54 info

oring71 · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 1:46 pm Post subject: 54 info

Im helping a friend put his 54 samba back on the road after it being off the road since 1972......

Have a few Q's to ask please. (lots more to come too)

1... chassis number reads 20-09658 can anyone tell if it IS a 54, the 16" Rims say its a march 54.

2... would the two rear corner windows be glass or plexy glass?? this has the latter.

3... OG colours are SWR/CB (under the blue it has now) roof is white but has signs of CB underneath, could the white be OG as it was delivered to Malta?? and yes it is RHD too.

4... Can i fit a gearbox from a 57 to the BD after i change the spring plates and fit mounting brackets for the shocks? bus came without gearbox.

5... does anyone repop the front safari hinges for a BD?? his are broken in half.

Thanks and will try to upload some pics of the beast soon.

Eric.
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Das Maltese Kruizers

mandraks · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:09 pm Post subject:

can you check the chassis number? fro 54 you should have 20- and 5 digits

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php

4 digits is much earlier
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regards

Uli

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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel

Lowdown Dirty Rat · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject:

20-09658 is missing a number. It won't be a February 1951.
The 96000 barndoors were built in September 1954.
Yes to plexiglass/Perspex
Yes to the colour and safaris.
I would say the white roof was added later.

I'm guessing this is the bus.

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RockStock · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:24 pm Post subject:

Assuming you are missing the last VIN digit, it would make it a Jan 55 dlx.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php
Corner windows should be Plexiglas.
Chances are roof was painted white later. Order the birth certificate.
I think pre58 gearboxes are ok?
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-StockRocks-

bubblehead · Samba Member Joined: February 15, 2002 Posts: 523

The 57 trans will bolt up to chassis no problem but you will need to make some spacers to go between springplate and reduction box.

oring71 · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 5:45 pm Post subject:

oring71 · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 5:48 pm Post subject:

Who is it that makes the safari hinges please? got a link?
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Das Maltese Kruizers

bubblehead · Samba Member Joined: February 15, 2002 Posts: 523

You'll also need to clearance/notch the springplates where they hit the stops on the torsion housing. Assuming stock height?

oring71 · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:59 pm Post subject:

bubblehead · Samba Member Joined: February 15, 2002 Posts: 523

Because on BD the springplate attaches to the axle tube, similar to a bug. On later bus it bolts directly to the RGBs below the axle. If you tried to put together w/same springplate angle, it would lower the rear like 6 inches. I can post some pictures showing how it all works. Might be a day or two before I have time.

jeremy6 · Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 7:48 pm Post subject:

Yes there is some fab work to be done if you are putting a 57 style trans in. Why not install a stock Barndoor trans if you are keeping it stock? For the Safari stuff heres a link to the guys ad

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1526576

call him and he will sell you the parts you need.
GOOD LUCK

low54 · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:24 am Post subject:

Looks a realy nice project I have a big nut box in my 54 you have to notch the later spring plates to clear the bottom bolt where the lever arm shock would of been.
Then all you need is a pair of spacers to fit between the reduction boxes and the spring plate some longer bolts to go through the spacer and a 57 box will bolt up.
I have a friend that has done quite a few spacers pm me and I will pass on your details.
Cheers ben

Scotty · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 1:51 am Post subject:

oring71 · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:07 am Post subject:

oring71 · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 3:09 am Post subject:

RockStock · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:05 am Post subject:

streetwagens · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:07 am Post subject:

The notching is because the 55> spring plate sits below the axle, on barndoors it is in line with it - Here are a few pics of the '62 trans going into the '50 kombi:

You can see from the last pic that I had to re-notch the spring plates deeper to achieve stock height with this setup. A mate does the spacers that are needed in the UK and can post, pm me if you need some making up Very Happy

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oring71 · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:24 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the pics and info, very helpful.
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Das Maltese Kruizers

oring71 · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 5:28 pm Post subject:

So i had a better look at the chassis number today and found the last digit i was missing.... so the number reads -20-0964585-
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Das Maltese Kruizers

EverettB · Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:15 pm Post subject:


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