Making my 1961 Riviera syncro

[notchboy]

[KrisBalfe]

Link



Love when a plan starts coming together.

[SplitBusVanatic]

That’s beautiful under there. Hats off to you sir.

[mandraks]

now it just needs a dormobile top.
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regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

[KrisBalfe]

[mandraks]

[KrisBalfe]

[KrisBalfe]

Still charging forward in hopes of getting all four wheels on the ground by the beginning of October. All rear suspension bushings and bearings replaced, new springs shocks and complete brakes. Front diff in and mounted, front bearings, ball joints, bushings and brakes done. Just waiting on my axles before I can torque everything to spec. Goal is now to have this bus and my bay westy converted and hitting the trails by April 2022.

Been slacking on pictures but I have a few, and a YouTube video that pretty much shows what I’ve been up to after work.

The last time I did these bearing jobs on a syncro I had to use a BFhammer and poor language. This shop press has been my best friend.

Rear brakes, check.

Almost there

Stay on target.


Link
[/youtube]

[Bendango]

Just Awesome!
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I want a real garage.

WANTED - [WTB] 55-62 Bus Thin Lip Package Tray SWR

Getting Used - SWR 60 westy copy built by vw ( apparently )
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=320866

[junichi]

So cool!!!! Amazing work.
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1964 Kombi- http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=640048
Sold: 1985 Transporter Doka,1978 Westfalia, 1975 bay x 2, 1986 syncro vanagon, 1965 beetle, 1980 vanagon, 1967 deluxe bus, 1988 golf

[KrisBalfe]

Some random stuff that’s happened over the fall, beginning of winter.
Pretty sure I didn’t make the goals I set for myself regarding the timeline, but how about Moab in April? New goal set.

All hard and soft brake lines have been run. I think these are the only two pictures I have of the process though. Most tedious of all the lines.

Started mocking in the engine and found that the 1.8L Jetta engine stuck out a little too far for my liking. Unless I can come up with something to fix this issue I will be going with a stock 2.1 waterboxer. It fits much better in the space allowed a little clumsy looking in the mock up stages but fits where it’s important.

On to the rear bumper. Decided to use the vanagon brackets because they are stout as hell. First attempt had me thinking I’d have to move taillights and modify the hatch, but gain departure angle with a raised bumper.

A good night sleep and I decided to modify the brackets

Added this cool old spotlight because why not?

Heater t and parcel tray fit with some encouragement

Decided to make the space under the swivel seal accessible with hinges from the vanagon rear hatch

Playing with interior ideas a little

Steering dialed in

Strengthened the b pillar swivel seat style

Got a little further on the rear gear access hatch. Really wanted to keep the air distribution knob as a handle so I made a latching mechanism similar to the cargo doors out of spare parts and a simple lock to go above it. Will get a license plate light just above the lock once I get around to finishing it up. But happy with it for now.

And just a bunch of finish welding and stuff.

Waiting on front axles being built by sway a way that I’m pretty excited about.
Next is the wire harness after I raptor line the inside.

Thanks to anyone still interested.

[SplitBusVanatic]

Ah this is brilliant. Some excellent fabrication skills on show here with the little trick pieces that you are adding. Great work. And keep it up.

[matthew henricks]

Love this. Don't quite understand the gear door location but soo cool and i am sure once your finished it will make total sense to me.
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1964 Original Owner build Thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=702135&highlight=

Ambulance Fan's. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627707&highlight=

Parts i am looking for:
64 bug nice used front/rear Black LHD floor mat.

[oakman]

Great update, I love this project!
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Brandon

[BarryL]

Your a Master of the Gizmo.

[mandraks]

no worries, i am still watching!
_________________
regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

[KrisBalfe]

Had to repair the bottom of the front doors, on the passenger I unfortunately had to remove the outer skin and replace that as well. Luckily on the driver side I only had to remove the inner structure. Feels a lot better having those fixed up.

Starting on the wire harness, new WW harness is great. Also installing
Some of the vanagon harness. Making new fuel tank straps.

Thinking a secondary radiator here may be a good idea for slow steep desert drives.

Hopefully electrical and mechanical can be finished up through the coldest part of the winter, spring time I plan on cleaning up the exterior.

[PeteSC]

Outstanding update! It's all looking great. One of my favorite threads to follow here.

[mtnbus]

wow!
Incredible Kris !

[SplitBusVanatic]

At the moment. My favourite thread on thesamba.
Looks like copious amounts of Raptor bed liner in use here. Love it.