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pkrboo
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Joined: October 09, 2009
Posts: 512
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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 Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| HastaAlaska wrote: |
| OrangeZA wrote: |
If you are putting aluminium next to steel, watch out for galvanic corrosion with the condensation you get in a camper. |
Gee thanks for the awesome reply and posting that stuff, I'm sure others will appreciate you sharing too.
Sorry if I misunderstood but are you saying that VW did cut out both seat backs on some models?
To me that little triangle isn't a good substitute for the absence of a bulkhead and I will be reinforcing as much as possible.
Currently working with a guy to re-fabricate the driver seat back as close to VW spec as possible.
RE the corrosion - any suggestions on how to avoid that - or an alternative lightweight material for the internal framing?
Thanks so much |
yes VW did remove both sides in some conversions so they put the triangle piece in.
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vwwestyman
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OrangeZA
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Joined: January 04, 2016
Posts: 110
Location: Scottish Highlands
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| Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Yeah I think late model Type 22s (Microbuses) came without the metal panels behind the front seats (but did have the triangular reinforcement instead), Type 21s and 23s (panel vans and Kombis respectively) carried on with the seat back panels.
It's interesting to note that the T2 Safari prototype, shown in 1979 and discussed on page 6 of this thread, retained the seat panel behind the drivers seat.
As did the 4x4 prototypes. It would have been just as easy for VW to use Type 22 body shells to make all these prototypes, but they went with the Type 23 shell instead. I don't think it would be unfair to suggest they did this because the Kombi shell is stronger with the seat back panels, therefore I think you are doing the right thing trying to replicate it.
The 4x4 prototypes had even more strengthening. Photo from here https://www.motor-talk.de/bilder/der-t2-allrad-pro...73460.html 30 more still to see!
Didn't Co'Pito leave the factory in Brazil with additional reinforcements around the side loading doors when compared with German T1s?
Regarding the galvanic corrosion issue. A dielectric gasket of some sort between the steel and the aluminium alloy would help (Old Landrovers are notorious for their aluminium alloy panels rotting where they meet a steel frame). Porsche use this around their aluminium alloy brake calipers where they come in contact with steel fixings. https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/F..._XI_en.pdf |
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HastaAlaska
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Joined: November 22, 2012
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Location: Off Grid
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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I didn't realize, OK This is good news - if VW removed both sides then the Australia import inspectors shouldn't have much of a problem with it. And when we re-fabricate the drivers side back it should be an improvement they will accept.
I'm curious if on the buses with both sides cut out if there are any other reinforcements in the body / frame that are not visible. A tiny triangle is a poor substitute for a bulkhead, no?
In other new bought, a sand blaster, got a compressors, renting storage and going to blast the (light surface rust) on the undercarriage. Planning to do this with the bus jacked up on jack stands, do you think it is possible?
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TomWesty
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Joined: November 23, 2007
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Location: Wyoming,USA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:00 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| HastaAlaska wrote: |
I didn't realize, OK This is good news - if VW removed both sides then the Australia import inspectors shouldn't have much of a problem with it. And when we re-fabricate the drivers side back it should be an improvement they will accept.
I'm curious if on the buses with both sides cut out if there are any other reinforcements in the body / frame that are not visible. A tiny triangle is a poor substitute for a bulkhead, no?
In other new bought, a sand blaster, got a compressors, renting storage and going to blast the (light surface rust) on the undercarriage. Planning to do this with the bus jacked up on jack stands, do you think it is possible? |
It’s possible. Going to be a pain, but you’ve been through worse. A creeper and good Personal Protection Equipment highly recommended.
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vwwestyman
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Joined: April 24, 2004
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Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:00 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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I would say that VW decided the full bulkheads were not necessary and that the triangles were sufficient.
Being able to turn the one seat around is awesome in terms of opening up the space in the Bus. If you could turn both around, that would be even greater to be able to make the bus feel roomy.
If you plan to put cabinets behind the driver seat, then adding the bulkhead won't hurt anything by any means, and the bulkhead will be helpful in mounting said cabinets. But if your planned interior layout includes leaving things pretty wide open then I would add the triangles and enjoy the option of having two swivel seats!
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HastaAlaska
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Joined: November 22, 2012
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Location: Off Grid
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| vwwestyman wrote: |
I would say that VW decided the full bulkheads were not necessary and that the triangles were sufficient.
Being able to turn the one seat around is awesome in terms of opening up the space in the Bus. If you could turn both around, that would be even greater to be able to make the bus feel roomy.
If you plan to put cabinets behind the driver seat, then adding the bulkhead won't hurt anything by any means, and the bulkhead will be helpful in mounting said cabinets. But if your planned interior layout includes leaving things pretty wide open then I would add the triangles and enjoy the option of having two swivel seats! |
We need the storage on this type of expedition - as nice as it would be to have the space for them to both swivel. Perhaps a removable storage options could work - with clamps so you could remove a cabinet out under the awning when making longer-term camps?
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OrangeZA
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Joined: January 04, 2016
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Location: Scottish Highlands
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| Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| HastaAlaska wrote: |
| Perhaps a removable storage options could work - with clamps so you could remove a cabinet out under the awning when making longer-term camps? |
Do you see the two bright coloured lines on the wall panel under the table in the T2 Safari prototype above? That is C-section cargo rail, similar to this stuff -> https://unwinsafety.com/shop/rail-products/rail-products.html, and is used for securing expedition equipment. I imagine though, if you are going to be removing the kitchen unit to cook outdoors you will probably be eating and sitting outdoors too?
I'm pretty certain they didn't add anymore strengthening when they replaced the seat back panels/partition with the triangular reinforcement. Unfortunately a complete parts catalogue isn't available online for the later German built T2s, only a catalogue for early models up to 1971 is available at jerseylooker or at the Volkswagen Classic Parts website.
The M690 swivel seat option was only available on the T2 after 1976 and it appears the Type 22 (T2 Microbus models) lost the partitions behind the front seats when the 1977 model year was launched, well the walkthrough models anyway. We can compare illustrations between the early and late parts catalogues to see if any further metal work was offered in the later catalogue.
Early catalogue, from jerseylooker.
The later catalogue.
The only additional metal work I can see related to the seat partitions are items 5A and 22A. That doesn't mean to say that the other parts showing in the illustrations weren't modified on post '77 Type 22s or M690 equipped Type 21s and 23s, unfortunately I cannot compare part numbers to check.
I don't envy you sandblasting the underside. I think I would be looking at someway of flipping it onto it's side, but then given the lack of metal work in your roof and around the bottom of the B-pillars I would then be worried about buckling the structure! If it were me I'd fix the structure first then flip it on its side. Do you have any contacts in Arizona that could lend you a rotisserie or car tilter?
I have one of these, the tilter, sadly not the Porsche 356. The tilter is made my Liqui Technik in Paderborn Germany.
Some creative folks on here have fabricated rotisseries themselves: https://www.thesamba.com/vw//forum/viewtopic.php?t=175412
Link
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HastaAlaska
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Joined: November 22, 2012
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Location: Off Grid
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| Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2018 9:57 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Had some welding done on the Kombi - Putting a little more regididy back into the frame for the rough roads ahead.
Thanks to Neil in Scotland (OrangeZA) for the inspiration of something I'd have otherwise overlooked.
Notice that a Vanagon swivel has been added to the passenger side. 2 questions.
1) Do you think that is sufficient welding to satisfy an Australian import inspector
2) I need to put a Vanagon seat track on the driver side of this 73 bus. Can it be done, has it been done? Any advice?
thanks guys
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Xevin 
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HastaAlaska
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airschooled
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 1:54 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Don't wear that shirt when you try to import that car Ben! 
Robbie
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HastaAlaska
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| asiab3 wrote: |
Don't wear that shirt when you try to import that car Ben!
Robbie |
That's why it's my work shirt now. 
Hey guys, I'm in need of some new wheel bearings for this 73. Up until this point I've always had to take whatever was available. Now that I am in the land of internet delivery I'd like to avoid getting crap that will leave me stranded in Pakistan.
Could anyone recommend a wheel bearing source that is proven quality?
Thanks
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Xevin
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Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 7632
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:44 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Here you go
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc...=titleonly
Come on man, you’ve put more miles on that bus in 5 years then I will in a life time. It’s “Sarcasm” Ben. Yet helpful links.
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| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
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| Damn that Xevin... |
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I respect Xevin and he's a turd  |
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My God! Xevin and I 100% agree  |
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Manfred58sc
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:48 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Used OG is your best bet. I have had failures with all aftermarket replacements. Serious weak point.
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HastaAlaska
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:54 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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yeah I know I'm a little lazy today - I got up at 7 am cycled 2 storage, pulled my bus out raised it 2ft from the ground and spent all day scrubbing, washing, scraping and painting the undercarriage. Finally pushing it back into to storage at 6pm, cycling home, responding to 200 comments across 9 platforms, I need to order some new bearings but I literally have about 1 hour a day of internet time to research and purchase equipment for the build and manage all of the social media rubbish too. can barely keep my eyes open this build is hectic right now, fighting visa time. have to be out of US in May.
If anyone can recommend a brand to purchase or avoid it would help. Hopefully I will have time to look through all those threads tomorrow for the bearings that I needed yesterday but found out about today night night
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HastaAlaska
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| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:58 pm Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| Manfred58sc wrote: |
| Used OG is your best bet. I have had failures with all aftermarket replacements. Serious weak point. |
I've had some poor performance out of aftermarket bearings too.
is this something that we bus owners just have to live with now? What sort of millage could be expected out of an aftermarket wheel bearing? Assuming all regular maintenance is carried out?
We need matey-boy who drives all over the US in his bus to chime in here. OK definitely time for bed
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Around The World in a VW - Follow the Docuseries
2011 - PRESENT
Hasta Alaska Series - https://kombilife.com/hasta-alaska/
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wcfvw69
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Joined: June 10, 2004
Posts: 13389
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 5:05 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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| HastaAlaska wrote: |
| Manfred58sc wrote: |
| Used OG is your best bet. I have had failures with all aftermarket replacements. Serious weak point. |
I've had some poor performance out of aftermarket bearings too.
is this something that we bus owners just have to live with now? What sort of millage could be expected out of an aftermarket wheel bearing? Assuming all regular maintenance is carried out?
We need matey-boy who drives all over the US in his bus to chime in here. OK definitely time for bed |
Avoid bearings made in China. Places like Autozone and other national parts chains usually sell these "economy" priced China bearings.
OE quality bearings are readily for sale. Timken, SKF, FAG and other name brands. All these companies have plants world wide. What I've seen is the bearings made in the USA, Korea, Japan, Canada, Mexico and Europe are known to be the best. Yes, quality bearings are made in China but the vast majority of them are "economy" level grade.
When shopping for bearings, I look for these known brands and then where they were made. Usually the best bearings are the pricest. I'll personally pay double for the best quality bearing vs. the cheap China version.
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OrangeZA
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Location: Scottish Highlands
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 5:23 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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Hi Ben, it’s great to see some structure going back into your new Kombi
How did you make this strengthening triangle? Is it simply a thick piece of metal welded between the B-pillar and the wheel housing? I’ve never seen an original, but I imagine it is made of sheet metal similar to the rest of the body, folded at the hypotenuse of the triangle to make a double skin. This fold would make it strong and resistant to kinking when a compressive load is applied to it. The fold would also make for a less sharp projection into the cabin area. I’m just thinking about people rolling around inside the vehicle and coming into contact with it.
With regard to wheel bearings, I’ve always had good service from FAG and SKF branded bearings. If I recall correctly, the original factory fitted bearings in my parent’s T2 were made by FAG. As far as I can tell SKF (a Swedish company that started the Volvo company) made the wheel bearings that were factory fitted to VW’s Brazilian T2s. |
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vwwestyman
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 5:58 am Post subject: Re: Overlanding a VW Bus Around The World?! |
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The original triangle isn't double-skinned, but does have a rolled edge at the top so it isn't as "sharp" as that one appears to be.
That triangle also appears larger than the stock one, though I don't think that is any problem other than potentially being in the way when the seat is turned around.
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