Quote from: BikerMike on January 18, 2021, 01:16:42 PM
Hi Everyone,

New here and looking to buy a buggy for 2021.

Probably won't get to drive it on the local beaches but have always wanted one. Built one back in the late seventies, but didn't keep it long as new baby and new job both took priority.

Now I have the time and the opportunity and want one while I can still get in and out of it! 

Looks nice! nice to see another Epc Hustler, all tho mines not drive-able atm, hopefully it will be soon 🙏

Looking for a set of wheels but happy to buy a pair if it's something I can match.
I have the wide 5 stud pattern and I have adapters for 5 stud 130 pcd, I'm happy to buy a different set as long as I can get adapters.
Quite like slot mags, but open to other styles, rears must be wide!
Thanks

Quote from: Doon L001 on March 29, 2021, 04:07:50 PM
Please use safety glasses. I've seen the damage that can be caused to skin when grinding or cutting let alone eyes. If you're unfortunate enough to have a disc break up the results can be catastrophic.

always wear them under cars as rust flakes and dirt are pretty unpleasant at best if it gets in your eyes.

I did have bits falling down when I cut bolts off holding body down, I have some glasses so will use them 👍🏻

Quote from: Manxdavid on March 29, 2021, 08:39:15 AM
If you're just replacing the floors you won't need that many discs but you'll find a cup wire brush for your grinder really useful for cleaning the crud off, plus a litre of red oxide paint for when you're finished welding.

You've already discovered that a Hustler is about 3 or 4 inches longer than most short buggies so if you find out that a new body (£1200 ish in nice shiney coloured gel coat) will work out cheaper than restoring and painting your old one (often the case) then the swb Jas body is the same length.

Yes lost about £90 returning them floor pans so learnt the hard way 😔
It's only bonnet that is really bad so might just get that done, but not decided yet. I'm definitely set on keeping the body, even if costs more to restore, but thanks for saying, guy I got engine from had a new one at his work shop, it did look very 👍🏻

Quote from: Paul1953 on March 29, 2021, 08:05:47 AM
Make sure you have a nice big pile of 1mm thick cutting discs for your grinder. You will use these over and over during your build. Just like using a saw keep the disc vertical to what you cut and eye protection essential.

(Also plenty of elastoplasts or electricians tape for when you cut through your hands, fingers and so on  )

Haha, some handy tips 😁😁, I don't normally wear safety glasses but I will take your advice 👍🏻 Plenty of electrical tape at the ready 😂

Quote from: Paul1953 on March 28, 2021, 06:39:06 PM
I used the chevron cut method as well. Remember that when you bring the two halves back together they will not fit exactly correctly together so some hammering, nip & tuck, is inevitable. There is a method, as issued by VW themselves, whereby the cut is a bit more complicated but it does appear to get the two halves to meet with minimal extra work.

That's interesting, being a carpenter I'm use to scribing and making joins, so I will look into that, I'm not too bad with a angle grinder and plan on holding onto buggy so be nice to make as nice as possible!👍🏻

Quote from: Dave DND on March 28, 2021, 06:37:54 PM
Welcome aboard - Looking forward to your Build thread 

 

Quote from: snoopy on March 28, 2021, 05:21:14 PM
You can put box section around the lip for strengthening it also means rivnuts can go in the top to bolt the body to but roll bar needs it drilling through with tubes fitted for bolts and nuts

Hello, thanks for tip! You make it look easy 😂. I'll make a tread on here with pics and progress.
This forum is brilliant btw 👍🏻

Quote from: Paul1953 on March 28, 2021, 12:05:52 PM
It`s a Hi from me...

Quote from: Manxdavid on March 28, 2021, 12:20:46 PM
Hello and welcome.

I cut in a chevron, it gives a longer stronger weld and leaves the visible weld on the side rail at the back so more discreet.

I generally overlap the join by about an inch and weld each side.

As for cleaning the tank, try putting some diesel and a length of chain in in, block the inlet and outlet then tie it across the front of a concrete mixer and let the chain rattle around for half an hour.

Many thanks 
I will give that a go 👍🏻👍🏻

Hello Everyone!
First time posting on here.
Now weather is improving I am going to soon start on my project.
I've cut bolts so body can be removed, wasn't sure how to disconnect steering column?
I did buy the expensive floor pans but they was too short so got the basic pans, I'm going to cut down and join behind the front seats, is there any recommendations on overlapping or angles I need to cut at to make as strong as possible?
Any tips on cleaning out old petrol tank?
I work in building so have very little knowledge, but been a petrol head my whole life.