What would you do with a week to keep your bus on the road?

scottf1887

So I'm coming up on a week off work for the first time in a while and I'm planning what to do with my 56 SC. I drive it 20 miles a day to work and back and it's never let me down, but I havent been the best on regular maintenance so I want to take the time to go through everything. I dont have any big plans, just want to keep it reliable and safe like it's been for years. Looking for input on what might be a good use of my time while I have it. The only thing I dont want to do is crack the case open.

1600DP: pull it and reseal it, plugs, wires, maybe rebuild heads, oil.

All new fuel lines, filter, cables, rewire what needs it.

Check brake lines for wear. Replaced them a few years ago, but who knows.

Replace transaxle mounts and fluid. (just for the hell of it, they're oily and really soft.

Is there any bus specific stuff you would recommend while I have the time. It's been reliable for years but I always have the feeling something is about to go on it. Thanks for the input!

pondoras box · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:39 pm Post subject:

Rebuild the entire front end.

New tie rods, inner and outer.

New steering dampener.

New drag link.

Install new center pin.
This one is a bit harder to do but really worth it.

Fresh grease in all the zerk fittings on the front end.

It's amazing how much better a bus will drive when you replace all these items with new stuff. Unless you have replaced these things they could have untold thousands of miles on them.

While youre at it check your brakes and adjust accordingly.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

scottf1887 · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:59 pm Post subject:

good points. I know I'm throwing a vague question out there with this post, but I had not even really considered those things. I know the brakes need adjusting based on the pull I'm getting. Thanks!

durfeec · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:16 pm Post subject:

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Grease the hell out of the front end. Change fluids. Adjust brakes. Drive it. Laughing

_________________
1960 Bus Panel/Camper

turkis-deluxe · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:34 pm Post subject:

Make sure you check the torque on heads while the motor is out and then reseal everything.

Clara · Samba Member Joined: June 14, 2003 Posts: 12401

Do the 30k mile maintenance

(I have a list in my garage of what that is, but it should be on this site somewhere)

Something like:

Oil hinges
Grease everything
Inspect steering, replace worn components
Inspect brakes, replace anything iffy
Adjust, Flush, bleed brakes
The reservoir should have clear clean fluid in it .
Change gear oil
Axle boots?
Check lights, fix as needed
heat?
Pull Motor, check torque on heads, replace oil cooler seals & main seal
Install any missing bits of tin
? Engine to body seal

Etc
As well as the regular tune up

scottf1887 · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 6:03 pm Post subject:

Appreciate the input everyone. I think I'll finally install some gauges for the oil and head temp while I'm at it.

joe cool · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:55 pm Post subject:

grease front beam, check oil level, check valve clearance, go camping?

sventinker · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:50 pm Post subject:

RPGreg2600 · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:33 pm Post subject:

Clara · Samba Member Joined: June 14, 2003 Posts: 12401

You might have a list of what you would like to upgrade on your bus.
on my Kombi, I've been thinking:

New windshields w/o rock chips& install new seals
New felts on the front door windows
Swap drivers door for a velvet green one I found
Strip off old black paint down to belt line to show velvet green
Get good tires for the Cragars and re-install
Oil temp & pressure gauges
Fold out table on cargo door
Make a new headbanger cabinet
Install cigarette lighter/ charger socket in headbanger for phone charging while camping
Reading lights in headbanger above bed

Weld up stupid hole above beltline on back driver side
Remove stove pipe vent & install full roof rack & full wood ceiling on back

Etc

I should also clean inspect repack the front wheel bearings as it has been 30k miles, and do the rest of the 30k miles check/ service.

marklaken · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:48 am Post subject:

For safety, I'd upgrade to better headlights and add 3 point retractable seat belts (if you haven't already done so).

I'd also fix my sloppy shifter and do a good detailing job on the interior and exterior.
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Wish List:
1967 Wesfalia SO-42 Parts Needed: Kitchenette, Cot Poles

'65 rear left beetle fender

15" Bus Wheels in fair condition

Mark Laken
Fort Collins, CO


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