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valvecovergasket
Samba Member
Joined: October 10, 2018
Posts: 1492
Location: pnw
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 Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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looking forward to the engine swap, great work!
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MegaSquirt resource - SpitfireEFI.com
gone, but not forgotten: '83 tdi westy - swap thread |
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chrissev2
Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2012
Posts: 246
Location: Toronto
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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The 3spd auto in that vanagon is probably the only piece of mechanics worth saving.
They are very easy to get parts for, and scrap yards are also full of them if you know where to look.
The same auto was used on the rabbit with a different final drive unit, and also a number of Audis had them, again with a different final drive. There are some internal differences but it's basically the same unit.
Also it is very easy to get yourself into lower rpms. You just swap out the ring and pinion for a lower final drive.
I swapped out the 4.09 ring and pinion set for a 3.27 set, which has the effect of raising the top speed and lowering the rpms in all gears.
Totally agree with your decision as to scrapping the engine. I did the same thing with my 2.1 litre wasserboxer. Had a look at it and determined it needed a lot of parts. Searched online and all I find is "NLA" (no longer available). Turns out the parts can be sourced, but they are "rebuilt" and they are expensive.
Most of the rebuilding seems to happen in non OEM shops and sometimes in people's basements, with no real quality standards or benchmarks. Just take it apart, clean it up and sell it for a lot of $$$$$ as a "rebuilt" unit.
Even the used parts were pricey.
That little 3spd auto is a piece of gold though. They are very good little transmissions. There is a reason why Vanagon owners like them. They are better than the 4spd manuals.
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1986 westfalia auto 1.9TD
2023 VW Atlas 3.6 VR6 Highline
2019 Golf Wagon 4 motion
1978 Volkswagen super beetle convertible
1992 Eurovan 2.5 5spd westfalia |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| jlrftype7 wrote: |
Your WIFE's Westy is really coming along.  |
fixed it for you 
but, i have to admit...it is getting under my skin a bit. don't tell anyone...i kinda dig it.
fine...I'll add the rack bushings to the to-do list. I was hoping to do the rear control arms, but my donor isn't worthy of giving them up. My plan is to have a rack full of parts all ready to roll and install without too much down time
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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Been a while...
Haven't gotten too much done as I've been pretty busy but decided to hammer away at it because I kind of had to...
A client has shipped me their bus and as luck would have it my trans was done so I was able to get the bus picked up as well as my trans. member WM971252 runs a legit transport business so I use him whenever possible.
i was able to yank my trans, get it to him, he got my core back to Matt Steedle and picked up my new one and the clients bus.
If anyone knows how to build an automatic it's Matt
few vids of him and his honda powered vanagon automatic
Link
Link
if anyone can build one to take abuse, it's this guy
so while the transmission was out I decided it was time to pull the engine
see ya later
in all honesty the engine DID run well after the fuel system was gone thru and a fresh set of plugs were put in. i just have zero interest in it. i have been deep enough in a few to make it a no brainer to move on.
anyway, i have to clean and paint the engine bay (well, i don't *have* to but i'm going to) and initially i was going to let the rear apron damage fly... but i thought about it and said screw it...may as well fix that too
it's a bit of a mess
I have a donor van which is an epic pile of shit and the apron on that was messed up on the other side.
after thinking about a plan of attack i trimmed some donor metal to repair the mess
in a perfect world i would replace the whole panel but i'll work with this. it's all sand blasted and i'll epoxy it tomorrow. it's cut funny because the donor (also an 84) had the notch in the center. not sure if that was a mid year or early/late thing but i just wasn't going to scab in another piece to get rid of it.
so close, but so far away....
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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well, got the valance all set:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9546796#9546796
then moved on to a couple more things.
when i was just doing a 100mph 'make it run' marathon the titties that held the water pipe were rusty, paper thin and essentially useless so i set oy to fix that
made a new panel and got it 90% there
the factory sound deadener was a crumbly dusty nasty mess so that got tossed out in favor for some boom mat. i went with the silver just because it should be easier to wipe down. it's just shoved in there so i could map out the holes.
of course the retainer bars that hold the sound deadener in were like beef jerky all rusty and crumbly. out comes some stainless rod
add a few strips of stainless and i can toss the old retainers
test fit and it works just fine. too bad you can't see it against the boom mat
still have more cleaning to do before i paint the engine bay. it's getting there....
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 8:35 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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well....
i got to the point where i could spray the jewelry box. by far it has to be the absolute worst engine bay to paint
also went ahead and got the boom mat and the stainless steel sound deadener holders in
my OCD wouldn't let me use the original plastic fuel lines. for one, they were kinked here and there, droopy and the ends have been crushed/kinked from clamps. the fact they aren't beaded really doesn't sit well with me.
yea, i get it...they came factory with plastic but it doesn't mean that it was a wonderful idea. even using the factory holes for the fuel line routing there is a funny whip in the line 
while the engine and transmission were out it was a good time to home run a feed and return line...so i did.
i was hoping to score a pair of trailing arms to swap out so i could just bolt in cleaned/painted ones but mine were in good shape. i just couldn't justify the added expense so i went and sand blasted one at a time just so this didn't hog the lift forever
initially i wasn't going to do the rear bushings, but decided i'm doing everything up front, why not do the rears too. i opted for the 2 piece powerflex which unfortunately were only available in purple... oh well, it is what it is.
the tail light panel/valance is all primed, just got to block it out and get that painted. once that's done i can start doing some reassembly
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16505
Location: Brookeville, MD
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3054
Location: MD
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| Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:31 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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Are you replacing the plastic fuel lines with copper nickel? I'll throw a metric brake bubble flare on the ends of 3/8 copper nickel "brake line" and bam, now I have new fuel lines.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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MuzzcoVW
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2018
Posts: 1475
Location: Westfield, MA.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:50 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| Just saw this now...have to go back and start at the beginning. What did you use for a master cylinder? I have an 83 Diesel that is about a month from the road. Just finishing up the engine rebuild/install and then just brakes left to do. Also realized we're practically neighbors, I grew up in Granby, CT still in the area (and the brown is cool BTW) |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22670
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:46 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| unitedracing wrote: |
| Just saw this now...have to go back and start at the beginning. What did you use for a master cylinder? I have an 83 Diesel that is about a month from the road. Just finishing up the engine rebuild/install and then just brakes left to do. Also realized we're practically neighbors, I grew up in Granby, CT still in the area (and the brown is cool BTW) |
A long hour west of you over the Berkshires
Pm me if you get stuck and I can help
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:37 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| dobryan wrote: |
That is a real steep slippery slope you are on....
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tell me about it. and thank you. i don't half ass anything...ever. it never works for me when i do. the way i see it is if i'm there and it's in my hand i'm going to restore it. i just push the reset button a bit harder than most 
| 4Gears4Tires wrote: |
| Are you replacing the plastic fuel lines with copper nickel? I'll throw a metric brake bubble flare on the ends of 3/8 copper nickel "brake line" and bam, now I have new fuel lines. |
that is exactly what i did. even with the engine and trans out it was still an epic pain in the ass. i just don't like the idea of crimping rubber to plastic...at least not the stuff vw used at that time. newer euro junk uses cohline that is at least barbed. either way, nicopp for the win
| unitedracing wrote: |
| Just saw this now...have to go back and start at the beginning. What did you use for a master cylinder? I have an 83 Diesel that is about a month from the road. Just finishing up the engine rebuild/install and then just brakes left to do. Also realized we're practically neighbors, I grew up in Granby, CT still in the area (and the brown is cool BTW) |
it was either a FAG or ATE, i'd have to look. i'm closer to RI than i am Hartford. if i ever get this done we may pass each other on the road
this has been dragging on due to the fact i only have 1 lift at the shop so i can only do this stuff in-between other work so i only get a day or 2 where i can tie up the lift and it's late nights to get it back on the wheels and shoved in the corner of the shop but it's getting there....
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:39 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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another painfully slow update...
west coast metric had the rest of the seals in stock so i ordered those a week or so ago and they finally came in. i got the drivers rear window all dialed in.
as suspected, zero rust under the seal
i have been contemplating have some dents popped out. i'm pretty good friends with my Dent Wizard guy so i asked if he wanted to get his ass kicked on some german steel.
Before:
After:
he got it laser straight. he is the only PDR guy i have met that doesn't woody woodpecker the everloving shit out of a panel. he is a true craftsman for sure.
passenger side rear window had an obvious hole. i'm trying to do as little paintwork to the van as possible but this is just unavoidable
window out
old rust out
new panel welded in
didn't bother to do a full play by play... my work here doesn't seem to amuse the vanagon crowd as it does the bay forum so i'm just chipping away as i have time
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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joetiger 
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:00 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
didn't bother to do a full play by play... my work here doesn't seem to amuse the vanagon crowd as it does the bay forum so i'm just chipping away as i have time |
Consider me amused. That window corner looks like sorcery to me.
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Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3054
Location: MD
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:17 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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Yeah, that's a really well done patch job on the window!
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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xoo00oox
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010
Posts: 2672
Location: East Nassau, NY
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 11:37 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| Amazing level of quality in your work! |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22670
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:41 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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See ? Metal work is easy.
Anyone who has done one of those lips knows there were a few steps left out
Awesome, Don.
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| Abscate wrote: |
See ? Metal work is easy.
Anyone who has done one of those lips knows there were a few steps left out
Awesome, Don.
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ha! thanks...it sucked to be honest. thankfully i was able to keep the outer body radius as the hole didn't extend that far.
made a mess with the handheld spot blaster to get into the pits but worth it to clean up the rust.
the other thing that sucked was digging out more of the interior because my gut told me that led into an open body cavity which it did...and that cavity was full of fiberglass
it kills me to work on this for 20 mins here, 45 mins there.... i wish i could just hammer on it and get it done but i'm glad to be busy too.
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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Bradgt74
Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2009
Posts: 251
Location: Minneapolis
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Xevin
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 7635
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| Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| Bradgt74 wrote: |
Nice Skills! I'm also from the Bay forums, we've crossed paths a few times. I just bought a 87 Vanagon this week. I feel like a kid going to a new school, then lo and behold, a familiar face!
When I bought the Bentley manual for the van I was thinking, $100 bucks? Hmm, prices went up. Well, the book is twice as thick as the Bays. Quite a bit more technology to learn. You and I know the Bay window all-stars, and I'm excited to meet the all-stars from the Vanagon world.
I'll be following your build! |
Some tip top people in the Van forum. But not a lot of silly shit like we post in the bay forum 
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Keep on Busin'
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
| Clatter wrote: |
| Damn that Xevin... |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd  |
| SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree  |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22670
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:18 am Post subject: Re: Saving the '84 |
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| Quote: |
tell me about it. and thank you. i don't half ass anything...ever. it never works for me when i do. the way i see it is if i'm there and it's in my hand i'm going to restore it. i just push the reset button a bit harder than most Laughing |
The few fleeting moments I’ve had thinking I’ll do shop,in retirement have been dashed by doing jobs this year on Volvo. I’ve billed for 20 hours but easily had twice that in cleaning fasteners, then replacing half of them on inspection.
Maybe you’ve learned to get that number down but I can’t seem to escape the 1:1 billed to unbilled when I add up all the time spent restoring, ordering, etc.
I don’t regret the work as it was done for friends, so I know their kids are driving solid cars. One guy who knows me well paid me twice my bill, so there’s that.
It’s just great to see the real deal out there.
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