Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This is why dragon has two points on it's front too, has more of an evil look, I call them fangs :funny:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I had these lights around since I built my Notch back in 90's. I bought them at a truck stop in AZ on my way to the Classic in Cali. I am surprised I could still find them with premature alzheimers and all. :) I knew that they would be perfect in the overider supports.

Anyways, it takes a bit of trimming and in some cases building up contour with weld then filing back down. The first side always takes the longest. I then cut out the over rider support bracket to make way for the bulb housing. I will also weld the back of the bumperette up solid with a plate of steel. http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop57.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop58.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop59.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I messed with the distance on the overiders in P-shop. I thought they kind of crowded the lights. I will redrill the mount holes and move them in a bit.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop60.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Ok. I sectioned the bumperette and moved them in a bit. I like this better.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop61.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Will the hood open ?

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I will make sure of it when I make the mounts.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

What about rotating the bumperettes, so they face straight forward ?

Should only take a little grinding.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Ya, I agree. I was looking at how much material would need to be moved to make that happen.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Wow Steve, I am honored to be amongst such a creative group of builders!!! HEHEHEHe. How cool. I won't let ya down bro.

Do I have to sing? Or talk about how I would change the world with world peace? :chillin: Certainly do not want to see the swimsuit stroll.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Wasn't just me, Mike! You can blame it on Carlene "purplemyth", Rob "hotrodheb" and Jason "grumpy" too! :funny:

Very well deserved man... keep the updates comin'!
You can skip the swimsuit stroll though! :panic:

(but you still have to sing...)

:funny:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well thank you all. You really caught me off guard. I could have at least showered. I look forward to getting this baby on the road and make you all proud of the inspiration you all have given me. I have been patiently waiting to start my car project. I admit, I am kind of posessed at this time and momentum has been good, local micro breweries will do that to a guy.

This is what has kept me from working on my car for the past 3 years. Building a home for my beautiful wife and daughter. They know it's VW time and have been quite supportive. For those interested,

http://www.mikelearn.com/house

Thanks again Steve, Carlene, Rob and Jason. I look forward to meeting you all some time.

Best regards,
Mike

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

During the winter, things slow down around here, something about it being too cold outside I dunno~ :rollingeyes:

But you, ya lucky bastard, in a nice comfy garage :funny: You've held off the winter blues this year~ but seriously, you're just doing a fine job so congrats to you! :thumbsup:


















so, is it dun yet? :grin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

NICE!!!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy :huh: seriously though good work EARNING the CBOM. Now...... get back to the dang garage and get this thing done.
I for one will be sitting right here waiting.:chillin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Looking really good man :bow::thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks guys. I took the feedback on the front bumper. I chopped, channeled it and section the overriders. AHHAHAHA. Got the lights in too. Very happy, and thanks for the suggestions. 6 hours in a bumper. Oye. It should be worth it once it is mounted. I will get the pics tomorrow.

The lights looked great with the battery charger hooked up to them. Like a kid at Christmas. lol

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well, here is where the bumper ended up. It will spaced off the hood about 3 inches for clearance. But the shorter overriders look much better. I messed with the angle as far as I could go. I took off about a half inch off where the overider meets the blade. About as far as I could go before running into the mount for the bolt that holds it on.

I will work on the bumper mount this weekend. My band is playing out this weekend, so this will be a great way to spend my afternoons as a rock zombie.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop62.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop63.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop64.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

NICE work! :thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Front bumperette looks good and your turnsignal concept is cool! Just a thought...Did you conside using the 'european' style bumper guards? Much shorter.... Keep up the progress!
Aloha

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

congrats on the crazy bastard of the month as well.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Btw~ are you going to have clearance to open the front? or are you going to modify it to open differently?
I know it's not mounted yet, but in one shot, it looks like you have it really close to the nose :Idunno:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Al, It would have been a good idea, but I am using pretty much what I have collected here over the past few years, which includes about 5 sets of bumpers. If anyone needs some blades, come and get em.

Thank you Bigguy, I am flattered but the award.

Carlene, I will set the spacing for the bumper brackets so that the hood opens with no issues, I may get to that this weekend. I am also trying to work out how I wil finish the spare tire area and such. I was kind of waiting for the Rack to get here. But may do it so I have plenty of room to spare. The bumper may also set a little lower so I can collect some of that local road kill if times get tough. :licklips:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

:blink:
buwahahahahaha! :funny:

We had to raise dragon up cuz it was doing just that, damn raccoons and possums around here are mighty fat. Now I just catch them on the exhaust ,(if I'm not paying attn to swerve a bit) crisp them up a lil before getting them home :grin:

:funny:


ok ok, get back to work, :welder:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

congrats ya crazy bastard. I was checking out your "remodel build thread". Lookin good, I've done the same ceiling modification w/ trusses and standard conventional also (easier)

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

HAHAHAHAHAH... After all that remodeling, this car build will be a breeze. Right? I keep telling myself that.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I might have to take you up on that :hello: I'm really diggin the way this is turning out and I hope to see it someday (I'm only in S Denver). Seems like some pretty badass rods are popping up here in CO, I think when it gets to warming up, not that this winter has been very bad so far I've seen much worse, we should cruise or not cruise and do some drinkin!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

PM me or email me any time. Mike@mikelearn.com

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Finished all the welding and grinding on the sail panel and chop. Cut the inner supports so I can get in and work on inner roof and the new dash. I will be quite busy on it this week, at least 3-4 hours an eve if possible. The weekend I am going shooting one day. Got to dial in my old Enfield Mk4.

Did some more work on the bumper. It has become a major time sucker. Cut off the remainder of the front valance. I thought it may be a good idea to save it but will be in the way to work on the front end. So it is gone and am now making the brackets for the bumper that mount to the lower beam bolts and will triangulate up to the factory body mount on the beam. Then I will set into position the stock catch mechanism with a release in the immediate area. No release in the cab.

I will post pics of the progress tomorrow. Almost done, forgot camera tonight. Not going back out in the snow.. HEHEHEHE.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well? We're waiting~ *tapping fingers*
:funny:

That bumper taking time, so? it's gonna be so worth all the head turns and ooos and ahhhs later :thumbsup:

now go get the pics~

hey, it's my job~ :grin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Here ya go Carlene,

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop65.jpg

I still have to add the upper supports at this point and I will attach the latch to that part of the entire operation. The top part will attach to the the old upper body mount brackets.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop66.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

ooooo that first shot, why do I hear it heeheeheeing in an evilish tone? lol! :thumbsup:

Looking good!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

It is a bit menacing. I have spindles on order. It will get her down to comfy height. My years of scraping are over. I have to go to the junk yard and find a superbeetle steering column link too.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Finished up the bracing for the bumper and got the hood latch support started. Will this bumper ever end? AHHAHAHA. Damn this thing is a time sucker. It is sturdy as hell and will handle the largest of roadkill that Colorado has to offer.:huh:

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop67.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop68.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

heeheehee >:)

Looks sturdy enough to me!
:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I got the hood latch mounted up today. Took a bit of fudging, but now I can take it all apart and weld it up solid. The snow was melting away so I took the opportunity to pull it outside and get a better perspective on the project. Now I see I need to roll the bumper up a bit. It has a bit of a smile.

I also clear out the sheet metal around the tie rods and such. I will be finishing up the rest of the inside of the front end next. Here are a few shots from this afternoon and maybe more later tonight.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop69.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop70.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop71.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop73.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop74.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This weekend I got the dash and wiring completely torn down on the car. I am seeing some 12 v components mixed with 6v stuff. Should be interesting. But none the less, the car will have only a small amount of electronics compared to what it came with stock. It had one of those huge ass gas heaters under there too. I have a bunch of holes to stitch back up.

I have another wiring harness in another car when it comes time to putting it all back, but I have a feeling I will be simply hardwiring it from scratch.

I ordered the spun aluminum gas tank and am preparing the steering connector. I am going to keep the front section removable under the hood to access the master cylinder and steering easily with out having to crawl behind a wheel.

I will get some pics later after Valentines Day date with my wife and daughter. Not much to look at.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Hope you have a great day out too! Cuz man you deserve a break! :bow:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well after a weekend of getting rid of the dash components and the rest of the electrical wiring, I contemplated how I was going to attack the finishing of the front end. I wanted to have easy access to the master cylinder from above as well as the linkage and other goodies that would only be accessed through the side of the wheel well. More than likely with the wheels off. This also gives me more options on how I want to finish up the sides.

I measured equal distance from the back edge of the old gas tank support frame. Then I ran 1" boxed tubing across from that point. Then I cut 1/8 in steel with plasma cutter and fit it in that area. I used that thickness so I could support the gas tank at a later time with out causing any stress or fatigue failures. Then I welded it in. I tacked it at first then added 1" stitches to secure it. Welding this thick stuff is fun for a change.

After the horizontal support and the plate for the tank mount were in, I started off with a center section made of 1/16th " steel. It was a bitch to roll out. I Had to put a bend at the end where it attaches to the horizontal bar added in the tank support area. I made the bend in a vise with two pieces of angle iron and a bit of finessing with the hammer. Later I will use the plasma cutter and guides to cut in an access hatch that will seal up nicely.

After mounting the centered arch piece, I used a piece of steel that I sharpened to a point on the ends to follow the odd profile on the inner fender wells. This worked great to save alot of trimming and guessing. Doing this all in one piece didint look fun to me. I then trimmed out the inner fender well, making room for the next piece. The outer section being added between the center section and the wheel well is only 18 gauge, so it is much easier to form. Then I made a cardboard template to get the shape close then used the cardboard as a template with the plasma cutter.

I am going to pull the entire front beam next and finish up things underneath and also add adjusters to the beam.

Here are some pics from the past few days.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop75.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop76.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop77.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop78.jpg


This part of the job has been quite tedious and required so much more thought than chopping the car actually. But I think it is these details that really make a differrence in the build. I do not mind obsessing these little details too much.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Tonight I finished up the front end work. Man that seems like it took forever. AHAHHA. So, I am going to torture you guys with just a couple more pics of the front end. I am going to hold off on the hatch and access until I get the adjusters on the front end. I am going to finish up getting rid of the fender bolt holes next and cut out a few more rust areas in preparation for slicing up my parts car.

I also have the front bumper and hood latch assembly off the car for final welding. I may add a gusset or two to really over kill it. :)
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop79.jpg

Shot of the inside. Just a bit of final welding in the gas tank tray area. Sad to report I lost my ebay auction on a used spun tank. I know one of you guys got it. lol
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop80.jpg

And for the last time........ The bumper. I know there were a few threads on getting the hood latched. Hopefully this helps a bit for those who need some ideas.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop81.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Dig the bumper. What's your final plans with it...is the seam welded ?? looks like a clean joint...sorry if I missed earlier info...

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Yeah, the seam is welded up on the curved section. I have to weld up the future gas tank support tray yet. I am going to be cutting an access panel in the center section of the inner trunk area. I am also considering welding the bumperettes to the bumper and smoothing it out nicely. Everything will be paint. There will be no chrome on the car at all.

I also shaved the hood latch too. I am going to be adding an inner support to the bulkhead too when I pull the body off the pan. I have to do a few more things before that happens, which includes stocking up on beer for a few buddies to come over and give me a hand.:grin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Very nice wok there mr CBotM :thumbsup:

now back to work~ :D

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Spent the after noon welding up all those damn holes from the heater. I am going to keep going on the front. I found an old Sportster tank I am going to widen to make my gas tank. I have not been lucky on my ebay efforts finding a reasonable priced tank. BUDGET>>>BUDGET>>>>BUDGET!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Here are some shots from over the weekend. I spent most of my Saturday at the regional Spelling Bee championship that my 9 year old was competing in. She was the youngest there and got through 3 rounds before being stumped. We are extremely proud of her. She has 4 more years of competition ahead of her.

I started capping off the door window area. It took for ever to fill every damn hole left behind by the gas heater. I worked my way through some minor rust repair as well while I was in the wheel well area.


http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop82.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop83.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop84.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop85.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop86.jpg http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop87.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Oh ya,
I picked this up at a gun show this weekend. It is going to be the console between the front seats. I am going to elevate it so I can still use the emergency brake. I plan on mounting a piece of contoured MDF to it, then have it padded and upholstered. I may airbrush it too. Dunno yet.http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop88.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Damn,
Just went out to fire it up for the eve, and I am out of welding wire. :( Looks like a trip into town for the am.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Very nice! The bumper and lights on the guards are slick!:clapping:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks V8,

I went to the welding supply today and got 12lbs more of .025 and some gas for the Mig. Weeee. I also picked up some 40 gt flapper wheels for the electric grinder. Much faster than the airtools.

I finished up the top of the passenger door. Considering leaving the handles intact, but just powdercoating them to match the car. Banged out some dents in the rear quarter on that side. Then welded up the fender bolt holes on the rear passenger side as well. I am going to tack the upper door frame welding next.

As soon as I can get a hand moving a 58 from around back, I am going to tack the the cowl conversion. I am considering peaking it while I am there. Not sure.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop89.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop90.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop91.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Oh ya, I went throught a box of parts I got years ago when I bought a shell of a car. I found a 3000 RPM VDO tach. It looks VW. Any clues as to what it belongs on. I plan on being able to do more than 3k. :)

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I brought around the old carcass I had in the back of the shop. Pretty solid car. i feel bad chopping it up for a few scraps. It is 59 I believe. I am going to chop out the cowl and windshield, wheel well chassis mounts, and the forward sections of the drivers side heater channel. If anyone in the CO area needs something off of it or if you want something shipped out, let me know. The aprons are not bad shape.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop92.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop93.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

A couple of VDO guages I found in a box. I have never seen a 3k RPM tach before. http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop94.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

My guess would be diesel. My dodge red-lines at like 3500rpm.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Your green parts car isnt a 59, the under hood area is later

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks spraybomb. I will reference the numbers tomorrow. Its going to be a bunch of sections soon. So I guess the year is unimportant. I was guessing the year from the fenders that had beeshive taillights on it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/Untitled.jpg

Times a thousand. U/min is basically german for RPM but what would base line at 2k :Idunno:



[edit]
*blink* :stupid:





Yay, Fail again. It's been one of those days

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I have to tell ya Ace, I dunno on this one.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

It's an oven timer...:funny:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I plead the 5th, or at least temporary stupidity. And on that note, I'm going to hide

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

interesting gauges...When I still had my 1965 Vw Fire bus (ex-German fire dept.)I had 3 VW powered water pumps(exGerman fire dept.) and a VW powered generator...all had vdo tachs with lower RPM readouts....just a thought, maybe yours is from an industrial engine?...
Aloha

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Lookin good!! You couldnt resist not changing that windshield could ya! I'm glad I did mine!!
-Gary

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

You are right Gary,I have to. I am considering splitting the frame into two separate sections and peaking it in the middle if there is enough room to create a peak that is around 2 in offset from the end points. I have a bunch of measuring to do before I do any cutting at all. This way I could blend it into the existing cowling with out haveing to remove the entire cowl. I would just be building on top of it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Spent the morning before Olympics Hockey finishing the upper door window frame. I removed the headliner attachment that is spot welded to the upper roof section. Then I took round stock and fit it in the gap between the door frame and roof. Then I tacked it in place. After that, I cut a filler piece for the old glass section in the upper door frame. I still have a bit more fill welding and grinding to do. Now on with some hockey!!!


I also spent some time today sizing up the early cowl section and windshield area. Here are a few pics.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop97.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop95.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop96.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

There is something special about welding above your head. It is a sure way to get rid of back hair.:panic:

It is these mundane quite uncreative parts of a build that I think we all look forward to. I am methodically putting them between the fun stuff. You probably have noticed, but I am attacking the car one side at a time after I finished the chop. I get frustrated tripping over all the air lines and grounding cords.

I finished up the upper right front area. All the slices and relief cuts for the capella chop are now completely sewn up inside. If I feel that dam emergency brake and the seat tracks digging into my back side again........:yelling:

I also got the preliminary cut made for the rear inner sail panel. The plasma cutter was used with a cardboard template for a quick pattern cut.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop98.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop99.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I went out with the cut off wheel and took out the rear mount section in the wheel well on my spare car body. I had a biotch of a time getting the old screw out of the project car. Lots of soaking and a little heat and it gave way after about an hour of soaking in lube. Spent some time getting the piece trimmed up and in position for a good close gap. I will weld it in tomorrow along with the inner sail panel.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop100.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop101.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop102.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop103.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I finished up the body mount and then I cut out some of the rust areas around the end of the heater channel. The under side is in great shape, but there were some problem areas at the end. The drivers side is worse and may require a section off the parts car.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop104.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop105.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop106.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Here are some pics of the tank and rack. I am going to paint it up when the time comes, perhaps a little airbrushing on it.

Also the rack in progress.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop107.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop108.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop109.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Today I only got about an hour in on the rod before my buddy came over with his motorcycle that needed some hacking and welding. Spent most of the day looking over at my car making a plan of attack for Sunday.

I did get some drawing time in this evening sitting down and came up with this Ratfink inspired drawing. I have some shading and stuff to do on it, but am done for the eve.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/VOlksRod_01.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

THAT'S RAD! Always the art critic(kinda my job)...since it's the "General" Vee...how's about some General's Stars on his helmet.....think Patton...2cents..
Aloha!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Cool pic Mike! I like the 'bars' on the helmet now :wink:

:funny:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

:bow: That has to become a Tee Shirt!!!:bow:
freaking awesome man I love it !!!!!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

TEE-SHIRT!!! Hell YESSSSSSSS!......large long sleeve black please! That doug...he's always thinkin! I'm sure Steve'o would agree too....Steve?

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I spent most of the morning fitting and welding up the inner sail panel on the passenger side. Then disassembling the entire dash getting ready for the mods to it. I am debating as to what guages I will be running. I am thinking of keeping them all down the center of the dash. I will make a center type of console to house the components.

I found a balljoint beam on Craigs in good shape. 30 smackers and it was in my truck. I am going to put the adjusters on this one then dump the one I have. I also finished up under the hood. It had a huge gaping hole from the heater that needed dealt with.

I am just about done with the passenger side, time to flip the car around after I finish up dash. Still sizing up the early windshield frame.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop110.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop111.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop112.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop113.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Oh ya, I got this off The Samba. I am using alot of wood on the inside. I will be blasting it with all kinds of fun designs.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop114.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Got a few items in today for the beam rebuild. Bushings, adjusters...etc. Still waiting on the balljoints. I ordered a Scat Shifter. The same one I had in my old Notchback. I loved that thing. Had to have one for the General.

Tonight I made a plan of attack for my dash and side panels. It will be a mixture of wood, and Woodland BDU ripstop fabric, I am also considering a mix of powdercoated aluminum diamond plate for inserts here and there.

I head off to Cali for a business trip this week and am going to hit a few stores while I am in SoCal. Look out credit card. :)
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop115.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

That dash concept looks awesome..after seeing your remodeling woodworking, I'm sure your interior w/ some lumber is gonna look sweet. I also freaking love a hinged 'shield. I would love to do that...kinda tuff with a curved Super shield I would imagine though :crybaby:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I just got back from 5 days in Kaleeeyaforneeeya working on guitars. Good to be home.

So with an hour of extra daylight...Weeeee!!!! I am so happy about that. I went forward with the gas tank. It worked out just the way I had hoped. I had to space it up to get it through the hood just right. Took a bit of messing around but very happy with the results and should get plenty of miles out of it. I am going to see about getting a stock fuel guage sending unit in there. If not, it has a rubber tube on the side of it for a quick visual.

I also sanded down and made the wood repairs on the Superior 500 steering wheel I got of the The Samba. The rivets got sandblasted to determine how badly they had deteriorated. They were not presentable, so I filled the front holes with black epoxy and then sanded it down and followed everything up with a shitload of Danish Oil. I am going to paint the chrome section of the wheel that was badly rusted. The Horn section needs springs, should be easy to adapt some.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop116.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop117.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop118.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Making progress is always nice. My boss has a wood wheel sorta like yours, only there's no dish to it at all.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Carlene. I actually started drinking Guiness about 3pm and decided it was good motivation to install adjusters into my beam. That was fun. If they made those the exact diameter as the beam, it would be so much simpler.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop119.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

If I'm not mistaken I belive you have the adjusters mounted incorrectly. The flat plate part of the adjuster (with the jam nut welded to it) should be square to the bottom of the beam.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

The directions I had stated that the pinch bolt inside the spring retainer should be at center with the stock location of the beams original pinch bolt. It would lower it from that position.

If I am incorrect, fortunately, it is just tacked. I will blame in on the Guiness. Love these instructions. Right now I have it set so that when the spring collar is at its normal height, it all the way against the set screw. Then It is adjusted to lower from there. But I can see where it would work the other way.....Ugh.. I see now that under weight, it needs to be the other way. But at the position you suggest it appears that it would be lower than stock to begin with, making it exceptionally low, which I do not want. I want stock height beam and then lower from there. I have seen guys advance the rotation so their car is really in the weeds.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I am having a difficult time finding that type of adjuster installed on the beam. Anyone have a shot of their beam with this type of mech on it?

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

They look to be upside down, the aluminum adjustment block goes to the top side of the tube.
Look in my photo album for a photo of them installed.:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thank!! I can see that now. Fortunately I didn't weld them all the way in. EHHEHEHE. Is the rotation relationship the same on a balljoint and linkpin beam? Now if I can find the relative position to weld them in at. I marked the center of the pinch on the old beam section. I will have to read the damn directions for the 50th time....

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Found one.http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classi...ix/2158692.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Those adjustment slots look like they are longer thus giving more adjustment both ways...you mentioned you didn't want it really low so take your time and make sure that's what you want before it's all welded shut..... JMO

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Ya, I want it to ride at stock height and the lowered from there, I am not wanting to set it up to have a drop by rotating it before i weld it up.

Thanks!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Maybe with the adjusters lose you can reinstall the spring pack and trailing arms to get an idea of how you want it to sit. Then weld the adjusters in. I know that the trailing arms will not have any weight on them but it still might give you an idea. Maybe compare this one to a stock unladen beam? :Idunno:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

For a reference, cutting and turning the stock grub screw a 1/2" will give you about 2-2 1/2" of drop or raise depending on which way you turn it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks for the ideas guys.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Yeah I bought a new beam with adjuster factory installed. The way you have em welded is upside down. No worries though they just tacked in. My beam will be finished tomorrow I can take some pics if ya want reference shots...

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Glowstick,
I had some help from Double D. I have them all welded in now. I am presently disassembling the beam that came off car and assembling the pieces.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

No problem man. Get ready to get dirty. It is way easy to get it all apart but getting it back together is a bitch. Have some vice grips and some zip ties ready hahaha

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I got things tore down and am fitting things back together prior to powdercoating everything. Weeee. I pulled the inner beam bearings and installed the urethane bushings. I put the arms in the blaster and cleaned them up. I will attack the other side tomorrow. I will separate the backing plates and brakes and get them ready too.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop120.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I spent most of today stripping down the old front end and getting everything ready for sandblasting and powder coating. Surprisingly, the brake components were in decent shape. I had to cut the headlight mounts off the beam that came on the car and then transfer the mount to the new beam. I assembled the entire beam loosely to make sure everything fit properly. Springs...etc. Then tore it apart.

Then I cut out the dash section and started with my dash modifications. This was fun after being up to my neck in grease earlier in the day. In fact, I just slid around the shop all morning.

I used the plasma cutter with cardboard templates to get the patterns transferred to the 18g metal. I also mounted my Scat Shifter and made Vrrrrooom Vroooom noises for at least 15 minutes prior to welding it all up. I needed to make sure I had the clearance I needed not to stuff my knuckles into the dash. All is well and started to weld it up. Tomorrow eve, I will finish up the side sections and then do some more measuring and filler panels for the dash.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop121.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop122.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop123.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop124.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop125.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop126.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop127.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Wow Mike, you been a busy guy! :thumbsup:
Gittin er dun !

(is it just me or do your pics all run off the screen? :Idunno:)

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

They are only 800x600 Carlene. I didn't think they would be a prob that size. I can make them smaller in the future if it is an issue. I have my monitor set for hi res.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

no, its not the size, you have all the links side by side lol!

I fix~

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Dunno how the hell I did that. I will be sure to double check it next time. Thanks for you assistance there.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

nah, no problem , I see links only, but dbl check in another window, I think ya was just in a hurry and forgot to hit space lol!

800x600 is good too :thumbsup:

the dash looking good!
so is it dun yet? :grin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I got the very first part of my car painted tonight. More vrooom vroom noises to follow. HEHEHe. It is almost as cool as my old Empi wheel I had in my Notch. I like it. I am painting the horn and column spacer too. In fact. Anything that is black on the car will be gloss, and the drab green will be a Semi or Flat sheen.

I finished up the top part of the dash this eve. I am going to tie it in on the lower section and then make the arrangement for the gauges. Very happy with it so far. The plasma cutter made it happen really fast.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop128.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop129.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop130.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop131.jpg