Gary, I thought my car looked bad until I looked at your photos....WOW!
Good advice about the rear clip. Thanks.
I took the heads off tonight, and they look to be in good shape. Thankfully, my very expensive rockers are not damaged. I wish I hadn't throw out all my bills after I sold the car. I've forgotten what's in the motor.
I've taken apart my VERY wet seats, thinking they will need new form and upholstery. I was surprised to find out that the backs and bottoms are plywood! Very strange.
Wow Gary; I really admire your resolve!! How's the car looking now?
Richard, This is what it looks like today. I did the glass work 17 years ago,got it primed and bought everything other than interior back then.It has sat for all those years under a cover in my garage. Well kids are married and gone and its time! I am in the process of removing stuff to get ready for paint. I think I might hold the record of longest ownership without ever having driven one! Also this would not have been able to be repaired without the help of Kirk and VS.(supplied clip)... Anyone have any tan or black seats for sale? if not I'm leaning towards VS seats.
Attachments
Images (1)
Gary, I may get mine back on the road before you!!
Unfortunately, this winter I've already started working on my V8 Miata (replacing the cooling system & going from manual to power steering).
The BOSS (no, not Bruce) says, "One car at a time."
Unfortunately, this winter I've already started working on my V8 Miata (replacing the cooling system & going from manual to power steering).
The BOSS (no, not Bruce) says, "One car at a time."
By the way, the gas can in the photo is full of old oil, not gas, and the wet spot you see under the gas can is water, not gas. I piled all the wet carpeting and burned top (from the IM) beside the gas can until I moved it to the next 'going to the dump' spot.
Incredible, Gary!! It's looking great!! What are you waiting for to get that thing done and out on the road???!!!.....
Ron; do you think the motor is serviceable?
Ron; do you think the motor is serviceable?
Ron,
You need to meet Wolfgang. He has a skin and engine and some stuff in his garage about the same amount of time. Actually he as A TON of stuff in that garage; scarcely room for two size 10 shoes. He posts regularly here and is a font of knowledge about parts. Trouble is, all he has is parts, and has yet to have them all rolling together. Between the two of you, I'd bet there is about 40 years of garage time. Wolfgang lives not too far from me, and it is my sworn duty to get a fire lit under him (figuratively, of course) and see if his tub can be launched before the summer.
You need to meet Wolfgang. He has a skin and engine and some stuff in his garage about the same amount of time. Actually he as A TON of stuff in that garage; scarcely room for two size 10 shoes. He posts regularly here and is a font of knowledge about parts. Trouble is, all he has is parts, and has yet to have them all rolling together. Between the two of you, I'd bet there is about 40 years of garage time. Wolfgang lives not too far from me, and it is my sworn duty to get a fire lit under him (figuratively, of course) and see if his tub can be launched before the summer.
Richardo, I've got the heads off, and they look okay. I can't turn the engine over, but it could be seized pistons in the barrels. Seems when the fire department put the engine fire out some water went through the carbs and into the heads.....then the car sat for 2 1/2 months.
The Webers look bad, but I'm considering rebuilding them. The carb bodies look salvageable, as do the intakes. Everything else has to be replaced.
Kelly, too bad Wolfgang doesn't live closer to me.
The Webers look bad, but I'm considering rebuilding them. The carb bodies look salvageable, as do the intakes. Everything else has to be replaced.
Kelly, too bad Wolfgang doesn't live closer to me.
That's great; looking good!! Could you get in touch with the Rusty Tubs people in Georgia? They might be able to sell you the rear clip. They sell the whole body for $3,495.00 as advertised in The Samba.
Since I live so close to Interemeccanica (less than 100 miles) I'll probably get a price from Henry first. The car has been relegated to 'parts only' status (by an insurance adjuster-with zero knowledge of kit cars), so I'll probably need someone like Henry (since IM built the car) to get the car reregistered for the road. If the car can't be given 'rebuilt for the road' status, I may turn it into a 'track' car. If the cost of the rear clip. interior, and top is too high I'll most likely turn the IM into a parts car. This is something I don't want to do, but I'm only willing to spend so much $$$.
Kelly's right! You fellas need to meet Wolfgang. The man's a font of knowledge and enthusiasm, and his car's been in the air for 17 years.
He's absolutely got the same spirit y'all do.
He's absolutely got the same spirit y'all do.
Attachments
Images (2)
I finished gutting the interior yesterday (wet carpeting). This morning I pulled the gas tank. I thought I'd be able to lift up the tank and grab hold of the flexible fuel line. Wrong. The line to the tank came off and fuel poured everywhere!
I've got to think of a better location for the dual fuel filters. Presently, they're located on either side of the electric fuel pump, which is located under the gas tank. It makes changing fuel filters a real PITA job. Maybe a longer fuel line between the first filter and the tank would be a good idea.....
The tank looks to be in good condition, but it's 23 years old. I'd better add new gas tank to my LONG list.
I've got to think of a better location for the dual fuel filters. Presently, they're located on either side of the electric fuel pump, which is located under the gas tank. It makes changing fuel filters a real PITA job. Maybe a longer fuel line between the first filter and the tank would be a good idea.....
The tank looks to be in good condition, but it's 23 years old. I'd better add new gas tank to my LONG list.
Attachments
Images (2)
Great progress Ron!! It looks clean now; did you finally figure out where to get the rear clip? Intermec, Vintage, Rusty Tubs?
I figured I'd better stop while there is still some car left!
Unfortunately, the car was left outside, at a salvage yard, without a top (destroyed by the fire). The interior was soaked, and not worth saving.
I plan on getting the rear clip put on my Henry at IM. Henry emailed me that he could do the job, but we haven't talked price yet.
I've spent very little money on the car so far, and I've gone as far as I can before I have to start spending REAL money on the restoration.
I need the following things:
1. rear clip installed, along with wiring, bumper and rear lights.
2. new top
3. new interior, including seats
4. a short block rebuild on the 2110 motor. If the block is not warped, I should be able to get by with new pistons and barrels and some minor parts.
5. carbs-the 44 Webers are fried. I'm seriously looking at CBs fuel injection kit.
6. new paint job-the paint on the undamaged part of the car is still in very good condition, considering its 23 years old (but the car only has 27,000 miles on the odometer).
I have a 'ball park' figure of how much I'm willing to spend on the restoration. If my rough total estimate is much higher than my self-imposed limit, I'll seriously consider parting the car out.
Unfortunately, the car was left outside, at a salvage yard, without a top (destroyed by the fire). The interior was soaked, and not worth saving.
I plan on getting the rear clip put on my Henry at IM. Henry emailed me that he could do the job, but we haven't talked price yet.
I've spent very little money on the car so far, and I've gone as far as I can before I have to start spending REAL money on the restoration.
I need the following things:
1. rear clip installed, along with wiring, bumper and rear lights.
2. new top
3. new interior, including seats
4. a short block rebuild on the 2110 motor. If the block is not warped, I should be able to get by with new pistons and barrels and some minor parts.
5. carbs-the 44 Webers are fried. I'm seriously looking at CBs fuel injection kit.
6. new paint job-the paint on the undamaged part of the car is still in very good condition, considering its 23 years old (but the car only has 27,000 miles on the odometer).
I have a 'ball park' figure of how much I'm willing to spend on the restoration. If my rough total estimate is much higher than my self-imposed limit, I'll seriously consider parting the car out.
Hope the numbers add up to your satisfaction; it would be great resurrecting it! Good luck!
Because you are using the same manufacturer, putting that clip on yourself should not be a big issue. Fiberglassing it to the front is pretty basic. You might be able to do it without removing the front half.
New fiberglass will bond correctly to old if you remove all the paint, gelcoat, etc.You can get it glassed/bolted together, then you can take it off the frame and 'glass the underside.
I guess it depends if he his giving you a break on the cost of the clip and planning on making it up on the install.
You can splice(or use complete)a standard bettle harness. Less than $100.
If you have the time(and talent)it should'nt be too hard to finish
New fiberglass will bond correctly to old if you remove all the paint, gelcoat, etc.You can get it glassed/bolted together, then you can take it off the frame and 'glass the underside.
I guess it depends if he his giving you a break on the cost of the clip and planning on making it up on the install.
You can splice(or use complete)a standard bettle harness. Less than $100.
If you have the time(and talent)it should'nt be too hard to finish
I have the time. As far as talent goes.....I'm on a LONG learning curve.
Ron, I usually like to make jokes and try to be funny, but not regarding this. What you've got there is a chance to make new again what was (sounds to me) a regret for a number of years.
Man, if you could have back that ONE toy that got away ... and it sounds like you got your second chance. I'm behind you, if there's something I can do for you. Looking for pieces, bits, whatever. I'm onboard.
This could be the coolest second-chance story ever.
Man, if you could have back that ONE toy that got away ... and it sounds like you got your second chance. I'm behind you, if there's something I can do for you. Looking for pieces, bits, whatever. I'm onboard.
This could be the coolest second-chance story ever.
Now if I can just get my 911 Porsche powered 1970 VW single cab back from the guy I sold it to.....somewhere in California.
You're right Cory, this is the one vehicle I really regretted selling, and I'm glad it's back home.
You're right Cory, this is the one vehicle I really regretted selling, and I'm glad it's back home.
I think you will be OK to try doing 90% youself. The only real jobs I would farm-out would be the engine work and paint. Everything else is a lot easier than you think.
Don't look at the complete car, just the jobs that need to be completed in a orderly manner.
This is how I would start:
1. 'glass the body back together. Just as easy as it sounds. Since you will be using a IM clip,this wont be a big issue. Because the fire didn't spread to the door jams, your job is a lot easier. Set the clip back on the frame and line it up. Use witness marks. When it's straight. Drill wood or metal 3 or 4" strip into the clip and the car to keep the clip lined up. Dont worry you will remove these. You will be fiberglassing in between these strips. after the glass dries, take out the strips and 'glass where the strips were. You will only be 'glassing small sections at a time. Once all the glassing on the top side is done, you will 'glass the underside. If you use too much mat/resin, it will start to move(gravity). Thats why your doing small sections at a time.
Look at my photo's, my frontend is fiberglass and I made it.I dont think my front is correct. I am going to cut it off(right behind the headlights) and reglass it to the correct angle. I will take pics. This will be done in the same manner as I suggest you try.
2. re-wire. If you look at a early beetle wiring diagram, these cars are very simple. You have less than 20 wires to connect. IM can provide you with a schematic(sp)so you can splice it(with a bug/dunebuggy wiring kit) or just re-wire the complete car. You could use a pre-made bug kit. Once you get used to reading the schematic, you'll kick yourself for thinking it would be hard.
3. everything else is what you would be doing if you were building a "regular" kit.
Don't look at the complete car, just the jobs that need to be completed in a orderly manner.
This is how I would start:
1. 'glass the body back together. Just as easy as it sounds. Since you will be using a IM clip,this wont be a big issue. Because the fire didn't spread to the door jams, your job is a lot easier. Set the clip back on the frame and line it up. Use witness marks. When it's straight. Drill wood or metal 3 or 4" strip into the clip and the car to keep the clip lined up. Dont worry you will remove these. You will be fiberglassing in between these strips. after the glass dries, take out the strips and 'glass where the strips were. You will only be 'glassing small sections at a time. Once all the glassing on the top side is done, you will 'glass the underside. If you use too much mat/resin, it will start to move(gravity). Thats why your doing small sections at a time.
Look at my photo's, my frontend is fiberglass and I made it.I dont think my front is correct. I am going to cut it off(right behind the headlights) and reglass it to the correct angle. I will take pics. This will be done in the same manner as I suggest you try.
2. re-wire. If you look at a early beetle wiring diagram, these cars are very simple. You have less than 20 wires to connect. IM can provide you with a schematic(sp)so you can splice it(with a bug/dunebuggy wiring kit) or just re-wire the complete car. You could use a pre-made bug kit. Once you get used to reading the schematic, you'll kick yourself for thinking it would be hard.
3. everything else is what you would be doing if you were building a "regular" kit.
Thanks bt. I plan on doing as much of the work as I possibly can. Henry will have to help me getting this car re-certified for the road. Presently, our provincial insurance corporation (ICBC-mandatory government insurance) listed the car as 'parts only'. I'll need Henry's expertise to get the proper 'back on the road' documentation, and bring this car back from the 'parts bin'.
Ron
Ron
Ron, why don't you register it as a new built kit car, rather than trying to re-certify it?
As for getting it done.....it's time and labour intensive work, but not impossible to do yourself. Getting the clip straight will take a lot of time, but again can be done.
As for getting it done.....it's time and labour intensive work, but not impossible to do yourself. Getting the clip straight will take a lot of time, but again can be done.
Ron, getting it registered as a new kit car is a very good idea. I will probably get Henry to put the rear clip on, and try to do all the other work myself. I figure if anyone knows how to get this car registered for the road it will be Henry.
Ron, you have mail on the gmail account.
Cory, I hope you got my reply. Thanks for the offer...it's greatly appreciated.
Ron
Ron
Ron:
Here's all you need to re-assemble your IM.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/1955-1980-Porsche-Speedster-Intermeccanica-Volkswagen_W0QQitemZ320062702156QQihZ011QQcategoryZ10779QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118
Cheers,
Bob
>>>>>>>>>>>
Here's all you need to re-assemble your IM.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/1955-1980-Porsche-Speedster-Intermeccanica-Volkswagen_W0QQitemZ320062702156QQihZ011QQcategoryZ10779QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118
Cheers,
Bob
>>>>>>>>>>>
Ron, I replaced the red Recarro seats that came in my 86 IM last summer. Was going to list them on Ebay but they'll be too expensive for shipping to anyone other than western Canada. Look at the photo's in my folder and let me know if they might fit in with your project.
I've also got a few pairs of the red lens for the rear lights and a couple of chrome bezels but not the complete assembly...used but pretty good condition.
Brian
I've also got a few pairs of the red lens for the rear lights and a couple of chrome bezels but not the complete assembly...used but pretty good condition.
Brian
The guy selling the IM assembly manual on Ebay needs some medication and/or be institutionalized. You can get a couple of instruction manuals here for free....
Ah my friend Rick; you missed the point. You get them free and then post them on eBay. I won't even charge for this info, but the next one will cost you mucho dinero!
Attachments
Images (1)
Brian, those are nice seats. I'll keep them in mind. Unfortunately, I'm not planning on replacing the interior for at least another year (body and motor first).
The pricing on the manual is nuts, but the manual looks WORLDS better than the CMC assembly manual posted here.
RON -- DUDE!
Here's a winner nobody's tried:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=381927
Here's a winner nobody's tried:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=381927
What, exactly, IS that thing?
That my freind is a mid engine 1949 porsche and the spare is behind the engine under the rear lid I have Die cast Model of one. that car has 2 trunks. and the engine is mounted like a Beck 550s
Wow. I'm not sure if it's cool, or ugly.....
A little odd, but then so am I. I kinda like it.
Lane -
I've heard this wine-taster's description that best describes you & me "...full-bodied and a little nutty with a musty aroma - yet strangely appealing..."
Bwwwwaaaaaa Haaaaaaaa Haaaaaa!
I've heard this wine-taster's description that best describes you & me "...full-bodied and a little nutty with a musty aroma - yet strangely appealing..."
Bwwwwaaaaaa Haaaaaaaa Haaaaaa!