Just Married

Getting ready for a big day! I've been putting in some serious time on the weekends and after work to get the pan ready for its "marriage" to the body.

It's been a busy few weeks. I adjusted and bled the brakes, fixed the accelerator pedal and wiring, and with a little help, I even got the engine started and tuned. I also gave the pan a much-needed cleaning.

Last Saturday was a huge milestone. We officially mounted the body onto the pan for good and I connected the steering. It's so good to finally see them back together!

Next, I'll be fine-tuning some of the details, like adjusting the M10 bolts for a good gap around the doors, tightening everything down, and tackling the rewiring with a JBugs wireloom. I'm hoping to take it out for a test ride with my dad by the end of September. Wish us luck!

Preliminary check of a front fender

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

Left-rear fender is up

 

Some recent trips

The garage is still cold as balls, so I haven't been able to spend much time working on the car since last November. That doesn't mean I've been sitting around though! I've been collecting parts, and I even managed to assemble the taillights and a few other bits and pieces.

While this might not be directly related to the bug, I wanted to share about some recent trips that gave me the chance to visit some incredible car museums. Last fall, I explored the Porsche and Mercedes museums in Stuttgart, Germany. Then, just a few days ago, I returned from Riga, Latvia, where I spent some time at the Riga Motor Museum. Here are some pictures from my adventures!

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart

The Mercedes Museum, Stuttgart

Does it look familiar?

Motormuzejs, Riga

1966 Typ 1

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.