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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:30 PM

Or

Dr.Evil's CAMPERVERSION





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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:32 PM

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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:34 PM

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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:35 PM

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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:38 PM

Just to confrim it is indeed a real vw bus. AND proof it is a true TRANNY waggin


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Posted by: George H. Apr 9 2008, 07:40 PM

Tears of rust it is related to the 914

Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:40 PM

About 1.5 minutes with the buffer It has now been marked and shall never leave. Worst rust spot, there are a few other very small spots but this is by far the worst


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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:42 PM

End result will be something along these lines


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Posted by: scotty b Apr 9 2008, 07:52 PM

I like that Should be Mike's new avatar

Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 9 2008, 09:26 PM

I've replaced those dog leg sections b4.

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 9 2008, 10:46 PM

sumthin like this!


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Posted by: roadster fan Apr 10 2008, 03:19 AM

you are killin me!

Posted by: type11969 Apr 10 2008, 08:44 AM

Jealous of those seats, look way more comfortable than the stock ones in my 76.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 10 2008, 09:15 AM

Boo ya! Scotty, thanks for the eval and all of the work you have done so far. That paint is not bad at all.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 10 2008, 09:16 AM

Oh ya, I was thinking rust tears when I saw that pic, too.

Posted by: degreeoff Apr 10 2008, 10:09 AM

Rock on MAN!! I may have to follow suit...I had 2 @ 1972 buses...one was a camper and one an original owner 42k mile that had sat for years! Its most exelent feature was a sunroof the size of the superdome unto which we (unamed huligans from my youth) would launch water ballons out of while driving the strip @ VA beach!!!

Posted by: purple Apr 10 2008, 11:50 AM

Am I missing something?

If you have a 4 on the floor shifter, where is the clutch?

Is it a 'sportmatic' ?

Me's confusalated!

Posted by: type11969 Apr 10 2008, 11:56 AM

thought the same thing then saw that it was just depressed to the floor and under the floor mat in that one pick. You can see it with the mat removed. Cable must not be connected.

Posted by: tdgray Apr 10 2008, 12:08 PM

Looks pretty good... ahhh brings back memories

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 10 2008, 12:11 PM

I hope that is it. The tranny is supposed to be in it still.

Posted by: type11969 Apr 10 2008, 12:14 PM

maybe they installed the pressure plate backwards so you now have to pull up on the clutch pedal to disengage it.

Posted by: Wilhelm Apr 10 2008, 12:22 PM

Be perfect with a 5.3 litre SBC!!!!!!

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 10 2008, 12:29 PM

He said that it needed either an ig switch or the whole key part. Which is it, do you know, Scotty?

Posted by: scotty b Apr 10 2008, 08:08 PM

P.O. disconnected the cable when he removed the engine. Tranny is there.

I am assuming the switch is bad.The tumbler feels fine, key turns to all positions so I'm assuming the electrical portion is bad. Let me look into it some more before buying one.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 10 2008, 08:26 PM

Thats good news because the switch is cheap and readily available

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 12 2008, 08:37 PM

This should be marked OT!

So, I have already purchased the required parts as per Scotty's recommendation. Total; $175 with shipping. Man these parts are cheap.

I got both outer rockers, inner and outer lower step for the right side front, front, rear, and 2 side window seals, and an ig switch ($6).

Posted by: scotty b May 26 2008, 01:58 PM

So Mike came down this weekend and we spent about 6 hours on the bus Saturday. While I cut out rot and started repairing, Mike stripped arpound all of the window frames and the seams between body panels. I actually got the passengers side repaired but forgot to take a pic. I did not use the replacement pice as the stamping quality was complete shit Passenger rocker needs to be bowed a bit to fit correctly and the drivers rocker turned out to be much wwrse then expected. Needs the wholle inner rocker as well.



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Posted by: scotty b May 26 2008, 01:59 PM

Mo


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Posted by: scotty b May 26 2008, 02:01 PM

Later we went out with 2 of his friends in town and went out for sushi where he let it be known that he recent;ly learned what anal ease is for and that the sushi did not taste like rotten semen


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Posted by: scotty b May 26 2008, 02:03 PM

and the offending patch. I may be single and I may not get laid but at least I am not familiar with the flavor of rotten spoog, or any other spoog for that matter. Sunday Mike met me back at the shop with PHO in hand and we got a good start on wiring my motorcycle then went to my house and got my dads tranny 75% done, then I bitched out on a cookout his friends were having in order to take care of laundry and bills


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Posted by: brer May 26 2008, 03:05 PM

wow, is that a repair panel?? who makes those?


I do see one major problem though.
Longboards do not rule.

Posted by: scotty b May 26 2008, 05:40 PM

Um yes they do

I forget the name of the repro company. Appeared to be Swedish or Scandinavian name. Mike got them from the Bus Depot who has a good rep, so it is probably the same panel most places carry. The part itself was 18 gauge so it wasn't cheapo thickness just a half assed stamping. Once I got the outer pice off and saw the majoruty of the insdie was good it just didn't seem to be worth getting the repro part to fit right.

Posted by: Dr Evil May 26 2008, 10:06 PM

Har har Scottmunch

It was fun hanging out this weekend. I wish we lived closer so I could help you out with your other projects. You missed out last night, drunken rockband and I was singing

Posted by: brer May 27 2008, 12:56 AM

You missed a nice SD bbq Mike.

Don Traver and Sean came round and we did a proper west coast tri-tip roast up.
24hr soaked beans and Kelly's patented olive oil roasted potaters. Nice, but sure wish we had at least 2 more booties to fill the extra seats.

Always loved that Blue Color..






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Posted by: Vacca Rabite May 27 2008, 07:56 AM

Ahh Rockband. One of my favorite things to do while drunk.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist May 27 2008, 11:23 AM

You get drunk and do rockbands? Is Erin cool with this?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite May 27 2008, 01:45 PM

Hey man, don't knock it till you've tried it!

The game is seriously fun. Like, addicting.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b May 27 2008, 06:37 PM

Um yeah

More than a feelin Holmes

Posted by: stepuptotheMike Jun 2 2008, 04:00 PM

Saw this one while roamingst the net.... thought of the good dr.

http://www.hymanltd.com/search/Details.asp?stockno=3778&recordCount=64

-Mike

Posted by: Brett W Jun 2 2008, 08:59 PM

Don't you love having you knees as the front line of defense in a head on collision?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 2 2008, 09:28 PM

Most cars go under the bumper

Posted by: scotty b Jun 29 2008, 06:08 PM

Happy something day Mike Striped, etched, primed, blocked, sealed, painted


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Posted by: scotty b Jun 29 2008, 06:11 PM

squirt squirt


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Posted by: scotty b Jun 29 2008, 06:12 PM

Last


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Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 29 2008, 09:39 PM

Thanks man! Did you get the headlight bucket and the check yet? It went out USPS I think (Heidi shipped it for me). That is looking awesome. I better get hot on building this engine.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 29 2008, 09:40 PM

Did you get the spare tire mount in the last shipment? I need to ordered one? Probably a good time to install it, no?

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jun 30 2008, 12:13 AM

Looks awesome.... Your going to have a sweet looking ride Mike. Nice work... er, werk Scotty

Posted by: scotty b Jun 30 2008, 06:32 AM

Yeah Mike I got the bucket and the $$ and the tire mount. Test fit the mount, but haven't drilled the holes yet. I keep hoping you'll change your mind on it Those spare tires look like an old burned out decrepit a-hole should be driving the bus, but if that's the look you want You need a fishing hat full of lures to fit the bill. Bus w/spare, pipe, fishing hat, coverd in blood

Posted by: type11969 Jun 30 2008, 08:45 AM

Mike, did you get the spare tire mount that has supports that run down to the bumper? If not, you are going to mess up that paint and any body work on the front end. Actually either way you probably will, but the mount that has supports running down to the bumper is much better in terms of messing up the ft end. I dig having the spare up front for a bunch of reasons, extra protection, extra space, but the biggest right now is to cover up the dents/paint scuffs from having the tire mounted up there for so many years.

If you want to save some cash you can return the front mount you just bought and I can send you the old ft mount I have that mounted to just the skin (I got one that ties in to the bumper). Its a little rusty but will clean up fine.

-Chris

Posted by: scotty b Jun 30 2008, 08:05 PM

Chris he did NOT get one with bumper supports and I am worried about this one mangling the front end. It only mounts with 3 - 1/4" bolts. Unfortunately I have already opend the package so it can'y be returned.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 30 2008, 08:42 PM

It was only $14 for the mount so no biggie. Where do I get the supportive mount for larger breasts, er, tires?

Posted by: scotty b Jun 30 2008, 08:47 PM

Hey Chris can you gat a pic of yours that has the supports ? Might not be too hard to make

Posted by: type11969 Jun 30 2008, 09:41 PM

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C27%2DJ12975

Pricey for a bunch of fuchin flatbar but couldn't find anyone to get me dimensions on the samba. Plus the singleboob that sticks out that the tire mounts on doesn't stick out far enough for the tire to not rub on the paint. My paint sucks so I don't care. If you don't need it right away, I can totally get you some dimensions and recommended mods. I'm going to quit my job on the 11th and not start classes until sept 22nd so I'll have some free time. Hell I can build up a CAD model and make prints. Start fabbing and undercut CIP. Or you might be able to just wing it. I'll try to nab some pics this weekend.

One of the clutch additions of this mount, along with the tie in to the bumper, are the two bars that tie in two each of the 4 mounting holes through the nose together. They mount on the inside of the bus, taking more of the stress off the skin.

I also like that it mounts the tire "shiney side out" so you can put a hubcap on it. The other ones mount the wheel backwards.

-Chris

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 30 2008, 10:14 PM

Sweet! How hard would it be to put some spacers and bigger bolts on it to keep it off of the paint? Just for the tire mounting bolts, not the rig itself. I would want to put some rubber gasket between the metal and the nose, too.

That aint too bad if it is stainless of galvanized.

What do you think, Scott, buy or build?

Posted by: type11969 Jun 30 2008, 10:30 PM

It is cad plated. I put rubber gasket material between all 6 mounting locations and between the back bars and the inside of the nose skin. Inevitably those areas of the nose skin are still going to flatten to follow the contour of the tire mount. If I did give a shit about the front of my bus I'd probably try to profile the areas where the mount touches the nose skin in hopes of minimizing the dents, but I think it will still be unavoiable.

As for spacing the tire further out, they way they have it the bottom inside sidewall of the tire touches the part of the mount that runs to the bumper before the wheel is fully seated on the mount. This kicks the top side in towards the bus and up against the paint. As you further tighten the wheel down, you just bend the wheel so I threw some washers in there to avoid it. A kind of crappy product. It may rely partially on having the tire rest on the paint, the old style mounts definitely did, I didn't think these had to though. Never messed with spacing it out further. It might be worth a shot, this mount is way more robust by itself than the old style one.

-Chris

Posted by: zymurgist Jul 1 2008, 12:50 PM

Why not just leave the spare tire off altogether and get AAA?

Posted by: scotty b Jul 1 2008, 07:48 PM

Not much there to be fabbed I can probably use the mount you alreadt bought as the front piece that the tire actually bolts to.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 1 2008, 08:07 PM

Right on. Can it be made out of stainless?

Posted by: scotty b Jul 1 2008, 08:10 PM

If'n yer buyin it. Or I could do it in non stainless and get it powder coated for about 30.00 Yer call holmes.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 1 2008, 08:22 PM

The price is pretty negligible between the two, no? What would stainless cost me?

Posted by: scotty b Jul 1 2008, 08:55 PM

Just a guess ?? Close to 60.00 ? I haven't bought any s.s. in a while so I'm not sure what the price is like right now. 1/2" flat stock, 1/8 - 3/16" thick should be fine for it

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 1 2008, 09:28 PM

Scott, I have full confidence in your decision regarding this. If you think powder coat is good enough, then so be it Just let me know. I aint gonna question your wisdom on this body type o stuff.

Posted by: type11969 Jul 2 2008, 08:18 AM

Good call. I'd use some larger fasteners than those 1/4"ers if you aren't going to weld that already purchased mount to the stuff you are fabbing.

Posted by: scotty b Jul 13 2008, 04:12 PM

mo dun dis week


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Posted by: scotty b Jul 13 2008, 04:14 PM

Mike these are the two factory holes I asked you about. You can see the two oversized ones I filled and the other two smaller ones. Whatchu wan dun wit dem mon ?


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Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 13 2008, 05:02 PM

Might as well fill all the holes. I will use adhesive to mount anything to the door in the future.

Thanks man, looking great!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 28 2008, 09:57 PM

Update from the machine shop today: cylinders have been cut down, block has been bored, current crank will need to be ground and I will see if my other one is better.

They admittedly said that they are not setting any records for getting this done, but they are hooking me up and doing it between better paying jobs.

Still needed to be done:
- Heads
- Rods
- Pistons
- Crank

Posted by: Justinp71 Jul 28 2008, 11:07 PM

Oh you should just put the 2.7 six in it....lol

Posted by: scotty b Sep 17 2008, 07:02 PM

Nothing exciting here, the Doc just needed a " fix " as he put it. Driver side rockers are done, entry step on pass side is done, almost all of the rust spots have been taken to bare metal, etched and primed, some dents are being filled, some are not rear pass window frame is painted. I'm still going to strip under the gutter since it is a bit crappy looking in several spots, so that will be primed and the back hatch is ready to wet sand and paint. Pass outer rocker will probably go on this weekend and I'll try to finish up the welding on the inside


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Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 17 2008, 07:29 PM

Too bad that louvered window has to come back out to have the metal under there painted since it is bare

Did my tires show up?

Posted by: ws91420 Sep 17 2008, 07:45 PM

How much is going to have to be fabbed up for mounting the engine and tranny.

Posted by: type11969 Sep 17 2008, 08:13 PM

Wolfsburg west sells the complete seal kit for those lovered windows, only about 32 bucks. Includes the individual pane seals, etc. It is the correct gray color, not that it is a big deal. I just installed a new black one like it seems you have, it was a total bitch to get in. My guess is the Wolfsburg West one is much easier to deal with.

What color are you going to paint the wheels? I'm digging the satin black I did up on mine:

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 18 2008, 06:06 AM

Almost nothing. I have a bar that mounts the engine to the original mounts, and a mount that mounts the tranny to an early VW tranny mount that will need to be installed. Other than that it is just getting the shifter cable and lever mounted correctly.

As for the wheels, that is exactly the color I am going to use.

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 18 2008, 06:12 AM

Oh ya, the latest with the machine shop: all they have left to do is open the small end of the rods, and cut the heads...supposedly. The guy didnt know how far down to cut the heads.....but he didnt call me to ask. I told him to open them up at the same depth since with the aircooled set up you adjust at the bottom of the barrel. I could have had cheap, or I could have had fast, not both.

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 18 2008, 04:06 PM

Latest with the machine shop; all that is left to do, supposedly, is to drill the holes in the barrel fins for the head studs to pass through....Hopefully next week.

Posted by: scotty b Sep 18 2008, 06:13 PM

Hey Chris if you get a chance copuld you take off your tire and get me a pic of the mount ? Mike got the better style, but before I start blindly drilling holes I'd like to have some idea of where the " feet " should be sitting.


Mike no the tires haven't shown up.Did you have them shipped to the house or the shop ?

Got a little more bondo work done today and got the pass rocker fitted and ready to weld in. Goor thing you said want the wheels black, I was gonna surprise you and do them white when I get the tires mounted

Posted by: type11969 Sep 18 2008, 06:43 PM

PM me next week to remind me, won't have time until then. In the meantime, this is what I did (didn't have instructions). I found the center of the bumper using the mounting bolts. I then centered the bracket mounts that go on the bumper around this line. Then I slid the bracket back to the front skin of the bus until it was touching the skin at all the mounts. Double checked distance from the upper mounts to the grill and a centerline from the grill, marked the holes, drilled, made some rubber pads for the mounts, bolted it on. Getting the backing bars on in the cabin is kind of a pain (access to the upper skin attachment is tough) , but I made the lower skin attachment first, tightened the bolt enough that when I spun the bar up towards the upper skin attachment point, friction kept the bar from falling back down. I could then fish the bar into position and install the upper mount bolts. It will make sense when you get to it.

My front is dented/screwed up anyway so I'm not sure how great the positioning is in the end.

-Chris

Posted by: helios Sep 18 2008, 07:23 PM

This build has me rethinking the old bays. I would love a split, but they are more money than I care to spend at the moment. Love it. Keep it up!

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 18 2008, 08:00 PM

Scotty, yer awesome

I had the tires sent to your house.....maybe they didnt ship them because they were waiting to get my OK to upcharge the actual shipping from what they quoted.

I'll let ya know.

Posted by: ws91420 Sep 18 2008, 08:12 PM

So any work being done on the teener yet?

Posted by: scotty b Sep 19 2008, 10:51 PM

Bus first, my bike 2nd ( briefly ) then Mike's 914

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 20 2008, 12:06 PM

Ya, I need the bus first. That and Scotty is gonna want actual cash money to do the 914

Posted by: scotty b Sep 21 2008, 09:53 AM

Rockers in and primed Pretty much finished up the last two bondo spots on the body. ALMOST ready to wet sand and shoot this boat. Still have the holes in the inner wheel wells to repair ( sometime this week ) and a few spots on the rear.



Where's my split ??




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Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 21 2008, 10:33 AM

Strong work, man!

I am still waiting for a time to meet with my friend to get some pics. IT aint going no where so far as I know. The guy is goign to have to clean out the whole barn to get it out and I dont think he is in a hurry.

Posted by: type11969 Sep 21 2008, 08:09 PM

You still putting the fiberglass top on?

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 21 2008, 08:26 PM

Yup, but that is going to be later as I need time to go down and drill out days worth of spot welds so I am told.

Posted by: scotty b Oct 11 2008, 10:34 PM

Now ju seez it....now ju don


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Posted by: scotty b Oct 11 2008, 10:37 PM

Got a bit done on my scooter tonight too Beer+ nice weather + Social D, Johnny Cash and Tool make Scotty productive ....and inibriated
BTW Blue Moons fall brew is good shit

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 11 2008, 11:31 PM

Aw yeah! BTW, there is supposed to be a triangular piece in place of the wall that was removed. Exciting stuff, glad you got some work done on the scooter.

Posted by: type11969 Oct 11 2008, 11:51 PM

Indeed there is . . . and it is an excellent place to mount a bottle opener.



Looking good btw

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 12:11 AM

Damn, we are all up late.

Posted by: type11969 Oct 12 2008, 12:14 AM

1am late?

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 12:17 AM

For most of these stiffs I am alone tonight as the woman has gone to CA to start the countdown to the wedding on Sat. I am one martini in and looking for the bed.

Posted by: scotty b Oct 12 2008, 09:18 AM

Mike I saw no need for that piece to be there. It really wouldn't provide any bracing If you want I could make something up pretty easily though. Let me know

Posted by: type11969 Oct 12 2008, 10:31 AM

I dunno, the piece VW put in there is pretty damn thick. 3/16 maybe. I could see that gusset distributing stresses in that sharp corner better when the whole bus twists along its length (ehh, maybe in a turn with a lot of stuff in it), you were carrying stuff on your roof (not likely with that camper top), or if the side of your bus was greeted with something non-forgiving (hmmm ).

Personally I wouldn't second guess VW on it.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 12:38 PM

Me neither. Plus, it is a good place for a bottle opener.

Posted by: scotty b Oct 12 2008, 01:43 PM

Consider it done. Chris if you get a chance could you get me some measurements on the piece ? Height, width, etc Thanks

Posted by: type11969 Oct 12 2008, 04:47 PM

About 175mm tall, 55mm across the base, 2.3mm thk (okay, so 3/16" was an exaggeration), and a 10mm wide lip folded 90 degress over on the hypotenuse towards the front of the car.

Let me know if you need some pics

-Chris

Posted by: scotty b Oct 12 2008, 05:25 PM

mm's and hypontenuse ? Where the hell do you think you are ? Some sort of British social club ??



Thanks Chris

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 05:52 PM

Update on my end:

Engine - the shop would have been done with the engine this week except for one unforeseen problem that was of my creation. The valve springs were too big for their seats and keepers and this led me to think I had the wrong springs.....nope The special heads that I got and that were advertised as 110 heads were in fact 80-90hp low compression heads. I thought this was gonna be a problem, but I had them CC one of the pockets and at 46cc it is within my limits as I need 60-64cc in the chamber when done for a 9:1-9.4:1 CR. I also found that the guy with the corvair aviation site used the same heads with good results. All that needs to be done to the heads now is to have the valve seats opened up for the bigger springs. More waiting

Carb - I am awaiting some pieces on my carb still, but I am about done with its rebuild today and it is looking good. I really enjoyed rebuilding it and saved a bunch of cash.

Tranny - all I have left to do on the tranny is to clean out and reseal the diff. I did the auto part very easily and saved another grip of money. This is the first auto I have rebuilt and I must say it was very easy and like the carb it was very enjoyable. The rebuild kit was like $150

Next I need to get the damn engine parts so I can clean them up and start the assembly process. This will likely take me into Dec as I am going to be in York for the month of Nov. If you get hurt in York in Nov, look me up in the ED at the hospital

Posted by: root Oct 12 2008, 07:19 PM

Eh! I sent out the keepers and caps usps on Friday.
Let me know when they arrive so I do worry.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 07:52 PM

I need to remove the ones from the core head I have here as well. I bet they are here tomorrow.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 12 2008, 10:40 PM

Ah, I didnt check the mail yesterday and when I did tonight my electric choke kit and electric carb kit were in! I already assembled the electric carb it and modified the supplied metering block One nice thing about Noel not being here, I am doing this on the living room table

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 15 2008, 10:12 PM

I picked up my engine block, rods, and cylinders today when I dropped off my valve hardware. I would have taken pics, but Noel took the camera. All that is left is for them is to assemble the heads, trim the piston skirts (mini skirts) and grind the crank.

Posted by: Root_Werks Oct 16 2008, 08:52 AM

Love this thread! I can't wait to see more progress.

Posted by: jd74914 Oct 16 2008, 09:11 AM

Mike I know you are using VW stuff to build this engine, is there an online guide as to what is close or does it just come down to a bunch of measuring, machining, and finding parts? A friend wants to do this and we're really just looking for an easy guide. Figuring it outs not a problem, it just takes some more time.

It sounds like you are using a stock crank, cut down VW Cylinders and VW rods?

Posted by: scotty b Oct 30 2008, 06:49 PM

GETTING CLOSE !! As Mike knows but non of you do, this isn't a " perfect " jopb by any means BUT it will be a pretty damn nuce ride for our boy. I have taken care of the major rust and the major dents. In theese pics you wil see some red/brown porimer. These are spots that had pretty bad pitting but now detrementaly thin metal. I couldn't warrent sandblasting these small spots so I cleanes them, gace then a coat of Ospho and then use some Spies etch primer whic also acts as a rust neutralizer. Just so Mike doesn't worry there were no signs of rust after I cleaned the metal, I just wanted to make double certain it was protected Oh and you also got Spies sealer on top of that, all foprm my personal stash


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Posted by: scotty b Oct 30 2008, 06:51 PM

Pretty much all that is left is the drivers dood, the support brace insdie ( where I cut out for the pass swivel ) and then wet sand the whole lower body, then PAINT !


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Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 30 2008, 07:06 PM

I dare anyone to try and get Scotty to do a half assed job. I tried and he has gone wayyyy past what I was expecting, but he cant just do a bare minimum. That is looking great.

Jim D,

Here is a good link to get some of your corvair questions answered:
http://home.hiwaay.net/~langford/corvair/trial_assy.html

Search around on his page and you will find lots of info.

Posted by: type11969 Oct 30 2008, 08:03 PM

Looks great!

Posted by: r_towle Oct 30 2008, 08:19 PM

Just make sure its the color that is correct....

Rich

Posted by: scotty b Oct 30 2008, 09:43 PM

Actually Rich I haven't told Mike but I'm going with a nice rootbeer metallic and a 3 color ( white yellow orange ) nike swoosh down the side

BTW I talked to Tom today, Thank you

Posted by: r_towle Oct 30 2008, 10:30 PM

Dont you have like 4 gallons of "ferrari red" left over that is not exactly the right shade....that would look awesome really

Rich

Posted by: Root_Werks Oct 31 2008, 08:26 AM

Oh man, I can't wait to see some color on this one!

Posted by: jd74914 Oct 31 2008, 10:46 AM

Thanks man.

Posted by: Spoke Oct 31 2008, 03:31 PM

Awesome job, Scotty. Can't wait to see paint on it.

Posted by: scotty b Dec 7 2008, 05:50 PM

1 coat of sealer + 2 coats of color and Bobs yer uncle




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Posted by: scotty b Dec 7 2008, 05:53 PM

Hoping to do the body this coming week, if not it will be the following. I also will probably sand and re-shot the passengers door. For the last 2 weeks I keep getting ALOT of large pices of trash in most of what I have painted. Not sure where it's coming from but I need to track it down. The passenger door just got a sh*t load of crap in it, paint actually laid down alot better than the pics show, looks pretty much like a factory job other than the trash in it

Posted by: r_towle Dec 7 2008, 06:19 PM

Stop smoking while your spraying...its picking up the ashes...

Seriously...change out your hoses, uncouple any hard lines and blow all the shit out. It settles in the lower bends and corners of the hard pipes...
Its rust in the pipes...BTDT..
If copper, it corrodes inside...BTDT...

I ended up finding some male/female disconnects for the copper that I had to sweat in the system so I can take it all apart once a year and blow all the shit out...
Seems a compressor creates shit from the reaction of compressing the air...no idea how.

Rich

Posted by: scotty b Dec 7 2008, 06:30 PM

I drink when I paint, I don't smoke until afterwards, it's a celebratory thing


I keep all that clean, new hose and fittings yearly, dessicant evry 3-6 months. I have a feeling it is coming from the door filters, didn't happen until I had to start putting the heater outside the booth, first 2 times it was big hard chunks of something that had obviously floated down onto the panel, this time it is much smaller particles but still larger then the normal dust that happens. I take one filter out of the door for the heater to blow through, but I think some booth maintanence is in order. I have neglected the booth as a whole lately. It's OLD and VERY drafty. I have always had a problem with trash, due to the booths age, and wear, just not this bad until now.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 7 2008, 07:49 PM

Oooooo How cold is it there. It was 28 here and I stayed in the garage as long as I could today filling bolt orders. ffffffffuching cold.

Posted by: scotty b Dec 12 2008, 06:32 PM

Phase 1 is now ( almost ) complete


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Posted by: scotty b Dec 12 2008, 06:35 PM

I took the liberty of coating the lower 3-ish inches with rock gaurd to help protect it from road hazards. I tried to get a couple close pics so you can see what I'm talking about.




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Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 12 2008, 06:43 PM

Holy crap! Thats way too nice for me

Sorry I couldnt stop by yesterday. After the 9 hour test, the 5 hour drive home in the rain could not wait. Then I watched 2 movies and went to bed at 3am....trying to reset my clock for my shift tonight from 11p-7a

I am STILL working on getting the engine parts together I think I finally got the valve locks thing worked out which will be a major last piece.

Posted by: scotty b Dec 12 2008, 06:46 PM

N osweat, I was actually taping it up when you called, by the time I got yuor meaage you wre probably an hour away. Don't say it's to nice yet....you haven't seen it in person Trust me it still has dents and ripples in it I'm gonna re-paint both doors most likely as the body came out really clean and the doors had all the trash I was bitching about. Drivers isn't to bad but the pass DEFINITLY needs to be sanded dwon and re-shot. I can't let but so much go


So how'd the test go ?????

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 12 2008, 06:55 PM

The test was too long to gauge. I have no idea what it feels like to pass the second step of the licensing exam, I hope to never know what it feels like to fail it. My brain was like mush. It was really tricky in that the questions would give you a portrait of a patient, you would have to figure out what the condition was, and then they would ask you some obscure question about the condition. So, if you didnt figure out the correct condition, or know that obscure detail, you were screwed. I have been doing practice tests for about 2 mo so I was kind of used to it. I am off after next Fri and can schedule a trip down with parts, etc.

Posted by: plas76targa Dec 12 2008, 07:11 PM

Hey Mike, give me call before you head down to scott's .. If I can get away and you guys don't mind the company ..

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Dec 12 2008, 07:23 PM

Wow Scotty, that looks amazing. Doc, your going to have one sweet bus

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 12 2008, 07:31 PM

I thought about stopping by yesterday on my way home, but I just wanted to get home.

I would likely go down from more than a day, but I wouldnt mind your company

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 12 2008, 07:37 PM

Nice work.

Posted by: type11969 Dec 12 2008, 08:29 PM

Looks sweet!

Posted by: r_towle Dec 12 2008, 10:05 PM

Nice job Scotty

Rich

Posted by: Spoke Dec 12 2008, 11:38 PM

Very nice Scotty.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 13 2008, 11:37 PM

I cant stop looking at the pics

Posted by: degreeoff Dec 14 2008, 07:13 AM

dude .......... need I say more? The memory of my fallen baby...sniff snifff.....

BTW I wrecked mine into a pole that did not move @ 40 mph and the bus faired well
BTW I used to love the original front seats as you could pop em out and take em to the camp site and use em as seats around the fire!!! I remember the last time.......and the US Marshal that busted us smokin dope....LOL lost my favorite double chamber bong that way.....those WERE the days

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 14 2008, 07:50 AM

So, what color RUSTOLEUM is that, and which kind of foam rollers were you using?

Zach

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Dec 14 2008, 07:54 AM

Posted by: scotty b Dec 14 2008, 09:03 AM

Color is called ocean mist blue and I don't use rollers. Brushes with a proper technique ( ancient Chinese secret ) can be almost undetectable, except for when you lose a bristle in the paint or drop it on the ground and keep going.

Posted by: scotty b Dec 25 2008, 04:01 PM

Did some booth maintenence, re-shot the pass door, came out MUCH cleaner this time Spent a couple late afternoons bolting it back together. Just need to get the glass in so it can get parked in the woods


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Posted by: r_towle Dec 25 2008, 05:46 PM

Alive and well, it now lives to ROT another day.

RIch

Posted by: type11969 Dec 25 2008, 07:14 PM

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/bttf/images/thumb/d/d8/Libyans_mall.jpg/250px-Libyans_mall.jpg

All you need now is a shoddy bomb full of used pinball machine parts . . .

Well and the white paint to drop a bit lower.

Watch out for those Deloreans

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2008, 01:13 PM

Haha, "derka derka derka!"

Posted by: Shade Tree Dec 31 2008, 01:21 PM

If you don't have a walk through, back seats from a vw gti make really great bench seats in the front of a bus. I had a leather gti rear seat in the front of my '66. Front mounts are on the seat but you have to make the rear ones.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2008, 01:36 PM

I chucked the Hon-duh seats that were in the bus. Too thick and ugly/dirty. Since I have access to 914 seats and have seen them installed, I am putting 914 seats in first. I will be removing and selling the stock seat covers for the rear and bunk as I will have custom ones made by my mother. They are in great shape, too.

Posted by: maf914 Jan 3 2009, 03:57 PM

Nice work, Scotty!

I was watching a Charlie's Angels movie on HBO yesterday (yeah, I know, but it was a slow day and they're really not bad looking ) and there was a scene where a car goes flying through the air and lands on a VW bus. Was that really necessary? These film makers were obviously not bus people. What a shame.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 4 2009, 11:40 PM

I remember that scene, and that it pissed me off

I figure I will start making my engine progress/regress notes in this thread as well as I can more easily find it and it is all in one place.

This weekend I checked the clearance on my my crank and rods and they were within limits.

Then I balanced my rods...or am half way through. Top ends were done and had a spread of 11g which is pretty crappy. Now they are all within 1g which is the limit of my equipment. I stopped with doing the bottom ends because I needed to check clearances within the case between the bottoms and the opposing parts. I figured if I needed to remove material from the bottoms then balancing them before this step would be worthless.

Checking clearance on the inner workings of the engine required the placement of two rods, pistons and cylinders. Putting the pistons in the cylinders was a bitch, but I was patient and managed to not break any of the rings. Clearance looks good for the 1st two rods and pistons. I need to remove a small amount of material from #2, but no biggie.

It was getting late and I was getting clumsy so I called it a night. Next I need to do the other 4 cyls, finish clearancing any little bits, disassemble everything and clean, then reassemble. Thats all

I knew I was getting clumsy when I knocked a p/c and rod set off the bench, but luckily it only chipped the skirt in a way that could be managed...gotta be more careful.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 6 2009, 01:01 PM

Last night I did the rest of the clearance check and all looked good. I did notice that the cylinders were not turned down enough which left me with a .15" deck height. Kinda big, no? No worries, I will have the shop turn them down a little more once I get the heads and CC them so I can calculate the amount to be turned. Kinda sucks because it is gonna hold up assembly of the short block, but what ever.
Regarding the heads, I ordered the valve locks off line and the dealer told me Clevite doesnt make them anymore, but that he had a Melling part that matched. That turned out to be BS as the parts he sold me were 3/8 not 11/32. Only out $12 I decide to buy from a place that knows Corvairs, Corvair Ranch which is about 1.5 hrs away from me. I hope the locks will be here tomorrow and I can drop them off. With any luck I can pick up the heads on Thurs and start CCing them. Then, it is off to clean and assemble.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 6 2009, 09:34 PM

SOOOOooo now for the surprise. Mike has had no idea what I have had up my sleeve and I just hope this doesn't backfire. But I just couldn't resist it


I now presnt to ytou all. The OFFICIAL tranny waggin




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Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 6 2009, 09:40 PM

Oh HELL NO! Nothing a roller and some Rustoleum wont fix Nice photoshop job.

Posted by: r_towle Jan 6 2009, 09:58 PM

That is awesome...do the sides also...really big.
I think you might want to pinstripe that in pink...

Doc, go find an Agway store or a big horse supply store.
Buy a stall mat...its 5/8 thick rubber and all your stuff will bounce.
Keeps your feet warm also.

Rich

Posted by: scotty b Jan 6 2009, 10:08 PM

I was thinking about a set of those truck balls in pink hanging under the bumper

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 6 2009, 10:36 PM

Noel thinks this is for real

Posted by: r_towle Jan 6 2009, 11:27 PM

It is for real...
He just needs to add some pinstripping...the truck balls for sure and the frilly pink curtains and you will be pricilla queen of the desert.

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2009, 12:05 AM

Nope, not real.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 7 2009, 01:00 AM

Come on, be real. Really real. Real real real.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2009, 02:04 AM

Dang Zach, you are up late. Me too, obviously.

Posted by: Wilhelm Jan 7 2009, 06:06 AM

Reminds me of this:

Posted by: degreeoff Jan 7 2009, 06:23 AM

Dude! That rocks!...minus the transvestite pics....keeps people wondering? Maybe a small 914 transmission logo lower right corner...


I think it would be a great idea....but then again I am kinda sick like that.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 7 2009, 08:03 PM

.........................


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Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 7 2009, 08:12 PM

Posted by: George H. Jan 7 2009, 08:15 PM

Great work Scotty

Posted by: ericread Jan 7 2009, 08:21 PM

You are going to be such a hit in San Francisco!!!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 7 2009, 08:31 PM

YES!

Its official. I have a man-crush on scotty b.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Jan 7 2009, 08:32 PM

Posted by: Wilhelm Jan 7 2009, 08:38 PM

So.... Maybe this is appropriate after all.........

Posted by: scotty b Jan 7 2009, 08:39 PM

Oh my god I just tasted a little vomit when I laughed

Posted by: scottb Jan 7 2009, 08:41 PM

too funny!

great work!

Posted by: degreeoff Jan 7 2009, 08:57 PM

Um that looks real to me........LMFAOROTF! Get that Beaaaatch ready for Hershy.......!!

Posted by: jsayre914 Jan 7 2009, 09:40 PM

Looks great to me. I vote for a tranny decal on the rear glass

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2009, 10:36 PM

Oh fuck. I will paint over that, you know

Posted by: degreeoff Jan 8 2009, 07:27 AM

Mike.....If you put your evilworks logo below the paint work you will be cool and its a great gimick!



Awww man it rocks! Where's your spirit? Besides are you not a happily MARRIED (to a WOMAN)???

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 8 2009, 07:31 AM

You flinched. You owe me a beer!

Lol.

Zach

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 8 2009, 09:29 AM

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 10:28 AM

Yes, I am married to a woman, but the people on the road, in the parking lots, etc dont know that.

If I had a finished Logo, that would be sick to have on the back, maybe. I will get busy on finishing it.

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 8 2009, 11:35 AM

Finished it...

Posted by: Spoke Jan 8 2009, 11:38 AM

With those emblems, lets hope no one will "rear end" you...

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 11:49 AM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Man, thats ugly.

Posted by: Spoke Jan 8 2009, 12:03 PM

Of course I meant rear end your bus. That is one sweet ride.

Posted by: Wilhelm Jan 8 2009, 01:08 PM

All kidding aside, I hope my bodywork and paint is a measureable fraction of this. Though this is a crappy representation, maybe a pinstriped line drawing of the exploded view of a transmission directly onto the base paint would be cool.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 01:29 PM

You guys, this is not really going to be used to haul trannies. It is going to be used to camp and tom my 914 to events that are overnight and such. Tranny+2 beds = wrong impression

Posted by: Solo914 Jan 8 2009, 01:38 PM

I have never heard the word tranny used so many times as used in this thread...hahahahahah


Tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny tranny

Kyle

ps: tranny

Posted by: degreeoff Jan 8 2009, 02:16 PM

Well I for one think you should be PROUD of your work with Trannies....you worked well with mine! Hell I even have a spare tranny just in case my ole gal decides to leave me.....

Posted by: Eric_Shea Jan 8 2009, 03:17 PM

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 03:32 PM

Asshole

Hey Scotty, I just talked to my bud with the split window connection and he is gonna give me the info for you tomorrow.

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 8 2009, 05:21 PM

LOL

I like this:

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 8 2009, 05:30 PM

That looks more like DREVIL with the spacing

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 8 2009, 05:51 PM

Critic's

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 8 2009, 06:21 PM

Much better

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 07:48 PM

Why not put this on there while you are at it


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Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 8 2009, 07:52 PM

I just woke my son with laughing at that one....

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 8 2009, 08:23 PM

Back on topic:

I am buried by projects, now. I just got half way through rebuilding a transmission for a customer in Italy Yes, I do international jobs as well. I'll be finishing it tomorrow.
My parts for my BMW R90 are now here so I can reinstall the right cylinder.
And, I just finished clearancing my piston skirts to clear my rod bolt ends. Now I need to balance the big ends of my rods. After all that, and when I get a verdict on my bearings, I can start the assembly process. However, I will still need to get about .178 turned off of the jugs. Not in a hurry, I dont want to do this more than once in a 10yr span.

Posted by: stephenaki Jan 9 2009, 02:36 AM

Can I get that in a T-shirt? How the heck to you get all your studying in with everything else your doing?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 9 2009, 09:16 AM

I have no idea how I do it. Its easier in the last 2 years of med school, though. Its clinical work instead of class work. There is a thread in the Sandbox dealing with the future EvilWerks logo. I hope to have shirts made with it in the future

Posted by: scotty b Jan 9 2009, 08:33 PM

http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/iznacal_pr/?action=view&current=ZAPPED.flv

Posted by: r_towle Jan 9 2009, 11:11 PM

Careful calling names...might get you bitch slapped... like I did cause I was acting like a dick. (oh wait, you weren't acting like a dick)

ScottyB...on the split stuff...dont forget a roof clip....

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 9 2009, 11:15 PM

The splitty is a whole roller, not for parts.

Posted by: r_towle Jan 9 2009, 11:16 PM

bus or bug?

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 9 2009, 11:47 PM

Split panel van

Posted by: scotty b Jan 11 2009, 03:44 PM

Alright, the cat is out of the bag. IT'S A FAKE !!

I had talked to Todd Endlund a while back about playing a joke on Mike, but as it worked out, Mike came to Richmond a couple of times and it wasn't convenient for Todd to do the photoshop work and make it believeable ( time span wise ) so I dropped the idea all together. WELL when I put up the pics of the bus painted, Todd ( unbeknownst to me ) went right to work and instead of putting the logo on the side, he put it on the back. I got home one day last week and he had sent me the first pic. I then re-took some pics from angles when Mike wasn't buying it, and upon looking at the paint shelf I saw 2 cans of paint almost the identical color to the photoshop job...I couldn't resist making it even more convincing.

Todd and I were going to let this run until Mike came down with the 914, but he won't be making it, so I told him yesterday about the fake job. I think he was beginning to question his own sexuality over this whole thing

So there you have it, my brainchild and Todd's photoshop skills made the Doc a homophobe

Let it be known, Todd is the photoshop king! ALL HAIL !!!!

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 11 2009, 04:40 PM

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 11 2009, 06:59 PM

Bump for a new page and demoted awesomeness.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 18 2009, 08:24 PM

Tonight's update, finished clearancing and balancing the big end of the rods. I needed to remove a little more material from the rod end caps to get my min .060" clearance from the opposing stuff. Then, I balanced the large ends to within 1g which is the limit of my gear. They were off a max of 6g so I am happier with where they are now

Next before assembly, I am waiting for my friend to snag me some pipettes from her lab so I can CC the heads. Once CCed, I will have the barrels turned to the correct depth for the CR that I calculate. I cant wait, it will be assembly time after this step! I will be cleaning the case really well, again, before the assembly.

Posted by: Wilhelm Jan 18 2009, 08:58 PM

If you can't find pipets, I'll bet you can snag some syringes which seem to work fairly well.

Posted by: Todd Enlund Jan 18 2009, 09:00 PM

I got a plastic burette off eBay from some place in Houston for less than $20. Much easier than using pipettes. Of course, free is a good price...

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 18 2009, 09:12 PM

Ha, I have 10ml and 60ml syringes and totally forgot about them. The pipettes are actually easy to use, but the syringes will work. Duh...

Posted by: r_towle Jan 18 2009, 09:26 PM

CVS sells syringes for dosing babies...they cost like 3-4 bucks.
100cc in one cc marks.

Use tranny fluid...it bubbles less and its easy to see.

Rich

Posted by: jsayre914 Jan 18 2009, 09:39 PM

this thread has it all...

trannys

pipes

syringes

whats next?

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 18 2009, 10:51 PM

And Dr. Frankenvair.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 20 2009, 12:09 PM

Every time I have needed machine work 3 things have happened: 1) Things took waayyy longer than they were supposed to. 2) I made friends with the machinests. 3) I got a smoking deal onteh work

I just got back from the machine shop and they only charged me $1200 for all ofthe work He said it was morelike $1800, but he felt bad about the time. The places that do this conversion normally charge in the area of $2500 and that doesnt include the large amount of head work I had them do. It pays to be nice

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Jan 20 2009, 12:25 PM

Please take lots of pic's.

Posted by: FourBlades Jan 20 2009, 12:57 PM

Now you can add paying for a lot of head work to the list...

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 22 2009, 07:12 PM

Good news! I was working out the parameters to see what I needed to adjust for the CR and after I added in .040" copper head gaskets, I need nothing The deck height was remarkably right on. $40 for the gaskets and they are on their way This weekend should prove to be productive.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 22 2009, 10:32 PM

Spent an hour out there tonight balancing the pistons. Enough is enough, time to clean the case for the last time and start putting the parts in.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 23 2009, 06:37 PM

Windshield will be here Monday.



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Posted by: type11969 Jan 23 2009, 06:40 PM

Looks sweet! Where did you find the windshield? Did you find one that was completely clear or does it have the tint across the top?

Posted by: scotty b Jan 23 2009, 06:46 PM

Glass shop we use occassionaly is getting it for me. I don't know if it is tinted or not. I honestly didn't even think about that

Posted by: type11969 Jan 23 2009, 06:49 PM

Cost? Might want to ask about the tint, I've heard complaints about it from taller bus drivers, apparently the tint comes down far enough that they are looking through it all the time when driving.

But I've also heard that it is tough to get anything else new.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 23 2009, 07:18 PM

175.00, I'll find out Monday about the tint I guess, hopefully Mike won't

Posted by: r_towle Jan 23 2009, 08:01 PM

What is the plan for the roof?

Rich

Posted by: scotty b Jan 23 2009, 08:10 PM

Roof will be done at a later date. For now it ( the bus ) will go back to the house until Mike is ready to put the engine in. That way he can drive it with the fixed roof so I can get the 914 done, make some $$$ and prepare myself for the roof " project " It really won't be that bad I just need to get some other things out of the way first, and he can enjoy the bus sooner.

Posted by: r_towle Jan 23 2009, 08:30 PM

Besides that, it clashes with all the little Italian red....
Cool job, get Mike to finish up that motor...we are having a spring thaw today...

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 23 2009, 09:27 PM

NICE! That is great man! Did you put the glass in or did you get that guy to come and do it?

RE the engine: I got the lower end started tonight. The case halves are together with the crank and cam, and the bellhousing is installed. The crank moves free and all looks to be going well. I have it mounted on the stand. I cant wait until tomorrow to do some more Gonna CC the heads.


I want the bus to drive to Hershey

Posted by: scotty b Jan 23 2009, 10:21 PM

I did it. I couldn't remember who the hell it was. I went by the Old Volks home, because I thought for sure it was him, he said it wasn't. Aren helped with the back hatch and the jealouse windows. I got the two side rears by myself. It was a lot easier then it sounds. Fuch those jealouse windows though. Never again for this white boy

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 23 2009, 11:09 PM

I guess it is too late to ask you to tint the windows for me?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 25 2009, 10:25 PM

Tonight I finished the piston balancing and started fooling with the heads. The pistons had a range of 4g and took some work to get within 1g of each other. I did it because I wanted to, not because it needed it. Its not like I am racing this bus. What was a PITA was that the pistons come with the rings already installed and I had to take them all off, but it was easy and I didnt break any...yet.

I started smoothing out the heads tonight as well. Since the heads have been opened up to accept the wider jugs I am left with a nice step with a sharp edge to possibly cause preignition. I took a dremel and sanding wheel and gently smoothed these surfaces finishing up with some sand paper. It is looking good I was smart and had the top of one of my spare cylinders that was damaged in shipping cut off so I could use it to protect the seating surface while I sand. One head done and one to go. I need to pick up some small files so I can deflash the head fins. I though I had a set, but I cant find them and they are $3 at Harbor Freight. It is possible that this will be mostly together by the end of the week

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 31 2009, 07:30 PM

CRAP! So, I was cleaning up my cylinders and pistons to put them on the engine and get a final read on the deck height when I noticed that the cylinder that I previously dropped was damaged more than I originally thought I thought I just chipped the skirt, but on closer inspection the whole base had a crack that was hard to see. Looks like I will need a new cylinder....and to have it worked Just another set back, at least it is a minor one and I found it in time.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 5 2009, 11:10 PM

Got the rod bearing in today and installed. Still waiting on the replacement cylinder so I can get it machined, then it is time to assemble. I have been working the heads today; deflashing the fins and passages, smoothing sharp edges in the chambers, and CCing the heads. Almost done with the heads.

I need to start adding pics so people wont be so board with this thread

Posted by: type11969 Feb 6 2009, 06:52 AM

punster

Posted by: GS Guy Feb 6 2009, 12:03 PM

All sounds pretty cool Doc! A rebuild on the "other" air cooled -6....

You might give a quick email to Steve at Rear Engine Specialists to see what "licks" he'd recommend on doing a home port-job on the heads (and any other recommendations he might give overall). Steve's a super nice guy and been into those engines for a long... long.... time.
http://www.rearenginespecialists.com/

Now show us some pics!! Are you staying with the Rochesters? or going 4bbl? Headers?

FWIW, Steve put this beauty together:



...for fellow buggy nut Chuck R.

Cheers,
Jeff

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 6 2009, 12:39 PM

Hey Jeff,
I am going 4bbl with electrically adjustable jets. I am also running headers. I am not juicing this thing as much as possible, I am actually keeping the CR to 7.2-7.4:1 so I can run low octane and still get enough oomph out of the engine. I also am using some worked over old style 80hp heads that have extra intake ports added (came that way) and stainless valves. I'll get some pics in a few days....I am going to be at Zachs for most of the weekend working on his 914.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2009, 11:33 PM

Looking at the pics again and the roof looks really bad compared to the rest of it

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 8 2009, 09:37 PM

OK my hungering masses, some engine pics as promised


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Posted by: sixnotfour Feb 8 2009, 09:43 PM

Enjoy the no maintenance hydraulic lifters.

6cyl air cooled /flat fan = cool

Posted by: r_towle Feb 8 2009, 10:18 PM

Send him another check...
Get r done.

Rich

Posted by: r_towle Feb 8 2009, 10:20 PM

I am in lust for a case design like that...
WOW...never saw an open one before...

Rich

Posted by: maf914 Feb 9 2009, 01:46 PM

That is the first time I have seen the Corvair intake manifold. Two runners into the manifold then three intake ports. Doesn't look very efficient. One question: Why did they do that?

I think I've heard that people cut off the manifold to fit triple throat Webers. From Jeffs phot it looks like you could fit a dual throat Weber if you had a suitable manifold.

And that engine case sure looks different form a VW/Porsche case. Very square looking. Interesting.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Feb 9 2009, 03:28 PM

Hi Guys,

I thought I would throw in some Corvair pictures I took back in March 2005 just before they sent all this stuff to the dumpster. It's gone!!

Tom



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Posted by: sixnotfour Feb 9 2009, 03:38 PM

I had a bored 140 with 3bbl 40ida weber carbs custom headers, roller rockers all the OTTO stuff bla bla . It took 2 years to finally sell it to someone back east. If you look at corvair heads funny the seats will fall out.
Gone but not forgotten, fun cheap cars in the late 70's.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Feb 9 2009, 03:54 PM

Corvair motors with auto transmissions find their way into strange places.

Dr. Evil, Really enjoying this forum.

tom



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Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2009, 04:18 PM

140 heads have seat problems, similar to our 2.0 heads and for the same reason, not much metal between the valve seats. There are many fixes, mainly you just need to install the seats correctly with .030 crush for one. I chose the 110 heads because I wanted low end, off the line, and less worry about dropping seats. I actually am using 80hp heads, but the valves are the same and I have done some chamber tweaking. I have not spent too much on this and can do upgrades later if I want.

My first engine I was doing like this for a 914 got to kit stage with all the parts, it sold easily and I made money.

The heads are the week link without a doubt, but they can be worked pretty easily. They cant be too bad, they are coveted and used in home built planes often.

Reworked heads


In a teener


With tripple webbers



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Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2009, 04:23 PM

He isnt doing the top because we are going to cut it off and put the camper top on

Posted by: sixnotfour Feb 9 2009, 04:37 PM

Hey that top picture is from starr cook, off road racer .
Wallin Piper was making some individaul heads for the vairs and starr has like the only finished set.
Dont get me wrong DR. I have had plenty of success with em just noting the weak link, When you could buy a whole 64 turbo spyder car for 150.00 dollars those head mods were out of the question.
Back in the day.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2009, 04:42 PM

Ya, those heads are off of Starr's old web site. He still makes stuff and sells it on ebay. He has skills, but is kind of an arrogant SOB

Here is where I will likely end up with mine, 6 runners with one 4bbl


Attached image(s)

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 9 2009, 05:39 PM

Posted by: GS Guy Feb 9 2009, 05:40 PM

Hey Doc - according to what I've read - and this may be similar to the T4 engine, it's way too easy to get extra fuel into the 'Vair, even without doing much headwork. The key to making power is cleaning up the exhaust flow out of the heads. This requires angle-cut ports and special outlet tubes. Without that, it's basically bottle-necked. That's one reason I bagged putting the 'Vair into my buggy - way too easy to get into a couple grand into just headwork to get into the 200+hp club.
Your engine should make tons of torque though, should be perfect for the Bus!

Jeff

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2009, 05:44 PM

Jeff,
do you recognize that case? It was yours once. The heads can be done for not too much if you have friends I have Root to do my head welding and working and my contacts at Feaser's machine shop in Hbg.


Paul, no. Neat, but no.

Posted by: scotty b Feb 9 2009, 06:38 PM

ANOTHER check who the hell got the first one??

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2009, 06:48 PM

Back to work!

Posted by: MDG Feb 9 2009, 07:11 PM

that's looks like a trip to the hairdresser that went wrong. I think Bo Derek used to have hair like that . . .

excellent job on this so far

m.

Posted by: scotty b Feb 9 2009, 07:13 PM

[quote name='Dr Evil' date='Feb 9 2009, 04:48 PM' post='1132115']
--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scotty b @ Feb 9 2009, 07:38 PM) </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
[quote name='r_towle' post='1131820' date='Feb 8 2009, 08:18 PM']
[quote name='Dr Evil' post='1131513' date='Feb 8 2009, 12:33 AM']
Looking at the pics again and the roof looks really bad compared to the rest of it
[/quote]
Send him another check...
Get r done.

Rich
[/quote]

ANOTHER check who the hell got the first one??






[/quote]


Back to work!
[/quote]

Just got home from it Glass guys can't find a PPG SO they said judging from what they saw, AND what they know of PPG glass they think this one is a little large and took it back today to grind the edges down. They will be coming back in a day or 2 to re-try it. He also said the buses originally had a " toothed " piece that clamped onto the frame lip, inside the rubber and that helped to keep it put when installing and afterwards, but usually people tossed it the first time they changed the glass. I never saw any such creature on your original glass, nor have I seen any such creature on a bug I just want this damned thing in already I'm bringing the 914 over next weekend whether the bus is there or not. I need to get started on it. Maybe I'll just shove the bus out back for the bums to sleep in

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 9 2009, 07:21 PM

Well I guess he told me...

Posted by: scotty b Feb 9 2009, 07:38 PM

You got called out by the newbie HAHA






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Posted by: MDG Feb 9 2009, 07:41 PM

[/quote]

Well I guess he told me...







[/quote]

didn't mean that as a comment on your photo chops - your skills are obvious

wish I could do that


m

Posted by: MDG Feb 9 2009, 07:48 PM

well, um, I didn't realize that was an official design submission

newbie, boobie, it's all good. Happy to be here

m.

Posted by: scotty b Feb 9 2009, 07:49 PM

It's o.k. he's kind of special to us. We keep him full of french fried taters, and he stays happy. But if we run out of mustard you better watch your arse.

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 9 2009, 09:56 PM

'Reckon I'll have me some of the big 'uns.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 13 2009, 05:26 PM

Update: So I tried to CC my heads using a large 60cc syringe from work (dont worry, they are disposable), it was way too difficult to get the thing to work accurately as it was too big and dribbled too much (I know many of you heard that before). I got one of my friends to snag me some pipettes from her lab, but she only had 5ml pipettes so it took a little longer to fill each chamber. One head turned out to be all 58cc, the other head was 56, 79, 60cc. This sucked as my CR with these volumes would be about 7 or even lower. Soooo, I dropped the heads back off at the machine shop today so they could cut them down .055". They are not fast, though, so I hope it doesnt take too long
Meanwhile, I am waiting on my .040" copper head gaskets which supposedly shipped yesterday.....5 days after they were supposed to. WTF is the deal with these gaskets? Everyone offers them, no one stocks them.

I also am still waiting on the machine shop to clean up my oil pump housing, and finishing my other barrel. I cant do anything more on teh engine until the rest of this stuff is done......

Posted by: degreeoff Feb 13 2009, 05:44 PM

NOT that I am dising the effort or engine but it sure makes you appreciate the German counterpart!

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 13 2009, 05:49 PM

Nothing wrong with the stock engine, mine is a little modified and with any modified engine there comes some tweaking.

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 13 2009, 06:35 PM

In a way the case reminds me of a ferrari case I saw apart.

This one is a working model, 8hp at 10,500 rpm

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 14 2009, 11:20 AM

What is it with these damn parts monkies!? Sooo, after sending back the wrong sets of head gaskets that a previous idiot sent me, on my dime, I ordered a set off of a seller on Ebay, through Ebay for protection purposes. This seller is one I recognized from my home town of La Mesa, CA so I felt confident with the order. I order TWO sets of head gaskets, they were supposed to be shipped when paid and I paid immediately. 5 days later they ship. They get here today.....well, one set gets here today Idiots didnt read their own damn invoice where I ordered 2 sets. Lets see how they deal with this problem. At least I dont need them right away now, but it may be another week or so before I get the second set in

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 14 2009, 11:26 AM

Dang, already got an email back apologizing for the mix up and promising to send another set out ASAP. Lets see how it plays out. SO far, they already have better customer service skills.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 21 2009, 11:31 AM

So, tires.... For VW buses, tires are often a PITA to find. Correct ones, that is. The tires need to be higher load and thicker sidewall. Using regular passenger tires is a dangerous gamble. The original tires had a weird size designation - 185R14C. Notice there is no aspect ratio. The "C" stands for commercial and means that there are at least 6 or 8 (I forget) plys in the side wall. Finding these tires is a bitch and they tend to be about $75 ea from the bus vendors. However, if you know the parameters for the load rating you can find regular tires with an RF or XL rating which stands for reinforced. The min parameters to shoot for are:
* Size: 205/70R14 97R
* Load Range 97
* Max Load Capacity: 1580 lbs
* Max Inflation Pressure:: 40 psi

With these data it is much easier to find tires. I am considering these at $58 ea from the Tire rack.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+RT&partnum=07TR4AMAXRTXL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=4

However, Scotty is a professional and has hook ups and I will see if he can score me some tires that are as good as these at a 1653# rating for less

Posted by: type11969 Feb 21 2009, 12:01 PM

Mike - you've obvously done more research in to this than I have but I'm not sure that just because the load rating is the same that the tires are created equal. Only reason I bring this up is because the bus can be a handful to drive on a windy day even with the right tires, without is a total pain. The heavy duty sidewall of the commercial tires help alot to reduce this. It would suck to save a bit on tires, get them on your bus, only to find out that it is a total stain to drive in the wind, all I am saying . . .

Sway bar helps too, rear sway is supposed to also but then makes corning a bit more of a bitch.

-Chris

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 21 2009, 12:11 PM

Here is a great source of info on the subject. You will notice that the heavier vanagons use the size I mentioned, and there is an explanation that addresses the valid concerns you bring up.

http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/guideline.html

Posted by: type11969 Feb 21 2009, 12:18 PM

Okay, cool. I remember my rents were convinced back in the day to use passenger car tires on their syncro vanagon . . . tires were popping all the time. No inets to tell them otherwise back in 86! Finally someone knew what was going on and told them to put truck tires on, they were not happy with the price tag.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 4 2009, 07:53 PM

The latest: I tried, unsuccessfully, to tow the bus home from Scotty's, but no dice just yet. I just bought 5 tires for it for $346 shipped

Posted by: crash914 Mar 4 2009, 08:24 PM

Can you say "trailer?"

I knew you could

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 4 2009, 08:37 PM

The only thing is that after driving 4+ hours down and picking the trailer up at your house, followed by 4+ hours back to my house, followed by a few hours to your house to return the trailer, followed by a return trip..... Yikes. I am looking for the easiest way and the $30 tow dolly may be a better bet, but I am not sold on the idea yet

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Mar 4 2009, 08:47 PM

Can't wait to see it all together I'm excited for ya Mike. Love the new avitar too

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 10 2009, 05:01 PM

Well, the engine parts are STILL awaiting treatment. Hopefully this week, Fri. But, to show that I am dedicated to having the bus done soon, I insured it today and will register it tomorrow or Thurs I hate paying insurance on non-op cars

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 10 2009, 05:06 PM

I am on the phone with insurance trying to get my 914 insured as I type this.

How are you going to get the bus to the title shop? Are they allowing pictures of the vin, or are you towing?

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Mar 10 2009, 05:06 PM

New tires are on the bus. I left my camera in the 944 yesterday and forgot to take it this morning ( drove Vulva today ) so I don have no pix mang

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 10 2009, 06:55 PM

I think white would look better on the wheels instead of black

Zach, the big DMV office here in Harrisburg is not only fast, but they dont accept the VIN rubbing. They only accept pictures. I forgot I need the VIN pic so I guess I will be registering it next week after I pick it up.

Scott, is it ready for pickup? I can get it as soon as Thurs.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 10 2009, 07:05 PM

I am probably going to take a day off in the very near future to run up the the Harrisburg DMV office then. My insurance is bought for the 914. $14K agreed value. Should have the insurance cards in my email box tomorrow.

The shop near me wants to see the physical car since I bought it out of state.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 10 2009, 07:44 PM

I dont even think that the Harrisburg office has people to come out. The whole visual verification thing is the job of the vehicle inspector at the shop.

Posted by: scotty b Mar 10 2009, 07:47 PM

Ready for pickup captain. Unbroken glass still not in but rolling stock is fine for the trip.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 10 2009, 09:39 PM

The seal is on the way to your house, but I can always have you ship it here. I am gonna plan for Thurs for a quick turn around

Thanks for the hard work Scotty, the pics are not even close to how awesome this bus is I was hoping to finish it down there so you could be in it for he first ride, but I guess I will have to have someone else push it back

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 11 2009, 03:43 PM

UHaul is reserved for tomorrow at 9am and then I am on the road. No time for messing around, in and out, no one gets hurt (thats what she said ). I need to get back before late night.

Posted by: crash914 Mar 11 2009, 03:48 PM

hope it all goes well....

Posted by: scotty b Mar 11 2009, 04:55 PM

Blasted the fronts, etched, sealed and blakced out. I hit the backsides lightly and just gave them a coat of black.




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Posted by: type11969 Mar 11 2009, 06:09 PM

Nice

Posted by: sendjonathanmail Mar 11 2009, 08:01 PM

Nice! Good luck bringing it home.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 11 2009, 08:29 PM

Oooo, BOING! Cant wait to get the damn thing driving. I hope the machine shop is done with my stuff by Fri.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 12 2009, 09:20 PM

Soooooo, I am finally home from picking up the bus and dropping it off. I left at 0830 If there was a wrong turn to be made or a traffic jam to find, I was there! How do I end this adventure? Well, cop a squat and I will tell you.

I get to Zach's house, he is not home and his wife is busy with the spawn. Soo, I have to unload the bus my self.....on his VERY sloped driveway. Oh ya, Scotty disarmed the breaks. I cant forget to tell ya'll that point. Anyway, I am at a 45* to Zach's garage with the bus, my VUE is in his grass, I have the wheels chocked, and I pull forward with the the VUE thus pulling the bus off of the trailer.....and it rolls over the chocks and slowly heads for Zach's garage door. I manage to throw the VUE in park, and run to the bus and slow its roll.......into Zach's garage door Mostly it looks like the door paint transferred to the bus' corner. It will likely buff out Zach's door was only bent a little, I pushed it back out and got out of there before the wife came out and wondered what happened It still went up and down fine, and it wasnt perfect to begin with, but I will be back to beat it back to a better looking form

What a friggen day

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 13 2009, 08:02 AM

When I gave you permission to put the bus into my garage, I intended for you to open the door first. Dork.

I'll have to to a little more massaging to it this weekend. It opens fine but binds when closing. Right now I have it off the motor, as it was jamming at the top. No biggie.

Does the bus have any brakes at all? I'd like to swing it around so it is more even with the top of the drive. It will keep Erin happy if it is more orderly.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 13 2009, 08:13 AM

No brakes. The pads separated from the metal and locked the wheels so Scotty had to remove them. I will be replacing all of the brakes on it soon. I can come over when ever you want to move the bus around and fix your door. I only have plans tonight, other than that I am available. I also forgot to drop off my new windshield that is still in my car

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 13 2009, 09:54 AM

The parts are supposedly done at the shop, which just happens to be on the way to Zach's house, so I will stop by and drop off the windshield, and massage the door into a more functional arrangement So much shame

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 13 2009, 10:58 AM

What time do you think you will get to my place?

Zach

Posted by: jimkelly Mar 13 2009, 03:24 PM

scotty - i hope you break that thing in right with some local sweety - BEFORE - you give it back to mikey ; )

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 13 2009, 03:44 PM

I'ts already in my driveway.

But tomorrow IS International Steak and a BJ Day. Hrm, wonder if we can pass the baby off to the grandparents and get some hippy love'n.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 13 2009, 04:22 PM

The door is "fixed"

Good news on the bus, I pulled the tank to see about getting it coated and the inside looks brand new and the fule level sender is brand new Score!

All of the engine parts are done now... I think I will be in the garage late tonight putting things on other things

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 15 2009, 12:08 AM

With the heads back from the shop and turned down to my calculated seat height, it was time to finish the heads; smooth the seating edges, CC and adjust as necessary.

You can see the sharp edges left by the machining. These edges are a great place for heat to build up and cause preignition.


Here are the smoothed edges.


Here are the pics of me CCing the chambers. All was good as they were within 1cc or less, between 47-48cc for a CR of 7.5-7.6:1


I got one of the heads on and things are progressing along nicely. This engine is pretty darn easy to assemble.

Posted by: scotty b Mar 15 2009, 07:30 AM

So uh what exactly what is up with that crack ithe first pic and those " plugs " in the others ?

Posted by: ws91420 Mar 15 2009, 07:33 AM

I looked at that too Scott. The cracks are in the plexiglass disc he was using to cc the heads.

Posted by: scotty b Mar 15 2009, 08:15 AM

O.K. I see them in most pics but the one in that very first pic sure looks like it is in the head. Is my eyesight that off ?

Posted by: ws91420 Mar 15 2009, 08:47 AM

No. It took me several looks before I realized what it was.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 15 2009, 09:43 AM

I think that is a bit of shaving from the machine shop. Its gone in the "smoothed" picture.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 15 2009, 02:27 PM

Zach gets the prize The pics are sometimes staged as I tend to get focused in my work and miss photo ops. In the pics you can see a piece of debris in the chamber that I removed after the pic as well. I'll try to get a pic posted of 1/2 of the engine done I have to read a whole book for tomorrows class....I started it at noon (doh).

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 15 2009, 09:03 PM

Here are 3 pics of the head installed


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Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 18 2009, 05:42 PM

The latest. The heads are on, the top cover is on, the oil pan is on Last to do is put the rear cover on with the oil pump, and then figure out the valve train geometry.


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Posted by: sixnotfour Mar 18 2009, 05:52 PM

The inside off the OTTO pans are pretty slick.
too bad you diidnt take a pic.

sorta makes me miss the corvair days, 150 dollar cars

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 18 2009, 06:48 PM

Inside the pan was all cup and nipples

Posted by: type11969 Mar 18 2009, 06:52 PM

That thing is rad!

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 04:05 PM

Changed plans today when I found I could pick up a set of vanagon seats for $50. This also means I need to have the swivel changed from the stocker one that is in there, and I need to go cut out the seat rails from the vanagon for the drivers side and have them welded in. Looks like Zach is going to be busy

I tripped down to Corvair Ranch to get the last little parts for the engine today. The engine should be ready to run....now I need to get the bus ready.
pics to come

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 26 2009, 04:17 PM

I am going to be swamped Friday and Saturday. Sunday may be free, or not depending on what Erin has planned. Lets get the battery tray cut out and welded in before we worry about seat mounts. I want to hear that corvair engine run.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 04:20 PM

I need to get the engine too you first. I would like to get this wrapped up by next weekend before I am doing internal medicine again.

I rebuilt the calipers and front hubs, the gas tank is almost painted and I swung by your house today to get some more parts and drop off the battery tray (its int he bus). I should have the bumper mounts, front under shield, and gas tank cover repainted by this weekend.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 26 2009, 04:49 PM

Bah.

Slap the engine on my testing stand. We can go to town.

Run it from my remote starter/tac board. It will be awesome. Glorious. Come on, you KNOW you want to validate all the work you have been doing this past 2 weeks.

And more fun the getting rust in my eyes from chopping out yer rusty ass battery tray.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 05:02 PM

I just need to figure out how to get it to your house. I wont have time to get the trailer registered this week. Maybe next week. Engine start on the test stand is what I am hoping for I may need a hand getting it off of my stand as well, maybe someone local I know can help with the lifting.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 26 2009, 05:19 PM

Trailer not needed. Make some runners out of 2x4s and throw it in the back of the lesbomobile, er, forrester. That is how I was able to move my engine around.

Zach

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 26 2009, 05:25 PM

Not that I don't want you to get the trailer up and on the road. I'll need it to get my monster truck tires to and from the shop that will mount them on the split ring wheels.



Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 05:48 PM

I'll go buy the 4x8 sheet for it tomorrow maybe. I have the big ass transmission to bring down, the seats and the engine.

Posted by: type11969 Mar 26 2009, 06:24 PM

Mike

I know you are on the samba but have you read about the vanagon seat swap? I think it puts taller guys up too high. I guess just don't ditch the stock stuff. 50 for those seats is a deal

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 06:44 PM

I did read the samba stuff and IIRC the later vanagon seats arent as bad. However, I am not above chopping the seat frame I am gonna see about recovering the seats. I dont have the stock seats so no real loss. I was going to do the 914 seat thing.

I just got back from Lowes with the 4x8 sheet

Posted by: type11969 Mar 26 2009, 07:04 PM

Ahh, I see, game on

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 26 2009, 09:31 PM

Mmmm, engine pics

All I have left to do on the engine is modify the oil cooler mount and install the dizzy. The install the cooling tin and fire it up.


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Posted by: So.Cal.914 Mar 26 2009, 10:07 PM

Pretty Cool Mike.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 27 2009, 07:40 AM

I am going to *TRY* and get over to Harbor Freight today and get a bag of aluminum oxide for my siphon blaster. That should let us know right quick where the rust ends and good metal starts in your battery tray. Can't weld to rust, after all.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 28 2009, 09:32 AM

I found a good source for new retractable seat belts here:
www.autoloc.com
$60 ea, best price in town and they come in a variety of colors They also sell a freight train horn

The belts showed up today

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 28 2009, 12:36 PM

I bought a 45 pound container of 70 grit aluminum oxide and a tarp to put under the bus so I can recycle it. But it is too wet to blast right now, and likely tomorrow as well.

I think that Erin is going to have me on baby duty in the afternoon, but I may be free in the morning.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 29 2009, 09:23 AM

Hey Zach,
I am getting fitted for a tux today at noon and will try to stop by after. No promises so no busting your ass on my behalf.

Re: the tray, maybe we can just cut back to the no rusted metal as we had planned, and if enough is left we can rivet the new tray in place and seal it. This has been done many times by other bus owners on the Samba, and was received well. I am just trying to preserve the paint...but Scotty said he could fix it.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 29 2009, 09:44 AM

I'm not sure of how the new tray fits in. There is a LOT of rusty metal in there. Even if we cut out the bad stuff, there will still be grinding or blasting that needs to be done before we bolt of weld the new tray in. Otherwise, we will be putting good metal over bad.

I'm on baby duty for a while today, so I may or may not be free if you come over. No promises on my part either.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 3 2009, 09:29 AM

Yesterday I installed the front calipers I rebuilt with the Pagid pads, installed the hubs with new bearings and seals, new front brake lines, and new front shox.

I sent out the skins of my vanagon seats to my Mom today. She said she would get them done fast for me. I will have pics when they are done.

Things that must be done before it gets on the road:
- I need to get the new front seal from Scotty so I can install the new windshield.
- Welding in tranny mount
- Welding in battery tray
- Welding in seat brackets

The engine is essentially finished, I need to get it down to Zachs, but there are soo many hoops to jump through to get my trailer registered.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 11 2009, 06:06 PM

Today was a great day, and not just because I wasnt working in the damn hospital I scored a set of slider center windows for my bus, normally $75-120ea for $30 a set and they were within driving distance. Since I had to go towards MD I figured I would drop off some things at Zach's house....like my engine I put it in the back of my VUE by myself and took it out by myself....and now my back hurts Getting it out was easier than putting it in the car.

So the list of critical things that must be done before I can drive it are:
- Weld up intake manifolds (Zach)
- Remove old seat tracks and mounts in front and weld in the new ones (Zach)
- Brakes (Me)
- Axles and CVs (Me)
- Tranny mount welded in (Zach)
- Battery tray welded in (Zach)
- Cooling tin for the engine designed and welded up (Zach and I)
- Reinstall the dash stuff with the shifter (Me)

That should about do it, plus some little things here and there. I wonder if Zach realizes what I got him into

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 11 2009, 08:38 PM

The engine looks awesome. I was implressed that you got it into the garage alone.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 11 2009, 08:46 PM

Noel TRIED to help. She is pretty, but not stout. She basically screamed, "Oh my God!" every time she thought I would hit your car with it

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 11 2009, 09:01 PM

Dang, I forgot to post a pic of the semi finished engine


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Posted by: charliew Apr 11 2009, 09:47 PM

It would be easier to recognize if it had a spare tire over it.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 23 2009, 06:16 PM

Last time I was over at Zach's I had a chance to take pics of my goof up with the bus. Enjoy


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Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 23 2009, 06:19 PM

Here is me eyeballing the seat rails I will be installing.


Here are the slider windows, which are hard to find, and tend to go for about $175-200 a pair, that I scored for $30


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Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 23 2009, 06:21 PM

After grinding for a while, my Harbor Freight grinder finally gave up the ghost I got another < $20




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Posted by: Randal Apr 24 2009, 03:20 PM

How many hours did you get with that puppy?

Sorry to see the pictures of the goof up, but don't feel alone. I essentially did the same thing with my car, but instead of a garage door I had my old GMC (read built like a tank) in the street - my run away car, accelerating down the trailer ramp, hit (the truck) right in the middle of the 914's left rear tail light.

No amount of foot braking worked.

I was sure I had that car in gear.

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 25 2009, 04:40 AM

Not sure how many hours, but I have about 7 years of hard work on it Not bad as I originally paid $10 from HF on sale.

Posted by: seanery Apr 27 2009, 03:22 PM

Nice thread!

Posted by: roundboy914 Jun 1 2009, 09:02 PM

This is for some strange reason, my favorite thread, and the lack of updates is killin' me. I love these buses, and i need to see updates on this, or i am going to end up with one of my own!

Posted by: Bleyseng Jun 1 2009, 11:02 PM

Yeah Matt, buses suck up money as fast as a 914 plus you can use leftover 914 engine parts in the bus.

Posted by: type11969 Jun 2 2009, 06:35 AM

You forgot about time. They suck up just as much time too!

Thread hijack, Bleyseng, did you backdate your exhaust with that camper special? Mine should be gonig in sometime soon, still running the stock setup, just curious what others have done.

-Chris

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 2 2009, 07:22 AM

The lack of update is killing me too, but I have one week of actual work left in school until I am off for the year (so to speak).

The latest:
- I got some center side slider windows for $30 (friggen steal!) that are in great shape, including the seals. I have attempted to tint them myself (cost $40) and am satisfied with the results (not perfect).
- Zach adjusted and welded up the manifold for the 4bbl to my engine. It needs to be ground down, leak checked and painted still.
- I have almost finished replacing the rear bearings, brake backing plates, brakes and drums, but on the pass side the outer bearing wont go in and on the drive side I need to cut the old backing plate off where the parking brake goes in (rusted together).
- I gave up on finding a better set of bumpers so I started to straighten mine with my primitive tools and lack of skills. The front looks pretty good. I filled the small irregularities with quick steel and will finish it with either JB weld or bondo finishing filler.
- The steering assembly is almost all out as I needed (wanted) to replace the coupler for the box. The box has way too much play in it as I can easily turn it about 90* with my two fingers at the box before getting any resistance. I found a spare a while ago in anticipation of this for cheap and am going to see about changing it vs adjusting it.
- I have started to sand the engine bay and fuel tank bay but quickly decided I need to power wash the whole thing to find where the paint is and where the rust is. I will do this when I am done with the bearings so I can protect the bores/bearings that are not fully sealed.

I think that is it.

This weekend I would like to install the master cylinder since I go the new brake line grommets in the mail for the inter reservoir hose. Then, I will finish the brakes so it can be moved around a bit easier. I have the new seals for the side windows so I will swap those to keep the rain out as the louvered ones are crappy on my bus. I will be selling the new louvered window seals, though.

Posted by: type11969 Jun 2 2009, 08:36 AM

Mike-

I had good luck with adjusting the box, whatever you do (and you may have read this already), don't buy one of the new boxes available. Allegedly they arrive with just about as much slop as worn out german boxes. You had to pull the whole assembly to get to the coupler? That sucks. I guess they changed it between 74 and 76.

Oh yeah, check the splines with your rear wheels apart. Someone didn't torque my axle nuts at some point and the splines were nicely worn. No amount of torquing on the axle nut would keep that joint tight.

-Chris

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 2 2009, 11:03 AM

Your wheel bearing is still in the freezer. bring it out in a small cooler with ice packs and I bet you will be able to get it in. You know where the hidden house key is, right?

Heat up the place it fits in with my MAPP torch first.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 2 2009, 12:15 PM

I may just be able to remove the bearing housing section of the lower arm and do it on the bench. I thought not, but think I may have thought wrongly. Ya know?

Chris,
I already have a good used steering house that I picked up for $30. It is it is tight, but I will attempt an adjust on my current one. I did read about the TRW ones and they seem to be poo or a gamble at best.
The steering collumn was not hard to remove for the most part, but the nest of frayed and loose wires makes me think I will be doing some rewiring after I install the steering gear.
really, it is all about the engine. If that runs and the tranny works then all will be gravy. If not, then suck is the word.

Zach, ya'll gonna be around this weekend? Noel wants to come down as well.

Slowly but surely.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 2 2009, 12:37 PM

Erin and I are going to go biking on Saturday morning. Aside from that, we should be around. Might want to have Noel contact Erin though, so that the girls know each other's plans.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 6 2009, 11:26 PM

A great and productive day at Casa Rabite today.
- Installed the damn outer rear bearing, and inner bearing with seals. All assembled and happy for now
- All the rear brakes are on
- Pressure washed the engine bay in expectation for prep and paint
- Adjusted steering box and it is much better now
- Half way installed new steering coupler bushing (I need two more nuts...that sounds bad)
- Cleaned out the upper brake reservoir and will be installing the master cylinder tomorrow.
- Engine is on the furniture dolly now and will be mated to the tranny soon for anticipation of run up. There will be pics of this, dont worry

Today, the bus was cleaned and ended up on its own 4 wheels. Finally, making some progress.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 7 2009, 10:15 AM

I'll be around again today after all. Stayed up late watching a movie, so biking did not happen. Sleep was more important.

I just have to cut the grass, and then my afternoon is free.

Zach

Posted by: type11969 Jun 7 2009, 11:24 AM

Pics?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 7 2009, 01:22 PM

I'll try and take some and post them. I ended up being swamped today. about to head out the door to help my FIL move stuff out of his basement.

Zach

Posted by: roundboy914 Jul 3 2009, 11:07 AM

all the way down on page 12??? WTF - i am in need of an update - this project is the best!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 3 2009, 11:44 AM

Next week will be the offensive with pics. I would like to get the engine running on the engine stand and get the bus ready to stab the engine

Posted by: roundboy914 Jul 6 2009, 10:17 PM

coolio - much appreciated.

Posted by: ghuff Jul 6 2009, 10:42 PM

It is not a air cooled bus build thread without pictures of the crumbling and dusty or moldy bag of pot you find.

Occasionally you can substitute pot for old blotter lsd.


"Why is this picture of the grateful dead cut up into tiny squares............. shit I have been holding this in my bare hands for the past 15 minutes absorbing it..."

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 6 2009, 10:49 PM

Na, it was stripped. Any contraband would have been confiscated by Scotty B

Today I took a few hours to install the gas tank and to cut out the battery tray. I need to take the camera with me tomorrow as this took time and is boring as hell to read about without pics

I need to go do some work in the garage still. My time-sert kit showed up

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 10 2009, 06:49 PM

Some pics from work completed today.
Work is still being completed, as Mike is out there still...

Evil loves his bus. REALLY loves his bus.


Zach's used car lot...


Theo and the EvilBus.

(this is my new computer background too. )

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 13 2009, 08:21 PM

Yesterday, I attempted to install my flex plate onto my crank with the 6 special bolts I bought only to find out that one of the bolts was the wrong size. On a Sun, I was SOL. So, I decided to try to install my alternator. This required me to get a socket head bolt as there is no room for a socket on the inboard bolt. Of course, Zach doesnt have any standard hex keys that I could use so I gave up and went to Joe's for some food.

Today I tried to rectify the bolt situation and to get a few odds and ends at the corvair junk yard (Corvair ranch). No problem, I got the right bolt, some intake gaskets that I will need, measured a stock dip stick to mark my aftermarket one correctly, and got a few small free pieces. Feeling triumphant, I head over to Zach's to finally assemble my tranz, torque converter and engine together......or so I thought. I get the flex plate on and go to pick up my TC only to see that one of the three special captive nuts was missing (damnit!). Defeated again. So, I will be going out to the yard again tomorrow.....1 hour there, 1 hour to Zach's, 1 hour to home. Good thing I am unemployed.

So, since I had some newly free time I decided to remove Zach's tranz, clutch and flywheel to install the o-ring on the flywheel Zach forgot. Then I installed the flywheel and clutch, then I installed the squirrel cage, fan belt, tensioned it, installed the front tin, transmission, and then installed the whole works in the car. At least his engine and tranz is out of my way now More room for me to attempt working on mine.

With any luck, we will be attempting to install the engine into the bus this Sat. The next hard part I see is the creation of the special engine tin from the corvair engine to the bus.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jul 14 2009, 01:19 AM

Nice work Mike. Keep it up. You will get it done in no time and get to enjoy it finally.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 14 2009, 08:56 AM

Damn!! I was so tired when I got home from class last night I did not even look.

I took a sick day to day to let allergy meds start working. Yesterday my eyes literally started swelling shut... Guess all the rain last month put my spring allergies off till summer...


I see no reason why not. With the engine in, we can make templates from cardboard, and then either make tin from 24 guage steel, or get fancy and have them made from fiberglass. Pick up a nibbler from Harbor Freight, and we will be able to make nice cuts in 24g all day long. I don't have a flanger, but we can make one easy enough if we keep our flanges to 5 or six inches long. Just weld some steel bars to a pair of vice-grips. Easy!

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 14 2009, 09:12 AM

I have the stock bus tin we can start with and will be picking up the stock outer tin for the corvair engine today as it looks like a better starting point (all flat).

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 14 2009, 07:38 PM

Tonight we (by we, I mean that I made dinner and solved Evil's engine binding issue while Evil did all the work) got the transmission mated to the engine, got the starter on, the belt on... Sucker is ready to get bolted into the bus!





Zach

Posted by: type11969 Jul 14 2009, 08:43 PM

Damn that thing looks rad!

Posted by: zymurgist Jul 15 2009, 06:20 AM

Chrome alternator... nice touch. I don't even have that in the Corvette.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 15 2009, 09:51 AM

I could care less that it is chrome, it is a 100A alt vs the stock 30A unit

Posted by: zymurgist Jul 15 2009, 10:20 AM

I was thinking of getting a Powermaster alternator for the Corvette, thinking that my stereo was depleting the battery... but after I had the starter rebuilt, the battery drain problem went away, so I'm still running the generic auto-parts-store alternator in the Shark.

You gotta admit, though, chrome is cool.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 15 2009, 12:06 PM

Well, ya. I mean, I dont hate that it is chrome

Posted by: jsayre914 Jul 15 2009, 12:19 PM

I get to drive the bus on Saturday right??

or at least Zachs car

is there anything drivable in that yard???

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 15 2009, 05:08 PM

Zachs new riding lawn mower

Posted by: turboman808 Jul 15 2009, 05:12 PM

I really love that fan setup. To bad you couldn't make something like that using a 911 fan alternator setup. Make the engine looks slick as can be. Sure I have seen it done but not sure if anyone makes a kit.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jul 15 2009, 05:26 PM

I like the way you used the old George Forman gilles . No really I like the valve covers.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 15 2009, 07:32 PM

Maybe my car. We will be running the engine for break in of the new cam, and balancing carbs and setting timing.

When that is done, assuming nothing breaks and we have good oil pressure, we should be able to drive the car.


Or, yeah, we can play with my riding mower.
Zach

Posted by: Spoke Jul 15 2009, 10:16 PM

Corvair engines are cool. I really like the down the middle fan arrangement. The bus will giddy-up and go with a Corvair engine. What induction are you using for the engine?

This one uses triple carbs, I think they are webers. Estimated HP is about 275.




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Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 15 2009, 10:28 PM

I am using a Holley 4bbl 390 cfm carb on an adapter with a Holley dial-a-mile electrically adjustable jet system I need to get an O2 meter so I can adjust my jets more precisely on the fly

My engine is 3.1L since I used 2.0L Type I p/c from a VW. It will move the bus and did not cost me an arm and a leg.

Posted by: ThinAir Jul 15 2009, 10:37 PM

--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scotty b @ Apr 9 2008, 06:42 PM) </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
End result will be something along these lines
[/quote]
Well I was right there with you - until I saw this. I still wish I had my '69 camper bus that had that same interior. I guess I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to split-window and bay-window busses. Last night I stumbled upon "Pimp My Ride" and saw what they did to a split-window. I just about puked.

Edit - Oops! I'm late the party as usual and didn't look to see how long this project has been going on. I like the paint. Looks real nice. You mentioned a camper top - it's a long way to Arizona, but I've got a free top from a 77 Westy if you want it!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 15 2009, 11:16 PM

Thanks, Ernie. I already have a top waiting at Scotty's. As soon as the bus is able to drive to VA on its own, it will be worthy of the extra work needed to put the top on. Scott was smart to stop where he did thus creating that inherent requirement

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:09 AM

Today was very productive I had to modify the front mount a little more to get the drive train more forward so the starter would miss the rear cross bar, and my engineering actually worked! Now the engine in where it will live and is ready for the tin and engine bar to be mocked up after the exhaust is hung.

First is the plate I made to utilize the newer stock front mount on my bus. The mount setup originally had the spacers shown. They turned out to be to big and I had to shorten everything up so the starter would clear the cross bar. Arrows depict the space I shortened.


Engine on approach


Engine under bus

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:13 AM

Under bus 2


Engine rising using my patent pending cinder block engine elevation system

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:21 AM

Here is a pic of the starter clearance issue. You can see the nose cone of the solenoid on the left where it can interfere with the cross bar.


Here is the front mount mounted after I modified it for the last time


Engine up under driver side

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:25 AM

More under pics



Engine in! Sort of

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:28 AM

Ta da! This is where it will stay as it can not go any further up as the bell housing hits the rear frame bar.


Bell housing bar interference.

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:30 AM

I may attempt to modify the front mount one more time to place the mount higher on the plate and lower the front so the engine may be able to sit a little higher. I need to compare with the pics I have of other conversions.

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:34 AM

It looks like I can flip the front mount and gain some wiggle room. Tomorrow.

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:36 AM

Engine height looks to be about right, though, compared to this excellent example.


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Posted by: scotty b Aug 2 2009, 12:06 PM

SWEEEEEET !! Nice to see this. Soon you and Zaychk will be scooting around Pa in both your rides

Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 2 2009, 12:32 PM

I Forsee a problem...


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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 2 2009, 12:41 PM

What, you did not actually think we would drive it do you? This is just another installment of my redneck yard art.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 12:49 PM

Reverse entropy does not require that it move under its own power, only that all parts eventually be assembled in one lump

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 12:50 PM

We can always put rollers under the cinder blocks

Posted by: r_towle Aug 2 2009, 01:13 PM

seems like there must be a better starter motor solution.
Given all the conversions that must have happened back in the day, I bet someone figured out how to clock the starter motor to lean the solenoid down at 7 oclock instead of its current position at 11 oclock.

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 01:29 PM

The starter is a non-issue now. The limiting factor is the contact of the bell housing with the cross brace. There are mini starters for the corvair, but they are like $700, which is fricken ridiculous. By lowering the nose of the tranny, I can raise the rear of the engine a little more.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 2 2009, 02:45 PM

I kinda doubt that it is going to be an issue either way. Its not going to be an off road vehicle. The rear suspension may need to get beefed up a little though.

Zach

Posted by: r_towle Aug 2 2009, 03:11 PM

Do you really need that whole cross member?
Could it be modified and beefed up with thicker steel?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 2 2009, 04:08 PM

This was my thought was well.

Run square tube under the chassis and drop down to weld into the wall. Cut out what does not fit. Bet we could find another inch or so.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 04:23 PM

I'll be by later most likely to mess with it. We will see how much more room I can get and what options are available

Posted by: rick 918-S Aug 2 2009, 08:02 PM

Anyone can build a stock van, it takes a real man to cut one up.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 2 2009, 08:55 PM

I have been stuck indoors doing homework, but I heard cutting outside. I suppose I should go take a look-see.

Zach

Posted by: rick 918-S Aug 2 2009, 09:14 PM

Bring a camera!

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 11:36 PM

Yup, I flipped the front mount to lower the front of the drive train, cut the eye off of the bell housing (like I am ever going to use a cherry picker with this), and cut the offending metal after determining it was not a structural part of the bus so much as it was a part for the original tranz to hang from. It worked well See for yourself.



Flipped front mount.


Yellow arrow is where the eye was for the picker, orange is where the offending metal was removed. It was hard to cut (emotionally), but it had to be done.

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 2 2009, 11:38 PM

Here is one of the headers mounted.

Posted by: zymurgist Aug 3 2009, 05:58 AM

I love it when a plan comes together.

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 3 2009, 08:27 AM

Attached image(s)

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 3 2009, 08:38 AM

Why do you have your headers bolted on facing forward? Don't you want them facing aft? Or does the rest of the exhust go forward and then loop back?

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 3 2009, 08:41 AM

Ding ding, give that guy a cigar! If I face them aft the opening of the collector is at the same level as my bumper. LOUD. It has to have a 180 U installed. I forgot when talking about the O2 sensor placement. This will make it easier.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 7 2009, 06:40 PM

Anyway, I just had the most amazing thing happen.

I am eating dinner with the fam, and there is a knock on the door. I see a red shirt and figure it is either Mike coming over to work on the bus, or the Pizza guy forgot something when he dropped off dinner.

I really could not have been more wrong.

Elvis was at my door. No, really. Complete with a pink silk shirt with big collar, unbuttoned to mid chest showing off thick gold chains. His sideburns were superb, though his pompadore was a little long at the back. I went to shake his hand, and Elvis swung his hips and thrust out his arm, practiced to the point of being natural. I was a little thrown by the slightly too tight dockers, but even Elvis wears dockers, right?!

Elvis was REALLY excited. He wanted to buy the bus. He wanted to buy the Evil Bus - RIGHT NOW. He was driving down the road in his beat up pickup (complete with a plywood billboard bolted to the back that stated the he bought property - even Elvis has to work...). Any way, Elvis was driving down the road, a road he said he does not usually travel by, when he saw the Jeep and the Bus. He had to stop. He had to have the bus.

I would like to say that Elvis is also a cat guy. He was thrilled to see two of my cats meowing at him through the window, and went to great lengths to tell me about how he loves cats. It makes sense, really. Elvis always got a lot of pussy.

Anyhow, I gave Elvis the bus tour. He tried to tell me that is name was really Bob Neal, that he would trade his services as a plumber for the bus, but I know its just Elvis's cover.

Elvis then asked if I would be taking the bus to Bug Out in Virginia next month. Sadly, I said I did not think it would be ready yet. Elvis was impressed with the engine swap, but admitted he was not a mechanical guy.

Elvis was also really interested in guys making tricycles out of VWs, but I did not know of any off the top of my head.

I said I needed to get back to dinner with my family, and Elvis understood. He swung his hips, gave me the double finger guns and a hearty "Thank you, thank you very much for taking time to tell me about the bus. God Bless." Elvis got back into his pickup, and drove of into the sunset.

This may be the most amazing encounter that I have had on account of the vehicles in my driveway.

Zach

PS - I really hope the Bus is still here tomorrow morning...

Cliff notes - Elvis stopped by to buy Mikes Bus.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Aug 7 2009, 07:09 PM

Zach, I am worried about you.

This is very hard to believe. Did you get a picture????

Tom

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 7 2009, 07:18 PM

No. I wish that I had though. It was mind boggling - I was just not prepared for what waited outside my door.

Elvis was a really nice guy.

Zach

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 7 2009, 07:20 PM

This story is too amazing to be lost at the end of page 4 where no one will see it. I HATE being the last post on a page. Especially when it is THIS EPIC!


Anyway, I just had the most amazing thing happen.

I am eating dinner with the fam, and there is a knock on the door. I see a red shirt and figure it is either Mike coming over to work on the bus, or the Pizza guy forgot something when he dropped off dinner.

I really could not have been more wrong.

Elvis was at my door. No, really. Complete with a pink silk shirt with big collar, unbuttoned to mid chest showing off thick gold chains. His sideburns were superb, though his pompadore was a little long at the back. I went to shake his hand, and Elvis swung his hips and thrust out his arm, practiced to the point of being natural. I was a little thrown by the slightly too tight dockers, but even Elvis wears dockers, right?!

Elvis was REALLY excited. He wanted to buy the bus. He wanted to buy the Evil Bus - RIGHT NOW. He was driving down the road in his beat up pickup (complete with a plywood billboard bolted to the back that stated the he bought property - even Elvis has to work...). Any way, Elvis was driving down the road, a road he said he does not usually travel by, when he saw the Jeep and the Bus. He had to stop. He had to have the bus.

I would like to say that Elvis is also a cat guy. He was thrilled to see two of my cats meowing at him through the window, and went to great lengths to tell me about how he loves cats. It makes sense, really. Elvis always got a lot of pussy.

Anyhow, I gave Elvis the bus tour. He tried to tell me that is name was really Bob Neal, that he would trade his services as a plumber for the bus, but I know its just Elvis's cover.

Elvis then asked if I would be taking the bus to Bug Out in Virginia next month. Sadly, I said I did not think it would be ready yet. Elvis was impressed with the engine swap, but admitted he was not a mechanical guy.

Elvis was also really interested in guys making tricycles out of VWs, but I did not know of any off the top of my head.

I said I needed to get back to dinner with my family, and Elvis understood. He swung his hips, gave me the double finger guns and a hearty "Thank you, thank you very much for taking time to tell me about the bus. God Bless." Elvis got back into his pickup, and drove of into the sunset.

This may be the most amazing encounter that I have had on account of the vehicles in my driveway.

Zach

PS - I really hope the Bus is still here tomorrow morning...

Cliff notes - Elvis stopped by to buy Mikes Bus.

Posted by: MDG Aug 7 2009, 07:55 PM

I knew Elvis was hanging around Pennsylvania.

I knew it!

is he still fat?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 7 2009, 08:26 PM

Yes, but not overly so.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 7 2009, 10:56 PM

Posted by: zymurgist Aug 8 2009, 11:11 AM

Elvis is everywhere
Elvis is everything
Elvis is everybody
Elvis is still the King

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_hkIN38qnY

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 8 2009, 06:44 PM

Michael J Fox is the Anti Elvis!

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 8 2009, 07:16 PM

You leave shaky alone!

Posted by: zymurgist Aug 8 2009, 08:32 PM

To be fair, Mojo recorded that song well before MJ Fox had any signs of Parkinson's.

I'd bet that if he performs the song today, the Anti Elvis is somebody like Simon Cowell.

Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 9 2009, 10:57 AM

were you eating the mushrooms that were growing next to your garden.

I TOLD YOU NOT TO EAT THOSE !!!

Posted by: scottb Aug 9 2009, 03:31 PM

mojo has mucho elvis in him... along with beer, scotch, amphetamines, LSD, orange soda and i think some raid....

Posted by: zymurgist Aug 9 2009, 04:48 PM

DON'T. EAT. THE BROWN. ACID.

Posted by: jimtab Aug 9 2009, 04:52 PM

I think Mojo's best song is Don Henley must die (don't let him get back together with Glen Frey.) Although it was funny when Don Henley came up and sang it with him at a concert.....I still don't really like DH though....and yeah, I know, he speaks soooo well of me......yada, yada....

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 26 2009, 09:32 PM

Pics of Bus progress from tonight. I'll let Evil explain what everything is.

Overspray, but otherwise nice looking hatch panel


Barn door panel in, with sound proofing behind.



Fabbing up the engine mount bar.
This took several days of creative thought before we started welding htis evening. Went through about 9 other ideas before we came up on this super simple and STRONG one. Mike can tell more.
[http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3860196233_4dcec92c39.jpg[/img]



Oh, and the Evil Bus will be getting side pipes. Its going to be bad assed!

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 26 2009, 10:18 PM

Yup, Zach came up with the smart and kick ass looking idea to run the mufflers up forward, since that is where the headers point out anyway, and have the pipes point out in front of the rear wheels like a hot rod. This looks cool and frees up a lot of space in the rear.

The engine bar will be attached to the bumper mounts with an addition of a large bolt on each side. More to come later on this....I hope tomorrow

The door and hatch were painted and ABS panels were installed after I laid down sound dampener and insulation.

Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 27 2009, 06:33 PM

Why not bring the pipes through the cabin and add a little more chrome, if your going for the hotrod look??

see pic.



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Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 27 2009, 11:03 PM

Function ----- form

Here are the progress pics from tonight. The mount we devised utilizes the original tranny mount rubber pucks. The yellow arrow depicts where a 13mm bolt will be added to strengthen the mount to the frame.


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Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 27 2009, 11:04 PM

S'more


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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 28 2009, 07:43 AM

In the last picture, the engine is sitting cockeyed. That will be leveled when we are all said and done.

Also the clamps are there just until the super glue dries to join the metal bits together. They will be taken off before we bolt the engine on.

Zach

Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 28 2009, 10:36 AM

is that the same super glue i used on my glasses the other night

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 28 2009, 12:46 PM

maybe.
Its what I could find first. Since its an engine mount we wanted to use something really strong, that was also fast drying. It was about to start raining so we did not want anything that would still be setting up once the rain hit.

Zach

Posted by: kwales Aug 29 2009, 11:12 AM

Mmmm.... superglue......

Stuff scares me. It's ok in tension, but one hit from the side (shear load) and it all lets go......

Super clean surfaces, aircraft structural epoxy and a rivet or 2 to squeeze the parts together to thin out the glue is the best bet. But, if you glue steel, the rust can separate the glue joint later....

Welding gud.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 29 2009, 11:22 AM

FINALLY I have been waiting for someone to bite on that for days! I was hoping for a full on "ARE YOU CRAZY" but I'll take what I can get.

It will be welded. No glue.

Zach

Posted by: kwales Aug 29 2009, 11:24 AM

Did Elvis help with the glue?

I hear he uses it to keep his hair in place....

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 29 2009, 11:35 PM

Tonight Zach hooked it up. We both decided that we wanted the bar to be bent so I busted out the trigonometry and got pretty close to perfect. We will finish it up tomorrow


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Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 30 2009, 03:19 PM

That looks sweet.

Very nice job guys. Now what, little rustoliem and bolt it in there.?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 30 2009, 07:20 PM

Little more welding yet.

I want to reinforce the mounting plates and also the cut area- fully box that part in.

Mike cut the pieces tonight after we got back from the pool, but I was too wiped to start welding. I'll KO that tomorrow after work.

Zach

Posted by: r_towle Aug 30 2009, 07:41 PM

Is that bar stong enough?

Possibly add an upper section to make it like a truss???

Seems a little small/thin???

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 30 2009, 08:22 PM

We are considering a truss, but we also consider it over done at that point. Not that being over engineered is a reason we consider for stopping

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 30 2009, 09:13 PM

This is what I would like to add.
We have the metal sitting in my shop.



Does not add complexity, really. Does add strength.

It is probably not needed. But I'd rather over do it.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 30 2009, 09:49 PM

We already have the metal ready for adding in the darkened areas of the pic


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Posted by: degreeoff Aug 30 2009, 10:18 PM

looks sweet guy's, I feel very gud about that holding up based on you're pics . NOT that I am endorsing and or warrenting anything agaianst breakage.......LOL

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 31 2009, 07:15 AM

Yah, tonight as soon as I get home I have a lot of welding to do. The good news is I get to do the fun parts (welding) and then hand it off to mike for grinding and painting (the unfun parts )

Zach

Posted by: Cupomeat Aug 31 2009, 01:33 PM

Why not just use JB Weld?

...not serious...

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 1 2009, 11:42 PM

Tonight was victorious! We mounted the engine bar and hing the engine....then we decided it needed the extra bracing The finished product looks bad ass! The engine is in, hanging and this is the best conversion like this that I have ever seen thanks to Zach's help and willingness to go the extra mile The bus has landed!


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Posted by: zymurgist Sep 2 2009, 06:21 AM

Nice job!

Now get thee to a powder coater.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 2 2009, 07:45 AM

When you dropped the bus last night and the drivers side shocks and springs compressed and bounced a little and there was NO movement or flex in the engine and bar? Yeah, that felt good.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 3 2009, 01:17 AM

I keep looking at the pics and smiling

Posted by: type11969 Sep 3 2009, 08:41 AM

Looks awesome, estimate until you fire her off? I hope there will be video documentation!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 3 2009, 08:58 AM

I've been thinking about the cooling tin.

If we mock the tin out of some of the cardboard around my shop, we can then make templates to be cut out of 24g sheet steel.

Its not structural, so using thin metal will allow us to make whatever bends need to be made. We can make a brake using my vise and some of the spare stock we have on hand.

I don't think this is going to be a big deal. At all.

Zach

Posted by: degreeoff Sep 3 2009, 09:01 AM

Make it this weekend....! I will drive up to see!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 3 2009, 09:01 AM

As long as I am there, there will be. If he fires it while I am in class, he is on his own.

We need to get the carb and induction in place, and tin made. Attach a battery, and ignition bits. Then start it and run in the cam.

Zach

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 3 2009, 09:03 AM

But... I'll be away. You can't have a party at my house if I'm not there. That just wouldn't be fair!

(if you do it, get my 914 perfect while you are there... )

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 3 2009, 09:41 AM

I dont have an estimate of when the quickening will occur. I am currently applying to residencies, starting 2 more MPH classes, and getting ready for my national tour so time is tight. We shall see....

Zach, for the tin I think that the stock corvair tin will fit in the bay as it is flat and small. Then we just need to start cutting the stock bus tin until we get it to match. Then, weld the two together. If I can make it down today I will get started on that...I need to get more cutting disks

Do you know where we can get some stock bent pipe to just make different length runners for the carb???

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 3 2009, 04:29 PM

So today I managed to start another part of the program, the instrument panel. I wanted a tach because the blank spot in the stock panel drives me nuts. So, I have make the 914 stuff fit. The speedo is for mock up only. I will be sourcing a 120mph silver buttoned one for the final set.


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Posted by: markb Sep 3 2009, 04:35 PM

This is what we did in the ThunderBus.

Posted by: zymurgist Sep 3 2009, 04:37 PM

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 3 2009, 04:56 PM

Ya, I saw the thunderbus one and thought I could do it differently

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 24 2009, 01:22 AM

Since I am up here and my bus is an hour away in at a place that it would be unkind to work at odd hours, I decided to finish my gauge cluster

First I gutted a 911 tach and carved up the case to fit into the stock cluster. It fits PERFECT! Crazy how lucky that was.




I repainted the inside of the housing.


Then I painted the tach and speedo needles.




Notice the extra light bung I added in the tach housing in the 12 o'clock position

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 24 2009, 01:27 AM

Here are the needles post paint.



Here is the tach seated in the assembly.


An extra wire to keep it in place, though it is not needed.


For the speedo I just needed to remove the metal lip on the side.

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 24 2009, 01:32 AM

The speedo glass fit perfectly in the empty spot on the cluster.


Here is the speedo seated and wired in place, with the rest of the cluster. The wide electrical tape is only necessary to hold the speedo steady. The whole assembly is stout.


Here are the cluster pics. I blacked out the head light and turn signal indicators inthe left cluster gauge since I will use the ones on the tach.




And here are the painted needles of the oil T and P gauges. I dont like red needles, obviously. The blue LEDs work better with the white.

Posted by: Todd Enlund Sep 24 2009, 02:13 AM

Doc, you missed it... I passed a split window single cab on the Interstate on the way to class today.

Posted by: zymurgist Sep 24 2009, 05:58 AM

Nice mods.

You should have painted the inside fluorescent orange, though. Nothing cooler than red instrument lighting.

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 24 2009, 08:25 PM

No red

Posted by: zymurgist Sep 25 2009, 05:43 AM

Red instruments look great in a 2006 Acura.

Also in classic Trans Ams.

Posted by: scotty b Sep 25 2009, 07:55 PM

but not on necks

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 29 2009, 08:13 PM

Hey Scotty, dunno what yer boys down south were doing with all those busted windshields. But us northern boys got it in the first time w/o busting it up in the process.




Also, we moved the bus into my project bay of the garage tonight. My home has just been *slightly* de-redneckified. I'm down to only 1 non-operational vehicle up on blocks in my driveway! YAY!!!

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Sep 29 2009, 08:20 PM

Head hung in shame....or maybe it was the different seal........

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 29 2009, 10:05 PM

Yup, after the first two attempts it went in the first time without any issue

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 30 2009, 08:13 AM

I thought you agreed that we would uphold our masterful superiority for a few days before admitting that we had to take it out twice before getting it in right. Jerk.


But, we did get it mounted w/o breaking anything. A plus.

Zach

Posted by: type11969 Sep 30 2009, 08:57 AM

Good work, now I know who to contact when I gotta swap my windshield out!

-Chris

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 30 2009, 10:46 AM

That was until Scotty conceded by hanging his head in shame so fast.

It is true, as soon as we high-fived I told Zach to post that is went in easily the first time just to mess with Scotty.

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 30 2009, 12:49 PM

Zach, I am surprised you didnt mention the PB blaster incident

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Sep 30 2009, 01:35 PM

I had forgotten that you tried (twice) to huff PB blaster and spray paint with your ass.



Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 30 2009, 02:06 PM

PB blaster is like a fart silencer when added to the cheeks.

Posted by: zymurgist Sep 30 2009, 02:21 PM

Posted by: Dr Evil Sep 30 2009, 11:38 PM

When we constructed the bar we were considerate that the engine not hang too low so as not to be exposed to anything. I think we are close if not better


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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 1 2009, 08:26 AM

There is no doubt that we are better. The T4 pick is with bumper on. Yours is with bumper off. When we mounted the bumper on your bus, we could only see the very bottom of the bar. On the T4 bus, you see 1/2 the engine.

We bought ~4 extra ground clearance.

Zach

Posted by: type11969 Oct 1 2009, 09:03 AM

Really? Think that top pic is sans bumper. Nice work regardless though.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 1 2009, 12:09 PM

Ya, top pic is no bumper as well.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 1 2009, 07:15 PM

Huh. It being painted threw me. Now that I look closer, there is no bumper (only ZOOL)

Zach

Posted by: Leo Imperial Oct 18 2009, 08:22 AM

Hi

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 18 2009, 11:31 AM

Who are you?

Posted by: plas76targa Oct 18 2009, 12:39 PM

I'll second that! Who is that guy?

Posted by: jsayre914 Oct 18 2009, 01:29 PM

what if none of us are who we thought we were, if we were not who we are.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 18 2009, 02:25 PM

Hey Mike, are you done fixing other peoples stuff enough to come work on yours again? I am going to need to put the 914 in the project bay before the snows come, so I figure you have ~ a month before the bus get evicted outside again. Both dailys need to be garaged for the winter - I HATE scraping windshields in the morning. :-)

Posted by: Leo Imperial Oct 19 2009, 08:40 PM

Sorry wrong website.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 19 2009, 09:16 PM

Nonsence!

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 19 2009, 09:38 PM

Awe, Leo We were just funning you. Dont leave

Zach, I am busy this week with interviews, this weekend with rebuilds. Trust me, any time I get to work on it I will be there.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 19 2009, 09:43 PM

Take your time. Till the Subaru is working again I have to drive the 914 anyway. Tomorrow is going to be COLD.

But I need to get both dailys in the garage before snow comes, so you probably have ~ a month or so. I'm also crazy busy right now, so I understand not having the time...

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 19 2009, 09:45 PM

Ya, I am in Altoona right now for an interview in the AM. Wed I interview in Hershey, Thurs-Fri I interview in Beaver Falls. This week is hosed for work.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 20 2009, 08:47 PM

I think I will steal away to do some bus work this weekend.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 20 2009, 09:34 PM

I'll be out Saturday running a bachelor party. Sunday I will be home, but buried in homework. You are welcome to come over either day (or friday as well) and I will try to make myself available.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 21 2009, 01:53 PM

I wont need your help exactly. I will try to finish fit the tin and maybe even mock it up for welding so if you get time you can just tack it all together for me. The only other thing I will definitely need you for is the exhaust.

Posted by: jsayre914 Oct 21 2009, 02:04 PM

what happend this time?? didnt you just put bookoo money into that suby??

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 21 2009, 02:09 PM

Ya, what is wrong with it now??? Something I/we can fix at your house?

Posted by: jsayre914 Oct 21 2009, 02:19 PM

i got somthin you can fix at my house

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 21 2009, 02:21 PM

Take a number

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 21 2009, 04:02 PM

Yup. 4K for an engine rebuild in Feb.
Cylinder three is misfiring under load. (code P030)
Possible problems:
*clogged/dripping/malfunctioning injector
*malfunctioning ignition (bad coil pack, bad wire, bad and or fouled plug)
*Mechanical problem (bring money - F that sell the car.)
*valve adjustment.

Time I have to deal with it:
*Zero.

Goes into Stans Subaru out on 24 tomorrow at 8am. Hope it makes it there...

I'll get a loaner from Stans while my car is in the shop. In the mean time I have been driving my 914. It needs some more tuning, but I am at the end of my knowledge base - and don't want to futz with it more until I get my IDF 40s to rebuild.


Mike, I can weld for you in between papers. I have two of them due next week (mon and wed.) Hell, I'm in for it just to sit and BS about crap that is not family/work/school.

Have I mentioned lately how ready I am to be done with freak'n school. I want my life back
Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 21 2009, 06:39 PM

Your bitching to me....ME about school? If you want sympathy look in the dictionary between "shit" and "syphilis". Ya pansy

Posted by: type11969 Oct 22 2009, 12:28 AM

Can I get in on the bellyaching? Adv dynamics and theory of elasticity round out my weekends nicely.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 22 2009, 09:22 AM

Woohoo! I heard from Stan's that my scoob is going to be a cheap fix, and I will have it back today.

Now, so long as I don't get the errant digit today at my physical, I have very little to be upset over.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 22 2009, 09:34 AM

Ooo, a physical. Cold hands = warm hearted doc, remember

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 26 2009, 08:13 PM

Back on topic

Today I managed to install the dash and prep and paint the area where the rear seat goes in hopes of installing it to get it out of the way. I am hesitant to do the engine tin on my own. It daunting and I didnt want to make noise since Erin was home. Let see if I get time tomorrow after I do some transmission work.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 26 2009, 08:36 PM

I'll be around tomorrow (theo duty). I just got home (out of class early) and I am sorry I missed you today. Would have been nice if I even just got home in time to say hi. I am feeling a bit more hermit like then usual today.

I hope that you understand that you can move the mower out of the way while you are working. Right now things are packed in pretty tight while I try and make room for Erin's Pruis. I actually had the bay cleared when Erin wanted more stuff stored in the garage that I need to find a home for.

I'd really like to get the tin made up before the bus moves back outside as it will be easier welding in the garage. No extension cord voltage drops.
Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 26 2009, 08:44 PM

Ya, I moved the mower originally.....but then I looked in the engine bay and though, "fuck this" and went to do the quiet work of dash install.

The mower can fit under the stairs once I get my VW gear box out of there. I have a buyer, but I need to know what it weighs. Over 100# and I can not ship it. I need to pick it up tomorrow and clean out under your stairs.

I bought you a screw driver set from HF so I dont have to go searching for bits any more Your welcome. I cleaned the garage a little today as well.

I figure tomorrow I can stop by Joe's and help him put his heads on, after that he wont need me, and then stop down to pick up the spare gear box.

Question, do you think you have room for my big bike in your garage? I need it out of my small garage and it is just taking up space. It is an easy fit into a small space in your garage.

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 26 2009, 08:47 PM

I like that when I look at the bottom to see who is viewing this thread, I know and have met 5 out of 6 of you

Posted by: type11969 Oct 26 2009, 08:52 PM

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 26 2009, 08:54 PM

Once the 914 moves into the project bay I will have room for your BMW in the garage. It has to live in the project bay - too much other stuff in the parking bay.

Bike could go under the stairs, if that got orged a little better. I don't want to put it in the parking bay as Erin tends to bump into things when parking.... (which is why tires are in front of the air compressor, and my 914 is in front of the trailer).

Once the 914 is in the project bay again, I'll have a bit more room to store stuff. By spring I hope to be able to move my truck around to get in and out of the project area easier.

Zach

Posted by: Leo Imperial Oct 26 2009, 08:57 PM

Yeah well mine was off the road for 2 years and now its back and you are still building this monster??? OK OK it is pretty I will give you that but Brah come on you need to start enjoying!

Oh and Hi Chris. The 2073 rocks and I can fly at 80 without issue.

Posted by: scotty b Oct 26 2009, 09:01 PM

Yeah and those 5 have all probably worked on this abortion of a vehicle

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 26 2009, 09:02 PM

Coolio

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 26 2009, 09:13 PM

Its cool. We will need to rethink things if your registered vehicles equal mine, though. Counting the trailer and the eventual BMW we are at a 4:3 ratio.

Honestly, so long as I can move my stuff around, Erin does not complain too loudly and the neighbors don't start bugging me, it does not bother me.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Oct 26 2009, 09:14 PM

HUH ??


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Posted by: type11969 Oct 26 2009, 09:35 PM

Why hello sir. Nice work, I'll be interested to hear how it does in the 914. Got a head temp gauge on it? Oil temp? Curious what the temps are like pushing the bus around. Are you running 2.0 heads?

I bit the bullet and got a camper special for my westy. Expensive, yes, but it was the best compromise of time off the road and cost. I generally cruise in the 70-75 range unless I am by myself. Any faster than 75 and the passengers start to complain about noise! Gotta do some insulation work . . .

East Coast Camping expedition next summer?

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 26 2009, 09:52 PM

I am down to camp. I will tow mine there

Posted by: Leo Imperial Oct 27 2009, 12:47 AM

Still in the process of getting everything dialed in. I'll let you know the temps once all set. Now I have an itch for a new set of gauges alla Evil. Damn that looks good and I have a set, but not the Evil touch

Camping is a damn good idea. Planning on a few trips this coming year. Should be booking a week in Montauk in the next few days/weeks. Hither Hills on the beach, it's an awesome place. Books up months in advance. Visitors will be welcome.

Also want to head to the North and West within NY state for a multiple stop trip.

Flanders is another not to be forgotten

Mike you gotta get that bad boy rollin under it's own power!

Posted by: jimtab Oct 27 2009, 09:44 PM

LEO! How the hell are you....I haven't seen your name in a while....still loving and livin' on the East coast?

Posted by: Leo Imperial Oct 29 2009, 07:24 PM

Yo Jim! Lovin it like you can't imagine.... Why you got a job for me?

Posted by: jimtab Oct 30 2009, 08:33 PM

Sure, you want to work in a Commercial/Industrial Hardware Store starting at about 10-12/hr?? I didn't think so. We may get to see you next summer when I drive the teener to the East Coast after I retire, always wanted to do it and I'm gonna. Many folks to see and visit, and I want to get to see the Canadian Maritimes, maybe catch the Targa Newfoundland or something....may squat in N. Mass. for a month or so to see the autumn....etc. As long as my 201K doesn't become a 101K.....

Posted by: Dr Evil Oct 31 2009, 01:11 AM

Alright you two homos, take your love fest off line and stop messing up my build thread

Here are some pics I had not posted yet. Between interviews and rebuilding gear boxes I have had no time for the bus. Hopefully soon......before the snow falls.




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Posted by: plas76targa Oct 31 2009, 04:04 PM

Mike - wassat sound deadin' material you used? (fergive me if I missed that in an earlier post)

Posted by: Dr Evil Nov 1 2009, 12:27 AM

I am using a few things. The black sheets are a brand that I forget and the wrappers are at Zach's. The silver stuff is Fatmat and I am putting in some silver bubble wrap over that.

Posted by: Leo Imperial Nov 1 2009, 11:52 AM

Nice work. Gonna be quiet in there. I have opted not to install any in mine. With 3 kids it gives Liz and I a nice ride. On the highway we can only hear each other and not the kids.

Posted by: Dr Evil Nov 18 2009, 05:15 PM

So, I managed to get away for a few hours yesterday to move my bus out of Zach's garage so he could put his car in there. The sticking point on this conversion has been the engine tin as I wanted to make an elegant set that mated perfectly from the engine to the original curvy-assed lines on the bus. I hereby officially concede that I will not do this. What a PITA to do and it would take more man hours than the rest of the damn bus. So, I am giving in a cutting the drivers side flush and making simple, effective, quick engine tin....when I get time I will just be using 22GA steel, cut off disks and some tin snips. All me, no need for help, no need for an engineering degree. I feel better already

The next step is to drop the engine again so that I can finish up the engine bay, mounts, etc. Then install the engine, make the tine, put the wires, cables, etc up to the heart and then turn the key and poop myself.

Posted by: jsayre914 Nov 18 2009, 05:46 PM

Glad to hear it Mike. Anything I can do to help. parts to clean up etc. My garage is way too clean latley.

Posted by: type11969 Nov 18 2009, 06:09 PM

Only thing that could suck is the vin stamped in the metal you might be suggesting to cut out

Posted by: Dr Evil Nov 18 2009, 06:23 PM

Ya, I have been thinking about that. I think I can make a work around for it. I dont want to cut and move it. That would look suspicious.

Joe, you are never free to help out man. You have kids, dogs, wife.

Posted by: shoguneagle Dec 4 2009, 10:41 AM

How come you people are not working on and updating this thread???? I need my daily "reading room" material to keep updated in the world. Retirement and cold weather are pure hell when you do not get the "proper reading room material". Get back out there in the "cold weather" and keep an "old man" happy!!!

Seriously, enjoy reading the thread and the accomplishments that are being made. It should be noted that these activities are being done by people with outside, pressure commitments. I do enjoy the antics and comments to those who are accomplishing their work, education, family, and hobby involvements.

Now, get back out in the cold (probably snow by now) and get me some more "reading room material".

In other words, keep up the good work and providing us "outsiders" with entertainment.

Steve Hurt

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 4 2009, 06:00 PM

Well, mainly as we are all slammed with school and work, and don't have time to go out and play with the cars in my backyard.

By the way, Mike. Take note. My semester is OVER on Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!!!111!!!1one!

So, in theory at least, I'll be less stressed at at home every night to help out. No more classes till the Second week of January.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 7 2009, 11:29 PM

I am sad to see snow upon my return to the East. I was hoping to have it running by now. But, I am back from my trip and ready to rock. I end my semester on Dec 20 and will be even more involved. Any spare time that I am not studying or building boxes for customers will be spent with the bus I have 3 boxes to catch up on.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 8 2009, 09:58 PM

Well, I made it down this early evening and got a few things done. I started cutting out the engine tin and it is looking very promising. I need to get the engine back in the car for fitment. Also, I cleaned up and painted the intake runners. I tried to use MAP gas and a braising rod to fill in any defects in the inside of the tubes, but after several attempts I gave up and figured that they were fine and I was being too particular about everything. I bought some wiring stuff to make a harness that will fit my engine and the buses harness. I also painted the bumper mounts so that they are ready to go on and are protected from rusting. It was cold, but the propane heater kept the garage livable and the paint warm enough to dry. The weather is supposed to turn to kaka tonight. That was it for now.

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 8 2009, 10:03 PM

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 8 2009, 10:13 PM

Ya, ya. I know. I didnt feel like it. It really was miserable working in that garage in the cold alone in the silence I forgot my iPod. I hate winter....

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 9 2009, 08:18 AM

You were over last night?

Dang, I did not know. I usually notice you drive up.
On the other hand, Theo was sick and cranky, and I got some decorations up inside, so maybe it was best that I did not notice. Would have rather been playing with cars instead of screaming toddlers with ear infections.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 9 2009, 08:43 AM

I have a propane heater if y'all need it. It's the kind that looks like a long tube and you point it where you want the heat.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 9 2009, 01:09 PM

Zach has a propane heater that I used. It was fine, but I had to divert it to the parts to be painted

Zach, I am surprised you didnt hear me. I was using air tools and your compressor kept going off. You must have some good sound insulation I was there from 4pm to 8:45.

Maybe more on Thurs.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 9 2009, 01:46 PM

Oh! Cool, that means it works.


Had to be after 4 when you got there, as I got home at 4:20.
Pretty much Erin pressed me right into service with Theo. He only seemed to be not screaming last night when I let him use me as a jungle gym. Poor guy, I hope he is having a better day today.

Still, I can't believe that I totally never realized that you were here. Say hi next time, if only so I don't feel like a doofus when I find out the next day I had company while I was home.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 9 2009, 01:57 PM

maybe you shouldn't have stopped for 420

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 9 2009, 02:29 PM

I figure that I am over there on my schedule, not yours so I dont want to bother ya'll by knocking on the door if you are having some family time, etc. I go there at 4:30ish.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 9 2009, 04:03 PM

Dude, we are friends. If I'm busy, I'll kindly tell you to fuck off for a few minutes (or hours, etc) until I am unbusy.

If my car is in the drive, it is safe to say hello.

I'll be around tomorrow afternoon, maybe friday afternoon too. I think.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 9 2009, 04:11 PM

I am planning around weather, school, and work. Tomorrows forecast seems reasonable for work outside on the bus (wiring). I need to see if I can get some gear boxes done tonight I need the room and one of them peed all over the place I tell them to empty them first, that is my only request, and still I get full ones the fuck up my shit

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 9 2009, 04:12 PM

Oh, I did try to call you from the garage...

Posted by: jsayre914 Dec 9 2009, 05:29 PM

I had a cat that peed all over my shit once

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 9 2009, 05:38 PM

Once.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 10 2009, 02:23 AM

I did use cat litter to clean it all up

Posted by: plas76targa Dec 10 2009, 08:42 AM

Boy I wish K and I had bought the house in Gettysburg. At least I would have been another 45 minutes closer and you'd have one more 914 nut hanging around.
OT - thinking about having a holiday gathering. You guy's interested?

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 10 2009, 09:41 AM

Depends on when. I am out of here on the 18th so I probably won't make it.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 10 2009, 10:02 AM

Interested. Yep- but no promises that we would be able to show. We would try, though - you know how holidays can get...

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 10 2009, 11:47 AM

interested

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 10 2009, 12:09 PM

Hey Matt, if you do this while I'm out of town, can I drop off a transmission at your house for Mike?

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 10 2009, 02:12 PM

But then you wont be able to see your new motorcycle

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 10 2009, 02:25 PM

LOL. Well, I was only thinking about getting the transmission to you as quickly as possible (but realizing that you'd be unlikely to get to it over the holidays anyway). I can run it up, but it's looking more like early next year at this point.

Posted by: crash914 Dec 10 2009, 04:42 PM

Yep, lets have a holiday meeting.....

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 11 2009, 09:13 AM

During a manic cleaning session (yes, I was cleaning my garage to avoid actually doing meaning full work on my winter 914 project list. it was *really* cold in my shop, and I did not want to start running more sound proofing until I warmed up some...) Mike was walking around my garage losing things, and I would go and find them a few mintues later. This is noteworthy, as it USUALLY goes the other way around. But, I found his mug of hot cocco, and the corviar carburator that has been lost in plain site since around August. Mike was able to find the intake manifold that he lost, but only because I had not gotten that that side of my shop yet.

Also, I (who knows very little of auto electrical craftsmanship, and what I know I learned from Mike) was able to decipher the starter wiring diagram before before he was!

Yes, I am gloating. Suck it!

The painted silver intake runners look awesome, and the rear and side tins are in - though they may need dome final trimming. We need to get the engine bar cleaned and coated so we can rehang the engine to make the front tins.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 11 2009, 12:56 PM

Even a broken clock is right 2x a day

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 16 2009, 04:02 PM

Here are the latest pics of the carb mated to the engine. I made a carb mount for it from e plate steel and a hand held dremel ('caus I rock). I need to make a bell crank assembly to transfer the motion of throttle cable pull from the left of the engine to the right. Not an issue as the parts showed up today. I will need Zach to do a small bit of welding, but after I get that set up we should be able to run the engine on the test stand



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Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 16 2009, 04:04 PM

And some more trial fitting and final fitting.


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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 19 2009, 11:09 AM

It is snowing like mad today. But so cold and windy that it won't stick to anything to windward. No snow of the roof of the bus or truck (and very little on the windward slope of my driveway.)

What I thought was cool was how the wind was swirling into the bed of my truck. Even the bed has been mostly swept free of snow. Where the wind cant reach, though, the snow is all the way to the top of the tail gate. No higher, though, as then the wind gets it and blows it away.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 19 2009, 11:13 AM

It was supposed to be in my driveway by now

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 19 2009, 11:21 AM

I don't think either of us thought that was going to actually happen. I think that Spring is a realistic goal. But getting it done before the first snow was not going to happen while we were both beating our heads in with work and school.

I will need it to move before summer, though. I am going to need to put the 3/4 ton chevy there that will be donating its engine and 12 volt bits to the 715. I think 3 non-ops in my drive would cause Erin to beat me.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 19 2009, 11:25 AM

Nice picture Zach.

I think I'll stroll outside in shorts and bare feet in your honor.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 19 2009, 11:29 AM

IN the past 20 minutes since I took that picture, the wind has died. Everything that was bare has been coated with about 1/2 inch of snow, and building QUICK.

It really is quite amazing. If the wind come back, it will be interesting to see if it all blows away again, or if it sticks.

Ken, you should be in the middle of this here storm. You aren't getting anything?

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 19 2009, 11:31 AM

Not in Lake Worth, Florida, I'm not!

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 19 2009, 11:34 AM

I did think that it would be done. If it were not for the 1hr commute, the classes and you and Joe needing your cars fixed it would be done. It is damn close now. Once I get the linkage sorted out we can run it That will be a good day. Also, if I didnt waste so much time trying to figure out the tin. That was a bad idea that cost me at least a month. I was considering coming over today to work, but I may just stay in my shop and finish the last 2 gear boxes I have to ship.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 19 2009, 11:39 AM

Mike, stay home. It is not pleasant driving around here right now, and it is butt ass cold. Nothing has yet to be plowed, and it supposed to keep coming down unit about 2AM.

Posted by: crash914 Dec 19 2009, 11:43 AM

yep, got a foot or so here.....big drifts....sucks, stay inside...

Posted by: Spoke Dec 19 2009, 12:18 PM

It just started snowing right now. I took the 911 out for a spin earlier today. There's too much crap on the road right now to have fun.

I had the 911 out a couple of nights ago on one of my favorite roads and ran over some "anti-skid material" more commonly known as sand and dirt and did a 4 wheel slide around a turn. Scared the shit out of me.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 19 2009, 07:30 PM

When I went out to shovel the drive today we had 17 inches (drifts were well over 2 feet.).

By the time I got done shoveling, I looked back up the drive and there was another inch at the top. Just went inside for dinner. Soon I will be posting in the after dark drunk thread.

If you look, the snow is up to the spare tire on the bus. And the drifts are taller then the wheel arches.



Zach

Posted by: scotty b Dec 19 2009, 08:49 PM

Nice driveway tree Zach

Posted by: jsayre914 Dec 19 2009, 09:59 PM

Thanks Mike.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 19 2009, 10:37 PM

Eh, I tried to fix a customers tranz and then went for a ride to test out the suby. I was drifting into every turn using the hand brake It was fun. I dont think I would have the bus out in this weather so I dont feel bad about it not running yet. This is one of the best storms I have seen in my almost 5 years out here

Posted by: plas76targa Dec 20 2009, 06:05 AM

Hi guys! Mike you can blame me for the small snowfall in recent years, as I was not looking forward to shoveling our long drive way. My back feels this way about shoveling snow Ended up using the neighbors snow blower. still not done yet either. Darn snow has moved the satelite dish too!

Posted by: scotty b Dec 20 2009, 07:14 AM

WATCH OUT FOR THE TELE POLE !!!! :

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 22 2009, 12:06 AM

Yuck Fou

Today ROCKED in the garage! I designed and built, from scratch, with no help, a very complicated throttle linkage system that WORKS! I did not bring my camera, but I will tomorrow. This was the last major hurtle in the design phase. The rest is looking to be straight forward The linkage is the shit!

I used a section of 1/2" x 12" black pipe, some 1/2od x 3/8 id bushings, some 3/8" rolled steel rod, and some flat stock. The rods I used are 3/16" rolled steel and all ends terminate at quick release ball clevises

You'll see. Tomorrow night, hopefully

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 22 2009, 01:40 PM

It is pretty cool. While he was doing that, I fixed my snow blower. We better get more snow, or I am going to be pissed.

Oh, and Mike has now seen the wonders of a welder. He has gone from fear to "Look! I did it myself! I'm so getting one of these..."


Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 23 2009, 01:47 AM

I tried to take pics of the linkage setup, but my lovely wife did not charge the camera battery....which I found out after I arrived at Zach's, an hour away

I worked out my frustrations by using Zach's snow blower to do the rest of his drive way and subsequently fill the back of his truck with the snow.

Posted by: scotty b Dec 23 2009, 06:52 AM

Good for traction ...............On a running driving vehicle

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 23 2009, 07:01 AM

Yes. It was rock hard ice by the time I walked out there to see if he had really filled up my bed with snow. It should melt off sometime around June.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 23 2009, 02:04 PM

Twas necessary because the snow was between my bus and the garage where my engine is currently. plick

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 23 2009, 02:04 PM

Zach, hows about some pics of my linkage?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 23 2009, 06:17 PM

If I can get out to the garage tonight, I'll get some. Spent most of today

Been too long. I love shooting in the snow.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 23 2009, 06:30 PM

bow chicka bow wow

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:31 AM

How about some new year's eve engine porn? Since Scotty B has seen fit to grace us with his benevolent presence this new years eve/day, Zach and I figured that we should do something special to commemorate this momentous occasion. We will attempt to fire up the engine later today! Enough with the $.50 words. I busted my hump to get the engine ready to run tonight and I can not think of any reason not to hook up a battery, fuel and see if we can get it to make noise

What was done today:
- Installed and static timed dizzy with Fireball optic ignition
- Installed coil, ballast resistor, wires
- Set up fuel pump
- Connected electrically adjustable jet fuel harness (this ought to be interesting)
- Clamped some of the oil lines down (I need 2 more hose clamps)
- Installed auto tranny filler tube after straightening it out (had to change curve to work with engine tin location)
- Drilled hole in air cleaner bottom and installed nipple for PCV input (Zach did this)

Tomorrow to do:
- oil filter
- Hose clamps for oil lines and PCV hose
- PCV install (I need to find one that can be modified to work in my application)
- Fluids
- turn key and smile (?)

And now some pics

This is the linkage on the transmission. I changed the direction of the bend and made it a specific length to convert the 1 1/8" of cable pull into the 2 3/8" of throttle lever play at the carb.


The second link. I used a 1/2" ID x 12" section of black pipe and some brass bushings for the pulley housing.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:33 AM

Links 1 and 2 connected and full open.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:36 AM

Links 2-3 closed.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:38 AM

Link 2-3 full open.


An enthusiastic and frozen Zach looks at the newly installed air cleaner

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:40 AM

Some close ups of the electrically controlled fuel jet system, Dial a Mile from Holley.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2009, 12:42 AM

And finally, the engine almost ready to run on the dolly


Attached image(s)

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 31 2009, 05:44 AM

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 31 2009, 07:28 AM

I am about to go and remove this morning's snow in anticipation of getting this bitch started.

Zach

Posted by: stepuptotheMike Dec 31 2009, 08:38 AM

video will be required

Congrats!!!

Mike

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 31 2009, 09:59 AM

Drive is cleared. Trucks have been down the roads, so they are cleared too. Just need mike and Scott to get here. Vroom vroom!

Zach

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 31 2009, 11:28 AM

Be sure to add some transmission fluid. Don't run it dry. You could burn up the pump.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 31 2009, 04:16 PM

We were defeated by a crapped out (but freshly rebuilt) starter.

It turned, but only just when the starter was removed. Mike was able to stop it from spinning with his fingers... I shot video, but won't post it as it is not the victorious ending that we require.

Zach

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 31 2009, 05:02 PM

That is a very common GM starter. If you can't fix it, check the local flats. I bet you can either get one or get one close enough to swap the starter nose and get it going.

Q.) Did you connect a battery with proper cables or are you trying to use a jump box or booster charger?

We want a new year victory!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 31 2009, 10:13 PM

There is a big corvair yard near us that we are going to check out Saturday for the starter. Revised go-time will be Saturday.

Zach

Posted by: type47 Jan 1 2010, 08:34 AM

Really? Maybe there's a Vanagon yard near-by too...

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 2 2010, 05:03 PM

It coughed. It sputtered. It ate a starter and a fuel pump. It shot a foot of flames out the top of the carb.

BUT IT RAN!

Video inbound, sometime tonight. I am getting it off the camera now.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2010, 06:39 PM

Brief list of the days events.
- Wake up
- Drive with Scotty B 1hr to Zach's house
- Pick up Zach and drive 1hr to Corvair Ranch to pick up new (rebuilt) starter
- Given tour of the ranch by Jeff, the owner
- Drive back 1hr to Zach's

Engine specific:
- tested starter on the ground and it worked MUCH better
- Removed spark plugs
- Cranked engine for a few cycles to get oil through it
- Re-installed plugs and attempt to fire up
- Get frustrated
- Scratch heads
- Starter slows down
- Ugh, no fuel in bowl. Damnit, new FP is dead now.
- Get new FP
- Start up, run, flood

Now I have the primary bowl with me so I can double check the float and adjustment. The adjustment still looks spot on, but the bowl was flooding out of the vent which eventually caught on fire (YAY! ).

Alternator, also a new part, but one that I modified, was making an eerie Weeeeeeee noise at any appreciable RPM. The shaft is not binding in any way so I took it off to investigate. Maybe the brushes are wearing in?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 2 2010, 06:44 PM

You can REALLY hear the alt. whine on the video.

Speaking of which...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_uG6JLvVZg



Windows Movie Maker is WAY easier to use then Adobe Premiere! Too bad WMM does not handle importing from my "real" video camera. But it worked just fine for the video shot from Erin's point and shoot.

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 2 2010, 07:00 PM

Posted by: plas76targa Jan 2 2010, 07:40 PM

Way to go guys! Congrats on getting the engine started!
You looked f'ing cold! I wonder if the bearings on the alternator are toast. I had a '63 Pontiac whose alternator died making a similar noise - ended up replacing the bearings and it worked fine. We all curiously await your diagnosis!

Posted by: jsayre914 Jan 2 2010, 07:50 PM

Great job guys. Didn't have time to stop by today. Plus it was waaaay too f*** cold out we did go ice skating for a few hours. (first time for all 4 of us)

That video looks great!

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 2 2010, 09:24 PM

Minus 40 here over night. Great job guys! Way to stay at it. Shove that beast into the van and go for it!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2010, 10:24 PM

IIRC, I put the old bearing from the original alt into the new one due to better fitment as I had to make a alt from the new and the old. I will look into that.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2010, 10:26 PM

A consideration about the starter is that the corvair starter turns opposite of all other starters (other than 4cyl Hondas)

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 3 2010, 08:19 AM

Is your alty spinning the correct direction or is the reverse rotation spinning it acks backwards?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 3 2010, 11:45 AM

Alts dont care what direction they spin. I bought a 100A alt that was supposed to be for a corvair. The front housing was wrong (mounting ears on opposite sides) so I was told I could swap the stock housing onto it. It did not fit exactly correctly so I mixed and matched parts as they fit (bearing assemblies, etc). It was still not perfect, but I thought that it was workable. The stock alt was 37A and way to weak. I found last night that I can buy an alt from a 74 Nova 350 w/ AC at any local FLAPS for $25 and swap the front housing onto it without issue. That alt is 65A and to buy an already converted one is stupid expensive for no reason. 65A is perfectly fine for my application. I bought the 100A because is was cheaper than the 65A converted and had higher amps, but it is more strain on the belt so the 65A seems like a good idea and is what I am going to do today.

The Hi-torque starter is anywhere from $180-250 and may not be necessary once I solve the float bowl adjustment. I am not sure the HT starter would fit in the small space the current one does.

We should be able to start it and keep it running today. Then I will install it (in the next few days). I have an interview Mon-Tues, a transmission to finish up, one to start, one incoming, visit to Grandmas on the 9-10, and, and, and.....

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 3 2010, 11:58 AM

And I have to go back to work Monday.

You are welcome to work, but I won't be around to help. I'll also be gone the weekend of the 8th and Presidents Day weekend. As alawys, you are welcome to come over, but you will be on your own.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Jan 3 2010, 12:13 PM

So what did you find on the float issue ? Out of adjustment, trash ?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 3 2010, 12:30 PM

I saw this on youtube.
Its not helping me. This car is HOT! and 193HP to the rear wheels (so says the video)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddbbGbUPlyc


Zach

Posted by: scotty b Jan 3 2010, 02:44 PM

Gee whizzzz Just go get that maroon one and get on with it

Posted by: scotty b Jan 3 2010, 02:47 PM

Weber setup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzicgyjY12E&feature=related


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzicgyjY12E&feature

Posted by: jmill Jan 3 2010, 02:49 PM

A buddy of mine had one with a stock turbo. It wasn't as old as the one in the video. He was saving it for his kid (who must be 30 by now). It had some pep.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 3 2010, 05:49 PM

Today was a good day. I adjusted the float bowl and solved the flooding issue. I bought the new alt and switched the end cap for the corvair to it. I swapped the new bearing from the new alt end cap into the corvair end cap and assembled the new unit. All spun good, no noise, no binding. Interesting thing about the old one, when I disassembled it, it looked fine inside. No wearing, rubbing, binding or anything else that would be expected of an alt producing the whining noise. More oddity happened when I installed the new one and ran it was that it whined a little, but not as much. I am not going to worry about it for now. The new unit is better assembled and cheap so I intend to run it until it gets worse or stops working.

After reassembling all of the parts onto the engine I started it right up and ran it a few times for a few minutes. The carb is not adjusted so I had to keep giving it gas, then I adjusted the dizzy, needed less gas, tweak, run better, etc. Bottom line, the engine is ready for installation and can be tuned in the car.

Thing learned today, the starter is not sufficient for this engine. It only turns it when the engine actually wants to start, but it lags badly even after the engine has been running for a few minutes. It is not a ground issue or a battery issue. I had the car idling at 3k while the battery was attached to the starter directly. It was pathetic, and disappointing.

The engine sounded bad ass running though It made nice heat in the garage as I had the pipes outside of the garage, the door only just open and the engine in the garage. This is getting close to moving

Posted by: type11969 Jan 3 2010, 06:01 PM

Nice, congrats!

Posted by: scotty b Jan 3 2010, 07:20 PM

Wish I could have stayed another day

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 3 2010, 07:21 PM

Your help allowed today to happen

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 3 2010, 08:26 PM

I am still concerned about your alternator.

I could not hear your engine when it was running and I was inside. But I could hear the whine of the alternator. maybe its just the frequency, but it seemed to me to be pronounced.

Sorry I could not come out. Had to take care of little guy and give Erin the night off after she watched him all day yesterday.

But, my hiking trip next weekend is likely canceled due to the organizer being ill. However, that means I will be around to help get the engine in the van and help with other tuning stuff.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 3 2010, 08:39 PM

I am busy next weekend. The engine was LOUD so I am not sure how you didnt hear it. The alt was barely audible standing right next to it. Dont know what to say.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 5 2010, 07:46 PM

So here is the latest:
I ordered a Hi-torque starter that is made specifically for the corvair motor. Its new and should last forever. I didnt feel like messing with it any more. It should be here Fri.

As for the current starter issue, I do wonder if the alternator being wired up is having anything to do with it. It is a one wire, internally regulated jobby so I doubt it. But, I like to worry about stupid things.

Next, I need to prep the engine bay for drive-train insertion. This will be when I finish my engine tin fabrication.

Then simple engine wiring, cabling, install axles, install seat mount, drive?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 6 2010, 11:43 PM

I decided to draw out the schematic of my engine wiring and did some research on the "one wire" alternator. I found that the one wire alt needs a second wire from the ig switch to activate it. This turns out to be a good thing, though, as I will use this to power my idiot light and buzzer.

The warning system:
The alt needs B+ to the +1 pin in order to switch it on. If the alt should fail or stop turning then this wire will lose its ground and the light would go out, according to one web site I found; http://www.alternatorparts.com/FAQ.htm#how_to_wire

"The ignition wire to the #1 terminal can be supplied in two ways, either a direct ignition wire from the key switch or through a light bulb. Running the ignition wire through a light bulb before connection to the alternator will give you a warning if your alternator fails to start charging or if it quits working while the engine is running, this is commonly known as the idiot light. Another thing that should be mentioned is the #1 terminal must be ignition switched. I have heard of situations where a wire was run to the #1 terminal that had power on at all times. What happens is when the engine is turned off the #1 terminal switches to ground which over time can burn up the voltage regulator or the wire if power is not cut to the #1 terminal."

This is kinda unclear as it states that term 1 switches TO ground when the engine is off. This would cause the light to THEN come on.

Luckily, our cars are supplied with many little round relays that can either be SPST-NO or NC. If I go with the NC configuration, I just need to hook the power in to pins 85 (coil in) and 30 (power to warning equipment), hook the alt term 1 up to pin 86 (coil out), and hook either pin 87a (NC configuration) or pin 87 (NO) to the power into the light and buzzer which are wired in parallel. I would ground the warning circuit separately under the dash.

In the NC (normally closed) configuration, power is allowed to flow through the relay to the warning circuit when the power to the relay coil is lost but the key is on supplying power to the warning circuit.

In the NO (normally open) configuration, power is not allowed to run through the relay to the warning circuit until it is energized. Thus, the warning circuit does not get power unless the term 1 at the alt grounds and switches the relay on.

This should be very cheap and easy (my favorite) to do.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 7 2010, 08:41 AM

If you can get your starter to me, I'll try and get your engine in over the weekend.

is there anything more that needs doing before we stuff it in the Bus?
Zach

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 7 2010, 10:30 AM

Mike, I would suggest just locating the idiot light wire for the bus dash and use it to excite the alternator. Check the bus wiring diagram.
When the exciter wire turns on the alternator it will loose ground and the light on the dash will turn off as normal. I have a GM one wire on the Alien and I used the 914 dash light wire for the exciter. Works fine. Oh, BTW: the alternator will turn itself on if you rev the engine a couple times. but it will not work well this way.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2010, 10:38 AM

Zach, thats kind, but I will do it on Mon.

Rick, I need the buzzer as insurance against not noticing that my belt has slipped. The alt wire will be using the dash light as it was intended, but it will also have a buzzer inserted into the circuit to warn when bad stuff has happened. Are you saying that the exciter wire initially has ground through the alt and then loses it until the alt stops functioning?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2010, 02:15 PM

Zach, if you want to do something, here is what I still need:

- Remove most of the metal around the VIN tab (leave only what is necessary)
- Remove rest of the engine shelf on the pass side (maybe)
- Smooth and prime/paint the new bare metal from cutting the engine shelf
- Prime/paint the support tubes I placed through the frame in the rear
- Prime/paint the engine bar (I have POR-15 for this one, upstairs)

I should have all the paints necessary to do this stuff. Once the engine bay is ready, the engine goes in and the tin gets fitted. I will need to mock up the forward tin before the engine goes in. I need to put the correct holes in it for wiring, throttle linkage, and the ATF tube. This will likely need to be installed prior to stabbing the engine into the bus. After this, it will be the fabrication of the aft tin under the pully that will be the challenge.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 7 2010, 03:34 PM

I may be wrong but that is my undrestanding. I need to read up on that again, I may not have the accurately discribed or over simplified. BTW: there is something about using the bulb that creates a resistance. If you replace the bulb with an LED it will cause the system to fail. Eric Shea had something happen like that once but I'm not clear on the facts. Just saying don't replace the filiment bulb with an LED.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 7 2010, 10:24 PM

The way I will be wiring it it will be going straight through the coil in the relay so it will be fine. Luckily, no matter how the alt lead works, all I need to do is swap the lead from one terminal to another


Regarding the crappy starter plague, I just realized that the tranny was not in neutral so that had to be turned as well. I dont have the cable installed so I could not have put it in neutral. Still pathetic RE the starter. I have no reservations about buying the stronger starter.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 8 2010, 06:34 PM

Mike I watched the output flanges a couple different times when we were having problems, and never saw them move. Are you certain it is in gear ?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 10 2010, 02:12 PM

Watch the video and you can see them moving.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 14 2010, 11:52 PM

Got some more work done today. I heard that the weather would be about 50* so I planned my week around today being bus day. No pics, all in prose so consider yourself forewarned

I finished cutting the engine bay shelf, prepped and painted it. Then I did some wiring to get things about where they need to be on the engine. I will finish up the wiring when the engine is in.

I had received the nice HT starter but had yet to test it as I didnt want to go through the paces of bringing my car up, opening the hood, getting the damn cables. However, Zach's battery was just sitting there and his cables were near by so I figured what the heck. This starter cranked the engine over like it was nothing. I think that the stock corvair starters are no match for the abomination that I have created

I did some more work on the front tin with putting holes in it for the vacuum lines to pass. Its not complete, but I wanted to get the engine in the bus before I did anything more.

I had to raise the ass end of the bus up 32" to get the engine to slide right under the rear. It was so high up that I almost had to jump to pull the hatch down. I lowered the bus to its wheels afterward and the engine was not smooshed. I am starting to get a little concerned with clearance, though. It will be tight.

If I could have one more thing done to the bus, I would have the rear floor above the engine bay cut out and a late model large opening hatch welded in so I could get to the engine easily. Oh Scotty! I am gonna need to find some more matchbox cars.

Lastly, I took some naval jelly and applied it to the engine bar to cure the rust that developed on it. Worked like a champ. I primered it and left the final undercoat coating for another day.

Not wanting to be idle at home, I did some fancy wiring stuff for my bus. I got a bread board and used it to make several connections. The alt light now goes through the bread board and when the alt stops or dies a buzzer and light will go off. This board is also a junction for power to the electronic fuel control.

Next wiring stuff to do:
- Wire shifter cut off so that bus only starts in N.
- Wire reverse lights to trigger from auto shifter.
- Wire back up camera to turn on when shifter is in R.

Next time, I intend to mount the engine in the bus so that I can finish mocking up the engine tin. Once the tin is done, then is the wiring which is pretty much done. Then I will be goofing in the cabin with the wiring, then I try to make the boom in a useful way. I also need to weld in the bung for the O2 sensor which will require a small section of pipe to be added to one of the headers.

Thats about it. Pretty exciting. Hopefully I will have picture worthy stuff next time.

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 15 2010, 06:09 AM

What is the O2 sensor for?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 15 2010, 07:48 AM

to tune the electronically adjustable jets. This way I can adjust them for altitude and fuel economy.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 15 2010, 08:04 AM

Wait wait wait...

BACKUP CAMERA? Oh Mike. Not you too!

Zach

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 15 2010, 08:05 AM

Cool.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 16 2010, 09:48 PM

Camera is for Noel

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 19 2010, 04:47 PM

updates...pics...anything?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 19 2010, 04:51 PM

I'm back in class and Mike is interviewing and rebuilding many transmissions. Given the great weather today, I half expected him to pop in, but updates may slow for a bit until Mike knows where he is going.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 19 2010, 04:55 PM

I am out of it for this week. I returned from OH on Mon and have til Wed night to get all of my homework done for my two Masters classes before I leave to MN on Thurs morn. Then I will be gone until late Mon. Then I will see about starting in on this again. We are sooooo close now. Next step is to mount the engine, hopefully dodging disappointment with clearance issues, cut the engine tin, and cable/wire it up.

Soon to make the vroom vroom.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Jan 19 2010, 05:12 PM

Well I can't wait to see it Mike. You're doing an awesome job

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 28 2010, 08:10 PM

Before I talk about what I did in the few hours I worked on the bus today, I must say that the camera battery was again dead when I got down there So, no pics.

Last night I took my instrument cluster and soldered all of the wires into a 15 pin plug to help with removal and diagnosis. I went to work on the bus and realized I brought EVERYTHING except the damn soldering iron Luckily, Zach had the equivalent of a solder machete vs my scalpel, but I made it work. I got most of the wires in the dash hooked up with a few exceptions that I need to research, but it was getting too damn cold in the bus so I quit when the sun went down.

Exhaust; I could not find a correct adapter to fit between the header and the pipe for the exhaust so that I could weld a bung in it for my O2 sensor. So I bought two sizes, welded them together and welded the bung into it tonight. Not bad for only working about 2-3hrs.


To do list:
- Run a few wires for things like tach, R, reverse lock out, gauges, etc.
- Reinstall the engine and finalize the engine tin
- Engineer a fitting for the oil temp sensor....figure out what temp sensor to use.
- Install fuel pump and ignition module.
- Buy and install battery

I am pretty close, but the weather is crap and I need to fill some bolt orders when the stock arrives. Add in school work and I will be done by summer

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 28 2010, 11:42 PM

After inspecting my exhaust adapter (plug end and bung, blow in other end) I have found that I have a pin hole that needs attention. I love welding Its nice not to be bummed by having to reweld something

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 29 2010, 07:18 AM

You inspected your own bung?!?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 29 2010, 08:10 AM

That soldering iron is probably older then you and I put together.



When I am really mad or frustrated, there are a few things that I do that always work to calm me down and help me focus and think straight. Welding is one of them (shooting is the other, but I don't ever have time to shoot anymore.)

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 29 2010, 12:51 PM

Oh ya, Zach, your out of kerosene I hope to come over this weekend and will refill your tank.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 29 2010, 02:30 PM

I noticed that the other day. A chilling discovery, to be sure. I was planning on getting some more tonight after work, as I hope to get some work done out there myself. The new heater is thirsty, but it does a good job of warming.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 29 2010, 04:35 PM

As soon as the sun went down last night the inside of the bus became unbearably cold. My feet started to freeze so it was real nice to go in and have that 70,000btu of love waiting in the garage for me

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 29 2010, 04:43 PM

Holy crap, it's cold out there. The wind was cutting through my jeans like nothing. Gonna either find my long johns or stay inside.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 29 2010, 10:41 PM

I got caught in kid duty tonight as Erin needed to work late, so I did not have time to get any K1.

Posted by: pete-stevers Jan 30 2010, 10:56 AM

for once it is warm and almost balmy up here....strange indeed
nize and warm....just in time for the "Winter" Olympics

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 30 2010, 04:10 PM

Dudes, check out this converted bus. 110hp corvair motor with power glide
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=397132



Attached image(s)

Posted by: scotty b Jan 30 2010, 04:14 PM

How adorable, one for you, and one for Noel


....or Blain


......or Antwon


.....or Marcel


.....or Daniel


.....or Stephan


See ya twinkle toes

Posted by: zymurgist Jan 30 2010, 06:43 PM

Behold the awesome power of a two-speed transmission.

Nice color though.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 30 2010, 07:53 PM

Jealousy looks ugly on you, bitch.

Posted by: scotty b Jan 31 2010, 11:29 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volkswagen-Bus-Vanagon-Van-1964-21-Window-Deluxe-Microbus-Classic-VW-Window-Bus_W0QQitemZ130360912779QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1e5a1dab8b

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 12:21 AM

Today was a good day for the bus I forgot the damn camera again I will be there tomorrow to do some more work and will take some pics then.

The first thing I did was raise the engine into place. I did this by mounting the front of it first and then lifting the engine while checking clearance on the auto tranny filler tube, throttle linkage, and the air cleaner/carb. Well, the linkage and tube cleared, but the carb was too tall to use the kick ass mounts Zach and I built. Sooooo, I had to chop and drop the mounts 2". This went pretty well, actually. I cut and welded everything all by my self and the welds looked good, had good penetration, and the engine ended up sitting where it needed to be.

Oh ya, i was able to lower the carb assembly by removing the nifty spacers I made, moving the shorter one over, and tossing the larger ones. Unfortunately, this made my kick ass carb bracket too tall. I will be dropping all of this out one more time once EVERYTHING is mocked up correctly so that I can do final adjustments and finish.

Engine tin fabrication was pretty straight forward. I got the drivers side done and had to restart the front one as once the engine was in, the tin I started with the engine out was useless. I need to account for the bell housing now. I am making the front tin in two pieces so that it will be easy to install and remove. I hope to have the tin done tomorrow. Then it will be cabling, wiring, and thats it.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 12:54 AM

Oh ya, to give Zach some credit (because he thrives on that stuff), the 70,000 btu heater allowed me to work comfortably outside in 25* I got about another 1-2 hours of work today because of the heater that he found for us.

Posted by: zymurgist Feb 2 2010, 05:38 AM

$26.2K and reserve not met. Holy crap.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 2 2010, 08:34 AM

That heater may be the best thing that went into the garage this winter.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Feb 2 2010, 06:11 PM

Camera up doc..........

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 2 2010, 06:17 PM

He can't. He's too busy welding right now.
Poor bastard was trying to seam weld 22ga steel with my cheap .035 flux core wire. The fact that he did not burn much through was impressive.

I had to come in. I felt the call to work on my car (or just sit and BS for a while), but I have a shitload of homework to do.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 10:53 PM

Okey dokey. Here are the pics.

The modified/lowered engine/bumper mounts


New engine height. Still acceptable, but it gives me something to shoot for with a different injection someday.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 10:54 PM

These pics are small so there will be several posts.

Here is another of the adjusted engine height. it looks lower than it is due to the angle I took the pic at.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 10:56 PM

Driver side engine tin with foam seal.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:00 PM

Carb clearance. It fits just barely, and I have to lower the engine to change the current filter. I mat get a filter top cover and shorter filter element to fix this.....or I will just switch to FI someday...


The gap to fill between the bay and the engine. I needed to accommodate the bell housing so welding had to occur

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:03 PM

Drivers side front tin. I made it in 2 parts so I could remove and install with the engine in the car.




The cardboard template I made to mock things up.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:09 PM

Here is the mock up of the right side front tin.


In place.


Metal unit made up.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:13 PM

Both front tins installed.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:15 PM

The tins are just mocked up and will be finalized once the engine is fremoved again for finalization.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 2 2010, 11:16 PM

And with foam seal. I am using a $3 pack of insulation from wally world.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 02:26 AM

I think the filter I am using is a 14x3. If I can get a 14x2, which is the smallest I can find in the 14" dia size, then I will be pretty well off with the current setup. I do not wish to lower the engine one inch simply to change the damn filter

Next trip should find the pass side tin done (the sides are very easy), and the rear one started (maybe finished, but it is gonna need some engineering).

Posted by: zymurgist Feb 3 2010, 06:08 AM

Ever see this air cleaner? It's not cheap, but it may give you the clearance you need.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-64280/

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 11:26 AM

Ya, I saw that last night on my search for a filter element. It is nice, looks cool, and costs way too much. Since I eventually plan to go FI, CIS, or some other injection, I dont want to drop that kind of coin on the air filter housing. Maybe I can fab some bastardized version of that up? Probably easier to find the 2in tall element.

Posted by: zymurgist Feb 3 2010, 11:31 AM

I hear ya. I rejected the same filter for my Corvette because of the expense, and also because I think it's butt fugly. I found a little bitty air cleaner that just barely fits under the stock hood. I'm pretty sure it uses a 2 inch element as well.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 11:47 AM

I will try NAPA when I check next. They are smarter than the other parts stores and can search without needing a vehicle type. I know that there are 14x2 filters out there, google says so, but I dont want to buy one over the net if I can just get one down the street.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 12:47 PM

I see that Mr Gasket has a 1480a that is 14x2. Lets see if I can get it from NAPA or other FLAPS locally. I would love to find one shorter than 2", but so far no luck.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 3 2010, 01:58 PM

If you were planning on coming over tonight, last nights snow is pretty much gone. You should be clear to work. My shoveling this morning was not needed, as everything melted as soon as the sun came out.

Zach

Posted by: Andyrew Feb 3 2010, 02:06 PM

Your air cleaner element can also be modified to fit...

I had the same issue with mine on my V8, I took the lower piece and turned it upside down, got a shot bag on the bottom and hit around it with a hammer to make it more "lowered" I had to lopside it due to the throttle linkage but I moved it down about an inch.
Basically stretching the metal and lowering the air cleaner onto the carb more


Something to consider.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 02:48 PM

I already bought a filter housing that was dropped an inch. They make them stock and cheap. The 14" was needed to clear all the stuff under it. Here is the link to the one I have.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G3001K/

NAPA has a filter that is 14x1.5. Now I need to see if 1.5 is not too short. Also, I need to see if the ID of the filter housing I have is 12". If it is I have a filter

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 02:49 PM

Not tonight. I need to do homework on Wed nights. Maybe tomorrow.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 3 2010, 03:07 PM

Here is the one from NAPA, I just ordered it. They dont make me prepay so what do I have to lose. This may solve a lot of issues.
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=FIL2100_0071361101

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 4 2010, 11:19 PM

So today was pretty productive. I knew that the next few days would be boogered by snow so I worked to get to a point where the engine could come out. That just meant that I needed to get the rest of the tin done, which I did. I resolved the air filter issue, but I will elaborate on that separately, it deserves its own explanation. The tin will not be completely air tight in the rear due to the way the engine and all the shit back there is. It will be tight enough, though. I do not foresee any issues.

This was the situation/weather today:


A better shot of the adjusted engine height:

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 4 2010, 11:21 PM

Tin sections

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 4 2010, 11:26 PM

More tin


I have a piece that goes in front of the pulley and connects to the two sides. The cardboard section will be replaced with metal, of course. The tin needs to be finished with the engine out so I can do the fine tuning.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 4 2010, 11:31 PM

Now, the air filter was too damn big so I found one that was only 1.5" tall.


BUT, it was too short. The top cover was hitting the carb top.


Sooooo, I went to the flaps and sourced a different assembly. Notice how much of the all thread is now sticking out

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 4 2010, 11:34 PM

Final air cleaner. I have another filter that came with the new housing that is only .25 taller if I need it. For a /6, I dont think so, though.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 5 2010, 07:10 AM

Awesome! With the new housing I don't think that you will be lacking for airflow.

The other option, which I am glad we won't have to do, was cutting the intake runners about 1cm and re welding them. You had the space above the pulley, but it would have made changing belts a real PITA.

Zach

Posted by: scotty b Feb 6 2010, 07:17 PM

For all you bay window breadbox freaks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volkswagen-Bus-Vanagon-RESTORED-70-VW-Camper-CampMobile-Westfalia-Westy-Bus-Van- Kombi_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2a0480ee1cQQitemZ180464184860QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fT
rucks

KILLER

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volkswagen-Bus-Vanagon-Volkswagen-1962-VW-Van-Type-II-Split-Window-Panel- CUSTOM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2305351735QQitemZ150411220789QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5f
Trucks

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2010, 11:04 PM

Today was a great day! I finished the last rough fitting of the tins and things went very well. I am glad I dropped the engine and had it in the garage before the storm hit.


I did a little trimming, welding, and designing of the tin.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2010, 11:05 PM

More.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2010, 11:06 PM

s'more.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2010, 11:10 PM

I made the rear pieces into one piece. No need for 2 and it fits better. I also installed a hose for the FP sensor.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 7 2010, 11:12 PM

Oil P hose and sensor.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 8 2010, 08:39 AM

The pic of the snow drift is actually several inches smaller then it was Saturday. It is thawing a little during the day, then freezing solid and compacting at night when the temps drop back under 5 degrees. We have had about 4 inches of sublimation since the storm 2 days ago.

I also picked up 80 pounds of salt the AM to help fight the ice war on the lower driveway. Can't let the salt near the old iron though. Gotta keep'em separated!

I say the same thing about every T4 when it goes from untinned to tinned... It is amazing how much bigger they look with the tin on. That corvair motor is pretty compact, but it looks ginormous right now. Very cool watching this transform.

I have off work today, so I'll be able to help whenever Mike comes over. Even if my "help" is just BSing and working on my car while he is working on the bus.

Zach

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 8 2010, 12:26 PM

That's more help than you know

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 8 2010, 08:26 PM

Mike continued working on tin this evening, welding on capture nuts.

I puttered about on my car, then welded some of Mikes exhaust stuff together. I think that a lot got done tonight, but nothing really picture worthy.

Mike has a lot of stuff to take to get coated now. Then we wait out some silly white stuff, put the engine in the bus and drive it to Hershey to see if it makes it or not. (it will).

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 8 2010, 11:20 PM

Zach is right, there was not much to take pics of. Welding the nuts to the sheet metal was fun, easy and will allow for it to be assembled and disassembled easily. Zach hooked up welding the adapter with the O2 sensor bung. Now I think I will get the headers coated. They are rusting pretty bad just sitting there. I had to adjust the throttle linkage since I lowered the carb. Also put a hole in the front tin to accommodate the linkage. I will be putting some rubber seals around the hole to reduce hot air flow into the engine bay. Then clean up and paint. After that, probably installing the engine.......when I can dig out the rear of the bus.

I also need to make an oil T adapter....and I need the sensor. Zach says he has one. I have part of an adapter, I just need to thread it for the temp sensor.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 9 2010, 08:42 AM

The sender (I think) is in one of the yellow bins on the wood walled workbench. Look through them and you will probably find it. It MAY still be in its box, hiding in plain sight. Another place to look is in the red tool box, probably in the top bin. Erin and I are going to try and have a date this afternoon (her work closed too) so we may not be there if you come over. We won't be long, though. Still have to get Theo by 5:30.

Zach

Posted by: buck toenges Feb 9 2010, 11:21 AM

Is that a jeep 725 or a 914? The jackstands look familar.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 9 2010, 12:57 PM

I think I am staying home today. There is nothing pressing on the engine and the weather is gonna turn eventually. Maybe the next time I come down, the engine will be able to be put in. There is not much left to do before that and I am not motivated to come down just to do that little bit of work today.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 9 2010, 02:36 PM

Neither! Its a Jeep 715. The 725 was the ambulance version. Needless to say, it has spent too much time near my 914 and picked up the jackstand disease. Between the bus, the jeep, and my 914, I have no more ramps or stands to change the oil in my DD. The jeep is waiting for an engine, which will be showing up soon after the bus leaves.

Zach

Posted by: buck toenges Feb 11 2010, 03:55 PM

What type of engine. Didn't those trucks have some sort of flat head 6 cylinder that kaiser made into an overhead cam? Something like 230 tornado or something like that?

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 11 2010, 05:07 PM

Yeah, 230 Tornado. It was the first Hemi engine, actually. Years before Dodge came out with one. Also, it was a very early overhead cam engine. It was ahead of its time.

Which is bad for a motor, since no one knows how to properly service it, and then they get a rep for poor reliability. 40 years later, many of them are still chugging along. But they are underpowered (130Hp, 210Tq) and parts are becoming difficult to find for the 24 volt motors.

I am dumping it for a Chevy 350. The donor truck will be moving in within days of the Evil Bus moving out. I wanted to do a Cummins 4BT diesel, or an AMC 360, but the 350 is a 4 bolt main, good condition and free. hard to turn down.

Zach

Posted by: Shade Tree Feb 11 2010, 05:22 PM

Are parts for your Corvair engine easy to find? I ask because there is an early 60's Corvair 6 with a powerglide for sale locally for $100.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 11 2010, 05:32 PM

Stupid easy and affordable.

Search:

Larry's corvair parts
Corvair Ranch (my local supplier)
Clarks Corvair (best catalog, but sometimes stuff is not in stock)

There are a few others, but these are all I have ever needed.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 14 2010, 07:15 PM

Yesterday I started de-burring the engine tin after I picked up a sheet and proptly but a metal jaggie into my thumb.

Then I primed, and got a coat of paint on one side before I decided I had enough.

I missed one edge de-burring that I noticed on the painted stuff that I might try and get Tuesday, and I have not touched the rear tin nearly at all - at least with paint.

Not picture worthy, but it is progress.

zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 14 2010, 08:33 PM

Thanks man. That will help a lot. The only things left then:

- Figure out the Oil T sensor mounting
- Run some hoses and lines (drill some holes in the rear tin)
- Wire up the bus so it will be ready for hooking the engine up
- Paint the bay (again!, and again, and again)
- Paint mounts
- Install engine

If you want, the mounts are in the back of the bus and need paint as well. And maybe an inspection of my welds. I am not sure if they need more material or not. I think I but welded them.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 14 2010, 08:38 PM

I''ll try and get out Tuesday night and inspect the mounts. It is likely that I will just continue de-burring and painting though. That has to be done before the engine can go back in.

I also need to remember to fill up the K1 jug again. The heater burned it all up keeping the garage warm while I puttered with my car and painted your tins saturday.

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 14 2010, 08:44 PM

I have to stay home all week to do home work and projects before I leave to KS.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 15 2010, 07:11 AM

No problem. I'll do what i can to speed things along in your absence. Welding and painting is stuff that is not weather dependent.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Feb 15 2010, 04:17 PM

I dropped the headers off at a local ceramic coaters. They quoted me $150. They are pretty rusty so I expected such. I will be taking my R90 pipes to them as well. The guy was not sure about doing chrome, though. It may need to be blasted for a long time. If so, I will need to find someone with a blast cabinet and time. Maybe I will pay a visit to Scotty if he still has the cabinet.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 1 2010, 03:04 PM

Well, it has been a shitty two days this week already.

Sun, my seats will not be getting done. My Mom has issues (long personal story) and has become "unable" to do them. This screwed Zach over as well since I had him send his stuff to her

Today, I go to pickup and pay for my headers at the ceramic coaters. The door is locked and all signs of the business are missing. I was told that the headers would be done last Fri and I told them I would come get them this week. Their phone still works, but rings to the inside of the now abandoned looking building. There was an answering machine. Here is to hoping.....

Posted by: type47 Mar 1 2010, 04:49 PM

Some guys at Matsys are getting together to buy one of the Harbor Freight cabinets...want in?

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 1 2010, 04:57 PM

I would, but I found a much cheaper shop that I can actually return to after the work is done The closed shop quoted me $300, the other shop $120.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 1 2010, 08:00 PM

SHIT! Was this PA Powderworks? Or some other shop?

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 1 2010, 08:09 PM

No, it was TNK coatings. PA powderworks is the better one. TNK's web site says that they moved to Reading. That is only about 2hrs away

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 2 2010, 02:31 PM

Well, luckily, the shop called me this afternoon and the guy said he found out Fri that they were moving to Reading. He said the headers were not done yet and that I could pic them up Thurs at noon.

It also looks as if Zach and I have another chance to get our seats done. Here is to hoping. I'll know for sure next week most likely.

Posted by: RJMII Mar 2 2010, 03:30 PM

How close is Reading to the airport?

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 2 2010, 04:07 PM

Completely the wrong way. In other good news I just took my subie in to have the oil changed, found that it was pretty empty (nothing in the stick) and that my radiator fluid has a nice sludge in it :trohpy:

Bad luck travels in 3s! I am so happy

Time to look for a shop to fix my head gasket

I need to sell a lot of videos for this.

Posted by: type11969 Mar 2 2010, 04:55 PM

Just throw a t4 in it?



Sorry man, that sucks.

Posted by: scotty b Mar 2 2010, 07:56 PM

Heidi still working ? One word.....GARNISH !!!!!

Posted by: wilchek Mar 2 2010, 08:01 PM

Mike,


I am a 5 minutes from Reading if you need me to stop by and pick up your headers let me know. Do you know where the shop is?





Is this the place http://tnkcoatings.com/index.html

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 2 2010, 08:18 PM

Scott, I dont think it is her fault. This is a common failure point with the original head gaskets and it is failing just like the others of this year and type tend to do.

Dan, thanks for the offer. I should be able to get it Thurs here in town, but if I cant I will let you know.

Regarding the suby, I am trying to decide if I want to fix it myself and save a lot of money. I might even be able to get the bus up and running before the suby could have been fixed. As it stands, the quickest a shop can look at it is Mon. It still drives, I will let Noel drive it to and from work as those are short trips. It is not overheating yet. I might be able to get the bus running by Mon. I would need a place to yank the engine and to the fix, though. It would take 2 full days. This week is suck because I have final projects to do, but if I finish my last one tonight, I can work on the bus tomorrow. I am rattling around ideas in prose if you cant tell

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 2 2010, 08:29 PM

When was the last time that it had belts and water pump replaced?

If you are pulling the engine to do head gaskets, nearly everyone that deals with scoobs say to replace the water pump and belts.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 2 2010, 09:55 PM

Ya, I know. And belt tensioner, possibly. If I do it I will be doing both head gaskets and all the other stuff. Its about $200-300 if I do it and $1500+ if a shop does it from what I am reading.

I just need a space and a cherry picker.

Posted by: RJMII Mar 2 2010, 11:42 PM

Mike, I'd be happy to help you with whatever project(s) you want me to help with. Head gasket changes, bus assembly, sewing some upholstery... (I hope you have a LOT of thimbles)

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 2 2010, 11:49 PM

Jim, while you are out here it is imperative that we have 2 working vehicles. So, we can work on the bus, but not the suby until the bus is up and running. If I can do the heads in the car then I can do the suby in my driveway. I need to look into that.

What we do have while you are out here:
- Transmission rebuild for Babydoll
- Stack RnR
- Stack gear swap
- Rebuild a side and tail shift on video. You may be more involved with the video than you or I previously imagined I should have you bring a monkey suit

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 3 2010, 02:17 AM

Yikes, I am looking at the price of parts alone, gonna be about $500 for that stuff.

Posted by: zymurgist Mar 3 2010, 05:42 AM

I have a cherry picker but no way to get it to you.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 3 2010, 07:48 AM

Mike, there is a engine hoist in my garage, right next to your trailer.
Infact, I borrowed your trailer in the first place to pick it up.

By the way, I still have your docs for the trailer in my Scoob. I should get that stuff back to you one day, if either one of us manages to remember....

Zach

Posted by: camaroz1985 Mar 3 2010, 09:13 AM

Do it yourself, save the money. Easy to work on Subaru engines, will probably take a few hours to pull the engine, but is pretty easy to do. What year and model do you have?

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 3 2010, 12:11 PM

1998 forester.

Zach, I can use my trailer to bring the picker up here if I can make room in my garage to work on the engine. The HOA will shit themselves if they see my pulling an engine in my driveway, though. Still planning.

I know I could do it myself, that is not a problem, I just lack the space. I have a wholesaler looking into getting the parts cheaper.

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 3 2010, 01:48 PM

Man, I am looking into every option and a long block from one site is $3395 shipped, +$350 core. At least I know what the upper limit is.
http://www.ccrengines.com/id17.html

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 3 2010, 06:58 PM

Hey, where are the bumper mounts that you are hinting need to be painted? and why did you not mention them last week when I was KOing paint stuff like it was my job. And what color do you want them painted.

I also shoveled a path from my garage to the back of the bus for engine installation. There is still about 6 inches of snow/ice back there, where it is not shoveled, but you now have a path and a work area behind the bus.

Zach

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 3 2010, 07:25 PM

I did tell you that the mounts were in the back of the bus.

Thanks for hooking up the path. The Subt started to over heat, spit fluid, and die for Noel today Looks like I am needing to get the bus done this weekend/Mon. I am going to redo the rear passenger wheel bearing since I dont like how the other one went in I will have help, though.

Posted by: camaroz1985 Mar 4 2010, 11:43 AM

If you want to look into another engine might I suggest calling Mike Shaffer Auto Sales, they are a used car dealership, but also have a sort of junkyard of Subarus. Not to far away in Marietta. Phone number is 717-426-4202

Posted by: Dr Evil Mar 4 2010, 12:42 PM

Thanks for the tip Good insider info.

Today was an up and down already.

The headers: I dropped them off over 2 week ago with a quote they would be done the following Mon. Not an issue as I was going to KS. Come back from KS and was told they would be dont on Fri. OK, I still wasnt in a hurry. Try to pick them up and the shop has moved with out giving me any notice. I finally get in touch with a guy that tells me to meet him today at noon and they would be done. I get there, the dude is at lunch, the other dude (mover) calls him and tells him I am waiting, 30min later (he finished his lunch) the guy arrives. The headers.......only sand blasted, not coated. He says I can get them tomorrow AM if I want them coated. He is going to do them in his daddy's garage. I take them and say good buy. Deplorable customer service.

The up, I probably have a place for my suby work. Paul is the owner of European Import Motors in Harrisburg and he said that I can work on my car there. If any one went to the MEI in Hershey last you they likely met Paul. He really is a nice guy

So, I will be pulling the engine myself and will see what is up with it from there. If it is worse than expected, I will be seeing about Mike Shaffer.