So, the van is painted (all but the doors), and the engine is ready to go in. Still a bit of preparatory work required in the noisy cupboard... Split charge and tidy of the loom (the wiring spur formerly for the diagnostic socket will come in handy for towbar electrics ) Leisure battery fitted (including fitting of Ctek charger and auxiliary fuse box) I also wired up the reversing lights to the LB (camping floodlights ) and provided a cable for an engine bay light in the future. Next I needed some volunteers to assist with the engine and 'box fit. These volunteers needed to be fearless in the face several hundred kilos of VW major components wobbling around on the top of a trolley jack and also work for nowt. Where to find such helpers? No problem, I've got 3 at home... ... nearly in... Dad, it's IN! The lads were great today, even Mrs N turned up and mucked in!! My crossover has a type 4 in it for the first time, gonna start it up on the key for the first time tomorrow!
Actually, no! I can't hire them out as I believe some spoilsport banned child labour at some point. An extra pair of hands (or three) can be a godsend on days like this - engine and 'box teetering atop the trolley jack, bolt/nut/spanner/tyre lever or whatever just out of reach? - no problem with three boys on hand Good lads!
I agree I had to put my engine back on my own but another pair of hands would of been good .. engine bay is looking good
Just read through your resto, looks mint!. Great work. Although its made me want kids. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Well another big day for Dorothy (that's what we call the van) today. After mucho prepping the loose panels were all finally primed and flatted... I realised today why I think panel prep is so lame. With mechanical stuff you can see what a good job you are doing all the way through, with body stuff (if you are an amateur like me) you only find out if you've done a good job at the end. Well, that's my theory! Here's where I find out if the job is good... All looks OK apart from a run on the tailgate that will flat/polish out and a foreign liquid from above that splatted onto the sliding door. Do swallows wee? Managed to get the spring plates, diagonal arms and hubs on in between coats of paint too... Slider will need another topcoat, but overall a busy but good day in the office
Not updated for a wee while, but have been nibbling away at the list of jobs. Front doors on and built up with new scrapers, seals etc. Tailgate on and rear (heated!) screen in with new seal Engine hatch on and light fitted - lost an hour tracing the broken earth wire (which is yellow for some reason, when every other earth is brown!?? ) Rear bumper painted - again after forgetting to rub down some stopper before the paint went on last time - doh! Note the oversize bumper bolts to cover up some mis-drilling (historic, not me) as the bumper is an 'early' one bodged to fit a crossover Sliding door paint attempt #2 - flatted... ... and painted, phew! Painted the badge the 'correct' pastel white when I did the bumper Off work this week, so hoping that I can get: Brakes bled Glass in New drag link Wheels on MoT!!
Brakes bled - Yes Glass in - some... missing a seal fro the n/s/r New drag link - fitted Wheels on - yes MoT!! - not untili get the window in! Extra jobs that I'd forgotten about - adjust brakes and handbrake; fit steering wheel!; Propelled herself several feet forward and back, then stopped by her own brakes. Awesome! Looking sweet!!!
Wow - absolutely fantastic! I am about 3 months behind you - really inspiring looking at your bay - lovely
@stickman @carlperkins001 @nicktuft Thanks guys! Still lots to do, but all nice twinkly stuff! The 'covered in sh**e' jobs are all but done now. I can't lie though, getting that louvre window in was hell on earth!! A flat thing in a curved panel - what were they thinking? I accidentally used the 'F' word in front of my 14 year old for the first time ever, luckily he has the patience of a Saint, bless him. If my final window seal turns up tomorrow as promised, she can come home . Then it's Propex, interior panels, RnR, etc, etc.
Well, what could today bring? A trip to the MoT station... Ohhh, a pass! Back home for some fizz with Mrs N On the road after 15 years. Bloody hell we've done it! Lots to do interior-wise, but a helluva day