Brake, steering and clutch week

After a long wait, I was finally able to dedicate an entire week to my project. I made significant progress on the steering system, installing new tie rod ends and refurbishing the steering box. I also galvanized and painted the steering components for a clean, rust-free finish. To complete the braking system, I bent and screwed in new brake lines and finished the accelerator pedal with a new cable. I also replaced the clutch with a new set. The next steps involve an oil change, brake fluid refill, and engine tuning. I'm planning an assembly weekend with some friends to help out and hopefully take it for a spin!

Some minor stuff from the last few weeks

This past weekend, I made some headway on tackling the bug! I focused on a few smaller jobs to get things rolling. First, I installed new engine bay seals and added soundproofing to the doors and quarter panels. I even experimented with some DIY galvanization (fun fact: stay tuned for a future post on that!).

The ragtop mechanism is also getting some TLC. I've already started the refurbishment process, but I needed to order some parts to finish the job. Even though it's not pictured yet, I'm happy to report that it's already functional.

Looking ahead, next week's agenda is jam-packed! We'll be removing the body, installing the new seals and soundproofing throughout, replacing the front axle parts, and then finally, putting the body back on for good.

I have to continue this process on the other half as well

The colors are matching perfectly

I dry fit before disassembly, it opens and closes smoothly now

Some Gucci touch on the interior

Shifter and emergency break are refitted

I installed the shifter and emergency brake this weekend. They were previously just sitting on the workbench painted. I also put the Waso shift lock back in its spot. The pan definitely needs a good cleaning, but I'll tackle that when we permanently attach the chassis to the pan.

Left-rear fender is up

 

Happy Halloween

Instead of going to trick or threat fanzy I spent some time on the assembly again. I installed the lock mechanism in both the doors together with the remotes. Was not fun at all, I could not adjust the doors yet as the body is not yet finalized on the pan. 

To have some uplifting and mental helth preservation moments too I put on one of the fenders. Looks cool and gives the car some form at last. I also installed the steering column and trunk hatch as well. 
 

Steering wheeeeeeeel

 

Test fit with the original bushing

Some polished and painted parts for the doors

The assembled steering wheel. I like the way it turned out. Not perfect, but way better than I anticipated.

L471

 A little painting and assembly. The handbrake and turnsignal are still left to do, but the rest looks stuning. I especially like the steering lock, it was fun to finally finish it.

A quick morning fix before the painting.

Test fit right before the base coat.

During assembly

The finished piece

From the front. It turns like a dream, the key is a temporary one, made by a locksmith since the original one has been lost ages ago by the previous owner

Slow weekend

 

Small steps forward

 I did not have much time in the last weeks so the progress is small but at least not zero. Hood is getting together fine, I mounted the lock and handle together with the trim and crest. I also started to put on the sealings. 

Some progress on the assembly

Since the weather has turned to spring/summer I also allocated some time to spend in the garrage. I started to assembling the bug and had some small progress on the dashboard. It is uplifting to see how beautiful it get together, it again confirmed that the color selection went very well, the mango and chorome are the perfect match! 

I also put on some sealing and door locks but missed to take pictures. Next bit step is the new brak system and the refurbinishing/assembling of the stearing mechanism. I try to speed up with it a bit and put it back to road this year. 

The bug has a coat

 

On the way to the paint shop

 In the last couple of moth a logistic battle been fought. The body had to be delivered to the body shop within a rather narrow time window then again transfer it back just in time for the painter to could start the painting job. The final touch on the body been carried out by the same professional as last year's fender fixes, the result is quiet impressive and nice. Finally the chassis was in a ready state for the paint preparation, all the unnecessary holes been fixed as well as the right corner window and the B pillar then the jack clip been mounted to its place too.
Right now the painter is preparing the body for the color finish, the painting chamber is booked and the logistic is planned with it. Hard to believe that after so many years of shooting the shit this is finally happening! 

Stay tuned!