Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Covered my first seat ever yesterday... sorta late for that being that I'm an upholsterer's son. Still needs to be steamed to get the wrinkles out from it being boxed.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1466.jpg


Also finished the carpet and all but one door panel.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1468.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1474.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Looking great ,how does the bug body go back on the frame ,bolted or welded ?

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Thanks flashed! There are around 30-40 bolts around the perimeter of the frame that hold them together.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Im learning from you just watching on this as I never had a Bug .There is a place one county north of me ,my hometown ,where all they do is restore old VW"s that I keep wanting to stop in .Love your work ,hope you are always willing to share it with us .

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I picked up the frame, suspension parts, and engine tin from the powdercoater on Friday. I was in a friend's wedding today so I wasn't able to get much done.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1521.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1526.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1526.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1528.jpg


I did have enough time to bend the brake lines. I bought a stainless line set but it was all straight lengths so I made patterns with wire then bent the lines to match. Forgot to take pics of the rear lines.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1532.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1534.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1536.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1538.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

All looks very nice .

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Ridiculously awesome as always. Been following along on facespace, and just saw this thread :metal:

I also like the first set of wheels, but that new set is sooooooo much cooler. Hope you can find a pair for the back!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Thanks dudes!!

I narrowed and re-dimpled the torsion leaves yesterday afternoon so I could start reassembling the front suspension. Got it all back together except the steering box and tie rods.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1575.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1577.jpg


Finished the rear brake lines Saturday night.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1579.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Got the tires mounted and balanced yesterday and put the steering components together today.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1591.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1599.jpg


Also assembled and installed the headlight assemblies. I used Cibie e-code headlights, 90/100 watt Narva H4 bulbs, and the wiring is 12g with ceramic sockets that will be hooked up to a relay harness.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1593.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1607.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1604.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Damn, you don't mess around!!!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Love the detail, lenses look great! What size tires will you be running, I like that the fronts look to be nice and wide, not a 135 or 145. :metal:

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Trying to have it finished enough to drive it to the first Rod Run in Pigeon Forge... 2.5 weeks left!

Thanks! I ran 145's on my '64 and hated them, no grip at all. These are 195/50's front and 196/60 rear.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Just in time for convertible season!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

You make it look easy.
It took me 8 months and I didn't even paint it lol me
NICE.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Got a little more done this week. Installed the decklid along with a NOS license plate frame from the local VW dealership that was around in the '60s-90's.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1645.jpg



Test fit the floor mats so I could trim around the shifter and heater openings.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1655.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1653.jpg


Stripped and detailed the pedal assembly.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1716.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1718.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1720.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1723.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1747.jpg


Detailed the rear adapters, axle tubes, horn ring, bought a radio, pulled a 912 wheel out of storage to use as the spare tire, and bought a set of German ceramic/brass fuses.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1726.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1724.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1752.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1749.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1751.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Nice work. Looks amazing

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Wow! Love your work!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Thanks dudes!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Started building the engine. All of the clearances checked out during mock up except the deck height, so the pistons are at the machine shop for a quick hair cut.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1781.jpg


I set up the distributor drive end play while the block was still split.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1784.jpg


Bottom end buttoned up, checking the deck height.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1788.jpg


Picked up the transaxle on Thursday, scrubbed it down and painted it, then cut out the end of a box and used a hair dryer to dry the paint faster.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1814.jpg


Rear brakes assembled.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1830.jpg


With the trans and brakes done I had the frame 99% finished so I pushed it out for a few pics.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1833.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1835.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1841.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1843.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1851.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1855.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

The bug looks great...I love your level of detail..
I have always loved the look of those classic Porsche wheels.

Marc

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Looks like my other post didn't go through...

I hoisted the body up and dropped it on the frame yesterday.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1856.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1886.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Appreciate it!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

That is slick!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Looks great ,cant believe how fast you are getting it done .

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

How much the Fuchs go for this days ? I still have 4.5x15s & 6x15s just asking. Cool ride.