| Author |
Message |
Burlyhammer
Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 1734
Location: Great north woods Maine
|
 Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
 |
|
| Great work Eddie. The bus looks amazing. I can't wait to see it! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
BarryL 
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2004
Posts: 15418
Location: Casa de Oro, California
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2025 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| From inception to completion is not even fathomable by me. The word stunning describes the feeling to start. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
scottvw
Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2004
Posts: 2825
Location: Centennial, CO
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2025 11:47 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| Nice job. Beautiful bus. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2025 8:59 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
I've put maybe 100 miles on the bus, working out small issues here and there as I have time. I was waiting for parts for one of the other buses so I decided to take apart the rear end to 1.) fix an oil leak in the driver side reduction box, 2.) raise the rear height a tad, 3.) inspect the brakes, which were grabbing at times and the ebrake wouldn't release without juicing it a little.
There was a ton of brake liner debris in there for such little mileage. I suspect this is from a "rough" drum surface. I ordered new drums, shoes and springs. That might also explain the grabbing and ebrake issue.
The oil leak is from these 3 studs:
They were drilled and had helicoils installed. I can't remember if I did that or they were like that. In any event, oil was leaking through the studs and/or helicoils. I used some red loctite and sealant to seal them up. I put it all back together and filled it with oil and I'll see if it leaks before the new brake drums arrive. 
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
EverettB
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 71823
Location: Phoenix 602
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 10:11 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Thanks for the kind words!
This is something that's been on my mind for a very long time while working on the bus; posting before and after pictures. I did my best to duplicate the photos I took the day I bought it, by taking the same shot today. Here they are:
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug
Last edited by edgood1 on Fri Jun 06, 2025 12:33 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
SplitBusVanatic
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2005
Posts: 355
Location: Co. Mayo. Ireland
|
| Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 3:24 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Only one word comes to mind.
WOW  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Blue Baron
VW Aficionado
Joined: June 16, 2006
Posts: 28321
Location: Free State of Florida
|
| Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 5:47 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Wow.
No one would suspect that had once been a panel!
_________________
We are striving for perfection, to make our cars run forever, if possible.
Heinz Nordhoff |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PeteSC
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 934
|
| Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| Well done! Congrats on seeing it through to completion...not an easy endeavor, I'm sure. Enjoy the drive! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BarryL
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2004
Posts: 15418
Location: Casa de Oro, California
|
| Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 6:29 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| Better than fresh out of the Germany Factory. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Long overdue update. I'm considering this project done. It only took me 20 years  . They're never really done, but it's to the point where I can drive it and enjoy it. There are a couple things left to do that I'm not stressing over, like the bumper trim, correct middle seat grab bar and the rear seat kick panel, but I'll get them done at some point. Its not perfect but I couldn't be happier with how this one came out. I'm proud of it and that's what this vw hobby is a about.
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Stocknazi
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 5543
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2024 9:48 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
You may try annealing the WW aluminum trim before trying to bend it.
Color the area you want to bend with a black Sharpie marker. Gently heat that area with a torch until the ink disappears, which happens almost the same time after reaching the proper annealing temperature.
Aluminum melting and annealing temperature is fairly close, so this prevents overheating and melting what you are trying to anneal.
_________________
WANTED:
58 Westfalia cabinet knobs (3 needed), roof rack, and (7) privy tent poles (silver painted).
"When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty."
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2024 9:45 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| EverettB wrote: |
Nice work.
If so, it goes straight across where the latch is on 15/23-Windows.
|
Everett - thanks a ton for those pics. They helped me make these:
I'm going to replace that carpet at some point, it's one I had that I just threw in there. I actually have the entire 12 piece kit which I looks nice but I'll resist putting it in.
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BarryL
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2004
Posts: 15418
Location: Casa de Oro, California
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2024 11:25 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
| The extrusion for non-walkthrough should be the same profile if you had that to bend isn't it? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
EverettB
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 71823
Location: Phoenix 602
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2024 11:01 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Nice work.
I'm not sure what you mean on the extra metal panel For Deluxes, I guess I better go look at my 15-Window
Edit:
Oh yeah, this
It looks like you are still working on the rear deck carpet?
If so, it goes straight across where the latch is on 15/23-Windows.
Your carpet:
My original '63 15-Window carpet
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2024 10:01 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
I installed all the panels. I'm really happy with how they came out. I just need to finish the rubber wrap that goes around the walk through partitions. The chrome strip that Wolfsburg West includes with their walk through trim kit is useless. I bought a different pre formed pair from West Coast metric and it worked great.
I didn't realize that deluxe walk through buses have an extra metal channel that extends past the chrome trim on each side.
I tried to shape the useless ww chrome strip for it but it just fell apart. It's like trying to shape tin foil.
I'll have to come up with something else instead.
I really like the West coast metric trim here
It's coming together. I can see the finish line. I have a bunch of odds and ends left.
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edgood1
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004
Posts: 2151
Location: Plymouth, MA
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2024 6:57 am Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
I've been working on the interior. I have all the panels finished. I'm just waiting on the last armrest to install the long panel. I had two originals which I restored.
I'll need to make a spare tire cover.
_________________
'87 Syncro :: Subaru eng
'63 Samba Conversion ::(photo album)
'65 Westfalia
'65 Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Stocknazi
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 5543
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 2:20 pm Post subject: Re: '63 Panel Camper to Deluxe conversion project |
|
|
Nice panel construction. The material along the bottom of the walk through bulk head panels tucks under the aluminum trim. It isn't folded and glued to the underside of the panel originally.
Looking forward seeing how you tackle the trim strips on a new panel board.
_________________
WANTED:
58 Westfalia cabinet knobs (3 needed), roof rack, and (7) privy tent poles (silver painted).
"When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty."
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
