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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 1:13 pm Post subject: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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This is my build. The photos are from years ago, however, the project has taken off since then. This is where I started. I will upload some more project photos as this thread builds. I want to say my car is late August 1955. Pan and body match, serial numbers. Original 3-fold ragtop, not grafted in. All original hood, decklid, fenders, etc. It was in bad condition when I purchased it. Let me know your thoughts and ideas. It will be a custom chassis and stock body and interior. Those of you in Las Vegas will know George from the VW scene. He is doing the restoration. If you do not know him, let me know and I will get you his contact info. Thanks for looking!
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motofly196 Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1467 Location: Eastern WA
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:39 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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If your car is a late Aug 55', it won't be an original 3 fold. Maybe it's a July car? 4 Aug 55 is when 2 fold cars started at chassis 1-0929 746. |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Then July. I took the measurements and have the 3-fold assembly. It is working and operational considering the age... Thank you for the clarification. |
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motofly196 Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1467 Location: Eastern WA
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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When you get the VIN info, let us know. I like seeing late 55 cars, such a cool period with lots of strange assortment of parts. Plus, it gets a lot of people here worked up about what's right and what isnt!!
Can you visit the shop and get pictures of the restoration? Site is pretty slow with the holidays, but I know I won't be the only one interested in your progress! Cool car!! |
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Keith Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2005 Posts: 3634 Location: Brodheadsville, PA
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 8:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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motofly196 wrote: |
If your car is a late Aug 55', it won't be an original 3 fold. Maybe it's a July car? 4 Aug 55 is when 2 fold cars started at chassis 1-0929 746. |
There were a LOT more changes than just the ragtop in Aug’55, that was the start of the ‘56 model year.
‘55 model/ production year went from Jan ‘55 to Last day of July ‘55, it was a short year. Prior to that model years went Jan to Dec of the production year, after that the model year and production years split and went Aug previous year to July current model year.
‘55’s are an oddity, there were a few changes within the 7 month production and it was the first year of bullet turn signals and towel rail bumpers for American spec cars as well as a few other changes for American spec cars.
I believe the first month for bullets was April. I have an American spec ‘55 that I need to pull out of storage and reassemble and get driving. _________________ Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"
"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty
"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:41 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Here are a few more photos. Thank you, everyone, for the information so far. I will clarify the number. My money is still on late July, 3-fold.
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 10:26 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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A few more photos. Also, the chassis number according to my certificate of title is 1 0923 104. Looks like I made the cut! I am going to order a birth certificate as well, then post it. I want to start out correctly and make sure that my car was, in fact, a true 1955; which it appears it is. First registration date 04/1955. Thanks, everyone!
The chassis was powder coated gloss black. This was a few years ago, however, I am going to get it redone since I changed the chassis drastically.
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Russ Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2003 Posts: 1560 Location: Langley B.C.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 10:56 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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love me a 55 early or late
looks like a great project, keep the updates coming _________________ Cruiser pedals for sale (see my ad's)
55 hardtop finally finished
65 beetle done:) |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 10:58 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Russ,
Thank you for the support. I will have a few more photos shortly. |
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motofly196 Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1467 Location: Eastern WA
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 11:34 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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That pan looks really nice! I know that gloss black isn't technically correct, but I bet it makes it easier to clean and....it sure looks great. What changes have you made to the pan recently? What color are you painting the body? Great project! |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 11:49 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Not sure what to repaint or coat the pan with just yet. Over the years I have made changes to the chassis that required welding, etc. So, it will be coated again. Not sure on color either. I have all the parts for my chassis. Just needs to be put together. More photos to come... |
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Russ Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2003 Posts: 1560 Location: Langley B.C.
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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i run a powder coating shop and i did my 55 pan in a champagne colour and my 65 in a black cherry
everyone does black, and you rarely see it so i always do something different
i'm sure whatever you decide for the pan will look great
_________________ Cruiser pedals for sale (see my ad's)
55 hardtop finally finished
65 beetle done:) |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 12:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Nice!
I am selling my rim and tire package that I purchased for this car. Head over to the classified section to see a sneak peek of the chassis and the rims and tires for sale.
I also included it here, just the picture.
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motofly196 Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1467 Location: Eastern WA
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 4:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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So you installed Mendeola suspension....wheels and air compressor are for sale now. What are your suspension plans? |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Still air ride. Just not another companies components. Better system using Mendeola. I also purchased Accu Air's new air tank; CVT. |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:15 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 1:16 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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A few photos of what our previous ideas were for the car.... |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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This was recently delivered...
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 3:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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3 Fold VW Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2008 Posts: 140
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2020 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Build 3-Fold |
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Sorry, it has been a long time! I have made some drastic changes and upgrades!
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