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Erik G
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Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13280
Location: Tejas!
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TheLadyBug
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2014
Posts: 639
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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 Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 5:33 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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Thanks for all the responses.
I really appreciate it; makes me feel like less of an idiot. I thought the prices were high but thanks to you guys I now know they are. Heck, he even charged me $32 to mount it on a piece of wood to transport it home. He had all the holes taped up with duct tape which you can imagine, wrecked the finish on a few things.
The engine is mostly assembled - but to what quality I do not know.
Recall when my axle tubes were put on the wrong sides? That was also him. And my transmission rebuild cost me a cool $3400. When we took off the tubes, it was discovered that the spacers were not put in at all.
So after pondering this stuff, I realized it probably doesn't matter if i post all this information and screw myself out of any potential warranty. I'm not going back there.
You know what else is sad? I had a GoPro camera on me incase shit got wierd while I was there and I had the Edmonton police ready to dial. Who likes doing business this way? Not me.
Anyway, I don't want this to take over my build but it was an important part of it... so now it's documented.
_________________
Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily
Last edited by TheLadyBug on Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:05 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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txoval
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 3552
Location: The Woodlands, TX
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| Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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It does stink not feeling comfortable with the quality, but it's definitely at a point you can easily finish it. The engine is done...just need to bolt on the tins, exhaust, intake, carb, pulley...
From the post above, main bearings should cost ~$110 and rod bearings ~$60 |
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René R.
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2015
Posts: 1711
Location: No. Calif.
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| Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:16 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| Charmaine wrote: |
| I realized it probably doesn't matter if i post all this information and screw myself out of any potential warranty. I'm not going back there. |
Absolutely right!
I had a nightmare with the idiots who 'restored' my '54. After the "new" transmission literally imploded (just one of dozens of problems) I was ready to ship the car back to them to fix under warranty. Then I realized I simply didn't trust them. They f'd up so many things already, how could I expect them to do it right on a second try? I decided to lick my wounds, turn my back on those cretins, and find somebody who actually knew what they were doing.
It worked out great in the end. Well, except the money. I was seriously screwed. But in the end, it's easy to forget that part once the car was finally where I wanted it to be and I could finally enjoy it.
When yours is done and on the road you'll be so happy that you'll forget all the trials and tribulations too. 
_________________
Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)
Last edited by René R. on Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:24 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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wcfvw69 
Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004
Posts: 13389
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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My last comment on that shop and your engine. DON'T let him get away with it. If you do nothing but accept the fact that you got screwed over, it will only leave this to happen to the next person who uses him.
That's the great thing about social media and other rating services. It holds people/businesses accountable for things just like this. There are a few businesses that sell on this site. They have HORRIBLE feedback threads that they've earned and deserve. Having been on this site for over a decade, I've seen business get those horrible reviews and shut their doors when the word got out about their business practices.
Anyway, keep your chin up and post the businesses name in the feedback threads.
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Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
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René R.
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2015
Posts: 1711
Location: No. Calif.
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| Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 8:44 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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Any updates, Charmaine?
I confess that I worry that you might get disillusioned after these recent headaches, especially the motor which goes way beyond mere headache.... I hope your passion doesn't wane and that you will see this to completion. It's such an exciting build, and once you reach the end all of the painful roadblocks you've been encountering they will all become vague memories.
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Hang in there! It's worth it.
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996) |
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TheLadyBug
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2014
Posts: 639
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 9:02 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| René R. wrote: |
Any updates, Charmaine?
I confess that I worry that you might get disillusioned after these recent headaches, especially the motor which goes way beyond mere headache.... I hope your passion doesn't wane and that you will see this to completion. It's such an exciting build, and once you reach the end all of the painful roadblocks you've been encountering they will all become vague memories.
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Hang in there! It's worth it. |
Heh! Don't worry. Still plugging away.
Just had to refinish the manifold as the paint was applied with no primer and literally was falling off.  i picked up some paint on Saturday to respray it. It looks like shit as the 'engine guy'... that term makes me shake my head... but anyway, it's full of brass as it 'needed repair' despite it passing a pressure test prior to sending it out. I'm on the hunt for another 701E manifold that I can get ceramic coated. The first one was to be ceramic coated but the engine guy said it wouldn't 'survive' being coated so... he charged me $475 to 'repair' and 'paint' it. Pretty sad that I have to put 'paint' in quotations because he couldn't even do that right. Yeah, I'm still pretty cranky about it. Anyway. I'll repaint it and use it until I find a suitable replacement. Where's the money flying emoji when you need it?
I do need to get those rear brakes built so hopefully I can take a day off from kitchen renovations and get those done this week. That's one this I gotta get done before the engine can go in so it's on the top of my car priority list.
_________________
Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily |
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René R.
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2015
Posts: 1711
Location: No. Calif.
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| Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 9:47 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| TheLadyBug wrote: |
| Yeah, I'm still pretty cranky about it. |
You sure don't need to apologize for that!  What a hideous job that guy did. Inexcusable.
But, again, I've been there. It's unfortunate that there are so many hacks out there. Sure makes me appreciate the good guys. Too bad we have to hunt to find them.
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996) |
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sunroof
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006
Posts: 1774
Location: Winnipeg
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| Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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I got an intake manifold ceramic coated. I turned out beautifully. I got the pipes black and the aluminum center done silver. I was thrilled with it.
Don
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Better and better mistakes! |
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splitjunkie
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 4094
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| Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 5:28 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| sunroof wrote: |
I got an intake manifold ceramic coated. I turned out beautifully. I got the pipes black and the aluminum center done silver. I was thrilled with it.
Don |
that may look nice but they didn't come that way originally. They were completely painted a fairly dark flat gray.
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Chris
You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld |
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janerick3
Samba Member
Joined: June 04, 2006
Posts: 1879
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 7:46 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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The thin-walled '54-'55 manifold, with the horizontal hot spot, that preceded the flat gray "701E" manifold, was painted satin black.
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Thanks,
Jan K. |
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sunroof
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006
Posts: 1774
Location: Winnipeg
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| Posted: Thu May 04, 2017 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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I got an NOS 701E a few years ago and it had a thin grey coating on the pipes that looked like some sort of coating other than paint. Considering the way they rust I would have to say it was not paint. Unless someone can come up with a definitive answer as to what they definitely were, I say go with what works. I have seen painted/coated grey and black and IMHO neither is absolutely correct. I think the point here is that Char can get it coated any way she likes without worrying that it will be destroyed or the wrong colour.
Don
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banana split
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2002
Posts: 1070
Location: Beautiful British Columbia Canada
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| Posted: Fri May 05, 2017 1:11 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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Did Rick Herity do the shoddy work?
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My Beetles :
1951 Crotch Cooler 11G Split Ragtop
1953 Zwitter
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TheLadyBug
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2014
Posts: 639
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 7:26 am Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| banana split wrote: |
Did Rick Herity do the shoddy work?
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Eye spy with my little eye.... yep.
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Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily |
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TheLadyBug
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2014
Posts: 639
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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Finally found some time to get to the garage.
Built the rear brakes, got the hard and soft lines in, drums on (and then off again to put in the oil slinger which I forgot the first time), transmission fluid in! Only a small transmission fluid leak at the axle seal on the driver's side which I hope will stop now that I've tightened the bolts and once the axles don't slope downward.
Officially ready for an engine!
Going to try tackling the steering box and arms today.
Hope to pick up my intake manifold (had it stripped) on Monday.
Aside from the paint having runs in it... there was no primer under and the paint was removable with my fingernail.
Still on the hunt for some L shaped headlight clips so I can finish the headlights... needing minimum 2 of the ones on left, or, 2 of the ones on the right.
_________________
Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily |
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56Island
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2010
Posts: 133
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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Looking good!
Is the routing of the rear brake lines on a '54 different than leter model ovals? On my '56 the rear hard line to the wheel cylinder goes over the top of the axle tube.
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Rock, stock and 2 smoking tail pipes. |
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3foldfolly
Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2009
Posts: 894
Location: Edwardsville, Il
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| Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 6:39 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| TheLadyBug wrote: |
Finally found some time to get to the garage.
Built the rear brakes, got the hard and soft lines in, drums on (and then off again to put in the oil slinger which I forgot the first time), transmission fluid in! Only a small transmission fluid leak at the axle seal on the driver's side which I hope will stop now that I've tightened the bolts and once the axles don't slope downward.
Officially ready for an engine!
Going to try tackling the steering box and arms today.
The headlight retaining clips on the right are original design for 54.
Hope to pick up my intake manifold (had it stripped) on Monday.
Aside from the paint having runs in it... there was no primer under and the paint was removable with my fingernail.
Still on the hunt for some L shaped headlight clips so I can finish the headlights... needing minimum 2 of the ones on left, or, 2 of the ones on the right.
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TheLadyBug
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2014
Posts: 639
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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| 56Island wrote: |
Looking good!
Is the routing of the rear brake lines on a '54 different than leter model ovals? On my '56 the rear hard line to the wheel cylinder goes over the top of the axle tube.
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Not a damn clue. My car had no rear brake lines so I had no idea they ran on the top. I guess I could straighten them out and reroute them.
3fold; I had guessed that the headlight long stranded clips were correct but can't seem to find any.
Also wondering what to use for shims for the pitman arm to the steering box? Are the necessary when using an aftermarket box?
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Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily |
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txoval
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 3552
Location: The Woodlands, TX
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| Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 6:04 am Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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I have seen the rear brake line routed both ways. Both ways work just fine, you have the brake cylinder on the bottom, which is what matters most.
Technically there should not be a gasket between your brake backing plate and axle hub, however, if its not leaking, leave it alone.
I am not sure I follow you on shimming the pitman arm? The steering box fits between two "nubs" on the front beam and the pitman arm only fits one way. The bolt for the pitman arm fits into a groove on the steering box shaft...which self aligns the pitman arm onto the steering box. |
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Erik G
Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13280
Location: Tejas!
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| Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 8:06 am Post subject: Re: My 1954 build thread "Beatrix" |
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the metal line should wrap the tube as shown on the 56 above. Not sure when that changed but it's correct for '54 as well
I hate those damn headlight clips. I won't even try to put together headlights in a garage with a painted car in it 
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