Pumas!

publiclinks · Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 6:17 pm Post subject:

The restoration shop did a test run today to see if there were any issues that need to be sorted prior to delivery. All went well so we are still on schedule for it to be home this week. He said it has a lot of torque and has a very throaty (deep) rumble from the exhaust. I will be posting photos and video this weekend provided no other issues delay the delivery.

publiclinks · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 5:57 pm Post subject:

So the Puma is ready for delivery once the weather allows for a transport from the restoration shop to my garage. Just waiting on Mother Nature now...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

publiclinks · Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 6:49 pm Post subject:

After a long wait, she finally arrived home today. I will be taking a lot of photos this weekend, but here are a few for you to enjoy. If you want to see the full set, the link is:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10485057@N05/sets/72157601019934784/

publiclinks · Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:13 pm Post subject:

Sorry for the shaky video....I hope you all will enjoy. lots more to come.

http://youtu.be/5JOTOE-alaA
http://youtu.be/-61SDudIdw0
http://youtu.be/gbEun_TNZzA
http://youtu.be/BNeJGhswlGk
http://youtu.be/1KnSSS8Eixw

publiclinks · Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 9:46 pm Post subject:

Here are a few more photos with it sitting a bit closer to the ground...

63Ragtop NZ · Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 2:11 pm Post subject:

SWEET!
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bandi · Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 7:20 pm Post subject:

That is nothing short of staggeringly beautiful... WOW.
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'60 Canadian Standard, '64 Bug, another '64 Bug, '66 Bug, '69 Sunroof Bug, '69 GT3 Bug, '71 Super, '72 Super, '73 Canadian Custom, '74 Love Bug, '83 Mexi Bug, '85 Cabrio, '94 Mexi Bug, '99 New Beetle, '02 New Beetle Turbo S, '03 New Beetle VR6. And some Fieros.

retrofive · Posted: Sun May 11, 2014 8:35 pm Post subject:

Bashr52 · Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 10:32 am Post subject:

Well, how is it to drive??

mango-smoothie · Samba Member Joined: April 10, 2013 Posts: 105

publiclinks · Posted: Mon May 12, 2014 7:30 pm Post subject:

So far I have only been able to drive it in my neighborhood since I am still getting all of the insurance, appraisal, and title stuff sorted. From my limited exposure it seems exceptionally strong, very throaty, and finished off much better than in stock form. The interior is dramatically different from what came from the factory and suits the lines of the car much better now. While I had the firewall (inside and out), engine bay, and the entire interior sound deadened the rumble of the motor is still the primary music in the car. You can hear the air pump when the motor is running, but not very well. I have yet to try the stereo while the engine is on, but I am sure it will be competing for air space against the rumble of the exhaust.

I am having the restoration shop come over and make a few minor adjustments before I take it out in the wild. Nothing major, just tweaks here and there to ensure that the major systems are bulletproof before hitting the open roads. There may be some items that come up upon a longer drive, but I suppose that is par for the course considering the extent of this build.

I am looking forward to sharing much more with you all as I get to know this car, but please don't be shy to ask any questions. I will do my best to answer them.

Cheers,

Brandon
www.pumagte.com

BRANDEN HOY · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 9:35 am Post subject:

can't wait to see some driving videos once she'd dialed in. This car is beautiful.

Bashr52 · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 9:52 am Post subject:

I'll be interested to hear how it compares to that Viper in the garage next to it Twisted Evil

publiclinks · Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 7:55 pm Post subject:

publiclinks · Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 6:18 pm Post subject:

So the insurance appraisal came in at $80k. With a $1k deductible the annual coverage rate is only $400. Can't complain about that....

Bashr52 · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 10:19 am Post subject:

publiclinks · Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 1:06 pm Post subject:

lugbolt · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 9:12 am Post subject: New Owner

I'm the new owner of this Puma. Over the last few weeks I've been going over the car and making some adjustments. This restoration had only about 7 miles on it when it came off of the truck - I gave it a shakedown cruise, and after 22 miles and a tow..... I have a laundry list of issues. I have all of the receipts from publiclinks - Certainly top dollar was spent on the restoration, and the car does stand out in virtually every area except mechanics.

The engine is solid. I'd expect that from a RAT motor. I had to unwind some very poor tuning on the carbs that was the result of a major problem missed in the ignition (coil). It came to me with an MSD high vibration coil that was either too much for the ignition system, or had partially failed. The car ran, but was a hard start and suffered from a very weak spark. Someone's solution was to drastically lean out the carbs to compensate - idled great, but wasn't much of a driver. I changed out to a standard blue coil with new cap, rotor, properly gapped plugs, and brought the jetting up - WOW! just over 170hp comes to life in a BIG way. It's a ground pounding monster.

I have to sort out some issues with the transaxle - The 5 speed has a relief system that was pouring out gear oil after my first drive. Gearbox looks to be drastically over-filled. Probably filled with the transaxle on end rather than parallel with the ground. Leaks around the rear brake backing plates - getting gear oil and brake fluid. Sounds like the e-brakes are not setup or attached properly. I'm waiting for a lead hammer so that I can take off the Daytons - then I can get in there and correct any issues. I've already ordered a rear disc brake kit from Airkewld - so it will be sorted out one way or another.

Now that the engine is running at full power - the Ghia brakes up front seem inadequate. They stop, but not quick enough for my taste. I'm going to upgrade the fronts to a 2 piston Airkewld setup so that this car stops as good as it looks. The ball joints are not handling the air-ride setup very well - they are tattered and torn, and the whole lot will be replaced by an Airkewld 2" narrowed air-ride front. There's a couple of body mounts that are stripped up front that I need to attend to - not sure if they will tap out or if there is anything metal up there at all.

This is a beautiful car, and something that was on my VW wishlist. Sorting through the issues and getting to know the car are part of the enjoyment of the hobby. I'll post some pics, and update if others are still interested in this unique ride.
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Lugbolt
52 Barn Door Kombi
64 Patina Notch
62 Sliding Rag (Hot VW's)
60 DOKA
65 DOKA
55 Bug
70 914-6
78 Puma
59 Ghia
56 Cabriolet

Oldnslow · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 4:17 pm Post subject:

adriaan pienaar · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:15 am Post subject: Re: Pumas!

I've finally taken delivery of my very own Puma, having already purchased it a while ago. Built in South Africa, 1974 - no 180 and RHD. Needs a full restoration though, mostly complete just missing a few small parts.

Original tags

Quick wash and mock-up headlight covers mounted. Jack Russel looking for rats!

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