It's a Thing come true!

[sjhotz]

Thanks rockerarm, hub ordered.

Update time!

Frame is coming along nicely, going to do some final straightening tonight, got the rivets but am still waiting on Killer's Nuts (insert joke here!). Vinyl is nicely patched and ready to install.

Kadron Carbs restored and re-jetted for my 1776 engine (may require some fine tuning after install, we'll see, that Norris 407s cam can be a bear at idle).

New Engine compartment seal in hand.

Restored and modified stock late model FI Shroud with Venturi Ring and widened doghouse for T4 Oil Cooler (along with adapter and hoover bit) ordered and en route shortly.

Porsche 356 Generator Pulley Halves, Hub, nut and double set of shims ordered and en-route shortly.

So all I am missing to start are the parts on order, a T4 Oil cooler, and the Vintage Speed Exhaust (if they ever return my mechanics calls). Although truth be told I could just use my old empi tri-mill knock-off, it will be loud as shit but at least it won't restrict like the pee-shooter exhaust.

Side question... When folded down am I correct in assuming the rails should line up (so the edge protectors if I ever get any slide on easily)? My top ones are bowed in a bit...

I would like to make sure im not breaking something before I attempt to correct it tonight.

Thanks all!
-sjhotz
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[rockerarm]

[sjhotz]

Hey deafen,
And everyone else for that matter...

I'm ordering both halves of the 356 pulley, 2 sets of shims and a nut from Stoddard, do I need the 356 Generator Pulley Hub along with it or is that unnecessary?


-sjhotz
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[sjhotz]

Thanks deafen!

That would have been a costly dumb error on my part!

Yes I have heard about the shim issue and will order extra, looks like a very reasonable price for inner and outer together.
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[deafen]

[sjhotz]

Thanks Bashr52,

Always appreciate your insights, in answer to your questions...

Yes i've done the math, running 230+ Oil Temps at 58 MPH on the highway sometimes and she is now my daily so gotta get her cooler.

Got a pair of Dual Kadron's just sitting around so... Switching from Center-mount Weber Progressive to dual Kadron 40's, and changing restrictive beetle exhaust with a muffler from vintagespeed, this will improve general flow as I have a Norris 407S Cam in her. This may or may not improve temps, we will see.

Upon looking at my seal and noting the rock hardness as well as gaps at rear corners I decided to replace it, since it's easier to do the seal with the engine dropped I decided to go ahead and do the Type IV cooler as well as the late FI Beetle Tin (for the Venturi). I am in communication with the guys at www.awesomepowdercoat.com (very cool guys btw) and also now have access to some OG Tin and a Gene Berg tack on extension kit if I decide to go that route.

I agree the welded fan is a must if I am going to do a 356 Pulley (http://www.vwispwest.com/jzv/prod?itemId=50931) on the Gen (leaving crank pulley stock FYI) and plan on ordering one when I get the pulley.

As you can see I am attempting to get more air into the Tin without body mods (which largely don't work) and going the same route as our vaunted German engineers did over time.

This is all an attempt to avoid an external oil cooler because I do not have a proper oil return tap on my case and have been told that the cavitation issue of the oil return at the pump (those full flow kits that mount at your oil pump spot) is significant.

If this does not work then I can always still crack the case and, Tap it (refresh things in the process), re-assemble and still benefit from changes above.

I have this crazy idea of adding a Ed Gilmore AC system to my setup after I have my cooling sorted out. I already have the mount and the Gilmore 1/2 HP Compressor from a previous build, all I would need is an under-dash unit and condenser, but that's crazy talk for another time! 8P
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[Bashr52]

[BNMike]

Hi sj......

There are a couple old threads showing how guys straightened and reinforced their top frames. Here's the first one I found:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=480488

BNMike

[sjhotz]

Managed to dissemble both frames today and do some mix and match, it appears with some juggling I can piece together a very nice frame with a minimal amount of bending necessary! I will report back as soon as I have access to my Dad's Press again, unfortunately that won't be until next Saturday and of course this week it will be in the high 90's! Breaking out that sunscreen!

Rivets from Killer ordered for Frame mix and match. Canvas has been patched, she aint gorgeous but she'll keep me dry if needed!

It took the Carbs 3 sessions in heated dip to get the varnish out, they should be ready soon.

Ordering the 356 Pulley, Type IV cooler, Shroud, Vinyl Rivets, and Vintage Speed Exhaust soon.
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72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[sjhotz]

Thanks kenj06,

I have access to all you mentioned and was thinking along the same lines. I too am considering angle iron for reinforcement.
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[kenj06]

[sjhotz]

Welp, since I need to drop the engine to easily install the new compartment seal (my old seal is hard as a rock and will need serious scraping) I've decided to complete a few more things. I'm getting rid of the Weber progressive and switching to dual Kadron 40's, adding a Porsche 356 Gen Pulley and a welded fan along with a Type 4 cooler and widened tin, suggestions on quality sources for said tin are welcome.

Working of my replacement soft top, the vinyl has a few rips but nothing serious, getting it repaired this week. Any suggestions on good Vinyl restorer/treatment?

The frame is bowed up and in on both sides at the front above the driver and passenger doors, it is more pronounced on the passenger side especially when the side curtains are in place. Considering straightening techniques and also accepting suggestions.

Finally I am pulling the trigger on a Vintage Speed Exhaust after hearing one run. Wow! One of my local mechanics just became a distributor for them and met the owner. That guy has a nice stable of VW's he uses to test out his designs. Very well thought out and very clean welds. As you can see I'm sold!

I'll post some pics tomorrow evening after work.

-sjhotz
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[911pickup]

I recently replaced the engine seal rubber gasket when the engine was out.
I would NOT want to do this job with the engine in place. It was difficult enough with the engine out.
The old rubber seal looked like it had been in the car for a long time (original?) and I had to use a big screw driver to scrape it out of the channel.

I would definitely recommend that you use the late type 2 foam seal for a MUCH easier install.

[deafen]

Replacing with the original firm rubber, from what I'm told, is not impossible with the engine in, but difficult.

I took the easy way out and used a late type 2 foam seal, which is easily stuffed into the gap. Have had no issues with it in the two years since, and it took about 15 minutes (and I took my time!)

[sjhotz]

Is it possible to replace the Engine Compartment Seal with the engine installed?

While making sure none of my heat issues are seal related, I discovered my seal appears great from above but was rock hard and decayed underneath, so new seals are now in hand and I plan on installing tomorrow AM.

-sjhotz

P.S I got the replacement Soft Top! I'll post pics soon.
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[sjhotz]

Yes that is correct, my apologies on the confusion, a type 4 cooler.
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[Bashr52]

Your 74 has the later doghouse style cooler already. Are you talking about a type 4 cooler? Those are bigger still.

[sjhotz]

Just spoke to a VW mechanic friend of mine, very well versed in Things (he used to race them cross country!).

He suggests refreshing engine seal foam (definitely needs replacing) and adding a later doghouse cooler with the 2 more fins) and appropriate tin instead of adding the remote filer/cooler setup. And if I insist on remote filter/cooler then I MUST tap the case, not use the CB or Maxi pumps due to cavitation and oil gallery size issues.

Your thoughts gentlemen?
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[sjhotz]

Speaking of Porsche 356... I'm working out some hot oil temp issues and am looking at 2 things. The Porsche pulley for my alternator, and a full flow oil cooler & filter setup.



I've admired mond's setup for some time now and have noticed his configuration and locations for both filter and cooler have changed over the years.

Hey Mond, knowing what you know now, would you have any beginner's advice for me?

My plan to date is to use a Maxi 3 pump along with a Canton/Mecca filter. Mounting both filter and a cooler somehow at the driver side air filter mount. I plan on following mond's setup (all accept the pre oiler).

Since my engine is assembled and in the Thing, what is the best way to get oil back to the case?

My Thanks to any and all that have advice/insight!
sjhotz
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74 Thing
72 Bay Window Westy TinTop

[911pickup]

I had Konis on my Porsche 356 replica and loved them, but they are pricey little suckers.