Type 3 VolksRod

[jaransonT3]

OK....not much luck casting the J2 emblem in pewter. Going to need a two part mold and a thinner emblem. I made a new master part and poured the first half of the mold tonight. Will see how it turns out tomorrow.

I also completed the rear quarter panel trim cards this weekend. Same basic design and procedure as with the door cards.







I even through a couple of the panel clips on and put them in the car...



I like it! Of course, I still have to steam out the wrinkles and modify the door handle strap that hooks to the inner door sheetmetal. Getting close though.

[jaransonT3]

Started on the modifications to the front beam for the air ride tonight. Mostly just getting metal out of the way for the control horns and bags and such...





I also tried doing a little turning on the splined stub axle. It is hard stuff, but it did turn down. I need to get it down to a press fit inside the trailing arms.

I will be adding a brace back in to replace the lower tube that I cut away. Don;t want to go to all the trouble to stick with teh heavier Type 3 parts and then compromise the strength of the beam housing.

[notched]

Can't wait to see this beam finished!

[Unkl Ian]

Franken-Beam.

[jaransonT3]

Planning on doing some wooden mock-up work this weekend on the beam so I can get the design details worked out before I start cutting steel.

I cut the frame head off an old pan and have it mounted on one of my engine stands so I can bolt the beam to it along with the steering box and other stuff. Hoping to be able to build the whole thing up on the stand and then transfer it to the Sled.

Just need to find the front beam clamps.....hhmmmmm...where did I put those things???

[jaransonT3]

Got back to the Sled today....at least a little bit.

First I cleaned it all off. I had been using the hood and roof as a flat surface and had way too much crap piled on them. So I get the tools put away and the parts re-stashed, and the garage thrown out.

Then I got the shift rod and bushing reinstalled along with teh coupler to the transmission. I also got the shifter with the short throw kit installed.

Small steps, but progress none the less. It felt good.

[jaransonT3]

Spent a few hours on the Sled today.

I got the headlight trim rings trimmed to fit inside the eyebrows on the fender. I decided to go with the stock (just trimmed) rings and headlight location rather than the inverted trim rings and recessed headlights like I was originally thinking. I think they work nicely.

I also welded up the last few holes and did some hammer and dolly work and some grinding on various spots. The front fenders are now ready for some acid etch and then a quote of MasterSeries on the inside and epoxy sealer on the outside. Then then it will be muddin' time....at least for the front fenders.

Here are a few pictures....

[Unkl Ian]

Excellent.

[1slo3]

Always getting better!

[jaransonT3]

I updated the my renderings for the Sled last night. They both now reflect the latest design and color direction. Now I just need to get out in the garage and make it look like this...

[V8Transporter]

She reminds me of a really clean '55 Merc custom...only cleaner. Bravo!

[V8Transporter]

And I have to say that you're providing me with inspiration and ideas to continue on the 4.5 gallon fuel tank I've been building for my Café Iron Sporty. Thanks!

[ThrasherBill]

Is it done yet?

[1slo3]

Bill, your back! Ah, that explains it ;)

[KK916]

How's this thing coming? I'd love to see more! I didn't come out of hiding for nothing!

[jaransonT3]

Unfortunately not much happening on the Sled lately. Hard to get motivated to go out in the garage when the temperatures are in the single digits or below zero. Even if the heaters get the air in the garage to a reasonable temperature, all teh tools and steel and concrete floor are still freezing cold. Another month or so and it will start to warm up enough to get back to it.

I do plan to make a run down to Toledo to the foundry to get the side trim pieces cast in aluminum in the next week or so.

Other than that....stay tuned. I will finish this car.....

[jaransonT3]

Have started chipping away at the Sled To-Do list again. I got all of the welding and grinding and bumping done on the front fenders. A couple of days ago I acid etched the inner surface...


then I broke out the MasterSeries...


and got a couple of coats on the inside surfaces of the fenders.


Next step on them is to acid etch the outers and then got all the surfaces in a coat of epoxy primer. Then they will be ready for the final mud work and finishing.

I do need to drill the trim attachment holes to the right size on both fenders before shooting the epoxy.

Progress.....slow for sure, but progress.

[JiI]

Nice seeing your razor in the latest Hot VW's. Didn't hurt that Dave was covering it...
Jeff

[jaransonT3]

I got the front fenders and the hood in epoxy sealer today.





I have a little bit of work to do on the underside of the hood tomorrow and then I can bolt them back on and start slinging mud....at least on the front third of the car.

I need to do a little more welding and grinding on the dash and doors before I can get those in epoxy. And then there is still a bunch of work on the rear fenders to do.

[1slo3]

Good to see progress again John!

[psychopork]

love it man!

[vwhabit]

WOW John! It is looking nice! It is so going to be worth it when you drive it for the first time! Color me impressed!

[OB'S Customs]

Any updates?

[jaransonT3]

Unfortunately not much has happened in the last few years. She is waiting patiently int he garage for me to get back to her. Someday...maybe soon.

[alykat]

Glad you still have this ride !