87 Westy Syncro TDI conversion and restoration~lots of pics

[Steve M.]

Looking at your rear skid plates nicely done by you.
I don't know if you have plans for the front so that the suspension/differential frame doesn't hang up on a rock.
I've seen a lot of the front skid plates go from the front bumper to center on the lowest portion of the frame leaving the two radius rods end frames just exposed to catch anything of opportunity.
Here's a pic of the front skid plate on mine just to show you another idea for a skid plate design (as if you do not have enough to do!)
The skid plate I'm fairly sure is factory VW, but I do not know if the skid plate originally went all the way up to the bottom side of the bumper as the P.O. has a winch in there, but I think this gives you better protection of the suspension.
Just f.y.i. for you.

[87vanwes]

[87vanwes]

Steve.. I did not see your latest post. Thanks for the pics. I'm going to get mighty creative in that area.

I'm trying to get the updates up to date. I went to the airport and retreaved my pathetic pop top. This thing has seen better days.

It became an art project for some kids, well I'm hoping it was kids. The black spot was a test by the PO with some fabric paint I'm guessing.

Doing my best to strip off the original flocking.

Some paint and clear coat.

I put on all the moldings while the clear was still some what wet.

Another thing I should have left alone.

I wanted to re flock the top. Instead I decided to go with a very light weight carpeting. Back in my boat building days we called it sonitex. If someone needs to know what it's called specifically I will be happy to find out.

I pre wired the top for 200w of solar and a light up high.

The lug going through the top will be the positive for the array and the racks themselves will serve as the negative.

Well now all I need are some friends....

This is another mile stone.

Back on jack stands. It's time for lots of mechanical and electrical before the interior goes back in.

Cheers
_________________
Kevin


1987 westy syncro tdi conversion and restoration.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=

[Steve M.]

Looking great! That carpeting came out great on the pop-top. You could do a whole separate thread on that alone.
Surprised you did not add gas struts to help raise the top when you open it.

While your doing interior electronics perhaps think about locations for anti-theft kill switch for ignition or fuel pump, GPS tracker or whatever you want to add to protect the Syncro. It's not like there's score of lowlifes reading the Samba, but you know-your security is your business and you don't have to post it!

Looking forward to your next post! Your skills are an inspiration.

[fleet_maintenance]

I was coming here to post that it was nice to see the handles getting some attention, and you dropped the update about the top.

Great work, it's refreshing to see what one person can do. I especially like seeing the skill-sets and materials from other vocations bleeding in.

Thanks for the update(s)

Carry on.

[87vanwes]

[Steve M.]

Congratulations on your joyride!

Is that a pair of CAT C12's on the trailer?

[Zeitgeist 13]

I really like how you're setting up your ALH. Coincidentally I'm also working on the plumbing for my oil catch n' release can on my ALH build, but mine will be the stock unit from a Mercedes. I was thinking about tapping into the turbo oil return line, but I'm intrigued with your use of the filter housing. Do you have any other pics showing the exact location of this port you tapped in there?

I'm also running a Land Rover injection pump, and was wondering what mods you had to make in order to get what looks to be a stock diesel van accelerator cable to work with the LR throttle arm. Did you narrow and drill the end, 'cause it looks like the standard width of the end will interfere with the LR pump housing. My throttle is further complicated by having cruise control, but that's a whole other issue for me to resolve.

Keep up the excellent work!
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[87vanwes]

[87vanwes]

[tjet]

Looks great. I really like how you blacked-out the window trim. I'm going to do that on mine too. That ALH fits in there nicely. I look forward on seeing how you will do your engine lid. It looks like a stock lid may clear. I also plan on getting a rover pump for my M-TDI plan (mine is a '97 Jetta AHU that will install @ 50°).

What are your new gear ratios?

[ALIKA T3]

Hey man!

I've been catching up on your thread, I was away for 2 months in Europe and now injured at home, so plenty time for the forum

Your workmanship is always amazing and a pleasure to watch!! My favorite thread so far this year

For the flocking on the roof, a good water pressure washer works wonders

For your solar array negative, I don't understand how you can connect the negative to the module chassis?? + and - both need to be connected to the charge controller no? It's not like a battery negative that you connect to the chassis. Can you explain what your thought is about it, I'm curious

Aloha!
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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

[VanagonPDX]

Beautiful build you have going here!

[Steve M.]

That paint job looks great out in the sunshine!

[SyncroGhia]

Great work!

Keep it coming

MG
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T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
T3 Syncro 6x6 SOLD
T3 RS6 Bluestar
T3 Tristar Syncro 16 SOLD
T3 Tristar Syncro RHD SOLD

[MidwestDrifter]

You are a true craftsman, and give yourself too little credit. This project is exemplary and decidedly unique. Thanks for posting.
_________________
2004 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter (Custom Camper)
2000 Jetta TDI
1982 Diesel Westy W/ ABA I4 hybrid (Sold)
Epic Road Tripping since 08/05/12 | http://VagariesAbound.blogspot.com/
My Current Build | http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41215

[?Waldo?]

Looking good.

[jacob.]

I am interested in what that light weight "sonitex" carpet is called. Do you have a brand or product name? I would appreciate it.
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[MidwestDrifter]

[aaronmjr]

What a fun read. Thanks so much for sharing.