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Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4925
Location: Stuck in Ohio
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 Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Then I installed the rear bumper, again...
Close enough for the moment. It looks like the fender tapers up more on the passenger side. I have chosen to ignore that for the moment. Lets see how much it bugs me! |
Staring at that picture my guess is the bumper could have a minor twist to it, or could be given one. I think once it's on the ground and the bumper bracket alignment is settled with a little compromise on one side or the other you won't notice or think about it at all. You're just in the critical analysis mode right now. Props given for your doing something with the 14 vs 14.5, which is already excessive attention to detail. 
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out) |
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VW_Jimbo 
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 1:07 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| Buggeee wrote: |
| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Then I installed the rear bumper, again...
Close enough for the moment. It looks like the fender tapers up more on the passenger side. I have chosen to ignore that for the moment. Lets see how much it bugs me! |
Staring at that picture my guess is the bumper could have a minor twist to it, or could be given one. I think once it's on the ground and the bumper bracket alignment is settled with a little compromise on one side or the other you won't notice or think about it at all. You're just in the critical analysis mode right now. Props given for your doing something with the 14 vs 14.5, which is already excessive attention to detail. |
Yep! Hardcore OCD! It makes me really good at what I do! But can be a limiting factor as well. Like a boat dragging an anchor!
Agreed I do think the twist in the bumper might be an influence, but the tape measure does not lie. I am moving on, begrudgingly!
Onto other aspects of the build! Thanks!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
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Jhp212
Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2019
Posts: 249
Location: Farmingdale, NY
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 7:03 am Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Then I installed the rear bumper, again.
Close enough for the moment. It looks like the fender tapers up more on the passenger side. I have chosen to ignore that for the moment. Lets see how much it bugs me! |
My only question/concern is that the over riders appear to block the taillights. Maybe it was mentioned already and I missed it but is that bumper original or was that just how they came from the factory? Just concerned for safety reasons with the increasing a-hole drivers on the roads these days.
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1971 Super Beetle |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| Jhp212 wrote: |
| VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Then I installed the rear bumper, again.
Close enough for the moment. It looks like the fender tapers up more on the passenger side. I have chosen to ignore that for the moment. Lets see how much it bugs me! |
My only question/concern is that the over riders appear to block the taillights. Maybe it was mentioned already and I missed it but is that bumper original or was that just how they came from the factory? Just concerned for safety reasons with the increasing a-hole drivers on the roads these days. |
Yep! That tapering is what I am seeing too! I got to work that out, before paint.
That is where that style of tail light sits. To offset the possibility of someone not being able to see those, I will be adding bolt on brake lights onto the towel bars. Both sides will get a VW reverse lights onto with red bulbs so that my brake lights are seen! Wish I was crazy enough to just go for it, but I know better.
Thanks for looking in and asking the question that needs to be asked! Appreciate you looking out for everyone’s safety!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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kintail
Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2003
Posts: 752
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Circling back to hinge pins and mirrors....... and all the special tools, heat, air guns etc...... enough to drive you to deep depression and from expenditure of time, energy and metal anguish....
Loving page 13 and the master class in cutting the pin out from the inside that Don had come up with and you documented as well. Brilliant!!
On a rating of NOS Hazet tool kits from 1-10.... I give this a rating 12 Hazets!!!
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Scott
August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe |
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esde
Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2007
Posts: 6318
Location: central rust belt
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| Jhp212 wrote: |
My only question/concern is that the over riders appear to block the taillights. Maybe it was mentioned already and I missed it but is that bumper original or was that just how they came from the factory? Just concerned for safety reasons with the increasing a-hole drivers on the roads these days. |
This all has to do with the transition from egg/ heart tail lights to snowflakes.. and the almost corresponding change to overrider bumpers...
The new (for late 55 production) snowflake lights were mounted higher to sit above the new (US crash height) over rider bumpers. But, shit happens and cars get ordered or delivered with weird combinations, and dealers install new options on old cars.. and hence there are a bunch of 54/55 cars running new bumpers with old taillights.
Jimbo, one thing that I have on my 62.. an LED strip (like you would find under a new truck tailgate) that I fished up behind the rear window louvers. BRIGHT when it blinks or stop lights, and pretty much unnoticed when it's not lit up. Just food for thought.
Looks great, as always. SD
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that. |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| esde wrote: |
| Jhp212 wrote: |
My only question/concern is that the over riders appear to block the taillights. Maybe it was mentioned already and I missed it but is that bumper original or was that just how they came from the factory? Just concerned for safety reasons with the increasing a-hole drivers on the roads these days. |
This all has to do with the transition from egg/ heart tail lights to snowflakes.. and the almost corresponding change to overrider bumpers...
The new (for late 55 production) snowflake lights were mounted higher to sit above the new (US crash height) over rider bumpers. But, shit happens and cars get ordered or delivered with weird combinations, and dealers install new options on old cars.. and hence there are a bunch of 54/55 cars running new bumpers with old taillights.
Jimbo, one thing that I have on my 62.. an LED strip (like you would find under a new truck tailgate) that I fished up behind the rear window louvers. BRIGHT when it blinks or stop lights, and pretty much unnoticed when it's not lit up. Just food for thought.
Looks great, as always. SD |
Seth! Great minds think alike! Yep I had the same idea. I was thinking of running 2 stripes of LEDs. Amber and Red. Thinking dividing the Amber one in half for the directional.
The other idea is to clamp some old reverse lights onto the rear bumper and use red bulbs. I could use these as both brake and directional.
Another idea is one I have seen, where’s mounting plate attaches under the license plate light cover and allows the attachment of LED lights to be placed onto it. That one is pretty cool looking.
My final idea and the one that is probably not going to happen was to line the underside of the towel bars with a strip of red LED, aimed to the rear. If each side had a long skinny light, it might be enough to help and not take too much attention away from the car.
All of these are just spinning around in my head right now. I will need to pull the trigger when I start manufacturing a wire loom in the upcoming year! Fingers crossed!
Thanks for noticing the
progress!
_________________
Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 9:50 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Got in another 3 hours. I jacked my back up on Thursday last week by falling off a step ladder, painting a bathroom. I mistakenly set up a two step ladder with one of the legs over a 4 inch closet flange hole. The floor was covered in plastic. The plastic had drywall texture on it and some primer. It was the end of the day before going on holiday time off for the 4th and I was tired! I did not notice setting that small ladder up over the hole in the floor. I had 8 inches of wall to finish off above the tiled shower wall. Fell while going up and landed on my back, flat, over the shower curb! I think it kept me from smacking my head on the tile floor, but my back is hurting right now. But I have a few days off to recover!
So, today I took the opportunity to work on the Bug. Nothing to involved. I sat on my rolling stool the entire time and just worked slowly! I got the rear apron in filler and sanded down, twice. It needs one more application of filler before I can call it close enough to prime!
Hope everyone had a great 4th! It was uber busy around here! We ended up hosting an after parade party and fireworks party! Super fun day!
Here is a shot of Main Street a block from the house!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Another 4 hours today! Love taking days off!
Jumped back into the rear apron. Sanded a bit. Then applied filler in a select few spots.
After it was perfect, I removed the fenders , mixed up some primer and rolled it on!
I then set off on filling all of the miscellaneous pin holes in the body from all of the welding with fiberglass filler. Sanded those spots down and primed them all.
When I finished, I measured the rear end. It was perfect! Sorry, no time for the bumper.
I decided then to spin the car so that the front end was facing the big door, because my next task is to smooth out the weld beads in the trunk and under the dash. Here it is ready for next time!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 11:44 am Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Got me in 3 hours yesterday before walking to the brewery for a few beers and dinner, with the wife and friends!
I had turned the car so that the front end was facing the big door of the garage, last time, so that I could start working on finishing up the trunk and front wheel wells. Started in on the trunk and cowling.
Went through and roughed up the areas for good adhesion.
Since there are a few pinholes, I will be using fiberglass filler, again. Got a batch mixed up and spread it where needed.
Then sanded everything down, nice and pretty.
And that was followed up with some primer. Mixed it up and rolled it on!
I also rolled some on the rear window frame, since I missed applying that the last time.
Getting closer!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Another 4 hours in the garage working on the Bug body today!
Rolled it to the middle of the garage and removed both front fenders Mixed up some fiberglass filler and smeared it into the welded patch beads. Then sanded it all smooth feathering in the edges.
I was sanding away, checking everything with the pull down light. At one angle, I could see a few ripples in the panel.
So, I laid a thin smear of Edge filler over the entire panel and sanded it all smooth, being sure to shape it as needed. Then primed it and speckled some black primer on top of it.
I then pulled out the can of Panel Checker! Check out these reflections on unsanded panels!
I then did the same to the passenger side.
Looks like a small dip at the bottom of the rear quarter panel. See it? See the light bend up in the middle. That should be a straight line of light. That’s going to need to be addressed next time.
The panel looks better up higher.
And the front quarter panel on the passenger side.
I am super happy with those results! So I decided right then, to test my luck. Having only a small amount of the checking fluid left, I shot the remainder on the lower portion of the hood, where I have bent, beaten and twisted the holy living shit out of this area, to get this….
Yep, that’s my reflection in the hood. Damn fine looking if I do say so, myself!
And still there was one more squirt. So up to the top portion.
Not too bad! Really happy with the results!
I then tucked the Bug away!
BTW, I used Eastwood’s Perfect Panel Check Fluid purchased from Amazon for $17. Cheap confidence!
Just a few more spots to go!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Last edited by VW_Jimbo on Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:36 am; edited 1 time in total |
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matthew henricks
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Joined: January 02, 2002
Posts: 1337
Location: So. Cal
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:42 am Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| matthew henricks wrote: |
| Looking good Jim! |
Thanks Matthew! That was a giant milestone! HUGE! All that work has paid off. I am starting to turn my attention to the next step. Getting pieces chrome plated!
Do you know a player in the area?
Have a great day!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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lardawge
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2020
Posts: 394
Location: California
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 9:05 am Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Looking good. What’s the plan for paint?
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11/2/54 L227 Strato Silver Ragtop - Build Thread
1/7/55 L275 Light Beige - Build Thread |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 6:07 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| lardawge wrote: |
| Looking good. What’s the plan for paint? |
Thanks!
The daughter (who just got married) new hubby’s father, painted cars for a living, at a shop. He still is able to rent the booth out (he is checking on availability) so that we can shoot the Bug! I should know something in the next week or so. Hoping to get it painted in the next 30 days! That’s my goal!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 11004
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:30 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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The car is looking great!
If the real goal for paint is within 30 days, are you planning a block (ing) party with your SIL to get the it real smooth before paint?
IDK if Strato Silver is a 54 color but, man it looks fantastic on a smooth oval.
Carry on!
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!  |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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| 67rustavenger wrote: |
The car is looking great!
If the real goal for paint is within 30 days, are you planning a block (ing) party with your SIL to get the it real smooth before paint?
IDK if Strato Silver is a 54 color but, man it looks fantastic on a smooth oval.
Carry on! |
Thanks Rusty!
It does not need much blocking. I have gone over it really well, hammering and dollying the entire way! The body is really straight!
Planning on blocking next weekend! Lets see where I can get to! The SIL may join in the fun!
No Silver. Ultramaroon! It looks way better!Plus, that was the cars OG color!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Added another 5 hours of time to the project.
Started in on the driver’s side B pillar headliner teeth. Cleaned up the joint line and welded in the new strip of teeth. Then primed it.
Then set about filling the spaces between the plug welds under the dash. BYW. That is hard to sand!
Then primed all of that. So pretty!
Then onto finding the miscellaneous loose body parts, blasting them and priming them.
Striped the column down to just the steel portion.
Got creative on persuading the column busing out nicely.
Then the parts went into the sandblast cabinet. Followed by some etch primer. I taped the last good spot of interior color, so I could get a match.
Check out the tail lights. Talk about steel being eaten by water!
Damn! Now I have to figure out how to handle those metal repairs! I love seeing that VW stamp at the bottom of the tail light housings!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 11114
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: Jimmy V's 54 Oval Project |
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Got in 3 hours after work today. Managed to scuff up all the weld bead lines and followed that up with a smearing of fiberglass filler. Sanded it all down and gave a coat of epoxy primer.
I have a few spots on the rag top steel, where some rust left a few pox marks in the steel. Then, that is it on the filler. I will be onto sanding, puttying, followed by priming. Then sanding.
Here is the luggage shelf in primer gray! Enjoy!
That blue thing sitting in the oval is my blower! It is for the engine! Ha ha ha! It is just blowing the smell of epoxy primer out of the car! That stuff stinks!
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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!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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