TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1957 Dove Blue 11 Window Kombi Preservation

Mon May 05, 2025 6:34 pm

The heater looks like a Stewart Warner Southwind. I had a 12 volt one in my Westy for awhile. They are a real luxury.

Fri May 09, 2025 12:25 pm

BarryL wrote: The heater looks like a Stewart Warner Southwind. I had a 12 volt one in my Westy for awhile. They are a real luxury.

Hello Barry, thank you for the info as I am not that versed in them.
I am still on the fence about putting it back in, but I am not planning on getting rid of it and will be put away in my shop so if the opportunity arises. Thanks again for the input and tech support 8) :thumbsup:

Fri May 09, 2025 12:57 pm

Got some detail work in today and took care of 2 issues I was having! The clutch pedal and lever that was seized and the shifter base plate that was rotted out. I was able to get them both out and even got lucky with a new clutch pedal lever assembly section but will only be using the clutch pedal lever and installing 2 new brass bushings as well. Still cleaning out the chassis framing and about to start with metal replacement. Taking my time to make sure I take care of all this properly for it to last for the next generation of VW keepers!! :wink: :thumbsup:

If anyone has a good shifter base plate section for sale, please let me know?
WW nor klassic fab sell this section and would definitely help the project.

Thanks,. Peter

Sat May 10, 2025 1:32 am

gawd, even mine was better in that area

Tue May 13, 2025 8:27 pm

Pete the restoration/preservation is moving along nicely. The detailed pictures really show the time and effort that you’re putting in to this build. Thanks for taking the time to show and report on the progress you’re making it is very helpful and motivating. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress. Thank you

Tue May 13, 2025 8:35 pm

karl h wrote: gawd, even mine was better in that area
Hello Karl, yes it’s pretty ruff down there but chippin away at it little by little. Trying to clean up the area and then ad a mix of OG, Klassic fab, and Wolfsburgwest metal to get back as solid as possible. It’s definitely gonna take some time but don’t want to cut any corners. Amd my OCD won’t let me do it any other way. I am no professional but I’m gonna give it all I got!! 8) :thumbsup:

Tue May 13, 2025 8:38 pm

bobbybug wrote: Pete the restoration/preservation is moving along nicely. The detailed pictures really show the time and effort that you’re putting in to this build. Thanks for taking the time to show and report on the progress you’re making it is very helpful and motivating. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress. Thank you
Thank you Bobby! It’s a tricky area to tackle but comin along. Lots of measuring, and I mean lots :lol: and then cutting and fitting. It’s a tedious process but I get in a zone and keep it movin!! Thanks again for the positive comments. Here are some pics of the day comin up! :wink: :popcorn:

Tue May 13, 2025 8:48 pm

Was able to get some time in the shop today and tackle that passenger side frame. Measured 52 times and cut once!! :shock: :lol: Tedious and time consuming but I am on my time so it’s comin together nicely and correct!!
Should have the passenger side frame buttoned up tomorrow and then the drivers side which is just a couple small sections. After I will be taking care of the lower A-Pillars and Lower Front End Support to square up and stiffen that front end. Can’t wait to have that front end done so it can look like a Bus again!
8) :wink: :thumbsup:

Wed May 14, 2025 5:13 am

Wow! Knocking it out of the park! I have to do the same thing, but so far putting it off is working for me. It's incredible how badly these things rust down there.

Tue May 20, 2025 7:12 pm

AlanInMass54 wrote: Wow! Knocking it out of the park! I have to do the same thing, but so far putting it off is working for me. It's incredible how badly these things rust down there.

Hello Alan, yes sir this one definitely has rust like I’ve never seen before. But I’m not gonna give up on Blue, I will chip away at it little by little till we get there. Getting closer to finishing up the frame repairs and then can start on building that area back up. I am really looking forward to that!! 8) :thumbsup:
More pics comin up!! :wink:

Tue May 20, 2025 7:30 pm

Passenger side comin together nicely!! Taking my time to make sure measurements and fitment is on point so everything lines up and goes back together easily! Should be starting on drivers side soon and should be easier repairs as that side is pretty solid. Can’t wait to start building this area back up, more pics and videos comin soon!! 8) :wink:

Tue May 20, 2025 8:58 pm

Wow. Inspiring work.
As the owner of a restored bus which had much of the lower six inches replaced, I'd offer some advice:

Make sure you have two straight front doors with untweaked hinges, and none of the dreaded cracked inner cross members.

On my bus, since the A pillars, B pillars, and doglegs were so out of whack, and both door hinges were tweaked, There was no good way to line everything up properly. It was aligned by hope and eyeball, and the door gaps ended up pretty awful.

Wed May 21, 2025 4:15 am

you are doing a great job Pete,
thanks for sharing

Sat May 31, 2025 11:45 am

J.Pickens - Thank you Bud and definitely on the doors!! Gonna purchase a solid OG door to get those gaps and lines right is a must! This preservation will be time consuming but should pay off at the end! :wink:

Zuggbug- What’s up Paul!! Yes Brother another preservation that I’m trying to save!! Putting in a few hours here and there while still trying to enjoy family and retirement!! Been doing lots of vacationing so progress has slown, as you know family time is comes first without a doubt!! :wink: Thanks for touching base Bud!! 8) :thumbsup:

Thought I would post an update on Blue’s progress. Here are some before and afters and a video. More to come soon, as we just got back from enjoying family vacation time!! 8)

Fri Jun 06, 2025 2:18 pm

That bus is looking crunchy my man! :D Fab work looks on point. Going to be a bad azz ride when you get done. Keep it up homie! :thumbsup:

Fri Jun 06, 2025 7:56 pm

Was able to get this front lower cab section cleaned up and removed all tar to be able to see conditions on entire front end. Still some more prep work will be needed to get the frame rails ready, like sanding and paint on the inside of before inner wheel wells can be welded. I am ready to start putting this metal back, I absolutely love this part of seeing it comin together!! Here we go!!! 8)

Sat Jun 07, 2025 6:12 pm

What process did you use to get from "tar mostly scraped off" to "clean gray paint and zero tar? Is it in the videos? I didn't watch those yet.

Sun Jun 08, 2025 8:16 pm

BarryL wrote: What process did you use to get from "tar mostly scraped off" to "clean gray paint and zero tar? Is it in the videos? I didn't watch those yet.

I made the video so you can see the process but tar was thick and not warmed up but does come of very easy if warmed. Added the pic of the Prep All brand so that you have another choice that works just as well. Hope this works for ya Bud!! 8) :thumbsup: