Thought I should maybe log my slow process of the spruce up of my Finnish Mac Buggy.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/15936398_1452892031421502_890759638730674486_o_zps8ojo9s6b.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/15936398_1452892031421502_890759638730674486_o_zps8ojo9s6b.jpg.html)
Here's an original ad for one. They are probably the most common make of buggy here
URL=http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/mac%20buggy%20ad_zpsnxunafxv.jpg.html](http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/mac%20buggy%20ad_zpsnxunafxv.jpg)[/URL]
Seriously ugly back end! I have ordered pre 67 tail lights from Paruzzi, cut down that over large number plate mounting and removed that strange piece of pipe. Cutting down the number plate mounting revealed a large number of holes, but to my eye is still an improvement. The holes will get filled and painted when its a bit warmer (-22° today!)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/back3_zps1xotesia.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/back3_zps1xotesia.jpg.html)
One thing that had been bugging me on this. The steering wheel was upside down. Turns out the previous owner must have got confused by working back to front on the steering wheel, and fitted the tang for the indicator switch cancel on the wrong side, then just fitted wheel the wrong way round because he didn't want to do it again.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/16707342_1507346775976027_3077635309274560523_o_zpshutp7oeb.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/16707342_1507346775976027_3077635309274560523_o_zpshutp7oeb.jpg.html)
I initially thought it had been welded. Took it down to my local British Motorbike Club to cut it off and get my mate to reeled it. He pointed out the splined shaft wasn't steel, we thought it might be soldered...turned out it was a bit of steel welded to a ground down screw in a tapped hole. Fortunately they had a tap the right size to do a new hole opposite the original one.(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/wheel2_zps3cvt4l2v.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/wheel2_zps3cvt4l2v.jpg.html)
Better. Now it doesn't say Springalex upside down. I might have to file and reshape the tang slightly.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/wheel_zpsxxusmh3t.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/wheel_zpsxxusmh3t.jpg.html)
Quote from: Campbell on February 27, 2017, 08:05:12 AM
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/wheel_zpsxxusmh3t.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/wheel_zpsxxusmh3t.jpg.html)
Blimey - that Steering Wheel has just brought back some memories. We used to have an Arcade Machine called GT Challenge, and it had that same Springalex wheel fitted. Never seen one since
:)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4060_zpsxc7econb.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4060_zpsxc7econb.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4059_zpsdleb7wbo.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4059_zpsdleb7wbo.jpg.html)
Another issue to deal with was these security bolts. I spoke to the previous owner...and the one before that. Neither had the correct Allen key. I had hoped it would be possible to get a hole cut in Allen key o n the lathe at the bike club, but the Allen key proved way too hard. One of the guys there had the bright idea of cutting a slot with an angle grinder instead of drilling a hole.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/spanner_zpsafrxiqks.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/spanner_zpsafrxiqks.jpg.html)
Hah Dave! Thats great! I was told that they were fitted to Works' rally Escorts. I thought I might really be in the money, but seems they're quite common, so not that sought after.
I want to paint the tail light shells to match the buggy. Our local Motor Factors has a huge range of candy apple red aerosols. It doesn't need to be a perfect match as there will be a bit of rubber trim separating lthem from the body. But how to get a close enough colour match wwithout taking the buggy shell to the store?
I had a rake through my boys' toy box and it would seem the Buggy is a Hot Wheels colour :D
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/colour%20match%201_zpsu9v2pja8.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/colour%20match%201_zpsu9v2pja8.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/colour%20match2_zpsnogvhdzf.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/colour%20match2_zpsnogvhdzf.jpg.html)
I don't think I'm going to get closer than that.
Soooo...Maybe time to get a manual? Having removed the upside down steering wheel to find that the tang on the back was in the wrong place to fit the groove, then locating the tang in a new hole so that it fits in the slot. I just discovered that the disc with the groove cut in one side of it, can be spun, and was in fact fitted wrong. So previous owner had fitted wheel upside down to allow it to line up with the slot in the wrong position. Am I going to discover there was a reason for this? Could everything be 180° out in the steering?
Here is the disc as it was. When I took the wheel off.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4071_zpsm42rf0kj.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4071_zpsm42rf0kj.jpg.html)
I might post this in the steering section as well if its more likely to get a response.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/no%20tail%20lights_zpsxhstqtog.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/no%20tail%20lights_zpsxhstqtog.jpg.html)
...AAAHH that's better already!
So nice to remove those awful trailer type tail lights.
Huge improvement ;-)up
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/lights_zpsknezvqtz.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/lights_zpsknezvqtz.jpg.html)
Yaay! I think l can get away without trimming the light shells, and I managed to position them to cover the old holes. One of the hood clips may be a bit awkward now though. Just need to paint the to match the body.
Your rear end is looking a lot better. :-X
Aaaw. Thanks Buggybaggy!
Sooo....Every vehicle I have ever bought has come with a box of shi....I mean spares! (worn brake shoes, broken springs, burnt out bulbs etc). Anyway I had a bit of a rake through it and found these numberplate lights. They have obviously been on the buggy at some point as they line up with the holes drilled in the bodywork.
Whilst normally I am of the opinion that "less is more". I'm starting to think I'll fit these.
With the big ugly tail lights removed, the big boxlike structure that the numberplate is attached to, really sticks out. The flat area either side of the numberplate is quite jarring to me. If the box was the same size as the numberplate I'd be happy enough with it. I think these lamps will actually look better that the flat area filled and repainted. Gloss black to match the plate rather than body colour.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/holes_zpsha2xkrkv.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/holes_zpsha2xkrkv.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/nro%20light_zpsvw0rxxgs.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/nro%20light_zpsvw0rxxgs.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17436003_1548714241839280_4304313958262879667_o_zpsxwr5u6wp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17436003_1548714241839280_4304313958262879667_o_zpsxwr5u6wp.jpg.html)
Decided to drill a hole in the bulb holder for the earth cable rather than relying on the self tapping screw at the bottom of the light fixing.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17389214_1548714235172614_2219044636035394176_o_zpsqigodx7p.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17389214_1548714235172614_2219044636035394176_o_zpsqigodx7p.jpg.html)
My
My Hotwheels colour swatch method turned out pretty well. I don't think I could have got a better colour match. The lamp shells fit with no trimming, though they are maybe slightly too deep on the outside. Although they fit the profile of the body really well, the lenses are angled ever so slightly inwards. Maybe I'll trim them in the winter.
A wee tip here: I used proper Beetle lamp gaskets rather than the wee bit of rubber trim the units came with. I was able to use this as a template to work out where to drill the bolt holes, and also where to position the lamps so as to hide the old holes in the bodywork.
Before:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4030_zpsycld6gfk.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4030_zpsycld6gfk.jpg.html)
After:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17434688_1548714238505947_5264698250322153702_o_zpskhgk3hdw.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17434688_1548714238505947_5264698250322153702_o_zpskhgk3hdw.jpg.html)
Well it's getting there. looks a lot better. The chrome mudguard bracket/ reflector holder has been removed and is being sprayed black so it doesn't show too much. I'd like to remove the mudguards, but really need to discuss with Finnish buggy owners what the legislation is, how much of an issue it is for Katsastus (Finnish MoT) and how likely you are to get a pull. I've seen buggies driven without them fitted, but they could have removed them after inspection.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17436003_1548714241839280_4304313958262879667_o_zpsxwr5u6wp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17436003_1548714241839280_4304313958262879667_o_zpsxwr5u6wp.jpg.html)
I discovered that my crimping tool can't handle flag connectors. Not very happy about angles of wires and closeness to those screws. Suspect I might have bought another crimping tool (or pair of jaws for my old one) before this hits the road.
I never use those shrouds. I use heat shrink with a dob of hot melt glue at the wire exit before shrinking it on to act as a seal and stop water tracking along the insulation to the connector
looking so much better with those lights and loving the colour
dave
Certainly looking better and agree with Dave on the heatshrink.
Can you make the mudguards easily removable so you can have them on for test and bad weather and off in good weather.
Cheers guys! I haven't yet investigated if the big stonky brackets that the mudguards are bolted onto, bolt onto the frame or are welded. If they're welded it could be a pain.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/15936398_1452892031421502_890759638730674486_o_zps8ojo9s6b.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/15936398_1452892031421502_890759638730674486_o_zps8ojo9s6b.jpg.html)
I'd like to remove the front bumper and lights, but think they might have been fitted to cover front suspension and wheels to please MoT guy. That bumper is held on by 2 bolts drilled through the nerf bar vertically. I think even the slightest impact would break the bolts and you'll have a length of metal pipe being thrown around. I need to find out how anal the MoT guys are, and if its a case of just finding the right one. The front wings have a recess cut into them for the mudguards so will look a bit odd without the guards.
Pulling up the rubber mats and ugly red carpet on the tunnel.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17498616_1563815206995850_2503952377505093161_n_zpsbuub9mtg.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17498616_1563815206995850_2503952377505093161_n_zpsbuub9mtg.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17426333_1563815200329184_4903531673819681192_n_zpsdvifkydq.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17426333_1563815200329184_4903531673819681192_n_zpsdvifkydq.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17759884_1563815203662517_6174310985993211775_n_zpsysqg9thc.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17759884_1563815203662517_6174310985993211775_n_zpsysqg9thc.jpg.html)
Fortunately revealing no real rust to speak of. A lot of carpet glue to deal with and there is some of what looks like original Beetle sound deadening material on the tunnel too. Presumably that will also trap moisture and would be advisable to remove? Whats the best method for that? Suggestions welcomed.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17759932_1563823723661665_8266564385569010829_n_zpshhxuyk1l.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17759932_1563823723661665_8266564385569010829_n_zpshhxuyk1l.jpg.html)
Hooray! As stated in previous posts, our local Hardware Store really does have everything. This stuff comes with the HUDGEBUGGY seal of approval and I'll be getting some fitted in the buggy shortly.
I really should look at replacing the gearbox bush rather than faffing about with cosmetics. However, I'm enjoying the gratification of improving this buggy by simply ripping stuff off it.
Pop quiz! Anyone with long memories recognise what the seats are from? :D
( I do know btw)
Did the gearshift rod bushing today.
I won't go into too much detail as it's been covered well on this site, and thesamba has an excellent 16 page thread on the subject here https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=157519&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=b01f6cf57edc724a81924fd36cdf86d6
that I learnt a lot from.
Opening the inspection plate revealed an interesting use of a spring instead of lockwire. I presume the normal method is to wind locker round the tube that the bolt screws into?
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4156_zpsadb2pgzd.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4156_zpsadb2pgzd.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4160_zpsdmn9j0rx.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4160_zpsdmn9j0rx.jpg.html)
Technique picked up from the samba. Electrical conduit with a pit of lockwire. Push this up the tunnel and wrap the wire round the gearshaft.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4161_zpsy1cli4pp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4161_zpsy1cli4pp.jpg.html)
Then drag it out.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4162_zpsmu67a6bp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4162_zpsmu67a6bp.jpg.html)
Broken bush can be seen as I draw out the gearshift.
Quote from: Campbell on April 02, 2017, 09:20:52 AM
. This stuff comes with the HUDGEBUGGY seal of approval and I'll be getting some fitted in the buggy shortly.
Just seen this whilst drinking a glass of red wine , which I sprayed all up the screen., almost PMSL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Good call Campbell
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4165_zpsb1y2uctx.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4165_zpsb1y2uctx.jpg.html)
Putting the shaft back in was awkward. I ended up attaching a bit of stiff wire to it. pushed it up the tunnelling used a flexible claw tool to grab it. If I'd thought about it whilst removing it. I would have added a long bit of wire when the hole at the end had got past the gearstick hole, leaving it attached so I could draw it back in.
Getting the shaft through the bush was difficult because when the end of the shaft is reaches the bush, the L-shaped end is balanced on the edge of the hole at the front of the car. It either rotates and hangs down catching on the outside edge or falls in the tunnel. I got my son to hold onto that end as I shoogled the other end into the bush.
I then tapped it through with a broom handle having sprayed the gearshaft with white lithium grease.
Unfortunately I got it half way through and it jammed! The L-Shaped gearstick end had rotated and was jammed against a crossmember at the bottom of the tunnel.
Fortunately I'm quite scrawny. Was able to get my arm through the gearbox coupler inspection hole, up to my elbow in the tunnel, rotate the shaft and pull it towards the gearbox.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17800126_1572310392812998_8756237540005353344_n_zpsd4yis8xl.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17800126_1572310392812998_8756237540005353344_n_zpsd4yis8xl.jpg.html)
OH £$$$$€€€€!!!!!!!! I noticed this whilst doing all that work.
Not sure what to do here. I think replacing that tyre will be bloody expensive. I was speaking to a guy who said he has a big stack of standard 5 lug rims. He said he'd check to see if he has any 14" in the pile. I've always felt that the front wheels are too wide on this buggy. Fitting standard fronts would give it a more traditional look, I suspect 2 standard tyres might be cheaper than one humungous one, and I could then maybe ditch the front mudguards. I might even be able to recoup some money selling the wide front wheels.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/17523290_1572310399479664_8366023665860310420_n_zpsqs6gucsm.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/17523290_1572310399479664_8366023665860310420_n_zpsqs6gucsm.jpg.html)
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on April 08, 2017, 06:41:39 PM
Quote from: Campbell on April 02, 2017, 09:20:52 AM
. This stuff comes with the HUDGEBUGGY seal of approval and I'll be getting some fitted in the buggy shortly.
Just seen this whilst drinking a glass of red wine , which I sprayed all up the screen., almost PMSL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Good call Campbell
:D Good effort.
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on April 08, 2017, 06:41:39 PM
Quote from: Campbell on April 02, 2017, 09:20:52 AM
. This stuff comes with the HUDGEBUGGY seal of approval and I'll be getting some fitted in the buggy shortly.
Just seen this whilst drinking a glass of red wine , which I sprayed all up the screen., almost PMSL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Good call Campbell
You were driving at the time? Sounds like Hudge
I'm waiting for a bloke I know to sort out the standard front rims for me before I buy my tyres.
I see Justkampers do 6" rims, asked about shipping for 2 rims to Finland:an amazingly reasonable £30. But can't stretch to new front rims, shipping and 4 new tyres at the moment.
Meanwhile keeping busy with small jobs.
Didn't want a radio in the buggy, pulled it out. Without those speakers its so much easier to get in and out.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/speaker_zpsxqjepram.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/speaker_zpsxqjepram.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/no%20speaker_zpsedl5cqyb.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/no%20speaker_zpsedl5cqyb.jpg.html)
That horrible throttle pedal cover will be going too!
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/no%20plate%20bar_zpskfh85h7i.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/no%20plate%20bar_zpskfh85h7i.jpg.html)
Made up a cheap and cheerful bracket. The nerf bar has a number plate bracket, the holes don't line up with the number plate holes. PO had fitted unnecessarily large stainless numberplate surrounds. This should be neater.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/nerf_zps8ijipdxi.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/nerf_zps8ijipdxi.jpg.html)
...yes I want to ditch front tube and spotlights. Though I think they may have been fitted to please Katsastus (MoT) as they cover suspension components.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4211_zpswifxy59g.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4211_zpswifxy59g.jpg.html)
Spent a fair bit of time this afternoon crawling under the dashboard removing all the ancillary wiring for the radio. Most of this stuff was hanging dowwn with bits of ducttape round sockets.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4220_zpssivfwkda.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4220_zpssivfwkda.jpg.html)
So it was nice to see that, with that removed, the wiring looked quite well done under there. I was expecting lots of twisted together and taped up wires of different colours and random unconnected mystery wires.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4219_zpsltgkz8og.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4219_zpsltgkz8og.jpg.html)
In the box of "spares" I inherited with the buggy was a fusebox lid that fits here. So thats 3 bits I was able to use. The rest went to the dump. Old brake shoes, brake pipes and knackered shocks.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4222_zpskd0yuquc.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4222_zpskd0yuquc.jpg.html)
I'm rapidly filling my own box of bits removed for the buggy's next owner to inherit :D
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/braket_zpsq4cyihpr.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/braket_zpsq4cyihpr.jpg.html)
Contain your excitement chaps!
I know its only a bracket, but I'm getting through those small jobs.
Numberplate bracket made, painted and fitted.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/plate%20harry_zpsikytgkwy.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/plate%20harry_zpsikytgkwy.jpg.html)
Never rains but it pours!
Having been scrabbling around chasing standard rims for the front, I now have have 5 wheels coming to me from different sources and I'm too polite to knock any of them back. ::)
I guess I can rustle up another one and buya set of studded winter tyres for it later on.
:D
Or you could carry a spare wheel ?
Is the red faced dog on the bonnet an original badge ?
Looks like your pet is a bit indifferent to all your buggy work !
He's annoyingly good at stealing tools and nuts and bolts. Very crafty.
I don't think that badge is original. At first I thought it might be from the Bulldog cafe in Amsterdam, but the colours are wrong.
I think its a creation of the original builder or previous owners.
Spare wheel isn't even something I'd entertained. If i can work out how to do it neatly....
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/chocks%20away_zpsk57oxysv.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/chocks%20away_zpsk57oxysv.jpg.html)
Farewell Carlos Fandangos.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18056763_1591859870858050_1443780799219298878_n_zpsiteyu2pm.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18056763_1591859870858050_1443780799219298878_n_zpsiteyu2pm.jpg.html)
Please tell me thats not a date of manufacture !!!???
Thats maybe a little too Old School!
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18056237_1591860044191366_384838108632559582_o_zpsnetgqpqf.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18056237_1591860044191366_384838108632559582_o_zpsnetgqpqf.jpg.html)
Certainly looks like a date code Campbell, so somebody got their money's worth with those tyres, although if this recent craigslist advert is anything to go by some vintage hotrodder may think there's some mileage left in them.
https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/pts/6012273007.html
The rat rod brigade would love them. Period correct for a show-boat muscle car...worth a fortune...seriously!
Interesting!
A friend suggested Muscle car owners who restore to display rather than drive might be very interested.
I'll look into it some more and tell the tyre shop I want them back when they change them.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18192631_1597357316974972_9157436175547279271_o_zpsnmxvjrtd.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18192631_1597357316974972_9157436175547279271_o_zpsnmxvjrtd.jpg.html)
Finally got a pair of 15x4 standards for the front. The guy even blasted them for me!
I was going to fit hubcap clips, but as i don't have hubcaps yet, and I'm impatient to get everything back together it'll wait.
I haven't run it since I bought it, and doubtless there will be more pressing things to deal with. I want to get it running, driving and legal, then look at the wee jobs like hubcap clips.
A neighbours son has a buggy. Never met him but seen the buggy a couple of times. I contacted him via the Finnish Buggy group on Facebook. He says he's never had any bother from the police here about not having mudguards, and he takes it for MoTs without them too (although he has hung onto his set just in case).
Thats good enough for me. Off they come.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18076668_1598647363512634_2580480081593874832_o_zpsn3r1mo6x.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18076668_1598647363512634_2580480081593874832_o_zpsn3r1mo6x.jpg.html)
I also found out who he takes it to for his MoT.
As bought:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4030_zpsycld6gfk.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4030_zpsycld6gfk.jpg.html)
So far:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18121651_1598647370179300_1529814580062238558_o_zpsm87yjnad.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18121651_1598647370179300_1529814580062238558_o_zpsm87yjnad.jpg.html)
It's up on axle stands, much higher than it should be, and thas the old wheels balanced against it, but looking so much better. Hope to get the new tyres here and fitted this week.
The front guards will come off too.
Looking good.
It's great that you've managed to get a bit of a low down from a local regarding the MOT and mudguard situation too.
Quote from: Campbell on April 26, 2017, 09:52:38 AM
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18192631_1597357316974972_9157436175547279271_o_zpsnmxvjrtd.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18192631_1597357316974972_9157436175547279271_o_zpsnmxvjrtd.jpg.html)
Finally got a pair of 15x4 standards for the front. The guy even blasted them for me!
Don't know if you have bought the tyres for these yet- these might suit ;-)up
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1558015-15515-155-15-155X15-155-80X15-B-F-GOODRICH-RADIAL-T-A-VW-BEETLE-DUB-RWL-/331589297664?hash=item4d34432600:g:UKIAAMXQVERSqIf6
Thats not bad. Shipping would be expensive though. I'm on a tight budget now. Tyres were an unforeseen expense....in fact the buggy was an unforeseen expense :D
I've got some Maxxis tyres for it. Worked out 344€ the set. Don't know how good they'll be, but it was these or not use the buggy til next summer :-[
Looks beter with the guards off ;-)up legislation ruins the original idesign of a buggy
Your doing a great job on it bud. Well done. ;-)up
Thanks guys. Feeling at a low point with tyre debacle. Your encouragement is appreciated.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-28%20at%2009.52.48_zpsnpuq4qd0.png) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-28%20at%2009.52.48_zpsnpuq4qd0.png.html)
I guess it's only fitting that a warped individual should possess a warped buggy? ???
If balancing tyres is an issue for you at a tyre centre, have you considered using the "beads" that a lot of the off roaders use that are are put inside the wheels and dynamically settle for a perfect balance as soon as the tyre is rotated.
Never tried them myself, but the guys I know that have used them absolutely swear by them ;)
This sort of thing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-Z-Tire-Balance-Beads-Deluxe-Kit-4x8-oz-32-total-Applicator-Filtered-Cores-Caps-/262611602345?hash=item3d24df0ba9:g:aBwAAOSwfVpYoMJQ
Quote from: Dave DND on April 28, 2017, 08:15:56 AM
If balancing tyres is an issue for you at a tyre centre, have you considered using the "beads" that a lot of the off roaders use that are are put inside the wheels and dynamically settle for a perfect balance as soon as the tyre is rotated.
Never tried them myself, but the guys I know that have used them absolutely swear by them ;)
This sort of thing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-Z-Tire-Balance-Beads-Deluxe-Kit-4x8-oz-32-total-Applicator-Filtered-Cores-Caps-/262611602345?hash=item3d24df0ba9:g:aBwAAOSwfVpYoMJQ
Just prey customs don't take your car apart if you go abroad. Trying to explain the white substance 'hidden' in your tyres might take some doing in a foreign language. :D
Quote from: Buggybaggy on April 28, 2017, 08:21:37 AM
Quote from: Dave DND on April 28, 2017, 08:15:56 AM
If balancing tyres is an issue for you at a tyre centre, have you considered using the "beads" that a lot of the off roaders use that are are put inside the wheels and dynamically settle for a perfect balance as soon as the tyre is rotated.
Never tried them myself, but the guys I know that have used them absolutely swear by them ;)
This sort of thing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-Z-Tire-Balance-Beads-Deluxe-Kit-4x8-oz-32-total-Applicator-Filtered-Cores-Caps-/262611602345?hash=item3d24df0ba9:g:aBwAAOSwfVpYoMJQ
Just prey customs don't take your car apart if you go abroad. Trying to explain the white substance 'hidden' in your tyres might take some doing in a foreign language. :D
Dont think you put enough in to look like a major player
Buggy looks much better without the mudguards, if you need to refit in the future you could fabricate some from old tyres and fit them so that they just disappear against the real tyre. Does add to unsprung weight but look really good when you see them on kit cars and rods, just look like open wheels
How does everyone else balance wide 5s, it must be possible.
Balancing should be no problem at the company I'm using now. They have a machine that can do it.
and then they found they couldn't...
Third company I visited was able to balance them. Old guy, soon as I said "Beetle wheels" ("Kupla vanteet"). He smiled and nodded.
Got the back tyres on. The rear wheels appear "tucked in" rather than sitting vertically. I presume thats because the car was jacked up for about a week, and that it will settle?
Managed to remove one front mudguard. It was horrific.
The brackets were held on by homemade bolts, which were bits of threaded rod welded to flat bits of steel so they'd fit flush under the interior vinyl ( neat idea, but they spin and its difficult to hold them still, they might have been glued in place at some point) i eventually managed to bend them enough that mole grips could get a hold of them., and a bracket between buggy mudguard and extra mudguard, that was a damn tight fit to get a hand with a spanner in there. Front wheel is now fitted on that side. Hope to tackle the other side tomorrow. Its starting to look like the pure,simple late 60s, early 70s buggy I want.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18238828_1601969299847107_5506343785315258471_o_zpslazsqk4n.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18238828_1601969299847107_5506343785315258471_o_zpslazsqk4n.jpg.html)
Horrible mudguard bolts for horrible mudguards.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18278234_1601969303180440_7198698264428481057_o_zpswl3qjkg8.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18278234_1601969303180440_7198698264428481057_o_zpswl3qjkg8.jpg.html)
Not that you can see much from this photo. Taken in the dark with my mobile. But the tyres are tucked in. Closer together at the bottom than they are at the top. I'm hoping they just need to settle a bit. I'll open the garage door tomorrow and everything will be fine.
Yes Campbell a bit of weight in the buggy and a short drive should put the wheels back to their previous camber.
Good old mole grips - one of my favorite tools although I know purist mechanics can frown on their use on nuts and bolts !
Two fat blokes drinking your tea and eating your biscuits will soon sort that out. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on April 30, 2017, 11:41:37 AM
Two fat blokes drinking your tea and eating your biscuits will soon sort that out. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
That's Hudge and me volunteering for an all expenses paid trip
:)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4237_zpshebk1xk0.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4237_zpshebk1xk0.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4239_zpsksunfo5o.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4239_zpsksunfo5o.jpg.html)
Wheels fitted mudguards and front bumper removed. Those dangling fog lamps will get cut off too. Nearly ready for katsastaus (MoT)
Wow! It fired up straight away. I started the buggy so I could check all the electrics. I drove her out the garage and I'm afraid I just grinned like a fool and forgot to check anything.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18216537_1605171372860233_4849195558089263245_o_zpstobuwrsi.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18216537_1605171372860233_4849195558089263245_o_zpstobuwrsi.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18237970_1605171376193566_172372563842895740_o_zpszxypbz5s.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18237970_1605171376193566_172372563842895740_o_zpszxypbz5s.jpg.html)
Its weird seeing it outside when I've been used to being right up close to it and unable to step backwards. You can see in the first picture where the mudguard has been cut to fit those extra guards. I'll have to look into replacing the missing part with new fibreglass. I've also found out that earlier Mac buggies had a more Manx style back. without that box. I'll put the word out and see if anyone has recently cut that section out of theirs (seems to happen a lot). I'll inspect the wiring and look at booking it for its MoT (finances allowing)
It's looking good Campbell, certainly knocking it into shape and a big improvement on how it was when you first got it. Now you've changed the tyres and removed the mudguards I can see it's running coilovers, you may find it would ride better if you removed them and converted back to standard shocks so it just used the torsion bar suspension, just a thought, see what other people say. Coming along very nicely though.
Did you fit the tyres with tubes in the end?
Quote from: Campbell on May 02, 2017, 09:32:05 AM
Wow! It fired up straight away. I started the buggy so I could check all the electrics. I drove her out the garage and I'm afraid I just grinned like a fool and forgot to check anything.
Best feeling ever!! :D
Yes. Was wondering about suspension. It also still has its anti roll bar.
Its running tubes. I see JustKampers are offering standard wide5 rims to run tubeless though.
Quote from: Campbell on May 02, 2017, 10:15:02 AM
Yes. Was wondering about suspension. It also still has its anti roll bar.
Its running tubes. I see JustKampers are offering standard wide5 rims to run tubeless though.
The torsion bars and shocks were designed for the heavier bodied Beetle so putting coilovers on the lighter buggy is overkill and makes them too stiff and yes you can remove the front anti roll bar too.
Agreed - bin the anti-roll bar. Took mine off and the buggy corners like a sled on rails staying nice and level. N.B. I have 12psi in the front tyres (195x60 14) and 22psi in the rears (225x50 15).
Sooo...I have headlights, tail lights,one front indicator, no rear indicators and no brake lights. Let battle commence.
Of course, I know I should have checked the original rear lights were working before I removed them :D
Mate came over yesterday, we spent about half an hour on it.
Result:
Horn needs an earth, but is working.
Indicators now work same time as the headlights (though thinking about it the battery charger was connected at the time, so maybe battery is weak? was reading 6.7V)
Only one working brake light.
The windscreen wipers still work!
Will go through more of the connectors with sandpaper and copper grease when time allows, almost ready for MoT!
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4055_zpsw2kmvufp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4055_zpsw2kmvufp.jpg.html)
OK. So the steering column is earthed and the wire up the column has power. Not like a normal Beetle.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4529_zpsmiuxunxj.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4529_zpsmiuxunxj.jpg.html)
The tab on the column (where the earth wire coming from the column on a standard beetle connects) has a terminal and a wire connecting it to earth on the bumper. As you turn the wheel, the wire loops round and round the steering column until the terminal pops off the tab and your horn stops working ::)
I'm guessing I could run a short wire with an earth terminal from that tab to the other side of the bolt running through the rubber steering coupler? Would that give me a good enough earth?
I also really need to replace the wire running up the centre of the steering column as it was in a poor way where it connects, it is now too short and connectors are in a bad place. Does this run the full length of the steering column?
I really don't like all that thin straw-like wiring looped round the steering column (blue and white). I guess it has to rotate with the column but it looks like a nightmare about to unfold. Whats the sensible way to do this?
I'll maybe pop this up on the wiring question board if my question gets lost here.
I'll also need to try and track down the world's toothiest earth terminal for the horn switch as it fell apart whilst I was doing all this.
"...world's tiniest" ::)
Rather than a wire twisting around the column that will fail with constant bending you would do better with a slip ring around the column and the wire picking up the live via brush.
Underside of car steering wheels usually have a slip ring big enough but you would have to encase it so it could not short out to the column or fittings and make a mounting.
Not much to report I'm afraid. Ran out of money. Have work again, not time to do anything and still no money until I get my first invoice out. The joys of freelancing :-\
Contenting myself with wee jobs that take no money to do, trying not to think of fast approaching summer.
Stripped the black paint off and polished my the spokes on my steering wheel. As I said not much, but satisfying.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/no%20speaker_zpsedl5cqyb.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/no%20speaker_zpsedl5cqyb.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18622157_1629486320428738_3898217907899379004_n_zpsmvky29jp.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18622157_1629486320428738_3898217907899379004_n_zpsmvky29jp.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18740284_1641087162601987_3851652866111780124_n_zpsukokigb3.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18740284_1641087162601987_3851652866111780124_n_zpsukokigb3.jpg.html)
Found my brake light problem. Was a bad earth in the lamp housing. Bit awkward on my own, but worked out how to test the lights whilst I fiddled with my circuit tester :)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18815245_1641090642601639_4929224089722906213_o_zpsd6h3yjw8.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18815245_1641090642601639_4929224089722906213_o_zpsd6h3yjw8.jpg.html)
A bulb and a couple of crocodile clips can be a lot less cuddle than a multimeter in certain circumstances.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/IMG_4500_zpshilzfyl4.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/IMG_4500_zpshilzfyl4.jpg.html)
I'd like to know where this wire is meant to go however.
I think my next step is to take it to Katsastus (MoT) to find out if there's anything else needs attended too. Jobs like sanding and painting the floor, fitting rubber mats. removing the old sound deadening can wait, especially if there are more important things to focus my energy and money on.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/19025079_1652941101416593_8531192406363098304_o_zpse9gfaia1.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/19025079_1652941101416593_8531192406363098304_o_zpse9gfaia1.jpg.html)
Took the buggy for Katsatus (MoT)
First ever drive. Don't know what was more nerve wracking. First drive or katsastus.
Gearbox is a bit fiddly need to be really gentle with it it, and its keener to find reverse than 2nd.
But it passed it's Mot!
Katsastus station was only a couple of KM from the beach...rude not to.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18891596_1652918251418878_5542583368005506836_o_zpsurmvhbeq.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18891596_1652918251418878_5542583368005506836_o_zpsurmvhbeq.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/18953121_1652963544747682_4091175425328459549_o_zpsvydksvk6.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/18953121_1652963544747682_4091175425328459549_o_zpsvydksvk6.jpg.html)
Great news to get an MOT. Need now to simply drive it as often as possible....
Yeh. Took the youngest for a spin tonight. He loved it, but serious backfiring and terrible petrol smell. I'll check the plugs when its cooled down. I'm wondering if one sooted up and died.
I'm guessing theres a tank breather on these? Theres a wee splash of fuel on the ground next to the front left wheel whenever I park.
But its running, and it got us home. Bit strange though cos it was running well this afternoon.
If you have a hose from the filler neck to atmosphere you either need to take it uphill quite a way (I seem to remember Peter's goes up his screen surround) and/or fit a good valve that lets air but not liquid through. You can get them from rally dealers (I used Demon Tweeks) to stop fuel running out if you roll.
Otherwise you will get little expensive puddles, and therefore a potential fire, if you put a decent amount of fuel in
Doesnt help with the popping and banging though. First thing is probably to check for air leaks in the exhaust, particularly if you have slip joints. A good HT silicone can solve it.
Well done on the MOT and enjoy
Dave
The downshift hitting reverse and not second is a simple adjustment of the lever stop plate which needs to move left a fraction under the gearlever. Worn rear coupling and shifter support bush make for excessive lever movement and little feel on the floppy lever.
Well done on the katsustas pass.
Cheers Snoopy.
Yes I figured it was just a case of fiddling with the plate. Had new bush and couplers.
Cheers Dave, I'll try and source a valve and work out where this breather pipe is.
I'll play with silicone and also try statically timing it tomorrow.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Iain
Well I found the source of the fuel smell.
There is a metal breather tube very loosely fitted to a hole in the filler hole tunnel. This metal tube has been crudely peened over (or it could be a blob of weld/braze/solder)so it won't come out the tank.. Its attached to a hose than runs to the bottom of the car, but its a very loose fit and faces the dashboard very near all the ignition wiring. Not good! I'll see if I can pick up some sort of drilled out bolt/old tyre valve holder so I can hold it in place tightly with a nut on the other side and use carb washers with it.
Ignition timing seems fine, need to investigate the carb. Its running very rich. Black sooty plugs and very petroly smelling exhaust.
As an experiment I unclipped the wiring to the automatic choke. Felt marginally better for a while. No backfires, but wouldn't idle, stalled at every junction. and at the end of my lap would "chug" in every gear but first.
On the bright side, the sight of that clearly made a 3 year old boys day. He was waving madly :) Makes it all worthwhile :D
Got a "bolt with a hole" which will hopefully fit the tank. The guy in the motor factors said they didn't have anything like that. I asked to him to have a think. He came up with a boxload labelled Datsun Sunny.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/19059345_1656175977759772_2324379316232440089_n_zpsawaghmbi.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/19059345_1656175977759772_2324379316232440089_n_zpsawaghmbi.jpg.html)
Datsun Sunny bolt.
I'd managed after a bit of a guddle to get my Werniers under the dash so I knew what diameter the loose breather pipe was, and tracked down this bolt of the same diameter
Tonight when I went to remove the hose from the breather pipe, it came completely loose from the tank.
the excess of the bolt head cut off.
You'll like this: How to get the bolt through the hole in the side of the filler tube without dropping it in the tank?
Feed it through some stiff wire, feed the wire through the hole in tank. you can get everything lined up. With enough excess wire sticking over the filler hole and enough sticking out the breather hole, you don't need to worry about it dropping and can simply pass the bolt through
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/19055156_1656390877738282_2897574766203289450_o_zpsdcyoy07t.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/19055156_1656390877738282_2897574766203289450_o_zpsdcyoy07t.jpg.html)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/19054980_1656390874404949_2899626548010159138_o_zpsn2gin8kk.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/19054980_1656390874404949_2899626548010159138_o_zpsn2gin8kk.jpg.html)
I was so impressed with my own cleverness right up until the point when the bolt wouldn't go through the hole :o
The diameter of the pipe was slightly narrower where it goes through the hole than where I measured it ::)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/mriacampbell/19055237_1656391964404840_5993908223978964081_o_zpsrdlds8qm.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/mriacampbell/media/19055237_1656391964404840_5993908223978964081_o_zpsrdlds8qm.jpg.html)
Back to the drawing board. I suspect I'll be lucky to find another bolt like that but a smaller diameter. Guess I'll need to pop down and see my friends at the bike club and see if I can get a hole drilled through a bolt in a lathe.
Applying the thinking hat and solving problems with work arounds is satissfying.
Hooray!
Worked out what's wrong!
I had dismissed the problem as being a choke problem after disconnecting the choke made no difference. But I was speaking to a local guy who explained that disconnecting it would make no difference and explained its workings. Sure enough, the spring must be bust. Turning the disc makes no difference to the valve on the carb. Need to order one from somewhere that won't take a couple of weeks to deliver.
Have you been out after wiring or setting the choke to be fully open at all times yet ?
As an ongoing test that would be a good thing to do, the choke is only
really needed to start up the engine from cold, so once the engine is warm things should
improve...
Peter :)
Good point Peter. It's a bit late now. Neighbours have small kids. Don't want to wake them. Tomorrow morning I'll take it out for a quick spin minus airfilter tomorrow. I'll try and work out some way of holding the choke fully open. After all, it could be a red herring or only half the problem.
Wooden clothes peg?
I dont know what carb you have but it should be quite easy to keep it open, elastic bands, gaffa tape strip,
thin wire.... Anything really.
I would be interested to hear what happens ;-)up
Peter
Undo the threesmall screws and turn the heater element clockwise 1/4 turn then retighten the screws the choke will then stay open.
More playing. Silly me. I assumed the spring in the choke was broken, as turning the cover after loosening the 3 screws made no difference. But
the choke flap was jammed shut due to the position the throttle lever arm bit was in on the a stepped cam plate on the other side of the carb. It moves freely now. (not sure what step it should be sat in and surely it can jump around a bit anyway)
I haven't taken it for a run yet because...
The tank breather tube can't be made from a smaller bolt, as putting a decent sized drill down it will leave it with an overly thin wall. Therefore I'll go back to my original breather bolt that I concocted, but am widening the hole slightly in the neck of the tank with a needle file from the dashboard side (seriously tedious)so that it'll fit. To stop all those nasty metal filings making their way into the tank, I put a large dollop of grease round the hole which I think is collecting them pretty well (I couldn't find any magnets)
I hope to get this done tonight...late enough not to be able to try it without waking neighbours kids. 24 hour sunlight means you really have to keep an eye on the time!
Well. Managed to take it for a spin round the block. No aifilter. Choke open. Still banging and chugging away. I also removed and blew down the vacuum tube to the distributor doesn't seem to have any leaks (I'll try again in a bucket of water later)
Take the vacum pipe off the carb a d with the distributor cap off a good suck will show you the base plate move and hold until you stop sucking.
Cheers snoop will check that out in the morning.
Vacuum distributor seems to be working. Gave it a good suck. tried blowing up the other end doesn't seem to be any blockages. Will recheck the points. I'm aware I'm putting off dismantling the carb, which is a likely candidate as the car has been sat a while, but it feels ignitiony. I'm suspicious of the coil as well, because it looks pretty beaten up.
Quote from: Doon L001 on June 07, 2017, 09:44:55 PM
If you have a hose from the filler neck to atmosphere you either need to take it uphill quite a way (I seem to remember Peter's goes up his screen surround) and/or fit a good valve that lets air but not liquid through. You can get them from rally dealers (I used Demon Tweeks) to stop fuel running out if you roll.
Otherwise you will get little expensive puddles, and therefore a potential fire, if you put a decent amount of fuel in
Doesnt help with the popping and banging though. First thing is probably to check for air leaks in the exhaust, particularly if you have slip joints. A good HT silicone can solve it.
Well done on the MOT and enjoy
Dave
Well done Dave! Think I owe you a pint, and definitely my neighbour too. After rechecking ignition timing and setting the points, I took it for a spin. No change. My neighbour wandered across (harley owner/engineer and former beetle owner)and sprayed some carb cleaner on the point where the pipe from the carb enters the barrels: KABOOM!That might be the problem then :D. I stuffed a big wedge of silicone there and will take it for a quick spin tomorrow and see if it makes any difference.
Glad you are making progress
Keeping oil and fuel in and air out is 1/2 the battle
Damn. The liberal smear of silicone. Would suggest that isn't the problem...or at least the full problem.
I am in danger of not heeding my own advice. As postage takes a while (and summer is short), I ordered everything I thought could be the cause of my problems:
manifold gaskets, carb rebuild kit, coil, condensor
...oh ...and a set of stainless baby moon hubcaps. :D
I will try my best to only do one job at a time and test the car after fitting each new part.
Here's a thing: It looks like to fit a new condensor to the distributor, that I have to remove the distributor to take the bung out. This will necessitate retiming the engine. The lazybones in me wants to cut the old wire and fit a connector. Is this asking for trouble?
Just set the engine for doing the timing as you do, slacken the clamp and spin the dizzy around change condensor then rotate back and retime,
Or remove dizzy and clamp from the clamp stud, fit condensor and refit dizzy timing will be ok unless you have loads of free play on the clamp stud hole.
Thanks for that Snoopy.
Not much to report. Waiting on parts and collecting brownie points with DIY projects at the moments.
As an aside to keep this thread going. When I first got the car I was able to make contact with the owner previous to the one I bought the buggy from, he filled me in with some of the history of the car. It was apparently built by a guy for his wife, he died, she remarried and new husband swapped it for a boat. Sounds a bit brutal put like that, but thats the bare bones of the story as he got it. It ended up at a dealers and he bought it....
Anyway, he got in touch with me a couple of weeks ago. At about 9am on a Saturday and asked if I'd consider selling it back to him :-) He'd obviously been thinking about it the previous night. I told him I had no plans to sell it, but said I'd tell him first if ever I did. Seemed the gentlemanly thing to do. I regret selling one of my BSAs, so understood how he feels. But its mine now :)
Hello,
Not been on much of late. Quick update:
After replacing plug leads (one was dodgy), adjusting valves and lubricating the throttle pedal's moving parts and cable, and possibly most importantly setting the ignition timing to 10°BTDC('60-'65 Beetles apparently) rather than 7.5(What it was set to when I bought it, and what I had ensured it was set to when I checked it the first time :-\) The buggy is now running considerably better. No backfiring, pulls well, and doesn't feel like like it has a restrictor fitted. All great news.
It is still running rich and sooting the plugs however (even with the airfilter off). So I will look at dismantling and cleaning the carb(Pict28). I am suspicious of the accelerator pump adjustment. The plugs whilst sooty, once you clean off the soot look quite healthy, (1 and 3 a little lean, 2 and 4 beautiful biscuity colour). Which suggest its running well at certain ranges. You can also smell that its running rich after driving it a while.
But its running well (richness aside, which I know NEEDS dealt with) and has allowed me trips to the beach for ice creams with my youngest, and other things that make it all worthwhile.It gets waves and smiles wherever we go. Casting it's own little ray of sunshine. Not sure if a solution has been found to photo bucket problems. heres a link to a picture on beachbuggyinfo Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1710569592320410&set=p.1710569592320410&type=3&theater
Cheers,
Iain
Managed to get in the carb today. Given everything a good clean up. The float where it touches the valve shows signs of wear. A shiny patch. Don't know how much wear they can suffer before it affects the float height.
Also noticed that the idle cut off valve looks like someone tried to remove it with molegrips at some point. It fairly bashed and squeezed
and the ceramic part of the automatic choke is cracked. Frustratingly I realised I ordered the cheaper rebuild kit from justkampers which doesn't have the float or idle cut off valve :-/ Looks like another weeks wait ...
Guess I'll put it back together, see if theres an improvement. If not I'll order the deluxe rebuild kit.
I'm sure I'll have it running fine in time for winter at this rate.
A shiney patch on the float is fine they get that constantly working and I have never known one wear through.
The auto choke ceramic crack will not hurt but the damaged shut off may, however you can check it works correctly on the bench.
Cheers Snoopy,
I'll give it a go tonight.
Took the buggy for a run with a couple of mates today. Went well and upon checking my plugs (we'll I only checjked one)- But it looked great(admittedly I still have the airfilter off and the choke set to fully open). but it looked great.
To recap in case anyone else runs into similar problems:
The carb clean and rebuild kit seems to have sorted my sooted up plugs.
The backfiring and sluggishness was sorted with a new set of plug leads. One of them was faulty.
and setting the timing to 10°BTDC instead than 7.5°BTDC, and adjusting valve clearances. So it was a combination of faults.
The buggy feels better every time I drive it.
Thanks for your support. ;-)up
that is good news then, now enjoy driving it.
I guess its a good sign thatI'm starting to get fussy now. I may have a leak in my fuel tank. The breather had broken where it attached to the tank. I replaced it with a bolt with a hole in it and a foolproof rubber washer, and a length of fuel pipe running up the roll cage. I'm getting fuel smells still when I come off roundabouts, accelerate brake etc.
I did wonder if the position of the pipe was causing fumes from it to be drawn back into the cabin by turbulence, so I drilled a hole in the tank cap and blocked it off. still getting fumes. I'll remove the pipe, block off the breather tube and try sealing it with a left over washer from my carb rebuild.I'll let you all know the result. Hopefully I don't need to go through the palaver of tank replacement.
Hello there,
I haven't had much presence here of late. Photo bucket being difficult kinda knocked the wind out of my sails and I ended up using BBI fascebook page as it's easier.
I thought I should keep you all up top date though, as some aren't on Facebook.
I've had a great summer with the buggy and finally reluctantly took it off the road for winter.
Over winter I hope to address my fuel tank problem, which I think is just the gasket in the hole for the sender, clean up the floor, and paint it, fit hubcap clips and hubcaps, replace the coil-overs on the rear with standard shocks (already done it on the front...what a difference!),and 12v conversion (if I can turn up the bits cheaply). Also strip and paint the pipes, and replace the metal O-rings on the inlets.
Thanks for all your support, guidance and companionship over the last year. I hope to sort out my lack of photos rebuild this page and continue showing what I'm up to.
Cheers,
Iain
Excellent Iain. Shame you have to take it off the road for the winter - is there no chance of the odd day when the weather eased so you could give it a blast about. Or is everywhere frozen and sprayed with corroding salt ?
Your list of winter projects reads like so many other dedicated buggy owners... buggy ownership has certainly got into your blood !
If it would help, I suggest you leave the 6 volt starter in place...
My first buggy was 6 volt until I switched to 12 and I left the 6 volt starter motor in place, it
was in there its entire life, never burn't out and winter starting was literally awesome! ;D
Peter ;-)up :)
Great news there then a happy buggy owner with a plan.
Hi there,
Yes someone else suggested leaving the starter as it'd cope fine. They don't salt the roads up here. It gets too cold to have any effect. Subsequently many cars have survived here that are extinct in Scotland (There are several Datsun 100a s in daily use in my home town!) It was -8° this morning and can get as cold as -30°. There would doubtless be a few odd days of good weather, but the law requires cars to have studded winter tyres fitted, so I'd be better off saving the road tax and insurance money to spend on the buggy.
Yes, your starter will be fine, every one is different but mine never gave up and
it literally flung the engine over with avengence ;-)up
I cannot remember the winters year but one morning the temperature was -16 or something daft and the buggy was stuck fast to the ground,
10 inches of snow, and it started fine, as per usual, I just gave it some revs and side stepped the clutch ;D
AMAZING! The Manta Ray literally tore itself free with a massive BANG!
Peter :)