Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 06:03 AM

Hi all I’m new to the forum and this is my first post outside the classifieds. I happened along this impressive site whilst searching for parts for my Type 4, 2 Litre, twin Solex VW Bus engine. I don’t own a 914 sorry

I’m located on the beautiful East coast of Australia a bit over 1 hour drive North of Sydney.

I knew nothing about 914’s before I arrived. In fact, now that I’m a bit more edumicated, I’ve realised a 914 was at the VW Nationals in Western Sydney last year. I had no idea why it was at the show or what it was! Anyway, I’ve lurked around the forums a bit and now have a bit of an idea what the fuss is about. Whilst I do own big heavy practical underpowered wallowing VW Bus, I’m a motoring enthusiast from as long ago as I can remember, and I certainly do appreciate the 914 concept and its execution. I’m rather intrigued to know how the type 4 feels when it’s got a light nimble body.

Anyway, that’s my modest intro. It would have been longer but I got stuck in the sandpit and found some rather dubious threads that were a bit like watching a train wreck

Posted by: mepstein May 31 2018, 06:09 AM

“I’m rather intrigued to know how the type 4 feels when it’s got a light nimble body.”
Like an adult go cart.

Posted by: Philip W. May 31 2018, 06:12 AM

- this is why I tend to steer clear of the SB, but it still happens from time to time!, oh and there are many here that are in varying degrees of non-914 ownership, its easy to get hooked on the site just due to the many awesome people here- you will find all the help you require for that motor, AND there are other Aussie's here too, and a couple New Zeelander's too - I wouldn't be surprised if once you get a ride/drive in one of these that you end up with one! they are very addicting!. this is why many end up with more than one- once my current project is back to running, I will be looking for the next project as well- I would love a bus though for sure.

So I think some pictures of the Bus and the motor would be appropriate....

Posted by: Mike1981 May 31 2018, 06:19 AM

Welcome to the site.

I own a 914 V8 conversion and everyone has treated me very well.

Going out of their way to help with challenges I have had.

Good group of folks.

Mike

Posted by: Edward Blume May 31 2018, 06:35 AM

The lowly 914 is coming up on 50 years. Not bad when you consider the fates of non notable successors like the 924, 928, 944, and now the Boxster. Heck a 2000 911 is nearly worth less.

Fun cars. Good people.

Posted by: Montreal914 May 31 2018, 07:38 AM

...and as others metioned;

Posted by: krazykonrad May 31 2018, 07:52 AM

Welcome aboard!

Konrad

Posted by: Lucky9146 May 31 2018, 08:01 AM

I'll second that! Like an adult go cart!

Posted by: Tdskip May 31 2018, 08:03 AM

Welcome.

Pictures, we need pictures.

Posted by: 76-914 May 31 2018, 08:17 AM

Posted by: RickS May 31 2018, 08:18 AM

Welcome to the insanity Mr. Beckstar. If you aren’t careful, your curiosity may become a passion and then it’s down the rabbit hole.

P.S. it’s a great place to be.

Posted by: Mueller May 31 2018, 08:28 AM

Welcome.

Lovely country you live in, one of our best vacations ever. Bondi beach, blue Mountains and a few other places even went to a zoo so my twins could feed wallabys and get scared by a koala . I don't think I have ever paid so much for parking before going to Sydney


Great people here, lots of air cooled vehicle fans and car fans in general.

Don't feel bad for not owning a 914, half of us own one that has not run in years.

Posted by: rhodyguy May 31 2018, 08:38 AM

Anything show up in the mail yet? This thread is worthless without pictures.

Posted by: Tom_T May 31 2018, 11:59 AM

As above, you have company from a few Kiwis & OZ Boyz with 914s on here.

So get yourself a "0 to 62 KPH: 30 minutes" decal for the back window of the Bus, & look for a 914 Downunder to actually experience a T-IV in a middie 914!

I know the slow-n-go situation with our 88 Westy WBX-4, so I got this from someone on evil-bay who also makes a Bus version silhouette, although I do NOT drive with the top up -



^ - sorry, but the friggin site's attachment routine turned my bottom pic back sideways, but I'm not wasting time messing with it, you get the idea.

There's also an "... Awesome Vanagon" topic on here which also has Buses - including -6 & maybe -8 versions IIRC, if you feel the need for speed in a brick-on-wheels!

Cheers Mate!
Tom
///////

Posted by: porschetub May 31 2018, 04:24 PM

you will find the folks on here great and the FS/WTB section is a great source for parts as your engine is not really that different.
Lived in your country for 5yrs over on the west coast mainly ,great place .
Owned a 72 microbus,and a 74 1303L Bug,remember lots of Kombi's around as they were built in Australia in fairly large numbers.
The T4 motors over there were ROW versions with no smog gear,my van had a 1.8 fitted by the PO and was a strong reliable engine.
Appears many bus's get exported to the UK and Holland from Australia because they are mostly rust free and RH drive.

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:30 PM

Awww shucks thanks for the welcomes.

By popular demand, here’s a pic of Harry, the 1976 VW Campmobile (Sopru Adventurer Deluxe build). He’s pretty much all original and the bits that aren’t original are in my plans for future change back.

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:38 PM

Recent engine rebuilt. New main bearings, new standard cam, new pistons, rings, barrels. Heads were rebuilt recently so were just disassembled, cleaned up, valves relapped. Carburettors were sent to Volksdoktor in Adelaide for exchange units. I found the right hand carburettor had been changed by a previous owner and it was meant for a 1.8 L manual. Harry is a 2 Litre Auto. Yes, an automatic

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:40 PM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:41 PM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:42 PM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:45 PM

Last week at the VW Nationals, Fairfield Showground (Western Sydney)

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:48 PM

Hopefully I’ve now reached the acceptable pics quota

Posted by: Mr Beckstar May 31 2018, 04:51 PM

Posted by: oakdalecurtis May 31 2018, 05:35 PM

Posted by: Philip W. May 31 2018, 05:39 PM

its a good start!

Posted by: KELTY360 May 31 2018, 06:47 PM

Keep trying. We’ll tell you when to stop.

BTW, 914s and VW buses seem to go together. Once upon a time I even traded in a ‘73 914 on a ‘72 tintop Westy.

Posted by: Spoke May 31 2018, 06:56 PM

Are those carbs big enough for a 2L T4? Seems many have Weber 40 IDF dual carbs like the ones on my 2056cc:

Posted by: burton73 May 31 2018, 08:36 PM

Welcome to the World. I see one of your pictures there is a Left-hand Porsche 356. Can you import left handed cars, 914s into Australia without a crazy penalty?

Your Eng. Looks super clean. I had a 73 Camper I picked up at the VW Factory.

Bob B

Posted by: porschetub May 31 2018, 10:55 PM

Ha Ha Jim but really a great explanation ,took mine out on its first run and thought shit this thing is little,then powered up and got a bit messy in the gravel on a corner, did what I thought was right then popped out of the corner with 800 mm base pinetree's both sides all clear ,then thought these little buggers handle too....really stoked this cars are very unique.
I will waffle on further and say I was walking down the hill from my place to go for a surf @ the beach and there was a car yard there (still to this day) and there was a 914 ,loved it anyway fast forward 30+yrs and I bought one in great condition ..all I did was fit a six .

Posted by: 914-300Hemi Jun 1 2018, 12:21 AM

very nice looking bus.

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:13 AM

Haha yes I get it now it really is a large go kart. That would suit me I raced competition go karts for many years

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:18 AM

Okay, you asked for it KELTY360, one thing I’ve got is LOTS of photos!

Not so much relationship between them in Australia. I can’t remember seeing one on the road here. I read on a web site they were never made in right hand drive so I guess they weren’t really imported into Australia much. The average car enthusiast in the 70’s in Australia was buying big V8’s. The 914 is kind of the opposite philosophy I guess.

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:41 AM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:45 AM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:46 AM

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 02:49 AM

Ummmm, why has it started turn my photos on their side and upside down???

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 03:50 AM

Haha yes the carbs are way bigger than my previous Type 1, 1600cc. And, there’s two of them!!!! Nice smooth performance at a wide rev range, but it’s got nothing over 4,500 rpm

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 03:53 AM

Thanks Burton73.

Yes, left hand drive cars can be driven in Australia. Once upon a time you used to have to have a big ugly “left hand drive” sign on the back. Those days seem to have gone. Must admit I don’t know the regulations, but there are some in the VW club who have left hand drive.

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 03:54 AM

Awww thanks

Posted by: Mr Beckstar Jun 1 2018, 03:59 AM

Posted by: whitetwinturbo Jun 6 2018, 09:26 PM

everybody is welcome to our madness...including you