UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Hi all, A while back, Dec2010 I decided to give my old '72 bug a bit of lovin', nothing too involved, just a quick patch n go project to make a slam door driver out of her, shouldn't take a coupl'a months tops!!:blink:

Well, so much for that plan.......here's how it went:

This is NOTHING compared to the RODical work elsewhere on this site but I thought you might like to see what we're doing over here.

This is how she looked

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6.../Bugfront2.jpg

Just before I stripped the wings:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-refurb006.jpg

Only to find the usual tinworm:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-refurb001.jpg

At this stage I was still relaxed, ya gotta find some sh*t eh?

Meanwhile, I had been dicking around with the horn grills and rear number plate light:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2-11-10006.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ugstuff006.jpg.

Then I found this :ohmy:

Front n/s heater channels
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...09_1338511.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...109_131817.jpg

Next.....

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Also, this :panic:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...9-01-11002.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...9-01-11009.jpg

Ultimately .....this:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...build001-1.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ugbuild024.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...04-2011055.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-2011050-1.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...04-2011027.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-2011035-1.jpg

Basically, the whole bottom 15cm of the body had to be renewed as well as the floorpan edges.

Remember, this was supposed to be a quick patch n go !! :unsure:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Anyhows, I pressed on regardless, many would've bailed at this point I'm told (most of my friends) but me being me, I didn't:

Instead I did this :sawzall:, Jimmy did a lot of this :welder: so it ended up like this::clapping:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...03-2011011.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...03-2011010.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...03-2011001.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...03-2011015.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-5-2011052.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-2011009-1.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...05-2011013.jpg

All still a 'work in progress' but looking much better :wink:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

You can multiply by x2 all of the welding in the previous post as both side were just as fooked as each other.

This was a girl with a 'past' to say the least, remember that C pillar shot :

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ugbuild024.jpg

Well, the entire roof had been nailed on by an ape with a glue gun, alignment issues were coming to the fore:

I always knew something wasn't quite right! This B pillar shot shows how bent it was:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...04-2011022.jpg

Check out the lump of bondo in the top corner of the window apperture:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-5-2011010.jpg

A little fettling was required:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...0052011009.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1052011010.jpg

You can also see the roof cut across the C pillar.

Pillar cuts as they were uncovered:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4062011004.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4062011008.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4062011002.jpg

Broke this joint free with a nail file :ohmy:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4062011014.jpg

Now all safely welded:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4062011026.jpg

Here's the bit I like, while cutting out rust on the rear gutter we did this:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1052011014.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1052011029.jpg :thumbsup:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Inspiration :licklips:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...mmer-10-07.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...VWroadster.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...kz-d3bfd3t.jpg

Oh yes, if mine looks even half as good as these I'd be a happy guy. Notice how they're all brown? That's because I'm going brown, satin dark chocolate brown to be exact, already got the tank done:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...build006-2.jpg

Pleased with that :smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

We're now into May 2011, so 5 months have elapsed since I started, optimistically, with a view to ending by end of Feb'11 sooo a little longer than planned :rollingeyes:

All the time I've been doing stuff, almost every day:

Setting up how I want the lights:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...6-02-11019.jpg

Fixin' the hood

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...122_131002.jpg

Painting stuff:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-2011006-1.jpg

Buying stuff:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-2011-2003.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...rottletube.jpg

Patchin stuff:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...5052011020.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...05-2011029.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-5-2011014.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...-5-2011012.jpg

Restorin stuff:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...05-2011007.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...7052011010.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...05-2011004.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1042011003.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...UGbuild004.jpg

Generally working my way through a tick list as long as my arm :smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

The last round of work has moved into the filling n rubbing stage as the bodywork receives attention:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j60/LemonBUG/013.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...3062011012.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...3062011003.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...3062011007.jpg

Oh yeah, remember that bent B pillar? A gentle PortaPower session soon sorted it :wink:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...nBUG/003-1.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...nBUG/009-1.jpg
Now I have a decent enough shutline:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...9062011003.jpg
and a reasonably straight B pillar, (filler required)

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...9062011001.jpg

Still got a was to go yet but it does seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not a train coming the other way!!).

Thanks for reading through this far, any comments of feedback would be welcomed.

Laters..........:chillin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Keep up the good work :thumbsup:! Your eather a very brave man for working with so much rust or just plain crazy:panic:.:grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Why thank you DaddyO, I have to admit it was a LOT more rust than I expected and I have to thank Scotty (using his workshop/equipment) and Jimmy (welding/metalwork) if it wasn't for my buddies I wouldn't be where I am with it.

Can't wait for paint :dancing:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Amazing!
that's allot of work!!:bow:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Dude that must suck to find that much rust in what looked like a perfectly good car... still, good on ya for perservering!!

Love that color too!! :thumbsup:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I want those body jacks Dammit ...

Coming long nicely too ... lots of hard work but always a good result ... :clapping::clapping::clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

wow.........thats was some severe cancer, you have grave patience man! kudos!! keep it up, i wanna see the brown shine! :)

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Hi all, Thank you all for your comments, well a long time has passed since June but a lot has been achieved:

All that pushin n shovin, fillin n rubbin resulted in a body ready to paint :licklips:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1072011030.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1072011033.jpg

Much, much flatting ensued!

Then colour.......

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1082011020.jpg

Here it is fresh out of the oven

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...1082011029.jpg a particular favourite photo :grin:

Tidied under the hood:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2082011007.jpg

Couldn't decide on Porsche or Rossi??

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...8092011009.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...8092011008.jpg

Went with Rossi:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...0092011011.jpg

Rear end with modified plate housing and reworked gutters...giving it a wider, fuller back end view I think:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...d240911004.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...0092011006.jpg

Well, that's where it is folks......hope to have it on the road within 3-4 weeks. Thanks for watching

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

This is the interior:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...Front2rear.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6.../Doorpanel.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...G/rearseat.jpg

I think it'll contrast well with the dark brown, got some ideas of how to detail the dashboard and make it look a bit more like a 50's rod :wink:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...92011001-1.jpg

Loving my Moto-Lita wheel. Looking to fix the same outer trim along the middle of the dash from speedo outwards on both sides. Along with the pinstriping (inside and out, classic red, cream & grey) I have planned it could look cool.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Can't believe anyone would spend that much time, on a worthless rust bucket!













LOL
Sure glad you did!:thumbsup:
Anyone would be very proud, to own your car!:bow:
You all did an excellent job -- any plans for the next one?:Idunno:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Haha.....If I knew then, what I know now maybe I wouldn't have started this whole project. I'm more than pleased with how it's turning out..... believe it or not there's more to come, this is only phase1.

Phase2 included removal of engine and some tarting up in certain areas :wink:

Thank you DT, very kind of you to say.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Beautiful work on such a 'patina ridden' bug. Until your rod I wasn't a real fan of brown...but WOW! :clapping::clapping::clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

looks great. good job. someone did a good job hiding all that mess. glad you sorted it out right

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

None of the rust (mess) was hidden, all was cut out and replaced with, mostly, genuine VW metal (T4 van side panels) or repair sections. Mind you there is a lot of welding under the bondo, can't be helped when the complete panel isn't replaced, I know what's there, but hell, it 'll be OK :grin:

Why thank you V8, you're not alone in coming around to brown....most of my friends in the VW world didn't like the sound of it either, but gradually as they see it for the first time they have to admit to liking it. It's actually turned out a little shinier than I had first planned...too much hardener in the 2xpack paint made it that way, next time I'd go to 30% matting agent rather than 20%.

As I add the shiny stuff the contrast becomes more apparent which is what I was looking for :grin:

Thanx both of you for your replies.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Dicking about with the small jobs.......that take forever to do :ohmy:

Like sorting a bad contact coupled with seized spindles on the wipers, round and round wondering why they don't spin up. Finally traced a bad contact in the loom/earth and the seized spindles meant all out again, then in then out as I had to set the 'rest' position....that took a bit of thinking to sort out :rollingeyes:

Now I like the positioning at rest:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...8102011001.jpg

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I went for Rossi headlights cos I love the lights on this 40's Ford and I think they look like them. I'm aware of the irony though - Late bug with early slopey wings (wrong 'un) going for an after-market upgrade to uprights, fuck it :smilespin:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...0092011022.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...BUG/40Ford.jpg

Even the blade bumper (fender) look alike and the general roundy shape, like the curves on a woman :wink:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Over here on our heavily salted little island, that car was in 'good condition for its age'.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

i ment before you tore into it. the car looked nice and solid with your begining pics. i would never have guessed it was that rusted.

you have done a steller job:thumbsup:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Ahhh, now I get what you mean CM, thanx for the compliment :wink:, I enjoyed it although it was hard work at times, so what started out a a quick fix n go turned into a full on proper job - check the resto here: http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?t=682286

Should be :driving: pretty soon.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Been a while guys, but here is the bug MOT'd (UK Ministry of Transport vehicle roadworthiness cert), Taxed and driving....jeez I'm pleased with it.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4102011009.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4102011008.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4112011003.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...4112011001.jpg

Back home :grin:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...0112011003.jpg

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

BTW - still got phase 2 to start ove rthe winter:

Drop out engine - check n test everything, clean and dress up with maybe remote filter, large sump, 30hp fan housing, alternator etc. Also sort n tidy the engine bay, HiPacs and stainless liner.
Tidy up rear drive shafts/suspension and modify where I can. Looking to short shaft it so I can stick wider wheels under stock arches.

If anyone out there can advise on how to do this I would appreciate any help :wink:

May also upgrade front beam with stainless custom made job?

So I'm enjoying driving it for now, no heater and it's gettin colder.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Get yourself an Eberspacher, or a Stewart-Warner. You'll have plenty of heat then. Great car all around though, she's a beaut!

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you reaper, it's on the road and driving after almost exactly 1 year. It's not perfect but it was always meant to be a slam door driver and that's just what it is :grin:

Heaters are for girls :licklips:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Yup, same here, just a daily driver for my ride. I got 98% of the worst cancer removed, bodyworked, and then painted her. With preventive maintenance, she should be around for my grand kids to enjoy.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Beautiful work! And I like the machine tag on the back bumper. :wink: I think they were only overseas, as I've been looking for a tag on this side of the pond for a while...

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

hey everyone looking in........update on the Bug...

Moved into the garage for the winter:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...3122011005.jpg

Fitted one of these from VintageSpeed so I don't have to drill holes in my genuine blade.....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...6122011003.jpg

Now the plate rides just where I want it (the angle make it looked a bit pissed but it's square) :smile:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...6122011005.jpg

Oh yeah and me got pinstripes :dancing:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011009.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011011.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011013.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011015.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011004.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...2122011001.jpg

Hope you all likey ???

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Me likey a whole bunch. Very nice VDub

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Well, has it really been 2 years !!!! A quick update you might be interested in.

After a very good Summer running around in the but a lot, I dropped the engine out to clean it up as it had become very grubby.

Since then, I was reluctant to hang it on a very dirty gearbox and back end. So, after missing out this summer, I thought I'd do it how I wanted it.

Here's the plan:

I wanted to run alloys not very many Vdubbers have in the UK, ie Halibrands on the rear and Rocket Launchers on the front as I like the gasser style but lowered in teh vdub stylee....my hotrod influences coming through me think!

To accommodate the 7x15 rears I need early short shafts with late brakes allowing a 1.25" extra clearance with stock wings. So a re-drilled Ford 4.5"x5 PCD drum, hanging on adjustable springplates and a few shiny bits.
Up front I want 4.5"x15 cast spoke alloys on my drilled discs and dropped spindles and Protech alloy billet shockers as I'm trying to find a good ride quality with a narrowed n lowered beam front end - hopefully I'll achieve what I want.

Here's a few images of what I've been up to:

These are the wheels and tuck I want

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psa2f38f46.jpg

Rear wheels

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps74cb809a.jpg

Got these exported to the UK from a stateside dealer.

Couldn't help mocking it all up

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps89919f53.jpg

Currently getting the disc/hubs redrilled as well as brake drums. Early shortshafts will allow more tuckage for the wider wheels and adjustable to get the ride height spot on. Front beam will ahev to be narrowed 4" to get the front wheels where I want them under the wings (had the wing edges rolled which gained me 11mm each side). Dropped spindles will allow a softer ride.

Beam will be my own brand BEAM!==!TECH custom made with early shock towers and powdered.

The trouble I'm going to just to roll the wheels I want :wink:

I'm cleaning and painting everything and sorting the body/chassis so it's clean n tidy. This bug will not be a trailer queen showboat, but a slamdoor driver.

Thanks for looking, hope you like? I'll be on here more often....promise :smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Usually a 'Gasser' look, wheel wise, but should look clean and different on your ride.:thumbsup::thumbsup: Looking forward to more pics.:grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

More old skool stuff which I like, such as this firewall

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...pse382fb82.jpg

Access panels cut in

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psee0e1755.jpg

Don't see much of Claude's Buggie stuff about anymore...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psfb17432f.jpg


Shiny stuff

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps7ce2be3d.jpg

Thanks for looking and commenting......:smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Wow that was a lot of rust, but the end result is awesome. This makes me feel like a slacker and also gives me motivated to finish mine. Keep up the great work.:thumbsup:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Can't wait to see the new look!! Nice work!

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Sorry guys, not been on her for a good while. Stuff's been happening on my old bug. Quick update:

Front bulkhead welded, beam stripped and new 4" narrowed being built now. Gearbox out for a good clean, but more importantly fitted early short shafts with late brake backplates. Late drums require modifying and fitting 5x studs (instead of bolts) to accommodate the Halibrands and Rocket wheels.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psc9342d54.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psd69a0b72.jpg

Gearbox back in now with a few minor mods/dress up items.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps8608f43d.jpg

Engine now back in as well, fettling take an age, but well worth it.

HiPAC access panels make fitting the carbs a synch...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps725ecff8.jpg

I hope to attempt a fire up soon. Awaiting the beam back and get the dropped spindles/discs/wheels on, then should be ready for the UK MOT test. Aiming for on the road by end of June'14 :grin:

Thanks for looking.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

'Lots of nice details and, She's Beautiful! :clapping::thumbsup::clapping: Can't wait to see her back on her wheels.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I really like the idea of access ports.. would make changing the plugs a hell of alot easier.. :hmm:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Why thang you V8tranny :grin:

I agree Dr, They are so useful especially for twin carb engines. You can make your own or get them here: http://www.hookyspanelshop.com/our-panels/hipacs.html

Cheers :smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

:bow:Great job! Nice save!

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you Chip.....save is about right, it was very bad.

Beam is being built and completed this weekend I hope, I'll have to have it powdercoated before installing it....can't wait. Hope to have it fired up within the next week or so, front end bolted up and drums/discs redrilled for the wheels :smile:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

4" narrowed BEAM!==!TECH beam built today. :dancing:

Sway-Away adjusters, damper mount, TIG welded CNC plate work and CDS tube. Soon to be powdered.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps02d6d4e2.jpg

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

nice work

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you papernate, Craig my mate does all the skilful work, I cut, fettle n dress the metal.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Beam is getting powdery as we speak, engine fire up (attempt) this weekend. Need to sort wheel studs before having drums/discs drilled for Ford 5x4.5"PCD.

List of jobs is getting smaller, thanks for checking in....

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

This ^^^ now looks like this....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps1d9162fc.jpg

...now the build up can begin :smile:

Thanks for checking in people.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

The beam is now on.....along with steering box and trailing arms. Pleased I didn't go with black.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psbdf016b0.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psb1ada3b4.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps42907dd6.jpg

I'll have more time tomorrow to crack on :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Trial fitted a wheel today, slipped on a dropped spindle/hub and it goes on nice n snug. These are 165/65x15 Yokohamas with a nice bit of sidewall bulge and enough rubber on the road to be useful.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psca635ea0.jpg

Clearance...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps734d0667.jpg

Close to the look I was aiming for, so well pleased. Final ride height will be set once everything is on of course. But for now this'll do.

Thanks for looking.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Got a bit done tonight, bolted up the dropped spindles, fitted the steering rods and damper (had to space it off for clearance on the framehead) and offered up the shock to the beam top mount. It'll need a 23mm spacer to install correctly and clearance the short steering rod on full lock. It was a close call.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps604c1f6e.jpg

More when it gets done....cheers :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

All the little details and finishing touches do take time eh?

Hard brake lines made up, ready for flaring. Flexis are in place, checked the caliper/flexi when it's being steered and it'll do I think:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps5af9444e.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...pse5c7619a.jpg

Refitted the Zbar cups the correct way around and replaced the springplate mounting bolts, looks much tougher under there now :grin:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps53a7e499.jpg

Gonna check the Z bar tolerance with the axle cups as I've installed a 32mm spacer to lower the bung which should make contact sooner than stock.....we'll see how it works out?

A small but satisfying job - Rivnuts in the fan housing to take M6 stainless buttonhead screws to mount the breather and coil heatsink mount.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...pse4adf4d0.jpg

Gearing to have the engine sparked up by next weekend.....I hope!

Thanks for checking in.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

You're right, the light colored beam up front adds to the look. :clapping: Really nice work! :bow::bow::grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you V8. The colour is silver and what they had going through at the time I took it in for powdering. Really pleased with how it turned out as it is a component rather than just part of the frame.

Llooking forward to getting it on the road now. :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Beautiful.............like Bettie page.....wow:love::clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank ye piggy :smile:

Small update: Flared and fitted the hard brakelines tonight. Awaiting oil/filter delivery.

Zorst going on soon along with rocker covers and electrics connected.

Gettin' there, thanx for checking in shipmates :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Good day today...got more stuff done>

Hardlines, 'zorst, rocker covers, HiPacs and sparkplug holder on firewall behind right carb.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psa2cebb80.jpg

Engine bits coming along as well, filter change, oil drained, belt on....just need to sort dynamo to alternator wiring.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps8febaa2f.jpg

While the sun was shining I waxed my wheels with Collinite 476.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps4f54222a.jpg

I feel a fire up coming on......:dancing:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Liking the view under the wing...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps540e0ec8.jpg

'zorst on again...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps547160d3.jpg

Oh yeah, it's a bit shinier now I've given it a quick polish

Hope to fire it up this week.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

She's really pretty! :clapping::clapping: It's a shame you have to run wheels. :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you....I know what you mean, covers up all the good stuff haha! The first to make glass wheels will get my dollar :grin:

Oh wait...hubless wheels could work.....hmmm!

These....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps6eee0570.jpg

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

UH-OH!:funny:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Sparked it up and it ran....roughly. Got a mis-fire and spent a while tracing the faulty. Was it valves? Was it worse?....fortunately it turned out to be a burnt/broken plug lead core. Cut it back an inch, recrimped and away it goes, sweet as a nut :dancing:

New Taylor Spiro leads on their way...http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps920bbb65.jpg

What color have I ordered?

No prizes, just that smug, self satisfied feeling of getting something right :grin:

Answer on a postcard......


So now just awaiting the drums/discs to come back from the machinists, slot them on, bleed brakes, bolt on the rear wing (currently being repainted due to a...ahem...welding incident :crybaby: ), align the steering and drop it on it's new wheels....I hope :licklips:

Thanx for dropping by..

What colour? Different ones for each cylinder! :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Hmmm. I that case, I'd say RED for #3. :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Ah...I hadn't thought of that :grin:

MR SMUG is a winna :dancing:



Fitted the new RED leads today and I'm pleased to report it started first time and runs sweetly now.

The leads are nice but the plug that fits the tinware is a struggle to fit as the inlet manifold nuts foul them......any ideas people?

Sorted the rocker gasket and wanted to fit the K&N air filters but I've 'misplaced' the filter oil grrrrr :hmm:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I always pulled the outboard studs on DP heads and ran button head allen bolts.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

That seems like a good idea, I may hafta do that on mine someday
You are talking about the intake manifold studs, right??


Ron

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I did consider this as well Joe, but due to the J tubes I run access to some studs/bolts would be limited by the tube. Stainless caphead bolts for the silencer mount work well.

Thanx for dropping by.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

It's done innit? :dancing:

Well, it runs n drives, steers n stops....still a ways to go but it's together and driving...yay!

Since my last post I had a problem getting the discs/drums redrilled to the Ford 4.5" PCD as the welded 4x130 threaded hole proved too hard for a twist drill. I found another machine shop who uses a 3mm Carbide milling tool which worked. So much ado about that set me back weeks, but they all fitted and worked in the end....so all good.

Brakes were bled - good solid pedal now. Just need bedding in.

Once the tyres were fitted I could drop it off the stands and actually drive the fucker out of the garage....:smile:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps92c2fdfe.jpg
I'm linking the stance and mixed wheel style combo....not everyone I know likes that mix though?

Stance is purposeful....me likey.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psce961021.jpg

The AR5-E end sit level with sensible zorst clearance.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psf8491762.jpg

The eagle eyed amongst youz will notice there's no pinstriping above the light on the rear wing - it had to be repainted (Ford - Rio Brown) which was due to a...ahem...small fire when the Hi-Pacs were being installed :hmm:

I now have this......

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps88fe864c.jpg...an empty garage.

Things to do:
Insurance = £93 (less than $100 p/a)
Steering alignment - front & rear
MOT (UK Road worthiness certificate)
drive the fucker in what's left of our British summer.

Thanks for checking in....all posts n comments gave me the impetuous to carry on, thank you all :clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Your ride came out veeerrryy slick. She has a great stance and the front/rear wheel combo works well for me! :clapping::thumbsup::clapping: The thought provoking asymmetrical take on the pin striping is indeed subtle, but brilliant...:wink::grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Why thang yew Sir, very kind indeed.

The asymetric striping follows the reflections/curves of the wings, seemed to work better than the usual given the nature of the bodywork, you're one of very few to spot it though.

I cannot find the centre caps for the fronts (pisses me off no end I tell ya), hpwever, I have a plan for the rear caps which involves engraving.....I'll say no more :wink:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I love it :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:




Ron

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Your car looks damn good sir.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you, I like how it's turned out :smile:

It's passed the UK MOT and I have insurance as well. I ran it to my club night meet and it performed very well indeed :grin:

It handles much better now the steering alignment has been adjusted, rear alignment to do a touch and it'll be right. Suspension has settled and I'm liking the stance, although I can see me sticking bigger tyres (Wide Ovals) on the rear maybe??

On the brake rollers....5 mm clearance !!
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps1d6ef832.jpg

All done...yay

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psbe4be5e1.jpg

Thanks to all who have been following progress/posting etc :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

:clapping::clapping::clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

:clapping::clapping::clapping:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Thank you Metalmaster and V8transporter :grin:



A mate took some shots last night at a location I had had my eye on for a while, old gas station looking nice and crumbly close to where I live in Oxford UK. The lady owner granted us full access as I had phoned and asked her first, she was more than happy to let us do what we wanted as most don't ask and she doesn't like bods just turning up thinking they have a right to use/access her property without permission...rude idiots.

Anyhoo....here's a taster of a pre-edit snap....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psf15e33cb.jpg

I know this is borderline Volksrod, but the wheel combo and exterior/interior styling is Hotrod inspired so I hope it qualifies?

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

No my friend. This not borderline. This is full on badass volksrod ! :thumbsup: :bow:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

A "Borderline Volksrod." (?) What a great sense of humor! :grin:

The shot of your VOLKSROD at the old garage is calendar perfect. :thumbsup::clapping::thumbsup:

No that's a volksrod. Through and through that's a freaking volksrod

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

That's alright then :wink:

I'm awaiting the edited versions of our shoot, I'll get them up on her soon. Good night all.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Got the edited images through.....I like 'em!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps62b3f60b.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psea8bc2c9.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps465bbc9b.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps11b0a5ab.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps54064cc4.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps614154cf.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps5c03a512.jpg

Hope y'all lik'em as well? :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Nice! The third one down is my favorite.:thumbsup::clapping::thumbsup:

A few of your images are now my phones wallpaper. :funny::thumbsup:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Glad you like V8T, I like the top one and the bottom on e if only I'd turned the front wheels over to the right. I really like the hard contrast, one my car and the shed gas pumps...looks moody. I'm right pleased with them, my mate Paul Graham of PLG Photography took them.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...6120023&type=1

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Paul did an excelent job!

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Wow, I'm chuffed (very pleased).....I'll tell Paul :grin:

He is rather good at it :wink:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

To all who have admired the quality of the images of my bug, Paul would like to extend his thanks and appreciation of your praise.

Here's his website: http://www.plgphoto.com/about.html

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Well, despite all the fuss and excitement over the photo session the bug has just spewed it's brake juice all over the floor. I'd not been happy with the brake pedal feel, coupled with one too many top ups signaled a problem. But no visible signs of a leak?? :Idunno:
Then I backed it out of the garage and there were two puddles to tell the tale....master cylinder leaking past the seals and filling into the naps hat section, finally seeping out through the bolt mount area.

Stripped it out today, but I've had to cut the long front to rear pipe as the union wouldn't undo, so a new piece will be patched into the line inside the cabin.

It'll get done this week coming.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Tell Paul that IMHO he does phenomenal work. :bow: Of course I'm a little prejudiced about the shot of the Single Cab. :thumbsup:
One that really caught my eye is the row of wine glasses with the string of horizontal lines across the top. :thumbsup:
I've worked as an artist and my dad was a professional photographer, so I'm not just blowing smoke. :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I've posted your reply in full on FB, thank you :grin:

Master cylinder coming on Monday.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I now have a brake pedal and have been driving the bug as much as I can, to get some shake down miles and because I LOVE IT :dancing:

Out n about at a drag race day that was rained off (Yeah we get rain over here guys)....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps3ddcd8e1.jpg...god day out all the same :grin:

Out n about with 'er indoors.....

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psf906cc1a.jpg...down at a local biker/pistonheads cafe. Funny really, those bikers guys are not in the slightest bit interested in the bug...at all...in any way...ever!

Having said that I've started my brat bike project.....

Taking this...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psd3c9c516.jpg

..to something like this, with a bit of this :sawzall: :welder: and of course this :AssScratch:...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps0b28759d.jpg.

Should I start another thread on here as it's sort of hot rod stylee, it'll have some pin striping on it for sure? :wink:

Would it be worthy on this forum?

Edit: I'm such a twat...just found the bike thread on here....that'll do for me! Cheers guys.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

I sourced my Halibrand reps from a stateside wheel supplier J D Wheels and they've posted images of my humble bug on thier website which is nice :grin:

Here: http://www.jdwheels.com/halibrand-replica.html

In amongst some awesome hotrods and classic American tin - which inspired my overall build, so I'm very pleased. Thank you J D Wheels.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Mmm. Must be nice to be famous. Hopefully you won't forget your friends over on this side of the pond with our 'patina-fied' old rides and simple painted steel wheels...sigh.:wink::grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

How could I forget me ole muckers from across the pond? I'll have my people talk to your people.....we simply must do lunch sometime.........laters! :grin:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

See it's already begun. I guess I'll have to rustle up some "people" so your "people" will have someone to talk too. Right now there's just an ancient Cocker Spaniel and three feral cats....sigh.

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Guess I need another dog & a few more cats



Ron :dancing:

Re: UK VW Rusto-ROD epic
 

Blinking hell, has it really been 8 months since I posted on here, sorry guys I love you all, really I do.

Update:

I dug the bug out after a UK winter to find it popping and backfiring a bit too much for my linking, so a quick look see and it was determined the valves on the engine leftside were not sealing properly along with an inlet gasket failure as well.

So, reluctantly dropped out the engine and stripped off the l/s head. The #4 exhaust valve was not sealing, but a slightly bigger problem was apparent......both /s barrels were quite badly corroded. This has got to be due to the engine spending a long time laid up, with no oil down the bores, leading to condensation causing the barrel corrosion.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psy88gpsyn.jpg

So, it needed two new barrels at least. Now, fortunately, my mate Scotty had a few spare b&ps in the correct size (1641cc) so they were honed and pressed into service. They were nearly new, less than 2000miles, so were in very good condition. The r/s barrels were like new so no problem there.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...ps4bioef8k.jpg

It was a learning curve for me as I'd never stripped a type1 engine before, so all good. Once back together, I was pleased to have had the experience.

So it's all back in and running sweetly, balanced the twin 34s yesterday and I'm pleased it's running so well 'touch wood'.

Also, scored a pair of 215/65x15 BFGoodrich TA Radials for silly cheap and got them on as well :grin:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...pstblvqx05.jpg

I like this moody shot...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psgqsd68y2.jpg

Those 215s really fatten up the arse end a treat...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...pso3642c4q.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...psfaluuvih.jpg

So, just fettling to do now: Adjust clutch, roll n/s/f wing edge to make more tyre clearance, fix fuel gauge, change engine oil/filter (after 450miles from rebuild) and polish it ready for the big European road trip to European Bug-In 2016 in Belgium at the end of June2015, can't wait :dancing:

Thanks for checking in chaps, Colin