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VW Lounge => General Forum => Topic started by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 03:49:53 PM

Title: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 03:49:53 PM
You all knew I couldn't stay away from VWs too long now.  So this morning I loaded up the truck and trailer and went traipsing off into the wilderness to pick up a little project. 

1964 Bus.  Got it *very* cheap (as in, I may take it on the BABE rally cheap) because, well, its a mess.  Needs rear corners, rockers, doglegs, the usual culprits.  But the floors are good.  Came with a 1600 DP that I'll have to go through and eventually I'd like to get rid of the gear reduction boxes and lower it a bit but there's alot of bodywork before that stage.

Without further ado, some pictures of a very ugly bus.

(http://misfittoysracing.com/64VWBus/busfront.jpg)

(http://misfittoysracing.com/64VWBus/busrear.jpg)

Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 03:50:14 PM
I know, I know, it looks like a BIIIG project.

But really.....
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 03:50:57 PM
It's just a little one ;)

(http://misfittoysracing.com/64VWBus/busps.jpg)
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: rockdog2877 on August 29, 2009, 04:20:56 PM
awesome!
It looks like a super hero car,
for a midget!
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: njgt-1 on August 29, 2009, 04:32:57 PM
OMYGOD!!!

2 chopped busses!
O the humanity!!!

OK just kidding, nice score hope you like pulling wheelies, looks like that one could if you lean back to far!
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 05:03:16 PM
Quote from: njgt-1 on August 29, 2009, 04:32:57 PM
OMYGOD!!!

2 chopped busses!
O the humanity!!!

OK just kidding, nice score hope you like pulling wheelies, looks like that one could if you lean back to far!

Yeah, its a bit scary right now, definitely needs to get lower.

Don't expect any heroic efforts on this one.  Its a mutant and as such I cant see springing for good correct patch panels.  Structural stuff will be done with sheet steel, the rest in fiberglass...I actually have some fun plans for the glass work.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 05:17:24 PM
Little comparo with the smart car.  There's only about 12 inches between them in the shot, its just an optical illusion that the bus is way in the background.

(http://misfittoysracing.com/64VWBus/withsmart.jpg)
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: lovebus (jack) on August 29, 2009, 06:08:10 PM
 $61$  :icon_cheers: That looks a little shorter then Tylers stubby, maybe it?s the bigger wheels. I can see you bouncing down the road now. :icon_cheesygrin:

I think the Babe cruise would be a lot to much in that,  screwey)) cool looking but after a day I think you would be saying, what was I thinking.

Yup, some sheet metal and a can or two of bondo and you will be good to go. Really not rusted more then mine was when I got it.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 06:15:40 PM
Quote from: LoveBus (jack) on August 29, 2009, 06:08:10 PM
$61$  :icon_cheers: That looks a little shorter then Tylers stubby, maybe it?s the bigger wheels. I can see you bouncing down the road now. :icon_cheesygrin:

I think the Babe cruise would be a lot to much in that,  screwey)) cool looking but after a day I think you would be saying, what was I thinking.

Yup, some sheet metal and a can or two of bondo and you will be good to go. Really not rusted more then mine was when I got it.

The photos are decieving, I keep finding more rust.  But this aint no concourse project so just solid and straight is all I need. 

The suspension will get a major rework to make it driveable.  I'm even contemplating a beam extender like the rat but just to push the wheels up to the front (not *in front*) of the bus to strech the wheelbase.  Could use some longer trailing arms like the buggy guys do to move the rears to the back.  Get all the wheels at the corners and drop it 3-4 inches and it should ride just fine.   

I definitely *wouldn't* try to take it on BABE in its current configuration, it scares the hell out of me.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: Beetleboi -Greg- on August 29, 2009, 07:11:24 PM
Sweet two club shorties. Maybe you guys can work something out with Wawa to get us free subs.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 29, 2009, 07:23:36 PM
Quote from: Beetleboi on August 29, 2009, 07:11:24 PM
Sweet two club shorties. Maybe you guys can work something out with Wawa to get us free subs.

Mebbe I'll have it done in time for Hoagiefest next year and I'll just paint it up with all their psychedelic logos :)
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: matt on August 30, 2009, 11:27:42 AM


  Looks like a fun project! need some.... oh man, what is it called that moves the vehicle up and down by gas compression?  @7@
Mind is more blank than usual. I would like to see that thing dance!  dancbanana   dancbanana   dancbanana



Matt
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on August 30, 2009, 11:51:48 AM
Quote from: matt on August 30, 2009, 11:27:42 AM

  Looks like a fun project! need some.... oh man, what is it called that moves the vehicle up and down by gas compression?  @7@
Mind is more blank than usual. I would like to see that thing dance!  dancbanana   dancbanana   dancbanana



Matt

Hydraulics if you wanna go oldschool, airbags if you wanna do it the modern way.  Trust me...I've thought about it :)  If anyone would like to donate the $1200 for the parts I'll be happy to make it happen.  ;)
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: Daverted on August 31, 2009, 08:47:19 AM
I dont think it is ugly, It is the ....     SECOND most butifull bus I have ever seen,  Right Jack?
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: lovebus (jack) on August 31, 2009, 08:51:35 AM
Quote from: Daverted74SUN on August 31, 2009, 08:47:19 AM
I dont think it is ugly, It is the ....     SECOND most butifull bus I have ever seen,  Right Jack?

:icon_thumright:
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: Mikecoast on September 02, 2009, 03:13:33 PM
WOW!
It looks like a ton of work but I'm very sure that it will be very cool when completed.
Good luck and let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: Celly on September 02, 2009, 08:24:09 PM
Jim, did you pick that baby up near stroudsburg??  I tried to contact a dude up there about a shorty, but he never contacted me.  I think this might be the one...  Congrats dude... and I think you got yourself one cool ride.... I can't wait till tyler and you show up with 2 shorties, SUPER COOL!!!!
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on September 02, 2009, 08:30:23 PM
Quote from: ykuday on September 02, 2009, 08:24:09 PM
Jim, did you pick that baby up near stroudsburg??  I tried to contact a dude up there about a shorty, but he never contacted me.  I think this might be the one...  Congrats dude... and I think you got yourself one cool ride.... I can't wait till tyler and you show up with 2 shorties, SUPER COOL!!!!

Yeah, out in Effort, Pa.  It was on the Samba.  I sent him an email and never got a reply but he listed a phone number so I finally got him on the phone.  He wanted it gone bad and cut the price in 1/2 over the Samba ad, kinda a no brainer to go get it then.

It appears there's a slight wrench in the works which will slow down progress a bit.

My team from the BABE rally is gearing up to do the "Trifecta of Crap" 3 low buck motorsports events in one year with one car. BABE Rally (www.baberally.com (http://www.baberally.com)) 24 Hours of Lemons (www.24hoursoflemons.com (http://www.24hoursoflemons.com)) and GRM (www.grassrootsmotorsports.com (http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com))   We had a Toyota celica we were building, easy, cheap and reliable.   Then I had to go and enter the 24 Hours of Lemons "Win a Wartburg" essay contest...and I won.  So now I own a 1958 Wartburg and in the interest of sheer stupidity we are going to prep that for the events instead.   Gonna keep plugging away on the bus though, almost have the whole thing down to bare metal now.

My essay and info on the car here  http://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/viewtopic.php?id=1171 (http://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/viewtopic.php?id=1171)

Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: rockdog2877 on September 02, 2009, 09:19:40 PM
Your entry was awsome , glad you won. I think!????!!!??
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on September 02, 2009, 09:36:28 PM
Quote from: rockdog2877 on September 02, 2009, 09:19:40 PM
glad you won. I think!????!!!??

Kinda how I'm feeling about it.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: Mikecoast on September 03, 2009, 09:43:39 AM
WOW (again). Jim I know you're talents are "deep" and you certainly proved it with that essay.
It was brilliant ... in a evil genius kind of way.

Quoting Jim's essay: The Wartburg, oh god, the Wartburg is nonsensical as Dr. Seuss on a 3 day meth bender, it deserves this glory, I deserve this torment.

That line stole the show for me.
Title: Re: So...Another bus
Post by: jthw8 on September 03, 2009, 09:51:12 AM
Quote from: Mikecoast on September 03, 2009, 09:43:39 AM
WOW (again). Jim I know you're talents are "deep" and you certainly proved it with that essay.
It was brilliant ... in a evil genius kind of way.

Quoting Jim's essay: The Wartburg, oh god, the Wartburg is nonsensical as Dr. Seuss on a 3 day meth bender, it deserves this glory, I deserve this torment.

That line stole the show for me.


Thank you for the kind words.  I gotta admit I dont know where that line even came from but it seems to be everyones favorite.  I think we can all imagine what Dr Seuss would sound like on a meth bender.

In slightly VW related news, we've been trying to figure out how we are going to make a Wartburg reliable enough for a 3000 mile road rally and 24 hour race and of course my answer is VW.  Its a full frame car so I can graft a VW beam on the front and a torsion assembly in the rear and mount the engine in the trunk. 

I know it doesnt sound that simple but it's so much easier than any of the other options we've discussed and at least I feel comfortable with VWs

If anyone is cutting up a Bug I'd like to talk to you about some suspension parts :)