TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1950 January Original Paint L-51 Deluxe (Preservation build)

Sun Jan 26, 2025 9:28 pm

Parts have started to arrive, and I've been ready to get going on this, so here are a couple of things that were bothering me. Both window scrapers with all their patina and charm had to go, and the passenger side door u-rails had an amazing patina material, but it was too far gone, so we used fiber duck cloth, which works very well, especially against the different weather. I feel like using the OG glass as a template to help the fabric shape to the u-rail while glue drys is best. John's harness just arrived so I will be knocking that out asap.

Mon Jan 27, 2025 6:41 pm

Nice job on those channels. I like even patina too, but shit's gotta WORK right also.

Mon Jan 27, 2025 7:31 pm

johnshenry wrote: Nice job on those channels. I like even patina too, but shit's gotta WORK right also.

Thanks John,
I've got your harness and plan on knocking it out next I had to drop off the wheels at the powder coater before paint. But still got to take the pods out and get the speedo to Ryan.

Mon Jan 27, 2025 7:43 pm

I think I can see a 12 on the speedo pod ground fork. 12.49? Would match the speedo. VERY cool.

That crack in the pod is typical Unfortunately. It can be addressed by Dremeling the crack deeper on the backside and JB welding. Do not try and use a powder solvent (white) product like Plasti-Pair. I used it once on an ivory bakelite pod like yours. It worked for a while but after a few months it literally just fell apart on its own.

And regardless, those pod "mounting ear" breaks will always be at risk of re-cracking, it is a stress area.

Wed Jan 29, 2025 10:03 am

johnshenry wrote: I think I can see a 12 on the speedo pod ground fork. 12.49? Would match the speedo. VERY cool.

That crack in the pod is typical Unfortunately. It can be addressed by Dremeling the crack deeper on the backside and JB welding. Do not try and use a powder solvent (white) product like Plasti-Pair. I used it once on an ivory bakelite pod like yours. It worked for a while but after a few months it literally just fell apart on its own.

And regardless, those pod "mounting ear" breaks will always be at risk of re-cracking, it is a stress area.

Yes John for sure I thought the same. Started clearing the canvas and getting parts ready for electrical.

Thu Jan 30, 2025 3:11 am

Very nice job on the details of this build!

How did you clean the fuse box in the above post? Glass or ice or....?

Thu Jan 30, 2025 6:38 pm

SplitPersonality wrote: Very nice job on the details of this build!

How did you clean the fuse box in the above post? Glass or ice or....?

Thanks! I like to use glass just need to be more aware on what parts you use them on because it can get in everything. Here is the rear block which cleaned up nicely but cracked when trying to break rusted screws loose and og button I cleaned up nicely.

Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:56 pm

Nice detail work! Always great following your journey buddy

Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:58 pm

Rich's 50 wrote: Nice detail work! Always great following your journey buddy

Thanks, Rich! I have to get this one ready for one of those Cali shows this year.

I got the wheels off and drums, so I dropped the oval transmission and then did a quick clean because it was loaded with gunk, then off to Damon for a rebuild because I don't have the time and I hate leaks if I can help it.

Then the oval axle tubes that someone slick rick cut, so I trimmed it down so it has a better split appearance and in the media cabinet in prep for the powder coat pile.

Got the tranny back in no time at all and really didnt have much things wrong with it but I always like to have it checked and resealed before running them.

Tue Feb 04, 2025 5:32 am

Amazing progress. I know a lot of people around the world have had an eye on this car over the last few years. Most of them hoping it would get exactly this treatment. =D>

Tue Feb 04, 2025 8:53 pm

sinclair wrote: Amazing progress. I know a lot of people around the world have had an eye on this car over the last few years. Most of them hoping it would get exactly this treatment. =D>

Thanks Sinclair! Tell them they owe me a pint of the black stuff! :lol: :lol:
But I've gotten more done just now getting more progress posted here is all the backing plates and drums getting in my media cabinet.

And even cleaned up these og tranny mounts and the rubber was still soft so Im gonna run them.

Now all of this is off to powder coat to give it the forever life it deserves.

While I have the time I will clean these amazing riveted pads. I even found a couple of them that had the NOS stamping like the same style set I put on my Hoffman. :D :D

Wed Feb 05, 2025 12:35 am

I absolutely love the mechanical brake system. I had some good results with a home zinc plating kit when I did the 11e.
Have you found a 50 correct beam?

As much as I’m interested in following the build, I just like looking at the workshop :D

Wed Feb 05, 2025 10:14 am

sinclair wrote: I absolutely love the mechanical brake system. I had some good results with a home zinc plating kit when I did the 11e.
Have you found a 50 correct beam?

As much as I’m interested in following the build, I just like looking at the workshop :D

Yeah, I've zinc'd and coated some of my other stuff; it's a great look that most never get to see. On the beam I haven't found one yet, Sinclair, but I do plan on having one. Thanks so much; it's been years in the making, and it has a lot of locally VW history and all over the world from my travels and just being a VW nerd. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thu Feb 06, 2025 7:42 pm

Not the fun stuff but had to get the front end off and see what is wrong and what I can use plus removing 50-70 years of $h!t. :lol: :lol:

WTF WTF!!! :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: VVVVVVVVVVVVV

I always look forward to seeing the logos and parts number under the gunk.

Wed Feb 12, 2025 8:11 pm

Got something little knocked out as I just dropped the chassis off at media and powder coat I will post that soon.

Got everything in media cleaned back to bare metal showcasing all the VW stampings then shot matte black on all pedal assembly parts. Getting it back to how these parts are supposed to look. :D :D

Mon Feb 17, 2025 8:31 pm

Finally getting this chassis to her originally glory show casing all the bad areas that need to be repaired.

One down 900 to go and all broken studs which I'm sure this car will have a lot of. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

ignore the bs broken stud tool next to the pb blaster that doesn't work but fixed and fixed.

Got everything ready for media.

Mon Feb 17, 2025 11:36 pm

Nice job! Love those VW embossed logos on parts!

Tue Feb 18, 2025 2:46 am

I am in awe at the speed you work at. I’ve been looking at my type 60 pan for a couple of years debating which blast media is best.

Tue Feb 18, 2025 9:07 pm

VW_Jimbo wrote: Nice job! Love those VW embossed logos on parts!

Thanks, Yes me too I am always excited to see the VW logo they made sure to put it everywhere. :lol: :lol: :lol:

sinclair wrote: I am in awe at the speed you work at. I’ve been looking at my type 60 pan for a couple of years debating which blast media is best.

Thanks Sinclair, I got to kick it in high gear because this will be my daily and I want to take it to some shows in California in the next couple of months.

Sat Feb 22, 2025 10:03 pm

Finally got the call from powder coater that everything is ready for pick up.

They did great detail work as always on all my pieces so jumped back on the tranny getting it outfitted the axle tubes and boots.

You know the drill heat rubber condoms. :lol: :lol: :lol:

During this post I got that the call :lol: :lol: :lol: the chassis was ready from media so I went a picked up and did a couple of additional miner repairs.

Then loaded the chassis up in style back to the powder coater.

Then after a bowl of cereal I got the call the chassis was ready from powder coater. Well it's internet speed. :lol: :lol:
And I think it looks tits and should last another 70+ years!