Restoration: 1960 Single Cab

[cdennisg]

[Eric&Barb]

You will need the tube thru the fan shroud and the front tin. Can use the early one you had in there without the spring and its collar, or use the later design. Supposed to be a rubber grommet in the front tin to grip the throttle tube from getting cut on the front tin edge, and grip the tube to keep it from sliding backward to jamb the carb linkage. Can use a fender washer and small hose clamp instead of the grommet on the tube in front of the fan shroud to keep the tube from sliding rearward.
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[davidmelton]

We took the advice of cdennisg and loctited the butterfly valve screws.

Also replaced the funky looking plastic tube with the pop-rivet with the appropriate plug. Funny, it was on the original carb that came with the SC.

While working on the butteryfly valve, I took the carburetor off, but kept the fuel hose connected. Essentially, the carb went on its side. Put it back together and on the test drive, the motor kept coming to a sputtering halt. It was like we were out of gas.

We pulled the carb back off and there was some junk in the bottom of the bowl. We think turning it sideways clogged one of the jets. We took everything apart and cleaned the carb and jets. Replaced the fuel filter which also had some junk inside. Put everything back together and it runs great. We have all new fuel lines and what I thought was a new tank. I may need to pull the tank out and make sure it is clean.

Adjusted the back drum brakes.

We are going to take Eric&Barb’s advice and install the accelerator cable tube through the shroud. However, this may be easier to do with the engine out of the SC. We will put it on the “to do” list.

[davidmelton]

I was enjoying a Sunday morning drive until I wasn’t. Henry had been running great. Cool wind (no CA Forrest fire smoke) running through my hair (or what is left). About a mile from my home, the SC stalled and would not restart. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we pushed it into a nearby by park parking lot.

Everything seemed okay in the engine compartment. I took off the air cleaner, but all else looked fine. About 15 minutes later, it started right up and I was able to make it home. I pulled the carburetor back off and was convinced there was more junk inside. The inside appeared clean, but this time I removed every possible needle, jet, and bolt and cleaned everything thoroughly.

Next, I decided to pull and inspect the on/off/reserve valve and fuel tank. Both had some sediment and other junk inside. If this is making it past the in-line fuel filer, it can’t be good.

The valve:

Fill tube:

It looks like something is peeling from the filler neck and inside the tank.

There is also one last 2-foot section of metal gas line that I had not replaced that may also be rusty inside. I will replace it.

This not running so good and having to trailer, rope tow, or push the VW is starting to kill my awesome vibe when driving the Single Cab. I need to get it running better. I’m hoping I can clean up the tank rather than spend $180 to replace it. On the other hand, I am contemplating the purchase a rebuilt German carb. However, I realize it is not EMPI’s fault if I’m running sediment it, but it has had other issues such as the choke butterfly valve sticking along the edges. Anyone disagree with this approach?

[Eric&Barb]

Clean the tank. Get a German carb. All too often original parts from Germany are much better quality, and so better to clean up, rebuild, and repair such.
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[EverettB]

Agree with the above.

It's possible your fuel pump might have crap in it now too and I don't know if that one can be cleaned out at all.
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[cdennisg]

^^^ What they said. Aftermarket parts are generally crap.
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[djkkmelton]

Wonder if someone had previously sloshed the tank and it is now flaking off?

[cdennisg]

[Z]

[davidmelton]

After cleaning the old gas tank I was worried more of the inside coating would eventually flake. I decided to replace the tank.

I also replaced the reserve valve with a simple tap. I will try to clean-up and rebuild the old reserve valve and eventually use it.

I replaced the rest of the fuel lines and moved the fuel filter up higher (but still out of the engine compartment).

I replaced the fuel pump.

I replaced the EMPI carb with a German Solex rebuilt by VolkzBitz.

I ran out of time on Sunday night and will try to start the SC next weekend.

[Z]

I should have said that my carb came from Volksbitz...you’ll be happy.

[norcalmike]

The Volkzbitz carb i put on my Crewcab was a game changer. It ran amazing right out of the box

[davidmelton]

Thanks Z and norcalmike! The Volkzbitz carb looks great and just feels better than the EMPI carb. And Tim at Volkzbitz was great to work with.

[davidmelton]

After installing a new gas tank, new fuel lines, new fuel filter, new fuel pump, and sweet rebuilt carb from VolkzBitz the SC would not start. Fuel was coming out of the fuel pump. No fuel in the carb bowl. The needle valve was sticking shut. We replaced it and it fired up. It is running good so far!

And hopefully no more of worrying about this! :0

[tasb]

I'm still having issues with my 1961 SC, here's the contortions I've gone through:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=687468&highlight=single+cab

seems to be a gravity feed issue of some sort.
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Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

[davidmelton]

The Single Cab has been running great since the gas tank replacement (and every other part that deals with gas).

We added another plate under the passenger side lower door hinge. This raises up the door and makes it easier to shut.

Drove the VW to work. Someone asked me if I cut apart a bus to make a truck. :0

Using the VW to deliver donations.

Cars & Coffee at the Palladio in Folsom, CA.

It may be time to start looking for the next project!

[62DoKaGuy]

[mandraks]

[oakman]

Truck looks great!!!
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Brandon