Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This evening I finished up the lower side of the center portion of the dash. Then I recruited the gauges I had collected the past couple of years and decided on what I want and where I want it. I buzzed over to Checkers and got the keyed ignition switch and the rocker switches. Then I used the plasma cutter with wooden cutting patterns to cut the openings in the dash. I have been using the hell out of the plasma cutter. Very happy with the placement.

I am going to have a JVC stereo with an Ipod player mounted in the center. I am going to configure some other stuff in the center as well. Not sure yet.

I am also considering putting the Tach up top if I go with it. Undecided there as well.http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop132.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop133.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop134.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

the dash is looking SAWEET! Keep up the good work!:bow:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Dennis! It has been a fun part of the project. It is like designing the interface to the car. I am enjoying it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Once again awesome dash!! And I like the ignition key on the left...seeing that most of the briliant people in this world are left handed..:grin:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

HHAHAHA... I know bro. It just seemed more natural there. You can see where I sharpied in a location on the right, but I said fuggget. On the left it goes.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Worked on a bunch of grinding and some finish welding. Still waiting for the bigger parts to come back from the sand blaster. After the price I got for powdercoating the parts, I decided to use Chassis Black paint. So I got some of the pieces painted today.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop135.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop136.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thats Purdy:love:

you are doing some amazing work man!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks guys,
I am getting to that point in the build where it is looking like not much is getting done. It is all the widget work at this time. As soon as I get the front end assembled, I will get the car turned around and attack the driver side. A lot of detailing with the final welding and stuff. I am getting my funds together for the motor right now. Getting close. Then I will finish up the ass end of the car. Time sure has passed by these past 3 months.

Thanks again!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Awesome work.:clapping: The dash is really trick.:thumbsup::thumbsup: Over the last few years I've used Chassis Black on the transporter's suspension, motorcycle frames/parts etc.. It holds up really well.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

The list of Honey Do's was long today. I did manage to get in a couple hours. I started cleaning up the back end. I got rid of all the seals for the cooling tin valances inside the rear. It really will make working on the car so much easier. Getting the the starter and will be a breeze now. Because the Capella chop slanted the entire decklid to a new angle, I had to make sure that the rear of the apron was elevated enough before I started welding the side supports. I use a bottle jack and lifted the rear section until the gap looked good along the edge of the decklid.

I then took 1/4 in round stock and shaped it over the tire to get the curve close and proceeded to weld it to the back of the apron and the side of the inner fender well. Tomorrow I will get the sheetmetal cut and put in place.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop137.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop138.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop139.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Lookin' good, as does your bike in the background of that last photo..:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

thats gonna look good Mike! :thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks everyone,

Just scored this on Ebay. Going to powder coat it black.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop140.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I got the pass side in the back finished up tonight. It was tricky due to the complex bend. Had I been thinking when I cut it all off, I would have cut the rear clip off after the point where the inner fender well curve straightens out about where the rear apron attaches on top. The reverse curve on the upper right got tricky to get right.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop141.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop142.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop143.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop144.jpg

I also had to grab the tail light and see what it looks like. I have a bunch of old HD turn signals as well, but am trying to get to the bottom of how to make this all work with just one dual filament bulb in the light. I had considered Type 3 Side markers also on the side. I see a thread going on this topic and hope to grab the info I need from it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Tonight I only had about an hour to cut and weld. So I made the bracket for the rear pass side light. I also picked up a motor off Craigs. Got a good deal on a running dual Weber carbed motor. Needs just a bit of cosmetics, but will post a pic tomorrow.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop145.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop146.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop147.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Big day for the General, The powerplant made it home last night. I found it on Craigslist here locally built by a well known builder here. I bought off of the builder. Guy named Steve Blue. Dual Baby Webers, mild cam, 009 Bosch, sounded peppy. It is a runner. I will be tearing the sheetmetal off and paiting it all and detailing it. Adding a 1.5 quart sump to her and just overall cleaning. It has about 6 k on it.

Tonight I got the driver side rear mount in the fender well tacked in. Amazing how much smoother shit goes on the repeat effort. I also got my gas cap in today. Freaking love it. It will be painted gloss black. And I also got the tach housing fabricated for the hood. It will basically replace the VW emblem on the hood and will be bolted down to the hood with a rubber gasket between it and the hood. I am going to run a very small tach and a shift light in it.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop148.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop149.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop150.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop151.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop152.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop153.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Yes, Ding...Ding...We have a winner.:dancing:

I made it from a later model tank section. It was left over from my chopper project. I originally wanted to make a rectangular headlight out of it. Kept it around for years, found it's way into this project. Cut off the rounded bottom portion. I have an early 70's one too, but dont want to chop it up.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

wow, good call..

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I finished up the rear of the car with the transition from fender well to apron. This way I will be able to lock up the motor if I piss off my neighbors. :) It took a bit of tweaking to get this area right as it was basically just floating in mid air. Very happy with the entire transition towards the end of the car.

The brake light and running lights are done and mounted. Still debating as how to wire it with out a second bulb. I see that the trailer module isn't a cut and dry operation.

Having a difficult time trying to find a nice small tach to go in the pod on the hood locally. Something that will weather proof I would imagine. There are a couple of bug meets coming up this month, going to keep my eyes open.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop154.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop155.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop156.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop157.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This morning I had a visit from The Tinman. Always good to meet the local VW enthusiasts. We did a barter, beer for bumpers. HEHEHE. That works for me.

I spent the morning repairing the lower rust section on the heater channel. It was a mess everywhere except on the bottom. So I cut out the back section of the channel from a donor car and got all the different parts of the overlapping skins in order and welded up. Then I bent up a section for behind the running board area. I used an offset crimper to get the material up behind the bottom of the quarter panel. I have the inner curved spot on the inside of the car to finish up. Rust repair is so damn time consuming. Fortunately it was just at the ends of the channel and not into the heat tube.


I also went over to visit Eric at http://www.uberautowerks.com/ . I just discovered that there is a reputable VW shop not far from my house and shop. Convenient for my credit card company.

Pics of the outer repair.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop158.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop159.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I enjoyed a day with the family. Happy Easter everyone. Had a visitor on the property today...

After things settled down, I went out to the shop and finished up the rear drivers heater channel rust repair. Just need to throw down some seam sealer and ready to go.

Then I went out to storage and grabbed two low backs and threw them in to see how things were fitting. Basically a day of making motor simulations with my 9 year old. She wanted to take a few pics of me behind the wheel being a dork, I am always so surprised at the eye she has for the lens. I took a jack and dropped it down to its riding height. I decided to drop the pod on the hood at least the way it was due to the blocking of vision.

Here is some fun from today.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop160.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop161.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop162.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop163.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop164.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop165.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop166.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Looks like you got a good seat height / sight of view out the 'shield. I had a visitor on my property today also. I caught a neighbor kid (12-13!!) smoking weed behind my neighbors shed. The small fires in the forest he was setting is what caught my attention. Didn't come down hard on him for the smokin' cause, well....but I did about playing with fire in my woods....

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

It's awesome when the kids get involved with Dad's project.
My 12 y/o daughter is always hanging around in the garage wanting to know what I'm doing to the car. Yesterday I gave her a hand held welding shield so she could see for herself.
Happy Easter. :thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

It is cool. She enjoys sanding and she is a hell of a pinstriper for her age.

She is excited she gets a bucket seat in the back of the car. The car will a 3 seater. So I am throwing another low back in the rear of the car in center. She will probably have a few other ideas for her comfort along the way. :)

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Looking good! I like the dash and how you finished off the back of the body and trunk lid area.
-Gary

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I got the pan separated from the body. Just lifting it up high enough to make the final repairs on the front driver side heater channel area. It was messed up and went into the front bulkhead too. That was the last of the rust repair.

While I was down there, I sized up the reinforcement for the beam extension. I will make it so it is removable. It will attach to the front bulkhead just above where the two panels merge.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop167.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop168.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop169.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I have been waiting for my beam and a few other pieces that dont fit in my blasting booth to get sandblasted for over two weeks. I went to the place on Thur, and they said they would have them for me yesterday. They said a part went down on their sandblaster. I heard that too the last time. Little do they know, I have a sandblaster, only so many things can "go Down" besides the compressor. They are closed today or I would go get the shit. I'm heading there monday to pick up everything.

I hate being bullshitted by businesses.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks again for the bumpers, I haven't put them on yet (or even tried, I'm kinda lazy) but I did hold them up to the car and they look badass! Not quite as badass as the General, though :bow: As killer as it's looking online, it's so much more irl, can't wait to see it in action!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Right on Nick,
Glad you got them where you want them. It will be interesting to see. Will that center section graft work out ok? If you need a hand welding that in, you can bring it up sometime and we can splice them.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I'm thinking of picking up a welder here pretty soon, I wanna smooth the turn signals off the front fenders and french the rear turns in as well as replace some rusted out fender nuts. I've never really done any welding except with a shitty Harbor Freight welder and i ended up using a TON of bondo to smooth out those shaved doors. I may take you up on some advice or a mini welding tutorial, but like I said, I'm pretty lazy so who knows when this'll all go down.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Today I started on the bulk head reinforcement. First think is to drill out the old threads for the beam bolts. I used a 1/2 inch bit to get rid of the existing threads. I am using 1//2 in bolts. I started with 1.5x1.5 in. angle notched so the bolts would pass through them on the back side.
Then measuring the width of the front section of the body where it would bolt up, I made sure that it would attach in a spot where it would get the most out of the strength of the front panels where they were spot welded together. I took 1.25 in wide .120 wall square stock and added tabs that were later drilled out for bolts. You could simply drill out the square stock and pass the bolts through. But this is the way I chose to do it simply to not weaken it with the holes. Then drilled out the front panels and mounted the cross brace. Then using a angle finder, I calculated the angle of the remaining braces and cut them on the chop box with the proper angle. I tacked it all together. It will get finish welded when I pull the body off of the pan.

I am going to add panels with large diameter holes on the side. They will be removable in order to access the master cylinder and brake lines.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop172.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop170.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop171.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Looks familiar... can't be a bad idea. Just a little extra insurance. Nice work brotha.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Spent the day "honey doin". About 80 ft of fencing and manual post hole digging. What a freaking work out.

On the bright side, I traded a shitload of Harley parts for a running complete 69 in great condition. I will post some pics tomorrow. Just going to give this one the Cal look for my wife and daughter.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well it has been a week of great weather and me catching up on winter storm damage. I also finished up a deck off my master bedroom for my wife. She has been so patient. But now she has her own Volkswagen too. I told her as soon as I am done with mine, we will paint hers.
I had to replace the tranny in the 69. It wasnt too bad except for the tranny that I got for replacement was for a late model. Had to change out the nose cones and after I had the motor in, I realized that the motor had the wrong pressure plate on it. I went with a diaphram style pressure plate. The latemodel throw out bearing didnt need the plate with the collar in the middle. Ughhh.... So the motor came out again, this time only having to drop it to the floor to change out the pressure plate.

Put the motor back in and wired it up, it fired up as soon as I fixed all the gas leaks I found as soon as I put gas in it. UGH....shop full of gas. HHAHAHAHA. Oh well, I survived.

I am also picking up another 69 in the next few weeks. A complete runner. I am getting it for a great price. Wife OKed it. :)

Here are some of the shots from the past week. Back on to the Gen Vee this week. I finally got everything back from the blaster.http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop173.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop174.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/deck.jpghttp://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/deck2.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Movin right along :thumbsup: Looking good i really like your concept drawling for your paint .

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This afternoon I got to get the ragtop welded in. I sandblasted the section before I welded it in. Ground down the welds and have to do the inner bracing next.

I got all the rest of the front end blasted and cleaned up ready for some Chassis Black. I will spray it in the morning. Next week I will do the ball joints and then pull the body off the pan and start the chassis and finish up the remaining welding, which isnt much on the body.

I also got my sprint bars from Chirco. I bolted them up and placed the ammo can in there to see how it all fits. I need to mod the bars a bit to make brackets to bolt up the ammo cans. Who knows what the ammo cans will hold. There will be a bunch of different size cans in the car for storage. I am going to head to Lowes tomorrow to get some steel and contemplate making my own roof rack.

Now that I have the sprint bars on the side of the car, I am contemplating having the rims sent out for a new hoop. Possibly a 16 in wider rim to get the tire out there a little bit.

On another note, I picked up yet another bug. An all original unmolested 69. I got it on trade for some classes that I teach at a local Technical School. The care is complete and running. Has great patina. Just needs slammed and some nice 2 liters. I will be getting the car delivered later next week and will post pics then.

The car above is going to get turned into a baja. It has some front clip damage that will get sliced off and make the conversion a breeze.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop175.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop176.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop177.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop178.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

:bow:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I was just thinking about my next project (yeah, already thinking about the next....:panic:) and I was thinking a military themed rail, kinda like the ones in the Chuck Norris movie Delta Force, and then I remembered your theme. It's looking awesome....moving along nicely..:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I love the design work on this car. I'd like to see it as a finished paint custom instead of the military look. That arched window opening would look great with full fenders, skirts and an ass-dragging stance.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I can appreciate that. And thanks!! It would look cool custom painted with shiny paint. I have to stick with my original intentions though. I have it so resolved in my head that I can't see past the vision. I have 3 other bugs now to mess with some different looks in the future. Here is an idea for one of them. I think I may have to get a Super to pull it off they way I want. The drawing is modified from one somebody posted here I believe. I was inspired by the fender combo.

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

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

The weather has been nice, but my wife hasn't. EHHEEH. Her honey do list is long and abusive. I have put up about 110 ft of fencing, finished the deck off of the master bed room. Built a chicken coop and run.

I have been waiting on front end components in the mail this past week. I need to get it back on the ground and rolling. So I started to assemble the parts. I sandblasted and cleaned everything I could. I ordered new wheel cylinders and new pads. I had the drums turned down. Pressed in new ball joints, which was a bitch I may add. Not so much getting the new ones in, but getting the old ones out. I got some KYB gas-a-just shocks and painted them the color of the car.

I have also been finishing up some of the odds and ends on the drivers side. I wanted to wait until I could turn the car around and have the side I was working on near the fab bench. But, I could not wait any longer on parts and decided to rough it.

Here are a few pics.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop179.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop180.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop181.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop182.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

:dancing: once you get to the part where you get to play with nice, clean parts....

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

looking good! stop by the shop if you're in englewood! bringin the general to VWOTG? i'll bring some cold brews for sure

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I don't think it will be road worthy. But am hoping to have it at Bandimere. I will be at VWOTG regardless. I am going to bring my wife and daughter too so they can get some ideas for the 69 Bug I got for them.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Big day for the General Vee, I got my brake shoes in and reassembled the front end. I am waiting on tie rod ends but just dropped the old ones in place so I could roll it out and flip it over to finish up some of the welding on the drivers side. Man the front end is tight with new ball joints.

Very happy with the stance. I like the rake too. I will lose a bit in the rear with the engine, but I am going to see what it looks like before I drop it a spline in the back.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop187.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop183.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop184.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop185.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop186.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

looking good Mike thumbsup:
that list (on the general) is getting shorter :)

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Carlene,
I started off working on the front end today and modifying the bumper mount to clear the adjusters on the beam. No biggy, then mounted the bumper to the front of the car.

Then my daughter accidentally crushed one of her baby chickens. Closed a gate on it when it was trying to get out of the run. Quite traumatizing for a 9 year old. She has 10 chickens that are her responsibility. Then I spent about 3 hours driving around trying to find a replacement chicken of the same breed and age so it could mingle with the others of the same size. After I got her back to normal and calmed down I started in again.

I worked on some more welding on the inner and door on the drivers side, then I started on the roof rack. I haven't seen too many racks on V-rods, and I want my car to be very utilitarian, so I went for a modified oval racer look. I still have a ways to go, but when I am done, it should help with some down force.:chillin: I am going to make side panels with large holes in it for effect.

I used 1/2 inch Electrical Conduit. Grinded the galvanization off of the welded areas. I hate welding conduit, but couldnt find a supplier open today that had 1/2 in thin wall. I used a conduit bender to make the bends. It worked really well. You can see I started the long side bends by using the drip rail on my 69.

Oh and finally, big thanks the Steve for getting my badge!!! This buds for you bro.

Here ya go...http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop188.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop189.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop190.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop191.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop192.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop193.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop194.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop195.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I'm sure you already know that galvanize it highly toxic when welding to it . I know you said you ground it off others reading this might not . Just a heads up

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Oh ya...Completely aware. I was wearing a respirator and had the garage wide open.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Wear the respirator when grinding galvanize also.You don't want to breathe the dust.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Yup, any time I mess with it, respirator. That's why I hate working with it.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well I finally got a few of the major honey do's handled on the Learn Farm. HAHAHHA. We now have 13 chickens. I built them a penthouse. Total overkill.

I got to use some time this evening to finish my roof rack. Still have to finish weld it but it is all tacked up and finalized. It works nicely with the side crash bars. Very happy with the heavy duty turnbuckle for the clamping mechanism. Total over kill there too.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop196.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop197.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop198.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop199.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Love the roof rack! Been contemplating one for my truck just wasn't sure a Sedan rack would even fit with my shortened and widened roof. I might have to copy a little of yours and build my own.:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Brian,
I have not seen too many "racks" that I though looked sleek. Only one, but it was very expensive and could not be used with a rag. It was pretty easy with the bender I have. I am going to add some sheetmetal sides to this to give it that circle track racer look. Plus it will give me another spot to do some paint work.

You could also use plywood as a bending jig to get consistency as well. I see the repop clamps on The Samba too.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well after a week of sickness , I got back on the car. Finished up some welding. Going to pull the body off of the pan this week and start the body work.

I am going to bounce between bondo and the chassis for a while. I have a friend who is suppose to come out this summer and help with the body work, gotta save some fun for him. I will post some pics tomorrow.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Can't wait man keep it up!!!
i can only imagine with the sheer talent you have what the paint is gonna look like:thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well.... Let the party begin. :)

I got the body off of the pan over the weekend, and finished up some more of the final welding.

I am having a race to see what disappears first, the gallon of bondo, or the case of Guinness. I hope the beer wins.

I also ordered all of the brake components for the rear.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop200.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop201.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop202.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop203.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well....half way through the case of beer and about half through the gallon of bondo.:grin:

I sprayed on Slick Sand tonight over a coat of self etching primer. Then it sat out in the sun for a few hours then I came back in with a long board and 80 gt. Took a few hours to nail it but it is ready for primer.

I also got the rest of the driver side ready for mud. Finished up some misc welding and also finished up the front lower channel and firewall repair. I am going to complete the driver side including the door then flip the car around so I can do the passenger side.


http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop204.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop205.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop206.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop207.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop208.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Smoooooooth. Very nice!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

sooo nice!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

gotta love the lines of that rear window area.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Not sure if you are still looking for one but, these appear to be the the black, plastic louvers for a Beetle.

http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/AST1122.htm#

Doesn't say what car it's for but, would appear to be a beetle.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks guys. It is starting to get a bit sexy in the back.

Thanks for that link!!

That is what I am looking for. The 194 bucks is a kick in the pants though, will have to see if I can find a used one somewhere.

This is what I was going for with the rear louvers. Kind of like the Halftrack radiator shell here.
http://photos.kitmaker.net/data/1808...m/Title061.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/v3/90/599190/2/...2.P1010085.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

That 1/4 panel is looking VERY good! Can't wait to see the General finished up!
Aloha

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Dude! Thats an awsome car!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I thought that might be what you were going for. I like the idea. I always liked louvered windows but it can look a bit dated, this is a nice use.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

What do you know? 75 bucks on the samba!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=972667

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Dude!!!!! That rocks. I am going to have to snap it up.

I got the front quarter done today. Two coats of bondo, then a fat coat of Evercoat Slick Sand over a self etching primer. This will get sanded with 80 gt then prime.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop209.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop210.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop211.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Can't wait to see it in paint! :bow:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I had a set of louvres like that in the garage attic.If they are still there they are yours for the shipping.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Fantastic, I got your PM. I look forward to the pics.

Thanks!!! I will pay it forward.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Didn't see anyway to post photos in a PM so here ya go.These are flat not curved like a VW back window.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Hi Dan,
Do you know if they are specifically for a VW? They may flex over the window? They could be truck rear louvers.

Thanks!!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

They are metal.They don't flex.If you want them for the back window they won't work.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Here's one on Samba: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=972667

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Well, this past week has been a whole lot of grinding, mudding, long boarding, polyester, blocking with 80. But the roof is almost ready for primer, I just have to finish the blocking on the passenger side.

I have enjoyed the blocking with 80 on the slick sand. It really is shaping up for primer, then block again then paint.

I will get some time in it this weekend to keep it moving along. Plans are to do the body, then the hood, deck lid then doors.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop212.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop213.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

A good weekend of sweating my ass off and block sanding. Got everything on this side just about ready for primer. The hood is next. Im changing the order up from the last post. This way I can tweak the gaps before prime and paint and not have to hang them again.

At this point, determination has to take over, because all of this body work sucks ass. AHHAHAHAHA. It helps to have some good brewski too.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop214.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop215.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop216.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop218.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Daaaammmmnnnn, almost there, looking good, man!!!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I found some 11 in wide smoothies by my Father in law's place. Do you guys think it would look better with the wides or the tall skinny. Not sure. Interested in opinions.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Personally I like the way it is on your shirt drawing. Big fat ass meats on the rear and skinnys on the front. Go with those 11's on the rear, they are real cool.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I am also considering flipping the rim so the offset will give it a wider stance. Has anyone done that safely? But the wheels are cheap enough.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I'm a fan of BIGS and littles :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

When I was a teen I ran my stock rims inside out on my 61', 62' and dune buggy, looked cool, was cheap and I never had any problems.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Big-n-littles!!:love:

Of course, some military tires on tall, skinny wheels would work as well.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Gotta save some money up for the skins, but the wheels are in transit to CO. I will be looking for some decent all weather 12 in wide treads. Wish me luck.http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop219.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Summit Racing has some badass tires. MIckey Thompson Sportsman would be damn good.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Zim,
I appreciate that. I figured I would be 200 bucks a tire in the least. At least they are out there.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Oh hell I saw those Sportsmans for about $150 each. About $18 a tire for shipping I think. Ordered wheels and tires for a truck I had 5-6 years ago, they still send me catalogs.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I finished up the body work on the hood and got it in polyester. I had to fit it in between honeydoos this weekend, but happy to have it done.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop220.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Wife caught me mentioning the Honeydoos. HEHEHEHe So I am posting this for her. We painted the bare wood and cabinet doors . The last of the remodel done...till next weekend. :wacko:.Back to work on the Bug.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop221.jpg

Here is a before shot.
http://mikelearn.com/house/1/IMG_4493.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Awesome work... car and kitchen!

Can't wait to see the body all done up and airbrushed!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

I have been traveling and teaching the past few weeks. I am back on the car again. Finishing up the exterior part of the body work this week. Then I will be moving into the interior.

I have seen alot of flat drab green cars lately, so I have decided to change it up a bit. Some graphics and two tone with gloss. A little bit of red pinstripe action.

,

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

.I also did some bartering this week for a new welder, tig and mig combo.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:C...C07287.jpg&t=1


Looking forward to having tinted primer on it in the near future.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

is it done yet? :grin:


Looking good Mike!

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Not yet Carlene.....Jeeeeese.. HAHAHAHa. You little ball buster you. :)


I am getting closer though and should finish it right around the one year mark.


Today I mounted the side view mirrors and checked the look out. They are going to look great painted to match the car. Big thanks to Dennis (Ratrod2) for the Baby Turbos.
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop222.jpg

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop225.jpg
I also got the body work done on the front passenger quarter. I have the rest of the car blocked for final prime and seal.



I also busted out the tig and fabricated a bung for the factory VW fuel gauge sending unit. This is going to work out nicely compared to the clear hose for a gauge that the tank came with. It also needed to be modified on the bottom as well. I will be running a Pingel Petcock under for a fuel shut off.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop223.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop224.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Looking sweeter with every post Pale. Glad you made the right choice for bigs n' littles. I love the look of mine once I got the red wheels and tires set up proper. Rolling 14x5's front with nice touring tires and 15x8's rear with Kelly Safari SUV tires. Was surprised at how close the tread patterns match, not perfect but good enuff. Your body work is so smooth and the lines of it are fantastic! :bow: (ever think of adding a hoodbelt to it?):wink:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

that's what I'm here for :chillin:

Looking smoother! Nice tank too!
yep, gettin closer~ :thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

LOVE the new color scheme, Mike!
The red striping details finish it up real nice. :thumbsup:

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Thanks Steve!

I have been sweating with the oldies out in the shop blocking like a fool.
Got just about the entire exterior ready for primer. I will be using a tinted primer.

Here are a few shots from today and last eve. Oh..There was no beer involved either. :)

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop226.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop227.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop228.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop229.jpg

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

Smoooooooooth work bro. Sometimes beer can be a hinderance rather than helpful. At my age, I've actually drank enough to sail a boat, and been alchohol free for 2-3 years now. Still smoke those stinkin' cigs though, and don't even pull a homerolled thing out of your pocket or it'll be gone in a few minutes:stoned::funny::bow:.

Re: My concept for the general Vee
 

This past week was spent finishing up the wheel well areas and the rear apron. I also paid a lot of attention to the transition from the rear sail panel into the decklid area. That is where most of the metal work took place on the car really, I was a bit unsure how it would all taper off through the sectioning in that area, but am happy with the results almost looking factory. I got the dash ready for final blocking in 80gt then prime. The only thing left is the passenger door and the remainder of the interior panels. Prime very soon.

http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop230.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop231.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop232.jpg
http://www.rollingchrome.com/vw/chop233.jpg