66 Beetle Restoration

[kombo]

How we did the rear apron removal is 2 fender bolts on each side (4 total) with 2 small bolts (1 on each side) under the deck lid. This holds everything in place and keeps the lines tight and no rattling/rubbing. To remove the apron remove the bolts and we built 2 removable turnbuckles in the fenders to push the fenders out a little bit so it gives room between the fenders and apron to pull it out. So it takes about 5 minutes to remove the apron. I dont have pictures of it right now but never time I get to the shop I will take some detailed pics.[/quote

Thank you for replying, Im about to fit a new apron and would like to do the same, I would really appreciate if you could post a few photos up when you have a moment as I understand the four fender bolts location but the two smaller bolts and turnbuckles is a little confusing, Im sure once I see it that it will all fall into place, thank you once again.
Regards John.

[2-lo]

[iowa vw]

[iowa vw]

So I got paint samples done, they are not polished but the finished car will have a deep polish done. I am going with Sea Blue on the body and Ruby Red on the wheels. I have some old original hubcaps that have some damage and the chrome is bad so we are going to strip them and paint them ivory to see how that looks.

Top = VW Blue L633
Middle = Ruby Red L456
Bottom Sea Blue L360

[iowa vw]

[iowa vw]

So this past week I was able to get to work on the 66 Beetle again, mostly worked on the rear suspension and mechanical. I got a Rancho Pro Street with a 3.88 R&P. When taking that out I thought it would be good to install the Fast-Fab lower trans mid-mount and truss bar system. I lowered it about 9 years ago so double checked the rear torsion bars to make sure they matched each other, when with +2 inner and -1 outer for a total of 2.579" drop. I used a digital angle finder from HB to double check it. Everything was new then but since it is all apart I made sure it was all still looking good.

The old split boots really leaked so I put on WW solid boots like the video shows. Worked great with assembly lube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQAV1MXBZFU

When we had the body off we measured everything and the drivers side sits slightly lower than the passenger. I measured the suspension and there is only a 0.30 degree variance between D & P sides. So there is a slight twist in the chassis and the frame guys are looking at it next week.

After getting the body back on the chassis I took some wire and made templates of the bottom side of the luggage tray so we could mock up some brackets for the oil cooler, filter, bypass, and battery tray with the body off. These brackets will be welded to the torsion bar tubs making then super solid and easy to access from either the top or the bottom.

The only thing that needs to be changed around is on the truss bar. You can see in the pictures it is really close to the swing axle so I need to flip the heim joints to the top side of the brackets for more clearance. I am thinking I might need a different rear trans support though to be able to move the heim joint bracket around a bit for room to the trans also. Are there any aftermarket quality bell hosing brackets available?

Luggage tray cutout from the bottom side with welded supports.

See how close the truss bar is to the swing axle.

Probably close to final ride height with when tires are on and all of the weight of motor and stuff is in.

As soon as it is back from the frame guys we will fab the brackets and then final body work and paint. Should have it painted in a couple months. In the mean time I am collecting parts and building the engine. This coming week I am going to be restoring the speedometer and will post a short tutorial on that.

[iowa vw]

Its been a while since I've updated this so thought a refresh would be good.

The body and panels are all in primer now and getting wet sanded this week should be spraying paint by the middle of next week. I have completed the build of the 2180 engine going into it and will be doing bench testing and break in in April then install into the painted car.

Since the engine is done I am starting to put together all of the electrical components and build the custom wiring harness. I am putting a modern fuse block and relays in which will be under the rear seat. I am building the wiring harness myself which is kind of a big thing to just start, once its planned out i think it will be easy. If anyone has any pointers on full custom harnesses please let me know.

Decided that I wanted to make sure there was enough air to the engine compartment so added some holes behind the license plate.

All of the body work is getting completed by a custom restoration shop. Anyone want to guess the cost of doing all of the body work? Fixing small rusted areas like doors, hood, decklid fenders, some straightening, no chassis/floor pan work, no major metal replacement, some custom work like the vent holes and luggage tray access panel and removeable apron, stripped interior so all interior metal is finished, base/clear paint, bedliner in fenders and under body, will be show quality.

[9pin]

[iowegian]

[9pin]

[iowa vw]

[iowa vw]

Everything got painted this week and will start the buffing process and final assembly next week. I can't wait to see it all coming together on the chassis. Also next week I am doing the final build on the engine, testing/break in, and then install. I hope in the next couple months I can finally take it home to install electrical, misc. hardware, and interior stuffs.

[kpf]

[Benfish]

Perfection right there, very nice. 👍
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1966 Sea Blue Sedan

[iowa vw]

I spent the week doing the final engine build and did bench run and carb setting. We had some hiccups but were able to work through them and get everything running. Then we installed the engine and set the body on. I was able to get all panels mounted, doors had to wait. My focus was getting all of the mechanical pieces installed and completed.

I think it looks pretty bad ass without the apron on but I did install it later.

The fuel filter/regulator and pump fit nicely under the tank.

Putting everything in with the access hole in the luggage tray was so easy! I am really glad I made this mod.

[vwuberalles]

Looks great, nice job!!
_________________
1973 Superbeetle: 1st car, owned since age 12. Update thread --> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9919140#9919140
1967 Kombi: Owned since age 17, Dad's retirement project.
1966 Beetle: My new project. (SOLD) Build thread--> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=678040

[critt50]

[Bryan67]

[iowa vw]

[Wickedm3n]