Author |
Message |
wagohn Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2014 Posts: 740 Location: United States
|
Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:47 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy |
|
|
cmonSTART wrote: |
Fantastic progress so far! |
Agreed. _________________ 1976 VW Transporter, 2.0 FI Engine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy |
|
|
New Brakes, Suspension, & Bearing work
Replaced the front rotors, upgraded to Vanagon calipers, repacked the front bearings. Fixed the saggy rear end with a refresh/repaint and 2 spline adjustment of the rear torsion bars & new bushings, clean and repack of the rear bearings, new brake shoes and drums, new seals, & new emergency brake cables. New shocks all the way around. Noticed that the front drivers side sits 1/2" lower than the passenger side - may look at getting a new adjustable front beam at some point to adjust the ride height a little higher in the front to match the rear.
*Old Height*
*New Height*
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:15 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy |
|
|
Interior Build.
Insulated the walls and used 1/4" textured mat for panels
Used 3/4" plywood to make a full width bed with high density foam and new checkered material
Came with no seats so used a pair of Ford Freestar 2nd row seats that fold flat (quite comfortable) and found a pair of old 73-76 VW seat bases for the latch mechanism off the Samba Classified so they are fully adjustable using the original seat track
Found a 3-Way fridge (with freezer section) from a Tent Trailer and modified an oak finished desk to make a cabinet for storage
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
cmonSTART Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2014 Posts: 1915 Location: NH
|
Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:07 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy |
|
|
So are you posting these updates as you do the work? Because holy smokes you're making some seriously quick progress! _________________ '78 Bus 2.0FI
de K1IGS |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy |
|
|
cmonSTART wrote: |
So are you posting these updates as you do the work? Because holy smokes you're making some seriously quick progress! |
No, I'd have to be a magician to be doing all of this over the last few weeks. I've had a few people asking me if I had a build thread going and up until now, I haven't. The early work (engine, trans, and floor work) was done last Fall (2020) and the rest this year. I will continue to add details to the existing threads as well as add more work done as time permits. _________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
pgtips Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2009 Posts: 860 Location: essex
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2021 8:42 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Pop Top Refresh
We used Pre Kote primer and top coat paint by Interlux and sandpaper from 60 to 320 grit and applied it with a brush & roller (not foam).
Before
After
In the Wild testing including thunderstorm downpours and continuous rain
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Merling Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2008 Posts: 196 Location: Northern California
|
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 8:05 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Love these swap posts. Need to do a belly radiator on mine too and this helps a lot. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:00 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Merling wrote: |
Love these swap posts. Need to do a belly radiator on mine too and this helps a lot. |
Glad that you've found the thread helpful. _________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Out for a drive but still some work to do.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 8:53 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Trailer Hitch
I was considering making something myself but came across a hitch from a Nissan Axxis from the late 90s that was free and looked close width wise. I originally thought it was a 2" receiver but it ended being a 1.25" but rated as a Class 3. I cut it and made it wider by adding a 16" piece of square tubing that fit over the 2" tube and welded it. For extra strength, I added 2 U channels just wide enough to sandwich the frame rails and used 4 bolts through the frame and the hitch itself attaches by 3 bolts each side. It sits perfectly between the bumper and muffler and is hardly noticeable from behind. I use it mainly for a bike rack but also to pull a small sport trailer.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2021 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Mud Flaps
Added the rear mud flaps but still need to do the front and then clean, paint, and coat the wheel wells with rockguard or similar.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:53 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Added a pair of Monroe MA803 Max-Air Air Shock Absorbers to the front end. Experimenting with the air pressure but keeping it low (20-60psi). Really liking them so far as the ride has improved (smoother) and the handling is better. They should help until I can either get a rebuilt adjustable beam or a new set of leaves for the existing beam next summer.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2021 9:26 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Speedometer kit install
After my VSS from Busaru split and died in the summer, tried a few low cost VSS off Amazon but they were all garbage and only worked up to about 50mph even at 1/16" or less gap. I talked to Mick at Busaru to order another VSS and he recommended the RMW Subaru Speedo kit from Vancafe which I ordered and installed at the weekend. Happy to say that it works flawlessly and I have a fairly accurate speedometer again.
Installed Kit from Vancafe
Kit from Vancafe
Old cheap VSS off Amazon
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16883 Location: sticksville, ct.
|
Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:43 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
for the love of God please tell me you aren't driving this thing around with those shit ass brake hoses....i mean i can literally see the date code ring on it _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2021 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
for the love of God please tell me you aren't driving this thing around with those shit ass brake hoses....i mean i can literally see the date code ring on it |
Skills, thanks for your concern. Yes, I take it for short test runs. The brake lines are one of many things still to do before it's fully drivable. _________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2022 9:31 pm Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Replaced my flex hose brake lines. All the fittings cooperated and it felt great to go for a long drive. Thanks Scott at German Supply!
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2022 10:51 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
Upgraded my cooling fan thermo-switch so I don't have to drain the coolant to change them out. Ordered a 200F on 185F off for winter and a 190F on 175F off for summer.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
girvine Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2017 Posts: 5 Location: IL
|
Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 8:53 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
What size wheels and tires are you running? Congrats on a successful subie swap? Looks like you're enjoying it! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: Vancouver, BC
|
Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:17 am Post subject: Re: Reviving my 76 Canadian Market Automatic Westy - Since Aug 2020 |
|
|
girvine wrote: |
What size wheels and tires are you running? Congrats on a successful subie swap? Looks like you're enjoying it! |
I have Nokian WR3 SUV load rated tires and they are 215/65/16. I had the rims and tires on another vehicle and decided to try them first before buying new tires and they work well and help lower the rpms (3500 at 60mph). _________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|