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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:38 am Post subject: 71 westy project |
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it's been a long time since I've driven a bay, we've been aircooled since my first car in the late 70's in highschool, and my dad bought a 70 tin top bay in the early 80's, we drove that thing all over the place summer, and winter.
It wasn't bad for a 10 year old vehicle, except the 1600 had to work hard in the mountains, and Dad made the mistake of putting car tires on it, it sucked in a crosswind (we get a lot of wind) and wandered in the ruts on the road.
So enter the opportunity to buy this 71 westy that was listed by a friend while we were on holidays a couple weeks ago. it's a project, the paint & body is done, that's a start, the rest is a blank canvas, (with no canvas), and boxes of parts.
First thing is the mechanicals, and since it came without an engine........I'm thinking a subi swap is in order. I have build a few T1 & T3 aircooled 2110cc, 1904cc, 1968cc motors, so we could do the same, but the reliability, EFI, HP of the subi powerplant are pulling me that way, along with the wife wanting to turn the key and drive.
Does someone have a list of items required, or a build thread for a 71 Bay to 2.5 subi swap?
With any increase in HP then Brakes, is there an upgrade option while staying with the stock bolt pattern?
And I kinda need to lower the bus a couple inches, I have an inch clearance right now to get in the garage, I'm thinking new tires and shocks might get us in scraping range.
and the required "post some pictures of what you're working with"
and the rest of the Vdub family
_________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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airschooled Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012 Posts: 12722 Location: on a bike ride somewhere
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Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:31 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Nice bus, and good luck with the swap! Any engine, even a stock T1, will lower the bus a few inches in the rear. Get it all sorted at stock height and see how low your shortened oil pan ends up being…
Robbie _________________ Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 6:07 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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well that's weird, looking through the documents that came with the bus, it was imported to canada on this day back in 2005, there's also lots of receipts for parts that year. So it seems the owner started the project, and then it sat until this year under a cover in the garage.
the M code shows it was a tourist delivery back in 71 _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1191 Location: Vancouver, BC
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:42 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Nice Bus! Regarding a list of things needed to do a Subaru swap, there are a few links and threads that are quite detailed if you do a search here on the Samba forums but I don't remember if there are any 71 specific threads.
I'm really happy with my swap as it's turn the key and drive, lot's of power, and heat in the winter time as we camp year round hitting Revelstoke, Whistler, Manning Park, etc.
Regarding your rear suspension, estimate the weight of the engine and put in some sandbags, blocks, etc and then check the ride height. I ended up adjusting mine twice as I thought the Subaru engine would be about the same as the AC'd but forgot that we usually drive it fully loaded and often pull the trailer. Mine rides a little high in the back when empty and just my wife and I in it but rides level loaded. _________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
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richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6982 Location: Durango, CO
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:59 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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I can confirm that an antenna on the belt line was a factory install, not a dealer install. A ‘67 beetle antenna is what you’re gonna want to use.
Do you have the factory headliner? My ‘68 Tourist Delivery had a gloss headliner instead of the white wash headliners US models had. _________________ __________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:25 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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richparker wrote: |
I can confirm that an antenna on the belt line was a factory install, not a dealer install. A ‘67 beetle antenna is what you’re gonna want to use.
Do you have the factory headliner? My ‘68 Tourist Delivery had a gloss headliner instead of the white wash headliners US models had. |
this came with a new set of wood panels for the interior including the front roof area.
good to know on the antenna _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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Gashog Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2018 Posts: 68 Location: Belton, TX
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:36 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Subscribed… Nice bus, very noice. As others have said, there are a number of threads documenting a Subaru swap, some by excellent craftsmen with extraordinary attention to detail. I myself have no such skillz and chose to have mine installed professionally by a man in CT who’s quickly becoming legendary re. Subaru swaps. Conversion underway at present. He may have swapped a 71 IIRC. Anyhow, nice bus. |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:39 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Shonandb wrote: |
Nice Bus! Regarding a list of things needed to do a Subaru swap, there are a few links and threads that are quite detailed if you do a search here on the Samba forums but I don't remember if there are any 71 specific threads.
I'm really happy with my swap as it's turn the key and drive, lot's of power, and heat in the winter time as we camp year round hitting Revelstoke, Whistler, Manning Park, etc.
Regarding your rear suspension, estimate the weight of the engine and put in some sandbags, blocks, etc and then check the ride height. I ended up adjusting mine twice as I thought the Subaru engine would be about the same as the AC'd but forgot that we usually drive it fully loaded and often pull the trailer. Mine rides a little high in the back when empty and just my wife and I in it but rides level loaded. |
I have been spending the evenings pouring through different threads, and checking different vendors for early bay swap info.
if i want to stay with the full subi engine/5sp trans its 3K USF (exchange sux right now too, thanks Turdeau) right now for subarugears kit and mounts. Or i can re-gear the VW 4 speed for the 2.5 and run the kennedy mount/clutch. I still have to check into the VW trans upgrade costing.
zero weight in it definitely will be sitting a little high. I'm going to start underneath and get it clean and back to new looking as the topside while we ponder options. _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Along with doing research on the Subi swap, we pulled the transmission, axles, fuel tank, crusty hoses, and a pile of ratty looking wires.
the engine bay needs a better paint job to fix the 2 tone sprayed over dirt one, or maybe just white rhino liner and be done.
Laid under the bus saturday with the pressure washer for a while trying to get all the road grime off so I can get the bottom side all painted and sealed up, it's much nicer not having dirt fall in your face every time you touch something
Cut a big ol' hole for the type 3 hatch that I chopped out of the 65 parts car
cleaned up and drained the transmission, built a skid to attach the transmission, just need some strapping to finish up boxing it up so it can go off for a rebuild and gear change.
Next up tear down the rear suspension and add to the powder coating pile, that's always a good winter job, keeps the garage warm
still watching the local ads for a cheap Subi donor car to give up it's 2.5 _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 8:04 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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The rear Running gear is stripped off and in the blasting/ powder coat pile. I’ve been sanding and cleaning the engine bay. Still more paint over dirt to sand .
Welded the type3 hatch in , yes it’s flipped around, it just fit better in the bus that way , I didn’t have to cut into the front bar over the gas tank, and I always take the hatch off when working on my square, so it doesn’t really matter anyways
The transmission was sent out last week for the gearing change for the subi swap.
Removed the dash ……. Not sure what to do with the radio hole at this point , someone used the plier method to get a radio to fit
_________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2022 9:12 pm Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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I pulled the harness to clean up the wiring and extend some wires for the Subaru harness connections and add a few for the gauges . No motor and the body was empty when we brought the bus home.
There is one black 20 gauge wire that doesn’t show up in the Bentley manual that is part of the front 8 connection. There are a lot of loose wires and the dash is out at the moment, so I’m not sure what it’s supposed to connect to at the rear. Any ideas?
I ordered a set of the c&c euro taillight housings from CIP , they are a pretty solid upgrade for the rear lights.
https://www.customandcommercial.com/vw-split_scree...ing_10822/ _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 7:18 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Finally getting somewhere on the rear end parts, been blasting and cleaning stuff for a while
Also got a start on the underside and engine bay, the was a ton of painted dirt under the yellow
The gas tank is off at the radiator shop to get cleaned _________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16970 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 10:32 pm Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Nice job _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Next job was painting the wheel wells and underside up to the crossmember and the belly pans. It will be so much easier working under there without crap falling in my face, plus it’s a little brighter than before
Trans is back from Benco, subaru adapter, and starter from Kennedy, and Busaru engine mount, all got picked up last week from the border
_________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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mark d Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2013 Posts: 219 Location: Costa Rica
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 3:27 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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very nice, following....merry xmas _________________ 1972ish westfalia
"what good are tractors without violins ?" jose figueres |
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Vee Dub Nut Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2004 Posts: 1184 Location: Dallas, GA
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 6:20 am Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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Great looking project, and nice work so far. You'll love the swap. _________________ Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2006
67 Beetle (TBD)
74 Transporter (EJ25 Swapped) - Build Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
See all my VW pics on Instagram @ vee_dub_nut |
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51145 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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W1K1 Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 4921 Location: Southern AB
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Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: 71 westy project |
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another one of those PO things that just makes you shake your head...rattle can black the fender well, and front suspension, and all the dirt/grease as well.
at least it's just paint, and not the tar undercoat that was all over the rear end.
the nice thing is there is very little rust under there
got some cleaning and painting done while the dash is out, I have a nice replacement that needs to get picked up in a week or so.
Might as well clean up the wiring, wipers, ducts, and all that while there is easy access. Need to order a 12v washer bottle upgrade and a couple switches that were trashed too
_________________ http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/jim_martin_engine_build.php
1973 super
1965 squareback 1500E
1971 bay window westy- subi swap |
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