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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 4:54 am Post subject: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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These two bugs were my Dad's. He got them in the Fall of 2003 and they lived on the edge of the Mojave Desert since then.
They stayed outside in the back yard most of the time, which ironically is a good thing because about 3 years ago there was a 7.1 Earthquake that literally tossed the contents of the house and garage!
He loves his Oval the most and we would talk about is as if were a show car, but the years being wind blown by the desert dust have taken its toll on the paint and the heat has hardened the rubber.
This is such a bittersweet time, he passed away in July and they were delivered yesterday.
I will be doing this work with my adult sons but would love to have Dad around to tell me everything I am doing wrong!
Oh yes, my sister has a 56 Bus that Dad gave her a few years ago and she loves it!
Anyway, here's what I know about my car.
1956 Body and Chassis, serial numbers match the VIN plate in the front.
1959 Engine and Dad kept a spare 1959 engine, maybe for parts?
I have not found any rust in the frame or body, I live in Florida so that is just weird!
There is surface, on edges and I imagine places where the dust wore away enough paint
They are in my garage now, which is an outright miracle since I only have a 2 car garage
I know it was converted to 12v years ago (same time Sister's Bus was converted)
The engine was rebuilt and it got am electric fuel pump and choke.
The interior needs a lot of care and the back seat back and bottom are missing.
I wonder what the most urgent task is, with the car coming from a bone dry environment to the Humidity of Florida do I attack the surface rust and seal it up with rattle car primer?
When I touch the paint I get a dry dust on my hands, could it be road dust?
I want to clean it but don't think I want to hose it down!
Here are some of the "before" pictures I have taken.
The bugs in their natural environment
Delivery to Florida
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 70937 Location: Phoenix 602
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:31 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Very cool, it looks really dry in those pics.
Is it original factory paint?
If so, I wouldn't sand or primer ANYTHING.
The chalk is just oxidized paint, wash it to loosen and rinse all of it off, then start going at it with some polish.
TR-3 is a good product to use on original VW paint.
It will take off some paint but will also bring it back and make it shiny and protect it.
This stuff on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-TR-3-Resin-Glaze/dp/B000BOKO4W/
I've seen in auto parts stores too sometimes but not lately.
Here's a pic of TR-3 used on a chalky Double Cab door
_________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
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Last edited by EverettB on Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:43 am; edited 1 time in total |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 70937 Location: Phoenix 602
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finster Samba Member

Joined: May 26, 2012 Posts: 9374 Location: not far from the madding crowd
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 12:46 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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agree with Everett for the outside but I'd also be thinking of the body cavities, inside doors etc and looking to protect those with waxoyl, lanolin or similar... _________________ "we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut
nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect... |
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Dave Samba Elder
Joined: July 11, 2002 Posts: 2709 Location: The Forest Moon of Endor, in the Redwoods
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 2:12 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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EverettB wrote: |
Very cool, it looks really dry in those pics.
Is it original factory paint?
If so, I wouldn't sand or primer ANYTHING.
The chalk is just oxidized paint, wash it to loosen and rinse all of it off, then start going at it with some polish. |
Everett, I have a feeling, considering the later hood, and non-"H" rear apron, that it has been repainted at some point in time... _________________ 2003 Samba Chummie Winner- Best Story
"Those that matter, don't mind,
and those that mind, don't matter" |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 70937 Location: Phoenix 602
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:43 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Dave wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
Very cool, it looks really dry in those pics.
Is it original factory paint?
If so, I wouldn't sand or primer ANYTHING.
The chalk is just oxidized paint, wash it to loosen and rinse all of it off, then start going at it with some polish. |
Everett, I have a feeling, considering the later hood, and non-"H" rear apron, that it has been repainted at some point in time... |
Ah Yes, I didn't look close enough.
Thanks for pointing that out. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:01 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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The hood has a few issues... it was weakened from being closed improperly (not releasing the lock) and and there is a chip showing body filler (yeah bondo)
I will find some time to go over the main body and look for original paint as well as rust in the nooks and crannies...
Of course is any repaint used matching color then I doubt I could tell the difference.
Got any tips on telling it it is original paint?
I basically figure you look in all the hard to reach places for a different color, since most painters would skip them since you can't see them.
Any other tips? |
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aa390392 Samba Member

Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 3601 Location: So.Cal
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 10:12 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Inside the ashtray, up in the wiring area, shouldnt be hard to find some og paint.
Nice cars.. _________________ .
getting grumpy & less tolerant!
55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet |
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finster Samba Member

Joined: May 26, 2012 Posts: 9374 Location: not far from the madding crowd
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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could be reed green? _________________ "we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut
nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect... |
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aa390392 Samba Member

Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 3601 Location: So.Cal
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 3:57 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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I agree with Fin. I spoke without thinking “DOH” that is your OG color…
Spend a weekend working on it…your a lucky man..Reed Green..love to see after you give it a whole lot of love.
Thomas _________________ .
getting grumpy & less tolerant!
55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet |
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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Well I am starting to figure out all the ways to show my love to that bug...
Brakes
Passenger side need lots of love
Drivers side not so bad, but it'd be crazy not to do them both at the same time
Engine bottom dirty, not sure if it leaks (it's a bug it must be leaking)
Transaxle looks clean, but I see drops under it...
So what is the story with the older brakes?
I do not see the hole in the backing plate to turn the adjuster nut like I had on my 69...
I didn't check the front yet... but I am sure they are the same _________________ Tampa, FL
1956 Oval Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760503
1967 Sunroof Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760508 |
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VW_Jimbo  Samba Member

Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 10709 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:46 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Passenger side wheel has a large transmission leak at the axle tube bearing housing to backing plate, or it is the seal. If the oil has saturated the brake shoes, they are toast! Time to reseal and install new brakes.
Adjustment hole at the drum. Outside area. Remove the hub cap. _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
TDCTDI wrote: |
Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Passenger side wheel has a large transmission leak at the axle tube bearing housing to backing plate, or it is the seal. If the oil has saturated the brake shoes, they are toast! Time to reseal and install new brakes.
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I'd wager that the oil is everywhere!
VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Adjustment hole at the drum. Outside area. Remove the hub cap. |
Wow that makes too much sense... there must be a shortcoming otherwise why move it to the inside? _________________ Tampa, FL
1956 Oval Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760503
1967 Sunroof Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760508 |
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Busstom Samba Member

Joined: November 23, 2014 Posts: 4572 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Adjustment hole at the drum. |
w2vy wrote: |
...there must be a shortcoming otherwise why move it to the inside? |
I think the main reason was, it was much quicker for service techs to adjust brakes; with the access hole on the drum, that means that after each crank of the star(s) and a spin-check for drag, one has to stop the wheel rotation and re-position the hole over the adjusting stars.
However, with the hole on the inside (backing plate), the service tech would have the car up on a lift, over his/her head, working from the inside, and could keep the wheel spinning with one hand while cranking the adjusting star, and listening in real-time for the drag on the drum as it occurred.
Perhaps it was also a way to try and keep water out of the brakes; I presume it wasn't unusual for people to drive without a hubcap or two, in inclement weather. Those big holes in the drums would possibly let water intrusion occur...but I'm just speculating. |
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Dan22 Samba Member

Joined: August 30, 2019 Posts: 587 Location: Battle Ground, WA
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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The brake backing plates are not oval era. Axle housing also looks to be the wide track version, if my eyes see it right. Funny thing is I would think a wide track tranny would have the backing plate brake adjuster holes.
Just be advised when it comes time to source new parts.
 _________________ 1-0900722 die langsame grüne Schildkröte
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=765074 |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 70937 Location: Phoenix 602
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 7:26 pm Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Busstom wrote: |
VW_Jimbo wrote: |
Adjustment hole at the drum. |
w2vy wrote: |
...there must be a shortcoming otherwise why move it to the inside? |
I think the main reason was, it was much quicker for service techs to adjust brakes; with the access hole on the drum, that means that after each crank of the star(s) and a spin-check for drag, one has to stop the wheel rotation and re-position the hole over the adjusting stars.
However, with the hole on the inside (backing plate), the service tech would have the car up on a lift, over his/her head, working from the inside, and could keep the wheel spinning with one hand while cranking the adjusting star, and listening in real-time for the drag on the drum as it occurred.
Perhaps it was also a way to try and keep water out of the brakes; I presume it wasn't unusual for people to drive without a hubcap or two, in inclement weather. Those big holes in the drums would possibly let water intrusion occur...but I'm just speculating. |
Not sure why the change but I definitely like your theory.
The rear holes had rubber covers that popped in/out of the backing plate so there was a water issue from the rear. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:49 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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Had a coworker with *much* more VW experience that I look over the pics.
Transmission is the same style as a 67, so if fully synchronized.
This explains the read Brake Backing Plates being incorrect for the car
They are correct for the axle.
The engine serial number is a 1959, which is cool, the year I was born.
One of the other items year matches by wife's birth year, she is a lady so I won't say which
With all the differences it may not matter if the paint is original, but I will still dig deeper to see if I can find another color. _________________ Tampa, FL
1956 Oval Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760503
1967 Sunroof Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760508 |
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Busstom Samba Member

Joined: November 23, 2014 Posts: 4572 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 11:33 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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EverettB wrote: |
Not sure why the change but I definitely like your theory.
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I formulated it based on my own annoyances adjusting brakes
I've had a few later cars too so I've done both. For us mere mortals who sit on the ground, it's actually easier just sitting outside the drum and spinning it to find the stars...so earlier is better  |
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60ragtop Bonneville Belt Bitch

Joined: March 13, 2006 Posts: 7800 Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
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Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 11:46 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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probably original color but not all is original paint. Hood is later, has raised spot for VW emblem, no slots for crest. rear apron is later also. Not trying to rain on your parade, I'm jealous _________________ Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
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sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked  |
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w2vy Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2016 Posts: 124 Location: Tampa, FL
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Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 11:51 am Post subject: Re: Mojave 1956 Oval Project |
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60ragtop wrote: |
probably original color but not all is original paint. Hood is later, has raised spot for VW emblem. rear apron is later also. Not trying to rain on your parade, I'm jealous |
Not raining on anything!
I inherited them from my Dad, I am 62, so I want to fix them up with my sons and drive them until they each inherit one each.
Those differences give me more freedom to do what I want!
I'd rather get rid of the surface rust, repaint them and know they will be good for a long time!
I am not rushing into anything! _________________ Tampa, FL
1956 Oval Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760503
1967 Sunroof Build https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760508 |
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