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56' NZ Oval
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:51 pm    Post subject: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

A few weeks back I bought a 56’ NZ Oval. As per normal in NZ the Oval was a CKD ([complete knock down) which means it was shipped to NZ in parts and assemble here in NZ. Some parts like the interior were sourced locally so are little different from the German versions.

After a good clean up today I can confirm what was I was told and it is in great original condition with a what I believe is 61’000 miles from new! I have used NZ transport authority’s records to trace it back through its history and have heard from previous owners that it has had a sheltered life. Unfortunately no paperwork came with the car so if anyone in NZ knows the history of this Oval please let me know.
It has been resprayed back in the 80’s and now has its fair share of stone chips etc but still looks ok for her age.

My plans are to stem the tide of decline (rust under battery!) Give it full clean and polish plus remove those hideous turn signals and get the semaphores working. I would like to add some smaller more discreet turn signals (ideas please) to make driving safer. Any changes I make I want to make sure that they can be easily undone.

I am hoping to keep her as a fun dry weather driver.

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joey1320
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 6:50 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

A beauty Wink
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Karly
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 4:07 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Cool! Looks in good condition!

You could make the tail lights flash as rear indicators and get some better looking smaller bullets for the front (often see motorcycle ones used so chrome looking and more discreet). Is it still 6v? I also have a switch on mine so I can turn the semaphores off and on... I don't use them when I'm driving around town (generally in peak hour traffic) as they don't like being left on for awhile.
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 7:33 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Thanks for info.

Yes it is still 6volt. I have seen some LED stuff that allows the semaphores to flash? I have also seen some LED parts for the rear lights. I am happy to up date these as i can always put them back to original one day but will make daily driving much safer.

Has anyone tried the LED rear lights or used them as indicators?
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otahuhu
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2017 2:51 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Hi joe, noticed your car for sale the other day. I started a thread a little while ago about my 55 NZ ckd oval, it's cool to see a few similarities with trim etc. if you get a chance can you take a pic of the mcodes printed on the floor pan. There is a bit on here re; the leds, I read from someone that they were having trouble with the leds while running headlights etc.
Congrats on the nice car look forward to seeing more...
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maskinmester
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2017 12:02 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Nice car!
Re. the flashers - I am in progress of rebuilding my 54 - I plan to install someone slightly smaller. My plan is to mount them on a small piece of flat bar and with a wing nut on one of the outer bolt on the bumper. Then they can be placed above the bumper during daily driving - hidden inside/behind the bumper for show and maybe below the bumper when driving among other classics. This is at least my idea - I will know in two month time from now Smile

By the use of some diodes and maybe a condenser it should be possible to have the semaphores flashing while remaining out - without using modern led technology Smile Don´t have any diagram available, but trust someone around this forum must have - else I will draw up one once I got it made my self.

/René
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2017 9:37 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

otahuhu wrote:
Hi joe, noticed your car for sale the other day. I started a thread a little while ago about my 55 NZ ckd oval, it's cool to see a few similarities with trim etc. if you get a chance can you take a pic of the mcodes printed on the floor pan. There is a bit on here re; the leds, I read from someone that they were having trouble with the leds while running headlights etc.
Congrats on the nice car look forward to seeing more...


Next time the carpet are out I will look for them. Where about are they located?

With lights and indicators I am just trying to make it a safer to drive without losing the look of the old lights. Looks like I will have to start my research....
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otahuhu
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2017 11:03 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Joe, in your 5th image bottom centre you can just make out the Mcodes, painted in white on the pan they are just below the passenger seat under the rubber mat. Are you coming to the show in Wellington?
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 12:50 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

otahuhu wrote:
Joe, in your 5th image bottom centre you can just make out the Mcodes, painted in white on the pan they are just below the passenger seat under the rubber mat. Are you coming to the show in Wellington?


Will photo next time. Is there a resource to check 'm' codes and plus other ID numbers?

Not going to make show in Wellington, to far for a weekend.
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uk 6t6
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 5:55 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

nice looking motor you've got there

I've got a set of the LED lights in the back of my 61 from Chip B off here -

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=892796

and they're great, a real nice made bit of kit that once installed sure cleans up the back of the car, great guy to deal with and I've recently ordered another set for my 54 project too.

for the front there's several options, hiding some aftermarket lights (motorbike / buggy) behind the small grills is a common trick clean things up or if you fancy something a little more clean you can get something like this and mount it inside the headlight assembly if you don't mind a bit of diy (think these are available pre-installed in some versions of the US spec sealed beam units)

https://www.vwheritage.com/111941173a-bulb-holder-side-light-indicator-us-spec-sloping-headlight

the semaphores might just be disconnected or they might need a little tlc, worst comes to the worst and you can get replacement units 12v or 6v

heritage sell them here in the UK but you might be able to source them more locally...

https://www.vwheritage.com/113953021f-semaphore-6-volt-each

either way i'd treat them to some flashing LED bulbs, you can get them 6v to so a nice simple fit...

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/flashing-indicator-bulbs-shop.phphttps://www.vwheritage.com/111941173a-bulb-holder-side-light-indicator-us-spec-sloping-headlight
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 4:53 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

uk 6t6 wrote:
nice looking motor you've got there

I've got a set of the LED lights in the back of my 61 from Chip B off here -

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=892796

and they're great, a real nice made bit of kit that once installed sure cleans up the back of the car, great guy to deal with and I've recently ordered another set for my 54 project too.

for the front there's several options, hiding some aftermarket lights (motorbike / buggy) behind the small grills is a common trick clean things up or if you fancy something a little more clean you can get something like this and mount it inside the headlight assembly if you don't mind a bit of diy (think these are available pre-installed in some versions of the US spec sealed beam units)

https://www.vwheritage.com/111941173a-bulb-holder-side-light-indicator-us-spec-sloping-headlight

the semaphores might just be disconnected or they might need a little tlc, worst comes to the worst and you can get replacement units 12v or 6v

heritage sell them here in the UK but you might be able to source them more locally...

https://www.vwheritage.com/113953021f-semaphore-6-volt-each

either way i'd treat them to some flashing LED bulbs, you can get them 6v to so a nice simple fit...

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/flashing-indicator-bulbs-shop.phphttps://www.vwheritage.com/111941173a-bulb-holder-side-light-indicator-us-spec-sloping-headlight



Thanks so much. I spent a few hours yesterday reading on the forum and could not find most of that info. Would be good to put in the FAQ area under lights?

Will go with the rear LED with turn signals, flashing semaphores and the bulb in the front headlight. This will mean a nice clean install and can be removed at any stage and put back original.
What it will do is make daily driving much more relaxing...
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 9:17 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

It has been a while and i have not used the bug much but it is being dried stored!

To keep to my original plan of making the bug a reliable driver i decided to replace the king and link pins. As I know this is not such an easy DIY job i have arranged to send the parts off to a local VW specialist.

As with all jobs on a 60yr old vehicle it has got more involved! It seemed pointless to not give the front end a clean up and replace as any worn or perishable parts. I plan on only using German parts where I can or the best quality parts that are available as I hope they will last.

It has taken some work to get it all decreased, I think people have just pumped grease in for 60yrs and never cleaned any excess off! On the positive side I have found no major rust, just surface rust which I plan to clear coat to help stop any further deterioration.

The questions I have;

The steering box is good but the seals leak. I am thinking of using steering grease instead of oil. Thoughts? It will only be driven a few thousand miles a year.

One of track rods looks bent? Photo shows it. Is it bent?
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I hope in the next few weeks to start putting it back together. Then turn it around and start on the back end!
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66brm
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 2:18 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

No, it's not bent, it's meant to have that curve in it, the curve goes on the steering box end in the pitman arm. The seals for the box can be bought new, I got a set from last triumph on here, I normally use a mixture of gear oil and grease in boxes after a good clean
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 6:53 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Thanks. One less part to try and find!

I noticed my track rod ends have grease nipples but the only ones I can buy new here do not? I also noticed that the shorter track rod in the photo does not have any clamps on it, to adjust you just turn the rod?

Thanks in advance.
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66brm
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 7:56 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

If the tie rod ends are in good condition then keep it, it's the original, it's non adjustable, new ones with grease nipples are pretty much non existent.
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billb
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 8:47 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

What a beautiful car to start with. I'm looking forward to see the progress you make on it.
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 1:37 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

It will be slow progress...

I have owned many aircooled vw's so wanted to start with a good original vehicle and make it a reliable driver. Any mods I do will only be bolt on so it can always go back to stock.
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 1:50 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

Joe75 wrote:
It will be slow progress...

I have owned many aircooled vw's so wanted to start with a good original vehicle and make it a reliable driver. Any mods I do will only be bolt on so it can always go back to stock.


I'm all for taking your time to do it right. I spent the better part of 7 years having mine put back together.
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Joe75
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:51 pm    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

I got some time to paint everything at the weekend. All starting to look good. I would have left original patina but the only way to remove years of grease and under seal was to wire brush. At least it will last for another 50 plus years.

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The only problem I have had is removing the track rod ends from the short track rod. The track rod is twisting/bending as I try to remove them!
Does anyone know which is a left hand thread? Any tips for removing? It seems strange there are no clams and no thread showing? Is this normal?

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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 6:10 am    Post subject: Re: 56' NZ Oval Reply with quote

They are not removable
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