my '63 sedan project

fly. GTI. · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 6:59 am Post subject: my '63 sedan project

After YEARS of looking, and putting it off, I finally bit the bullet, and bought the car I've wanted since I was a kid. It's my first air-cooled, but not my first VW...I've been playing with MK1s for a long time...but since this one is pretty much 'done' it's time for a new build

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

It's a clean, solid '63 with mostly original paint, and interior.

As I looked it over I could tell someone played with a bit a few years back, as it already has a stroker motor in it, and upgraded suspension....but it sat for quite a while in someone's garage.

My plans are to make it a solid family cruiser, take care of the maintenance, fix the things that annoy me, and oh yeah...bag it.

Updates should be a bit on the slow side, but I'll do my best to keep the transformation documented.

vwnut1 · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 12:46 pm Post subject:

Great color combo, appears to be super clean!
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1957 VW Oval Resto Mod

irvanm · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 9:27 am Post subject:

Wow, that's a good looking car. Everything looks just right to me.

fly. GTI. · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 4:55 am Post subject:

thanks guys...it's definitely clean! the deeper I dig, the more I'm impressed.

been making some pretty good progress:
-replaced the speedo cable, and fuel gauge sender
-ordered a bunch of seals, hardware, and tune up parts.
-got the tires mounted on the new wheels

-started diving in to the wiring to fix, and clean up the jerry rigged fog light install

I need to do a deep dive in the engine bay wiring...it loses power over bumps, I'm thinking I need to go through the coil wiring, hopefully that will lead me to the issue.

fly. GTI. · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:45 am Post subject:

wiring gremlins be gone!!

I was able to clean up a lot of the mess..and order the parts I need to make it right.

Also over the weekend I did a 'restoration' on the bumpers.

I scotch-brited the backs, and used Eastwood rust converter to stop the rust...2 coats of rust encapsulator, and they look nice and presentable.

I then cleaned all of the rust off of the chrome with WD40, and fine steel wool...and polished with Happich Simichrome...they gleam as well as 52 year old bumpers can.

Now on to bringing the paint back to life.

Markymarc · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:53 am Post subject: Re: my '63 sedan project

dubkid91 · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 5:20 pm Post subject:

Looks awesome. Love the color of those seats.

fly. GTI. · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:19 am Post subject: Re: my '63 sedan project

fly. GTI. · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 7:38 am Post subject:

A lot of progress over the past few weeks...and a lot of roadblocks as well...such is the game.

First Progress:
I was able to get rid of the old side mount exhaust, the head flanges were cracked, and it made a racket...I replaced it with an EMPI GTS...and I'm not a fan of the sound...so I pulled the trigger on this beauty...my buddy has one, and I love the sound...far less booming than the GTS

Also on my day off I was able to strip the car down, and work on paint correction (as much as you can on 52 year old single stage) with pretty good results. It has its depth back.

Now the setbacks.
In cleaning up the wiring, I came across an issue with the directional stalk that was unrepairable, so I ordered a new one for a 63...easy, right? Nope. I get the 3 wire, mine is a 6. So I reorder the right part, which is marked for a 61...no biggie. this one is stark white, so now I'm waiting for a few cans of Silver Beige from WW.

it stinks that something so silly has kept me in the garage for a week, but ok well.

I was able to adjust the spring plates 2 notches, and drop the front.

More pics once I get it out in the driveway

rabbit20v · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2015 12:56 pm Post subject:

Glad to see another fellow mk1er
I just picked up a 65 myself.

WVW_6582 by mk1-20v, on Flickr

Is that the VintageSpeed Exhaust?
I too just put on the Empi GT, while it's better than what was on there, I find it to be a little too loud.

fly. GTI. · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2015 9:32 am Post subject:

microbus · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2015 7:59 pm Post subject:

You will like the fit and sound of the Vintage speed... quality product! You have some amazing cars!
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Darsh Import/ Dubsport Inc... my own VW Parts and Repair shop.
Automotive Service Technician

fly. GTI. · Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2015 5:30 am Post subject:

fly. GTI. · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 5:43 am Post subject:

so the wiring on the repro 6 wire turn signal switch is WAY off...time to get out the test light, and start from scratch to find what wire does what

So this brings me to a bigger question....since I'm trying to un-fudge the wiring in my 63, and I'm finding a lot of instances where 63 replacement parts are not correct.

I've been around watercooled VWs enough to know that there are lots of variation in the parts for even one given model year.

Is this the case with the air-cooled cars too? should I expect parts from all over, or is this just a product of a 52 year old car?

MANNAXMAN · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:37 pm Post subject:

fly. GTI. · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 5:18 am Post subject:

fly. GTI. · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:08 am Post subject:

A little distraction yesterday in the form of new parts...

My Airkewld Probuild beam arrived, and man is it a nice piece.

4" narrowed, 2.5" drop spindles, and Stage 2 Bad Brakes...I can't wait to get this thing in.

The rear air ride showed up as well, so I can make a HUGE dent in the project.

considering that I need to sort out the fuel system, pull the engine for a refresh, and get this is stuff in...i'll probably be taking the bug out of commission earlier than planned.

potato_salad1 · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:21 am Post subject:

fly. GTI. · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 4:52 am Post subject:

Taking a brief Hiatus from the bug to get my garage in order.

It's been 2 years since I've been in my house, and I'm finally getting around to running power, and putting in lights...that way I can actually work on the car this winter.

I should be pulling the engine, and front end in a couple of weeks.

fly. GTI. · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 6:20 am Post subject: Re: my '63 sedan project

so my garage is finally sorted to the point where I can work without tripping over something...and I actually have light, which makes all of the difference here when it gets dark at 4:30.

Pulling the front end apart on Saturday to swap the beam, and install the master cylinder, and new fuel pump.


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