I really am dissapointed to lose all the info I had at the old place. I'd left notes to myself for future reference :( . Oh well...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2012-02-04131714effect.jpg)
Here's my Photobucket library with all my recent photos http://s1110.beta.photobucket.com/user/SamHorwill/library/ (http://s1110.beta.photobucket.com/user/SamHorwill/library/)
And here's the ManxManiac stuff http://www.manxmaniac.co.uk/yourBuggys-BugDream.php (http://www.manxmaniac.co.uk/yourBuggys-BugDream.php). Peter always makes it look so exciting!
I like the way the www.beachbuggyclub.com (http://www.beachbuggyclub.com) site lets you create a profile for your buggy, so I've been working on mine over there for a few days.
http://www.beachbuggyclub.com/pet/48/work-in-progress (http://www.beachbuggyclub.com/pet/48/work-in-progress)
I'll try to update both places. If anyone wants to know anything, just ask :)
Love the white steel wheels... What size are the fronts? look like modern Volkswagon/Audi ones.. Enough room to clear the grease caps?
Good to see you here!
Hows the hardtop looking? ;)
Quote from: apmaman on February 22, 2013, 06:59:49 PM
Love the white steel wheels... What size are the fronts? look like modern Volkswagon/Audi ones.. Enough room to clear the grease caps?
The rears are standard Beetle rims which have been banded/widened.
The fronts are Bus/Camper 14 inch rims, again banded/widened to suit the arches. They
JUST fit over the brake calipers with a bit of 'clearancing'.
Quote from: Hazel on February 22, 2013, 08:22:03 PM
Good to see you here!
Hows the hardtop looking? ;)
Good to see you too Hazel. The hardtop is looking good! Did you see the mods Helen did on the other site?
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-14100403.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-14100425.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-14102205.jpg)
Fits really snug now, just need to tidy up the visible edge around the rear and apply some thought to a rear window (I have a plan for the window [as always I have a plan ::)] but you'll have to wait and see).
Sam
I think I did actually.
It looks really good, will look forward to seeing your window plan. ;)
Sam,
Really like the mods and thought that have gone it to your buggy.
Chad
Loving those white steels 8)
Can i ask did you get them banded or did you aquire them already done, i'd love a set of retro steels for mine with chrome dome caps love that look :)
Quote from: kenny h on February 22, 2013, 09:14:46 PM
Loving those white steels 8)
Can i ask did you get them banded or did you aquire them already done, i'd love a set of retro steels for mine with chrome dome caps love that look :)
Got them done by a firm who used to go by the name of Widewheels. Figured it was best to get them done on a lathe with modern methods rather than gamble with an old pair. Workmanship is top notch. Service left much to be desired...
Soo... I'm detirmined to make progress at every opportunity despite weather and other commitments.
Not a lot done today, but "every little helps".
Bonnet pins were fixed in place with correct length button head bolts etc.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24151006.jpg)
Then I had to fit the locks properly to the bonnet. Chopped the obstructions out the way...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24114756.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24114800.jpg)
And used a resin filler paste to build a flat surface. I know it looks like a puddle but it really is technical stuff ;) Besides, gravity seemed the best way to achieve a level surface.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24120110.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24120106.jpg)
Indoors for lunch and a warm up, then back out to briefly sand the 'puddles' to ensure a flat surface for the HUGE washers that go on the back of the locks.
Spent too much time fiddling to line it all up but eventually got there.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-02-24150928.jpg)
Just need to consider the panel gap now, tidy up the rough areas where I hacked about near the hinges at the nose of the tub, and give some thought to gas springs to pop it open... Any ideas on that anyone?
Sam
That's looking good, and quite honestly, you have got the fibre glassing layup knack
off to a fine art now.
It's a great job ;-)
Getting there... ;-)up
I think this is one of the most detailed build threads on here :D
Quote from: Hazel on February 24, 2013, 08:09:30 PM
I think this is one of the most detailed build threads on here :D
It was :'( I really am sad that all the detail I have recorded over the past 4+ years is lost.
Quote from: BugDream on February 22, 2013, 09:16:52 PM
Quote from: kenny h on February 22, 2013, 09:14:46 PM
Loving those white steels 8)
Can i ask did you get them banded or did you aquire them already done, i'd love a set of retro steels for mine with chrome dome caps love that look :)
Got them done by a firm who used to go by the name of Widewheels. Figured it was best to get them done on a lathe with modern methods rather than gamble with an old pair. Workmanship is top notch. Service left much to be desired...
Thanks for that Sam found them now called bandedsteels.com must say they're not cheap but do look the mutts nutts ;-)up
Small update. Look what the postman brought :D
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-02202031.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-02202046.jpg)
Just a little eBay find :D
Cool! :D
wicked, a blue tea pot ;-)up
mods look great matey 8)
Just an accessory that caught my eye. I like PROPER things that are made to last, plus it suits the buggy period better :)
Quote from: BugDream on March 02, 2013, 10:38:09 PM
Just an accessory that caught my eye. I like PROPER things that are made to last, plus it suits the buggy period better :)
are you going to strip it an do a small resto on it, or keep the patina look.
Quote from: Steve on March 03, 2013, 01:45:45 AM
are you going to strip it an do a small resto on it, or keep the patina look.
Can't decide Steve. Thinking about cleaning it up and giving it a coat of clear.
Today is the start of a six day weekend for me. Weather has been pants so no photos to show you :(
Sanded back the high spots around the lip of the roof.
Then hung it up out the way.
Then made a template for the hoop under the dash, just drawing that up as we speak...
Oh, and I ordered the rear hoop during the week. Should be ready to pick up in a few weeks. :D Will put up info in the recomended suppliers after I collect it
So, the six day weekend came... and went... with minimal progress :(
However, last week I collected the roll hoop. Not quite finished... I need to mock up additional fixing locations, and they need to do final welding and polishing...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24114714.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24114722.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24114804.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24114845.jpg)
I'm really happy with the shape and look of it! ;D
But...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24115503.jpg)
Despite the hoop being spot on square, straight, and level, it turns out my floor isn't :( It's roughly 15mm out in relation to the body
I don't want to have one leg shortened, because it will only ever fit this buggy if I do that. Should the floor ever need replacing, I could end up with the same problem. I'm considering asking the fabricator to make me up a handfull of shims, what do people think?
And I bought some goodies at VolksWorld...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-24135257.jpg)
Might spend the afternoon learning about Type 3 dials...
I've now got my eye out for a matching clock...
Looking good mate, those rear lights are brilliant ;-)up
As for the hoop I'd shim it for now, only you would know, as long as you can live with it :)
Looks like pipe craft done a top job ?
I would go will shims as you won't really notice them if done right
Can I ask how much Pipecraft charged for the roll hoop as need one for mine, was going to get one from Flatlands or East Coast Manx but wondered if they were cheaper plus designing your own is more exclusive ;-)up
Good find on the clocks bud. They look very clean. Even got the bulb holder with the fuel gauge one which is a bonus. Only thing im not sure of is your speedo is in KM/H. Not sure how you'd fair at an MOT?
Cheers Ben. I had them apart this afternoon, the speedo has had some water in it but nothing too major, just a little bit of white oxidisation on the ali which brushed away. I know what you mean about the kilometers, I'll look into it. Might end up doing a little resto on them both, using the speedo as a practice and moving it on on ebay if it's no good for MOT. Didn't give it any thought till I got home!
Nice roll bar ;-)up hopefully you can sort it the height/angle :-\ sorted with some shims.
Well done one getting your type3 dials at last! - time to update you signature what's next on the wanted list?
Also I've popped a few of your pics on my site, hope you don't mind...
http://beachbuggies.wordpress.com/hardtops/swb-gallery/
http://beachbuggies.wordpress.com/hardtops/swb-fitting/
Absolutely no problem Hazel :)
Hello again everybody :D
Been playing in the garage again.
Shimmed and leveled the roll hoop...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-29120517.jpg)
Then made a little piece for fixing through to rear frame...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-29163944.jpg)
Looks like this when in place...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-03-29164016.jpg)
But... I only got half way through making the second peice (for the other side) before blunting my fourth and final holesaw :( This stainless stuff is tough! Think I might have blunted my mitre saw too...
Had a play with the off-cuts testing out my tack welds in stainless. Seems harder to strike the arc. Need to use a much lower power to save blowing through but manage a couple of really neat little tacks.
Anyway, cycling tomorrow morning and then on the scrounge for more holesaws to finish things off. Will make a pair for fixing through the sides of the tub too.
Hope you like the update. Not worked with stainless before so tell me if I'm making life hard for myself.
Sam
;D
little tip for you, you dont need hole saws if you use youe 4 1/2" flap sanding disc on your grinder and grind the tube at 45 degree,s each side it create,s a natural shape of the connection .then all you need to do is round the tip off.
take your time I guarantee it fits a treat. ;-)up
roll bar looks good. as for the kph speedo the readout is not mot testable but as the t3 has the figures on a seperate sheet of clear plastic that sits on a blank grey back ground of the speedo dial. needle off and 2 screws you could possibly clean it up and fit mph figures to suit or just put dots on to show the mph positions.
Quote from: snoopy on March 29, 2013, 06:26:45 PM
roll bar looks good. as for the kph speedo the readout is not mot testable but as the t3 has the figures on a seperate sheet of clear plastic that sits on a blank grey back ground of the speedo dial. needle off and 2 screws you could possibly clean it up and fit mph figures to suit or just put dots on to show the mph positions.
Cheers Snoopy. I bumped into a MOT tester on Weds and hes said KPH is no problem for MOT... Just have to take care through cameras!
Looking good! Keep this up and you'll definitely be on the road before me ;D
Been out in the garage again :D
All four brakety things are done. Just need to tack them in place tomorrow, didn't want to rush it this afternoon.
No pix coz phone had flat battery. Will update tomorrow ;D
Slow progress... Got the brackety thingies tacked in place. All going back to Pipecraft tomorrow for final welding and polishing ;D
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-04-07134825.jpg)
Looking good ;-)up You might not remember me, you stripped the car down at marks if I`m right. We started about the same time but you have got further than me.
Quote from: Trebor on April 07, 2013, 06:25:17 PM
Looking good ;-)up You might not remember me, you stripped the car down at marks if I`m right. We started about the same time but you have got further than me.
I certainly do remember. Bob right? How are you getting on with it?
Boy, this is really moving along and looking brilliant, can't wait to actually
see all this in the flesh so to speak ;-)up
Quote from: BugDream on April 09, 2013, 05:46:19 PM
Quote from: Trebor on April 07, 2013, 06:25:17 PM
Looking good ;-)up You might not remember me, you stripped the car down at marks if I`m right. We started about the same time but you have got further than me.
I certainly do remember. Bob right? How are you getting on with it?
Ive been having a few health problems of late, hopefully when the weather improves I will start again on it !! ;-)up
Hullo! Long time no see everybody... I'm still here.
Buggy progress stalled for a while again but I'm back at it. Here's what I've been up to...
Now that I have the shiny roll bar with the additional mounting tabs on it I've been finishing off the rear frame.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11181727.jpg)
Shiny :D
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172348.jpg)
Not so shiny :( There was a shower this morning while I was working so some things have turned a shade of orange. This plate sandwiches the tub. You can also see a tab to the shock mount which I might yet beef up, and a fixing point to the torsion bar housing.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172640.jpg)
This is a better overall view of what I'm on about...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172258.jpg)
I've lost count of the amount of times I've had this thing apart and back together again over the past two weeks or so. Little bro is probably fed up with it too ::)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172324.jpg)
Work in progress. Note the diagonals that pick up the frame horns :-)Geek Tubes extending rearwards are staying until I decide what to do with them...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172355.jpg)
Frame horn mount from above...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11172417.jpg)
Side profile. 50mm box section with one side removed (or channel section I suppose) slots over frame horns. Fits like a glove with space for nuts welded on underside ;-)up
All a bit utilitarian at the moment but nothing that cant be prettied at a later date for final assembly.
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/2013-08-11185722.jpg)
All back together again. Engine out so rear is a bit high.
Hopefully more to come soon! ;D
I was starting to wonder where you had got to! Good to see you back on here :) :)
All the hard work is coming together going to be a stunner ;-)up
Been playing in the garage this morning... The next step is side rails. My intention has always been to run rails in stainless down the side of the tub connecting front and rear cage sections for improved rigidity. Having not really done any proper stainless welding this was a bit of an adventure! The reason for stainless isn't because this will be on show, but because I will be encasing the rails with fibreglass and making them part of the tub, I don't want them rusting etc.
First job was to build the connection points, simply weld a pair of nuts behind holes in the material...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3617.jpg)
This went well, bolting the nuts in place and reaching inside the 50mm box section to make the welds. You can see I spent a little time practicing welds in the foreground...
Looks like this...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3618.jpg)
This is the underside of my practice welds, I'll have to tidy this up. Quite weird growth looking things...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3619.jpg)
The rails tuck under the side of the tub like this (looking back towards rear wheel).
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3621.jpg)
And the rear end of the rails will join here on the roll bar...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3622.jpg)
I needed to create a bend so used a technique that has worked for me before in mild steel. Cut two fillets in the box...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3623.jpg)
And weld it up once you are happy with the angle...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3624.jpg)
These first welds aren't particularly pretty. Had to fill lots of holes :-[
But the other side is much better!!! (remember I'm using arc)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3626.jpg)
Just enough clearance at the front wheel I think...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/IMG_3627.jpg)
Sooo... Worth the effort? I'm not convinced. I need to sit back and think about this before I press on. Was hoping to link this with the front beam and a support bar under the dash but it's all a bit cramped up front...
as you say little room under the front and you need to watch steering trackrod deflection on both locks and full suspension travel up and down aswell as tyre clearance.
You could use rivnuts through the box section to bolt it up then you can fit bolts where you have no access for welding normal nuts in.
as for the clearance have you checked it with you and the mrs is the buggy as things will move then
Well it's been a while...
Well, it turns out my buggy is still in the garage where I left it! Maybe I'll finish it this year? Let's hope so!
Dragged it out and made a very straightforward steering column brace, don't know why I didn't think of this before...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20181227_143409.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20181227_143501.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20181227_143508.jpg)
Just some M6 stud and standard T1 exhaust clamps.
It's very cool to have the steering sorted. Wanted to drive it back into the garage this afternoon but the bugger wouldn't start. No spark. I've tested everything and think its the condenser so will pick one up tomorrow and have another go.
Happy buggying. Hope everyone is well.
Any progress is good and gets nearer to completion.
One comment would be penny washers or a spreader plate to relieve the load on the fibreglass where the column bolts go through.
If you're going to finish it this year you have 4 days and counting.
Hey snoopy, thanks for reminding me about that. Was thinking i might fit a third bracket nearer the bulkhead anyway so will have it apart and get something on there to spread the stresses.
And yes Flags, good point. I've a feeling I might get let down by the postman though! Lots of little bits on order ;D
This is the first festive season where I have to say that Royal Mail and all couriers, including Yodel, have delivered items up to Christmas Eve and now into the mid week where I have been getting items on time. ;-)up ;-)up Pevious years have been a disaster. Hope you find the same thing. (Wow.. a positive statement from me... ;D ;D)
Well it started ;D coil and condenser were fine. Timing was well out, about 90deg anti clockwise, not sure how or why, plug leads were all muddled too. Cleaned and reset the points, confirmed spark, worked through some fault elimination and static timing. Fired straight up. Very hesitant on the accelerator so think I'll get a strobe on it tomorrow and have a look at carb setup.
always good when it runs as it helps with the enthusiasm to get on with build.
So this was happening today...
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20190101_140208.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20190101_142946.jpg)
(http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h458/SamHorwill/Mobile%20Uploads/20190101_143358.jpg)
Was massively hesitant about this in the past but bit the bullet and it's going well. Got a long block coming for rubbing it all back once it's glassed.
Massively exciting to be doing this again. Helen drove it back into the garage but although it starts and idles fine, no amount of adjustment on the solex 34 can get it to rev without coughing and dying. Got a rebuild kit on the way so will see if a good clean solves it. I suspect accelerator pump isn't doing its job and maybe some of the other ports are a bit gummed up too...
Happy buggying!
Was massively hesitant about this in the past
This the only way to layup\repair glassfibre.... bold and brutal... :) :)
Done fibreglass work on the buggy before Paul but glassing the pods on seemed a bit daunting. Helen is the fibreglass guru out of the pair of us, I'm useless at it. That seam that we're building looks high but I quickly checked over it and it's mostly below my intended finished body contour so should be straightforward to build it up with resin talc filler and block it back.
To have a go at anything is to be commended. My hat off to you both & all the best for 2019 ;-)(-;
Respect to the missus. Fibreglass makes me itch.
Nice one ☝️
Tiny bit of progress today, positioned and welded front brake hose brackets...
(https://i.postimg.cc/PfRz4nMD/20190105-104133.jpg)
Then spent the afternoon cleaning the carb. Got it all back together but ran out of fuel before I could tell if it had made much difference. Definitely got the accelerator pump working though so it can only be an improvement!
Waiting for pay day and a few bits in the post now before I can do much more :'(