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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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 Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 11:15 am Post subject: My 1971 Fasty Resurrection |
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Build Threads seem to be a common, and popular way to tell the story of members' trials and tribulations with their air cooled VW restoration. I enjoy reading them, because it motivates me to get my project completed, even if it take several years. My goal is to keep this a "live" thread, being updated as progress is made over the upcoming years.
I'd like to start at the beginning. It was summer 2011 in Phoenix Arizona. Two of my wife's long time friends had to move out in a hurry. One of these friends had two Type 1 Beetles, and a single Type 3 Fastback sitting in the backyard. My wife's friend had to move these VWs fast. She should it would be great if I took possession of the Fastback. (I love you babe!) I explained that due to financial issues, it would likely sit for a long time on our yard, and that we should take that into consideration before even looking at it!
She understood, and we went to take a look. We agreed on $200 in exchange for the Fastback. The recovery work began. The following series of photos illustrate the recovery:
In the above image, the Fastback as found. The weather was hot. Dr. Pepper being my preferred method of hydration. (I know, not healthy! But it is my only vice!)
All 4 tires were flat, and had been for some time. We could not get to the two driver's side tires. We attempted to inflate the passenger side tires, but they leaked quickly. Drastic measures would have to be taken.
Look! I got the hover conversion!
Tires were pulled from my Super Beetle for the recovery effort.
I rented a trailer for the weekend. The rental place charges the daily rate for the entire weekend if rented on Friday. (About $50) Because it was a weekend, and I was going to Phoenix (40ish miles from our home), they insisted I take a spare, as they would be closed during the weekend. It was no additional fee, so, why not? I was helping the other friend move, so my wife had to deliver the trailer to me with the mini-van.
The van ended up with the flat! 
Condition in a desert climate.
The yard was really small, with obstacles such as clothes lines! Maneuvering a long bed Chevy required about a 20 point turn! 
Notice my Super Beetle wheels on his Beetle so it could be moved out of the way.
Pulling.
Driver's side tires would hold no air. Super Beetle wheels to the rescue!
Flat, even when lying down. 
Coming Along.
The come-along was too short to lift the Fasty up the entire way. I used a chain to extend its length. Once the come-along was fully wound-up, We'd chock the wheels, shorten the position on the chain, and reset. This took probably 5 resets. Rear shot, I know. You'll see my mug on a follow-up post.
At the other friend's new apartment to drop off some of her belongings.
I hate tailgaters. Oh, wait. I couldn't resist. Don't worry, I was waiting at a red light.
That's it for the recovery. Up next, the delivery. Thanks for viewing!
Regards,
Mike
Long P.S. I sort of regret not recovering the at least one of the Beetles and reselling it/them here on TheSamba. The owner wanted to keep at least one of them. But they had been hacked a bit, missing several components. Being short on cash, time, and with the summer's heat, my motivation was only on one vehicle. I also wasn't a big TheSamba member at the time.
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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squaretobehip
Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2004
Posts: 4029
Location: San Jose, CA
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| Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 11:19 am Post subject: |
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That's some killer patina! Can't wait to see the progress. 
_________________
1963 Notchback - Ruby Red
1963 Squareback - Pearl White
1965 Squareback - Baltic Blue
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 5:19 pm Post subject: Delivery of 71 Fasty to its new home. |
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It's a 1971 Fastback with automatic transmission. Most of the original fuel injection is intact. It had minor rear-end collision damage I was aware of at the time of purchase/recovery. I also knew the passenger door was jammed pretty good. The two problems seemed unrelated. I recently learned they are (unrelated). The dimensions of the passenger door opening match the driver's side. I'll go further into detail on that in a later thread.
As time went on, I discovered the collision damage was more extensive than I originally thought. Oh well. It is what it is. I wasn't upset about it. The following series of pictures document the delivery phase of the recovery of this Fasty. Enjoy!
Backing into our backyard where it will sit on jack stands for the next year and a half. (Gotta get the wheels back on the Super Beetle, which are currently on the driver's side and passenger's seat!)
As above.
Now I'm just showing off!
Climbing in to ensure everything's in order. Parking brake and steering are about the only things that worked. No fluid in the brakes. I'd later discover they were just a touch away from being bone dry! Super Beetle wheels seen here.
Told you you'd get to see my face. I'm tired. I probably took a break and ate dinner. That's why it's suddenly night!
Trying to back out at a controlled rate. (Note the wheel chock!)
Off the ramps. Whew!
In the desert, the interior of a car will experience more wear and tear sitting unused than if it's driven. It's amazing. Check out of the following thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7669888&highlight=#7669888
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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oxsign
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2006
Posts: 607
Location: Sanford, FL
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23418
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 9:24 pm Post subject: Re: My 1971 Fasty Resurrection |
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| MagmaJctAz wrote: |
The yard was really small, with obstacles such as clothes lines! Maneuvering a long bed Chevy required about a 20 point turn!
Regards,
Mike |
That's a really nice looking, clean 72 Chevy pickup. Does it have manual steering (you mentioned the 20 point turn)? I loved my 67 short wide box, other than the lack of power steering, as those kind of things (manuvering in a backyard) would wear you out.
I'll have to keep an eye out on your Fastback updates, as my wife's 70 Fastback is a similar color to yours (although it's been repainted).
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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Bob,
The truck's a 71. It does have power steering. Interestingly enough, the wheel has to be turned a LOT for a small change in direction. It doesn't, however, have power brakes. But that's okay for me.
It was my grandfather's truck when I was growing up. I remember climbing in and going for rides whenever we'd visit. Every once in awhile, I suddenly remember what it felt like when I was a kid. I enjoy those memories.
For those interested in Chevys: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=42856
I just started working on the Fastback a couple weeks ago. I'm trying to get the brakes repaired. But I've run into a wall financially, forcing me to leave it on stands in the driveway. I didn't take on this challenge because it was easy!
Regards,
Mike
P.S. Link to my current brake project: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=625770&highlight=
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23418
Location: Kimball, Mi
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| Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 8:04 pm Post subject: |
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| MagmaJctAz wrote: |
Bob,
The truck's a 71. It does have power steering. Interestingly enough, the wheel has to be turned a LOT for a small change in direction. It doesn't, however, have power brakes. But that's okay for me.
It was my grandfather's truck when I was growing up. I remember climbing in and going for rides whenever we'd visit. Every once in awhile, I suddenly remember what it felt like when I was a kid. I enjoy those memories.
For those interested in Chevys: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=42856
I just started working on the Fastback a couple weeks ago. I'm trying to get the brakes repaired. But I've run into a wall financially, forcing me to leave it on stands in the driveway. I didn't take on this challenge because it was easy!
Regards,
Mike
P.S. Link to my current brake project: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=625770&highlight= |
Yeah, I had a 50-50 shot at being right on the year. I say that, as I've owned a 67, a 69, and a 70 (the last 2 were long boxes). My 67 didn't have anything power, while both the 69 and 70 had power steering. I like those trucks, as they are simple to work on, and remind me of the simplicity of working on a VW. But, I'm still looking for my dream 69-72 Blazer/Jimmy though.
As for your brake issue,I'd contact Jim Adney, and have him do a rebuild of your master cylinder. He's done several for me over the years, and I've got no complaints with his work. He also rebuilds calipers too. For rear wheel cylinders, you can use super beetle cylinders if you can't find any t-3 parts. A good place in your area that has parts is Autohaus AZ. You might want to have a look around their web site.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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Rebuilding brake components is 100% within my ability. Finding and affording the components is not. The project's on hold for the moment anyway.
I've seen Jim Adney's name mentioned in past threads. I'm curious where he gets his components from. In my other thread about brakes, someone mentioned going to Napa. That will have to wait for the moment.
Regards,
Mike
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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PFlat2
Samba Member
Joined: May 05, 2015
Posts: 2
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 7:59 am Post subject: |
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I just acquired and got a bonded title on a 72 manual transmission fasty in about the same condition. maybe a hair better but not much. same color! mine is still in Lubbock (another dry, arid region!) and I am going to go get it in 3 weeks. have to trailer it 8 hr drive to East Texas
this thread is going to be very, very interesting for me to follow! this is my 1st real car project. I fear I may have bitten off more then I can chew, but so far I haven't spent much money on it. thanks for the thread and awesome pics! |
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 10:57 am Post subject: |
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| PFlat2 wrote: |
I just acquired and got a bonded title on a 72 manual transmission fasty in about the same condition. maybe a hair better but not much. same color! mine is still in Lubbock (another dry, arid region!) and I am going to go get it in 3 weeks. have to trailer it 8 hr drive to East Texas
this thread is going to be very, very interesting for me to follow! this is my 1st real car project. I fear I may have bitten off more then I can chew, but so far I haven't spent much money on it. thanks for the thread and awesome pics! |
I can't wait to see your find. I'm thinking I'm going to post more pics. I work weekends currently, giving me 4 days a week to get work done on my Fasty. But once again I'm a day away from payday, so funds are non-existent. We'll see.
Regards,
Mike
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 11:30 am Post subject: Engine Visual Inspection |
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When I purchased the Fasty from the PO, he had no idea how to open the rear trunk. But in his defense, neither did I. Recall, he bought the car from a salvage yard with the intention of working on it, but never even opened it. It sat in his yard for a few more years.
When I got it home, I attempted to gain access to the engine room. It probably took me about 15 minutes to find the rear trunk release on the driver's B pillar. Once I opened the engine hatch, I was taken back to the scene from Back to the Future III when Doc Brown and Marty unearthed the DeLorean time machine from the cave in 1955. The dust was incredible. I didn't want to touch it, I felt like I'd unearthed an Egyptian Pharaoh.
The follow pics from 2011 document this "discovery!"
The oil bath cleaner as found in the trunk. I probably propped it open for the picture.
Rear trunk.
The hatch, as found.
BOOM! There it is. In all its dust, and Bermuda grass covered glory.
Generator and distributor close-up. Belt uncovered.
Untouched in years. (Decades?)
Regards,
Mike
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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W1K1
Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004
Posts: 5303
Location: Southern AB
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 12:07 pm Post subject: |
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it has air conditioning too
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1973 super 2110cc
1965 squareback 1500E-sold
1971 bay window westy- EJ2.5 subi swap |
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PFlat2
Samba Member
Joined: May 05, 2015
Posts: 2
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 1:09 pm Post subject: |
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hey that looks familiar! here's my dusty/rusty engine! 
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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| W1K1 wrote: |
| it has air conditioning too |
Yes! I took plenty of pictures of the system in situ. I can see a few design flaws in the system that concern me, and the way it was installed. For starters, the line that runs up the rear of the passenger front fender to the accumulator/dryer has accumulated what appears to be a ton of road dirt holding it tightly to the wheel well. Apparently, the alternate air cleaner or adapter ring was never installed, forcing the engine to intake engine room air. Also, the extra wires run through the floor pan near the battery were run without the benefit of a grommet. The grommet for an original wire was pulled from the floor pan, then the AC wires were run between the sheet metal and the original grommet.
Regards,
Mike
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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MagmaJctAz
Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 289
Location: Mesa, AZ
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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The Chevy featured above that towed this Fasty to its new home just developed a radiator leak and is now in need of care of its own. 
The image may not load, as it's not a VW image, therefor, I didn't upload it to TheSamba. But I included as it's part of the overall Fasty storyline. 
If the image doesn't load, you can see the thread on the following link.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?p=7205443#post7205443
This will set the Fasty resurrection back several weeks, as the pickup has work due that only makes sense to do now that the radiator is going to have to be replaced.
Regards,
Mike
_________________
1974 Super Beetle. Owned since 1995. Daily Driver. Turned over odometer twice!
1971 Fastback. Check out my Fastback resurrection thread!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627711&highlight= |
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