1963 VW Convertible Build - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

theastronaut · 03-11-2017, 10:52 PM

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.

Also finished the carpet and all but one door panel.

flashed · 03-12-2017, 08:53 AM

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

theastronaut · 03-12-2017, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashed

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

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

flashed · 03-12-2017, 09:09 AM

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 .

theastronaut · 03-19-2017, 01:07 AM

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.

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.

flashed · 03-19-2017, 08:58 AM

All looks very nice .

67ChevyRedneck · 03-20-2017, 09:11 AM

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

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!

theastronaut · 03-20-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashed

All looks very nice .

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

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

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!

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.

Finished the rear brake lines Saturday night.

theastronaut · 03-21-2017, 10:04 PM

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

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.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-22-2017, 11:21 AM

Damn, you don't mess around!!!

Ben_Yeaton · 03-22-2017, 11:28 AM

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.

theastronaut · 03-22-2017, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Damn, you don't mess around!!!

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben_Yeaton

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.

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.

MP&C · 03-22-2017, 12:36 PM

Just in time for convertible season!

goldenburb · 03-26-2017, 09:11 PM

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

theastronaut · 03-29-2017, 09:50 PM

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.

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

Stripped and detailed the pedal assembly.

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.

rusty76 · 03-30-2017, 08:33 PM

Nice work. Looks amazing

**Clyde65** · 03-30-2017, 09:20 PM

Wow! Love your work!

theastronaut · 04-08-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty76

Nice work. Looks amazing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Wow! Love your work!

Thanks dudes!

theastronaut · 04-08-2017, 08:33 PM

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.

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

Bottom end buttoned up, checking the deck height.

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.

Rear brakes assembled.

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

**youngrodder** · 04-08-2017, 09:59 PM

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

Marc

theastronaut · 04-09-2017, 01:23 PM

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

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

theastronaut · 04-09-2017, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youngrodder

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

Marc

Appreciate it!

**Clyde65** · 04-09-2017, 05:12 PM

That is slick!

flashed · 04-09-2017, 06:53 PM

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

goldenburb · 04-11-2017, 04:59 PM

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

03-11-2017, 10:52 PM	#51
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	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. Also finished the carpet and all but one door panel. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

03-12-2017, 08:53 AM	#52
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Looking great ,how does the bug body go back on the frame ,bolted or welded ?

03-12-2017, 09:09 AM	#54
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	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 .

03-19-2017, 01:07 AM	#55
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	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. 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. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

03-19-2017, 08:58 AM	#56
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build All looks very nice .

03-20-2017, 09:11 AM	#57
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Ridiculously awesome as always. Been following along on facespace, and just saw this thread 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! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-21-2017, 10:04 PM	#59
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Got the tires mounted and balanced yesterday and put the steering components together today. 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. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

03-22-2017, 11:21 AM	#60
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Damn, you don't mess around!!! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-22-2017, 11:28 AM	#61
Ben_Yeaton Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 141	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.

03-22-2017, 12:36 PM	#63
MP&C Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Leonardtown, MD Posts: 1,648	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Just in time for convertible season! __________________ Robert

03-26-2017, 09:11 PM	#64
goldenburb Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: aurora colo Posts: 211	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. __________________ 70 c10 2wd crashed Suburban 67 c10 2wd sb truck 67 c10 4wd lb truck

03-29-2017, 09:50 PM	#65
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	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. Test fit the floor mats so I could trim around the shifter and heater openings. Stripped and detailed the pedal assembly. 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. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

03-30-2017, 08:33 PM	#66
rusty76 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Midway, NC Posts: 3,275	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Nice work. Looks amazing __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=581873 The low buck build threads. Check'em out! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=666022 My build thread Crossmembers CC

03-30-2017, 09:20 PM	#67
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Wow! Love your work! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

04-08-2017, 08:33 PM	#69
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	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. I set up the distributor drive end play while the block was still split. Bottom end buttoned up, checking the deck height. 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. Rear brakes assembled. With the trans and brakes done I had the frame 99% finished so I pushed it out for a few pics. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc



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04-08-2017, 09:59 PM	#70
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,774	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 __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857

04-09-2017, 01:23 PM	#71
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	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. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

04-09-2017, 05:12 PM	#73
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build That is slick! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

04-09-2017, 06:53 PM	#74
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build Looks great ,cant believe how fast you are getting it done .

04-11-2017, 04:59 PM	#75
goldenburb Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: aurora colo Posts: 211	Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build How much the Fuchs go for this days ? I still have 4.5x15s & 6x15s just asking. Cool ride. __________________ 70 c10 2wd crashed Suburban 67 c10 2wd sb truck 67 c10 4wd lb truck

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