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LAGrunthaner
Samba Member
Joined: March 18, 2007
Posts: 5509
Location: 1st Coast
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 Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 3:09 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Dubskii did you figure out why your housing has the year 2/51 stamping on your 57 yet? I'm liking that the elect grease works well on the turn signal I'll need to do the same on my other non-German classic. 
| Dubskii wrote: |
Got tired of fighting with my turn signal so I decided to remove it and do a little tune up. Put a little electrial lube on the contacts and then greased the moving parts. This probably hasn't been done since the 50s! Works like a new car now...smooth as butter.
Also, when removing the signal housing I noticed the SWF and HLS 2/51 stamping. My bus has a February birth date but obviously not a '51. Does this actually mean a barndoor date or something else?
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| Lind wrote: |
| Have you considered simply starting with a nicer bus? I don't know what your skills are, but the race is easier if you can see the finish line. If you are not a runner, don't start off doing a marathon. |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 6:27 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| LAGrunthaner wrote: |
Dubskii did you figure out why your housing has the year 2/51 stamping on your 57 yet? I'm liking that the elect grease works well on the turn signal I'll need to do the same on my other non-German classic.
| Dubskii wrote: |
Got tired of fighting with my turn signal so I decided to remove it and do a little tune up. Put a little electrial lube on the contacts and then greased the moving parts. This probably hasn't been done since the 50s! Works like a new car now...smooth as butter.
Also, when removing the signal housing I noticed the SWF and HLS 2/51 stamping. My bus has a February birth date but obviously not a '51. Does this actually mean a barndoor date or something else?
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I have not. I was hoping someone with way more knowledge than I have would have responded by now. For now, I will just assume it is a 51 housing until told differently.
Yes, the grease worked way too good. So good that when I signal left sometimes it doesn't hold now. But definitely better then feeling like I will break it trying to force it to engage.
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69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 7:18 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Picked up a refurbished correct bus ignition from Gabe VW Keys for my 57. I have a lot of electrical work coming up...
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69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Finally finished the paint blending on the rear corners above the beltline.
Also, painted my bumper brackets. Just need the bumper...
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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KombiMadness
Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2011
Posts: 388
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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It's been a few years since I checked in on your thread......
Not only have you done an amazing job but you have stuck at it - so many build/restoration threads fall by the way side!
There is pretty much nothing you haven't tackled in the last 3 years and that deserves applause. Well done, you have resurrected a beautiful bus 
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My brother & I on the roof of Dad's Splitty circa 1967 - I'm the half pint with the skinny legs! |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:53 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| KombiMadness wrote: |
It's been a few years since I checked in on your thread......
Not only have you done an amazing job but you have stuck at it - so many build/restoration threads fall by the way side!
There is pretty much nothing you haven't tackled in the last 3 years and that deserves applause. Well done, you have resurrected a beautiful bus |
Thanks! I appreciate it! It has come a long way but still have several items left. There is definitely always something to poke at, scratch at, redo and learn.
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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oakman
Samba Member
Joined: February 05, 2014
Posts: 1715
Location: Edge of the Desert, Ca
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| Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:08 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Aren't you glad you got such an early bus when you did? Seems less and less show up for sale as the years go on, or they're rough as hell and priced crazy.
Keep up the good work!
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Brandon |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| oakman wrote: |
Aren't you glad you got such an early bus when you did? Seems less and less show up for sale as the years go on, or they're rough as hell and priced crazy.
Keep up the good work! |
Agreed!!! Very fortunate to have picked it up when I did and to have it be in relatively good shape. Thanks for the encouragement!
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 3:59 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Very excited. Received my Sewfine front and rear seat covers. They feel and look very sturdy/heavy duty and to me, the vinyl grain looks great as well. No piping or pleating just original look, baby! Soon the cream front seat covers that came with my bus will be replaced. A much better look to come. Will be completed next weekend.
Front Covers
Rear Covers
Grain Pattern
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69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2018 11:10 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Couldn't wait for the weekend. Took the afternoon off from work and got to upholstering. Stripped the front bench down. Noticed that quite a few of the seat tabs had already been broken off or broke in the process. So I fired up the torch and welded some rectangular tabs onto the frames.
Front Bench:
Reused the cotton batting for the backrest. Used speaker box carpet and a WW coconut pad for the seat bottom.
Rear bench:
Used a WW coconut pad on the backreat and reused cotton batting for the seat bottom.
I got to thinking that the tabs (OG and new) would possibly rip the vinyl once stretched and over time unless they were reinforced. So I bought some 3/16" round rod to use as reinforcement and slipped it in fabric loop. Pulled the vinyl loop with the rod over the tabs and used a hammer to split the vinyl to be able to pull it tight and lock it down.
Finsihed Front
Finished Rear
Nice and tight and very stock looking!
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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KombiMadness
Samba Member
Joined: December 09, 2011
Posts: 388
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 3:28 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Those reupholstered seats look great! Job well done.....
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My brother & I on the roof of Dad's Splitty circa 1967 - I'm the half pint with the skinny legs! |
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LAGrunthaner
Samba Member
Joined: March 18, 2007
Posts: 5509
Location: 1st Coast
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ryans65
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2016
Posts: 1263
Location: Yulee FL
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 4:16 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| This bus just keeps getting better and better, nice job on the seats! |
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BarryL 
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2004
Posts: 14266
Location: Casa de Oro, California
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 9:58 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Yes ^^^ came out nice and factory looking.
| Dubskii wrote: |
| I got to thinking that the tabs (OG and new) would possibly rip the vinyl once stretched and over time unless they were reinforced. So I bought some 3/16" round rod to use as reinforcement and slipped it in fabric loop. |
The string is usually used to pull a wire through then the wire can be twisted tight. Your way will probably keep it tighter though. |
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Skim
Rants Master
Joined: April 15, 2001
Posts: 17082
Location: GFK 31 Year Vet
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 7:24 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Seats turned out killer
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Samba since before the towers collapsed. Still here.
1953 Kabriolet
1954 Sunroof
1959 Lowlight Ghia vert
1960 Lt Grey Double Cab SMZ LEGIT
1963 Deluxe Turkis Walk Thru 15 Window OG Paint |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 10:38 pm Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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Thanks everyone. I thought it would be much more difficult then it actually was. I did break a sweat stretching the vinyl and had some sore fingertips. Overall, I am very pleased with the way they turned out.
I did notice one thing while driving it today. I am 6'3" and with the new coconut pad on the front seat bottom I am sitting about 2" higher then I was with the old padding. My eye level is now even with the upper windshield frame. Just going to have to perfect my gangsta hunch I guess!
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 7:04 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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My clutch cable snapped while cruising the other day. Luckily I was only a mile from home so I crawled 1st gear all the way back. The cable snapped about 1’ from the transmission clutch arm. I noticed the sag in the Bowden tube was about 2-2.5” with 4 washers as spacers. Looks like the OG tube. I picked up new Bowden tube from WW and is approx 1/4-1/2” longer which would cause an even greater sag. Is this large sag cause for concern or as long as you have greater then a 1” sag everything is fine?
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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BarryL
Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2004
Posts: 14266
Location: Casa de Oro, California
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 10:03 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| Dubskii wrote: |
| My clutch cable snapped while cruising the other day. Luckily I was only a mile from home so I crawled 1st gear all the way back. The cable snapped about 1’ from the transmission clutch arm. I noticed the sag in the Bowden tube was about 2-2.5” with 4 washers as spacers. Looks like the OG tube. I picked up new Bowden tube from WW and is approx 1/4-1/2” longer which would cause an even greater sag. Is this large sag cause for concern or as long as you have greater then a 1” sag everything is fine? |
Is it installed? You can't go by outside the bus. Sometimes you need only one or no washer also. |
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mandraks
Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2004
Posts: 7050
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 10:11 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| Dubskii wrote: |
| My clutch cable snapped while cruising the other day. Luckily I was only a mile from home so I crawled 1st gear all the way back. |
next time this happens. don't drive home in first. turn the engine off, put it in second gear, start it, and drive off in second. It will do that very easily and you get home much quicker.
Also: practice shifting without clutching, this works quite good once you get the hang of it. as in 20 miles will not be an issue.... ask me how i know
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'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel |
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Dubskii
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 385
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 10:34 am Post subject: Re: My 57 Dove Blue Kombi |
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| BarryL wrote: |
| Dubskii wrote: |
| My clutch cable snapped while cruising the other day. Luckily I was only a mile from home so I crawled 1st gear all the way back. The cable snapped about 1’ from the transmission clutch arm. I noticed the sag in the Bowden tube was about 2-2.5” with 4 washers as spacers. Looks like the OG tube. I picked up new Bowden tube from WW and is approx 1/4-1/2” longer which would cause an even greater sag. Is this large sag cause for concern or as long as you have greater then a 1” sag everything is fine? |
Is it installed? You can't go by outside the bus. Sometimes you need only one or no washer also. |
New Bowden Tube is installed (What a bitch!!!!) and the new clutch cable is routed through but not hooked up. It seems the replacement clutch cable for my bus is a little too small. I have the wing nut barely threaded on the cluch arm and there isn't enough slack to get the cable attached to the clutch pedal. I have tried to pull the clutch arm towards the front of the bus as much as I can while my son tries to connect the cluch cable to the pedal but we can't seem to do it. Not sure if this extra Bowden Tube length is the culprit. As you can see from the snapped cable pic, the wing nut was tightened about half way when it broke.
Comparison Pic:
Snapped Clutch Cable:
| mandraks wrote: |
| Dubskii wrote: |
| My clutch cable snapped while cruising the other day. Luckily I was only a mile from home so I crawled 1st gear all the way back. |
next time this happens. don't drive home in first. turn the engine off, put it in second gear, start it, and drive off in second. It will do that very easily and you get home much quicker.
Also: practice shifting without clutching, this works quite good once you get the hang of it. as in 20 miles will not be an issue.... ask me how i know |
I will have to practice this. Believe me I have read up on it since it happened. Issues always seem arise when I say to the passenger "Let's just cruise a few more miles."
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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