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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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Another update before going to BAT.
Original 115k drive line went out of balance and destruction ensued.
Recent work. Big thanks Josh Marstall (and Rico) at https://roadtriporegon.com/
-All bearings replaced.
-New coolant reservoir.
-New radiator fan blades.
-New high speed Syncro Shop drive line.
-New aluminum oil pan.
-New aluminum transmission/motor adapter plate.
-New dipstick receiver.
-New aluminum bell housing.
-New throw out bearing.
-Clutch flywheel resurfaced.
-New rigid motor mounts.
-CVs serviced.
-New rear brake cylinders and new master cylinder.
-Transmission resealed.
-Shifter rebuilt front to back.
-New 8' awning.
-New power mirror motors.
https://bringatrailer.com/member/robmcd/ _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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hdenter Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008 Posts: 2952 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2022 8:49 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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The overhead console is great, or you could mod an A/C overhead duct. But how about this from that guy in Germany
https://www.vw-winkler.de/T3-Stosstangen-und-Spoiler/BUS/Luftleithutzen-Satz::29.html
These vents look nice, I wish he had a picture from a little farther back
Hans _________________ '79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2022 5:08 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| sanchius wrote: |
This is a fun build to follow.
One thing to consider is putting ratchet strap connect points on all the MOLLE grid mounting bolts where you have a solid connection to the body.
I've started installing d-ring anchor points in my cargo compartment so I can ratchet-strap down heavy items so I don't have to worry about them coming through the back of my head in an accident. I usually add a bit of strapping between the D-ring and its holder to keep it from rattling while still allowing for full movement.
A one-piece tie-down hard point like this might work simpler/better
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Good point.
I think the next iteration will also include D-rings embedded into the floor. I had started this for my portable refer but never executed. _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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sanchius  Samba Member

Joined: May 03, 2007 Posts: 1589 Location: IN
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Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2022 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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This is a fun build to follow.
One thing to consider is putting ratchet strap connect points on all the MOLLE grid mounting bolts where you have a solid connection to the body.
I've started installing d-ring anchor points in my cargo compartment so I can ratchet-strap down heavy items so I don't have to worry about them coming through the back of my head in an accident. I usually add a bit of strapping between the D-ring and its holder to keep it from rattling while still allowing for full movement.
A one-piece tie-down hard point like this might work simpler/better
_________________ The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - In Hoosierland (2023-now)
Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
Your gold star membership keeps this awesome list going! |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| 4Gears4Tires wrote: |
I'm pretty sure you could have added at least 2 more bolts to that rear side marker, it doesn't have enough as it is.  |
Safety first. _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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4Gears4Tires Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018 Posts: 4370 Location: MD
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2022 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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I'm pretty sure you could have added at least 2 more bolts to that rear side marker, it doesn't have enough as it is.  _________________ '87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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MsTaboo  Samba Member

Joined: June 02, 2006 Posts: 4597 Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2022 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
| I miss driving up to shop at Boeing Surplus |
Yep! _________________ Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
When you stir up shit you're bound to get some on yourself.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)! |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member

Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12172 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2022 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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I miss driving up to shop at Boeing Surplus _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH
'01 Weekender --> full camper
NEAT, no ICE. |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2022 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| 82westyrabbit wrote: |
| You are clearly a aviation guy. That’s quite a few airplane parts. John |
Ironically it didn't start that way.
I found the MGL Avionics gauges because I was looking for a single gauge that had ALL the inputs - boost, oil temp, oil pressure, intake temp, exhaust gas temp, cylinder head temp, transaxle temp and so on.
Then I needed a place for the gauges and new toggle switches.
Then I needed a light replacement for the fugly oem side markers.
Then I needed a compass.
Then I needed a means to light up the SmallCar AC panel and other bits.
Then I found the cool warbird inclinometer.
Form follows function?
Plus.
Too much time on hands? _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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82westyrabbit Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2015 Posts: 1015 Location: Ma
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Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2022 7:04 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| You are clearly a aviation guy. That’s quite a few airplane parts. John |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2021 9:37 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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There were like three things left on the van that I hadn’t R&R’d. I guess after 111,000 miles and 34 years one should expect a few bits to wear out? There is a lesson here…
Planning to buy a $25k van that is “original”? Be ready to spend some effort to replace stuff.
So all the wheel bearings, drive shaft, cvs and now the brake master and booster are done. _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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A few last fixes before passing on to the next tbd owner.
I heard a growl and one rim was hot after a long trip so I took it into Steve’s Imports for what I thought was going to be some short work. What was I thinking?! Then the night before I felt a thud and my 38 gauges told me things were running hot.
In the end …
All wheel bearings were all replaced and a couple cv boots.
The thud was the new rad fan’s blades trying to escape. No indication it touched the housing as it was repainted when I r&r d everything.
Also had then rebuild the front shifter (I had already done the mid to rear rebuild).
And replaced the coolant ball.
I still had a vibration so I called Syncro Tom. What a rockstar. And good dude all around. David did the heavy lifting and is also a super nice person.
So In about 500 feet Tom diagnosed the issue. My oem driveshaft with 110000 original miles had gone all stiff and was trying to remove my trans nose cone at 4000 rpms. Turned out I had called Tom at the exact right moment?
He removed the old oem drive shaft and the new vibration went away.
Today the new custom shaft went back on. No more sounds or vibrations.
_________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 10:59 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| dobryan wrote: |
I know you’ll get a good sale and have a great time with the LT. Of course I will be following that build topic too.  |
Thanks. The LT is in Mexico awaiting obscure parts. In a few weeks things should kick up a notch. Turns out it is really difficult to “ship” parts to Mexico affordability and have them arrive! _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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dobryan Samba Member

Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 17254 Location: Brookeville, MD
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rmcd Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010 Posts: 1350 Location: PNW - its a dry rain.
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:04 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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| Sodo wrote: |
This van is too wicked.
So well-built, to the finest detail.
I can't even imagine the hours.
I'm bummed you didn't take it on some trips and enjoy the fruits of all the hard work. |
High complements coming from the OG Vanagon mod-ster. Thanks!!
It is at Steve’s Import getting bearings serviced. They said people are stopping to ask about it. Maybe it will be sold before I actually post it! _________________ VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight= |
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Sodo Samba Member

Joined: July 06, 2007 Posts: 10749 Location: Western WA
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Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:21 pm Post subject: Re: Battle Jitney Syncro camper build thread |
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This van is too wicked.
So well-built, to the finest detail.
I can't even imagine the hours.
I'm bummed you didn't take it on some trips and enjoy the fruits of all the hard work. _________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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