1958 11 window build

[58 Dave]

Thought I'd join in the group and share my project. I recently picked up a 58 11 window from a good buddy of mine. He'd been hiding it from me for a while as he has to do with all of his VW finds. (Been bugging him to find me one with his supper rust sniffer nose) I guess my bothering and pestering finally wore his down and agreed to sell me his leases favorite. I had a 65 bug for years and then had to get rid of it for a number of reasons. It's been about 15 yeas since I wrenched anything air cooled. I kinda jumped head first back into things with the help of my friend and his generosity. Thanks Geoff.

So I guess I'll start to post my progress. Any thoughts or feed back is welcome as I've benefited from the help and projects of others on this site.[/img]

[58 Dave]

[58 Dave]

On her way to my shop.

[58 Dave]

So this it what the bus looked like when it became my project. It's a little rough with a rotten camper kit that has more animal hair than my bogs back. Aside from the cut fenders she looked fairly good. Unknown to me I would soon discover the love some guy had for bondo and chicken wire. But that's a later story. I am just happy to finally have a bus.

[58 Dave]

I thought I'd start with the simple things and yanked the engine. It's 36 horse putt-putt. The bus had been sitting since the 80's and the previous owner had apparently rebuilt it before it got put in long term parking for the next 20 plus years. The engine is still wet with oil and turns freely. Got some end play. I'm not planni g on using at this point but when I pulled it I considered putti g it back in after a refresh. Thought the idea of a low slow bus sounded good, but with the 6volt trans with GRB and the ideas of keeping the motor went out the window.

You can see in the photo that at some point someone cut in some later
model tail lights. Looks like ill be putting in some patch panels. I also jerked out the gas tank. It also was wet with old fuel. That stuff gets nasty and thick after a while. Kept the tank from rotting out though.

[Dustin B]

Your motor looks to be a 40 hourse. not a 36. Sweet bus tho. I love kombies.

Dustin
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Wanted Victoria motors licence plate frame.

62 og paint L469 type 1
61 og paint L31 DD panel type 2
64 heilite viscount tent trailer
71 sears clamshell trailer

I <3 Brazilian busses

Original paint and patina extravaganza http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=187156

[Dustin B]

Your motor looks to be a 40 hourse. not a 36. Sweet bus tho. I love kombies.

Dustin
_________________
Wanted Victoria motors licence plate frame.

62 og paint L469 type 1
61 og paint L31 DD panel type 2
64 heilite viscount tent trailer
71 sears clamshell trailer

I <3 Brazilian busses

Original paint and patina extravaganza http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=187156

[Stocknazi]

and switched out the og splitcase trans for tunnel mount

looks like a good project
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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

[Braukuche]

I'd burn that camper set up, looks nasty.
Looks likes a fun project.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!

Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia

[58 Dave]

How did can you tell the dig between the 36 and 40 hp motor?

[Major Woody]

36 has the generator pedestal cast into the right hand half of the engine case. 40 hp and later are bolt on.

[Z]

[g_man]

Yeah Buddy! Although I was sad to let this one go...I am super happy at your joy in having it and impressed by the way you dove right in. Your progress so far is awesome, Dave, and I will be watching your build thread closely. Your bus is gonna be rad!

[heymrpants]

Nice project! Two questions:

How does someone steer a bus with such a tiny steering wheel? Maybe it has a power steering kit under there somewhere...

And, if you don't plan on using that pistol grip shifter, can I have it?

[58 Dave]

[58 Dave]

[58 Dave]

Rear hatch going down to metal. The bus was originally dove blue. But then at some point it got a decent coat of white followed by a coat of Tan. The tan paint has the durability of house pant and is flaking and whatnot. After finding a ton of bondo ponds on the body I decided to take it down to metal where necessary. I'm not going for the Concourse 100 G job, but as best as I can get for a guy who has little body work experience. I've done similar work to sculpture and used the same materials, just not on a car very often. It's a learn a few things as I go project.

Thought you might enjoy my weld as I go screw extractor. Every damn screw was stripped and rusted in. This was the only thing that came to mind that would work. And it did.

[58 Dave]

[58 Dave]

Lighted the bus of some un-needed Fiberglas barnacles.

[BlueJayScout]

Looks like a great start!
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1959 Panel