A Schwimmwagen named "ilsa"

[Two Glove Boxes]

Nice work!! Yeah I noticed the white van in the back ground intricately parked in front of the door.
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1950 Deluxe Sedan Build

1951 Split Standard Hoffman Build

1960 Dove Blue Double Cab Patina Build

Two Glove Boxes IG

[VW_Jimbo]

[54bugn]

Hey guys thanks for all the comments love to hear back. Moving to a new location these past two weeks, out of the storage now but made almost no progress unfortunately.

I say almost. I did spend a few dollars and bought myself exact copies of the original WH licence plates that were on the schwimmwagen I am basing my build on.

If you look closely at the wartime photo you can read the licence number and these will go on for shows. Anyone have an idea how to make my actual plates and these quick disconnect? Appreciate the input.

Try to get more updates next time.

Take care,
Mike
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OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[VW_Jimbo]

Rare Earth magnets.
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[Who.Me?]

Outdoor velcro is good stuff so long as the surface is properly clean when you first stick it on. Problem is the grip is probably enough that the plates might bend when you tried to separate them.
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Andy


Looking for info on my truck's history. Are you from Campbell California or nearby. Do you recognise it? ... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=636786

[54bugn]

VW_Jimbo and Who.Me? thanks for the replies. I decided to try some what are supposed to be very strong magnets that I found on Amazon that have attachment hardware to the car.

Looks like this. I will post pictures later to show how it works out .

Cheers,
Mike
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OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[54bugn]

Hey folks, been pretty busy with home stuff, but managed to get the new magnets for the new licence plates mounted and the plates magnetically installed.

Hope to get started back on the welding soon.

Cheers,
Mike
_________________
OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[VW_Jimbo]

Nice job! Looks great!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[cyberdyne systems 101]

Really looks the part with the plates installed, good job.
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When I think of something to say - I'll be the first to know

56' Oval
71' Westy

[Two Glove Boxes]

It's a shame they don't let truly classic cars ride with no plates.
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1950 Deluxe Sedan Build

1951 Split Standard Hoffman Build

1960 Dove Blue Double Cab Patina Build

Two Glove Boxes IG

[54bugn]

Hello all, sorry for the delay over the past couple of months, had to move and just getting settled back in.

I am once again getting the car ready for another show so have reassembled the propeller assembly on the car, it will have to come off again but looks good for now.

But I did manage to get the rear steel square tubing structure welded to the existing structure and welded up and painted. Just have to manufacture and weld in the tubes from under the transmission to under this support. Maybe next time home.

Also for the upcoming show and also so I can figure out the upcoming frames down each side, I wanted to temporarily install the seats. I have them bolted at the top but just double sided taped to a couple of wood boxes for positioning.

Lastly and some exciting news, a photo of me and the schwimmwagen made it in the June 2025 Hot VW’s magazine from the show last August in Vancouver. Nice to be recognized.

I bought a few copies for myself lol.

Back to work but hope this keeps you entertained for a bit. I will be back at it next time home.

Cheers,
Mike
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OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[cyberdyne systems 101]

Nice one making the magazine! Looking good there as always. What's left to do now?
_________________
When I think of something to say - I'll be the first to know

56' Oval
71' Westy

[54bugn]

Thanks cyberdyne systems 101, I have three more steel structural pieces in the engine bay to go. Then into the main cabin two large structural pieces down either side of the seats at floor level then two vertical support structure either side of the seats. That will complete the main structure. Then on to building the rear seat support, and front seat mounting…. Etc etc . Still lots to go. Sometime in there maybe get the engine back together and installed as well.

Cheers,
Mike
_________________
OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[VW_Jimbo]

Nice update! You have been busy! You are lucky to be able to enjoy it while still working through all of the details. Very cool! I am a little bit jealous of you. Wish that I could drive the 54 now.

Keep on posting. Love every update!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[scarabee]

But Jimbo, you did drive it!

[54bugn]

Thanks for all the comments. I attended a big local vintage car show this past Sunday. I spent some time putting together the car visually so people could get a better idea what it looks like.

I installed the propeller temporarily with an attachment strap as it would have worked:

Next I painted and temporarily installed the seats and rear temporary cover:

In place at the show next to my friends 53 twitter:

Was busy all day talking about the car and history etc:

After the show, the seats are all back removed and the propeller removed, ready to continue building.

Stay tuned,
Cheers,
Mike
_________________
OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[cyberdyne systems 101]

It's looking great Mike, with plenty of admirers at the show.
_________________
When I think of something to say - I'll be the first to know

56' Oval
71' Westy

[VW_Jimbo]

That is a great update! Cool that you can assemble enough to get to a show, then return to continue working on it! Really cool!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[54bugn]

Thanks gents for the comments, it was great to get it out to the show, but also made me want to finish more of it even more.

To this end, I managed to get the final structure in the engine compartment bent and welded into place including the cross bar that the tensioning spring for the propeller attaches to. I think I measured 20 times where that bar goes hope I got it right.

Next up working on the remaining structural frames in the cockpit of the car.
Stand by for more.
Thanks again,
Mike
_________________
OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940

[54bugn]

Hello gents, I was able to make a bit more progress this time moving into the cabin for the required steel framing.

To start I measured the lip on both sides of the center beam from the fiberglass floor and came out at 2 1/8 inches. I cut and bonded 8 pieces of 2 x 2 wood blocks where the outer steel 1” angle x 1/8 thick is to attach then welded in these two side rails. They are welded to the front and rear structure. This was done with the seats put in and out 10 times I think.

I hung an original MG34 ammo carrier where it will be mounted eventually.

The boxes are temporary but the correct height.

I also welded and bonded the vertical steel supports, two on the drivers side and one on the passenger side (ran out of steel second one next time home) The aft vertical steel supports weld to the outboard side of the support rail and vertical plate tieing the whole structure together. Next I added the vertical piece and the angle to the top and welded it all together. Still needs to be cleaned up but it’s pretty strong and in the correct position. Will work on the passenger side next time home.

The cross seat support tubes aren’t welded in yet just in place. I need to see where my seat mounts (which I already have) go first before welding them in.

I hope to make more good progress next time home again.

Hope you enjoy it.

Cheers,
Mike
_________________
OFACK Founding member

"Schwing wrote:
You either have to be too cheap to hire a pro or determined to do it yourself, but it helps to be both!"

54 European Sedan deluxe
Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=414940