are one of many things still to do before it's fully drivable.

Sun Jan 16, 2022 9:31 pm

Replaced my flex hose brake lines. All the fittings cooperated and it felt great to go for a long drive. Thanks Scott at German Supply!

Mon Feb 07, 2022 10:51 am

Upgraded my cooling fan thermo-switch so I don't have to drain the coolant to change them out. Ordered a 200F on 185F off for winter and a 190F on 175F off for summer.

Thu Feb 10, 2022 8:53 am

What size wheels and tires are you running? Congrats on a successful subie swap? Looks like you're enjoying it!

Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:17 am

girvine wrote: What size wheels and tires are you running? Congrats on a successful subie swap? Looks like you're enjoying it!

I have Nokian WR3 SUV load rated tires and they are 215/65/16. I had the rims and tires on another vehicle and decided to try them first before buying new tires and they work well and help lower the rpms (3500 at 60mph).