Date: Thu, 17 Nov 1994 23:03:33 -0800 (PST)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Thom Fitzpatrick" <thom@tim.com>
Subject: '56 Kombi Progress - Welding & New Parts
Yahoo!
Been a good week for my bus!
Tuesday I finally wrapped my mitts around a 3rd-brake-light engine
lid! YESS! I also got a crank-start apron. For the uninitiated, the
early busses, like to '57 (methinks) had a crank start option. The rear
apron has a slot in it for the crank to go thru. I don't know how well
this'll work with the 1600 motor I'm going to put in it, but I have
considered going back to a 36hp some day in the distant future. The apron
has a little bit of surface rust, and looks like it was stepped on and bent
back in one spot, but is pretty clean all things considered. The engine
lid is a tad rusty, especially in the lower corners. It will require some
surgery.
Then, I got my new inner-rocker panels today! Couldn't wait, so
I sneaked out of the office at the first opportunity and got busy! I had
to cur the old ones off with tin snips 'cause my saw wouldn't reach, and then
I cleaned everything up as best as I could, even going as far as painting
the inside of the outriggers with rustoleum. There was a little surface
rust, but not too bad.
I guess I should mention I've only worked on the driver's side so far.
I went ahead and welded in the inner rocker, at least partially anyway.
I welded the inside portions where it contacts the outriggers and floor
supports. MIG is fun!
I got the inner rockers from Das Bulli Haus, and they're made by Alan
Schofield. They fit perfectly except that I had to bend the tabs on the end
myself, cause the came straight. The big bonus on these babies is they're
galavized! I paid $23 each plus $20 shipping (UPS)
I also picked up new windshield seals ($30/set)
The whole fandango took about 5 hours, including cleanup afterwards.
Even missed a pretty good electrical storm :(
Sunday I'm gonna work on the windsheilds some more. I went ahead and
primered over the Duro Extend I put on it, but I don't think the primer is
reacting well with it, making these funny looking cracks when it dried.
I'll prolly have to sand the whole mess back off again... :(
Next items will include finding bumpers and finishing the nose. And of
course, the outer driver rocker and the passenger side rocker panels!
Until next time...
Thom
--
>> Work is for people who don't know how to surf.
............................................................................
: Thom Fitzpatrick Transamerica Info Mgmnt :
: Systems Administrator 1860 Howe Ave :
: tfitzpatrick@tim.com Sacramento, CA 95825 :
: fax (916) 921-6781 (916) 565-3346 :
............................................................................
All opinions expressed herein are mine and not necessarily those of TIMS!