Project Myrtle: Jim’s Baja Bug Build

Discussion in 'Restorations' started by JamesLey, Sep 8, 2019.

  1. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    The ends of the front engine bay panel had rusted through so I grafted in two new ends.
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    All removed from the car for a coat of epoxy.
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  2. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    I had to remove the brake fluid reservoir mount to properly repair the arch. While it was off the car I shot blasted and epoxied it.
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    All welded back in now.
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    rstucke and paradox like this.
  3. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    I stupidly drilled holes in the wrong panel so had to weld the fuel filler recess from inside the boot. About as comfy as it looks!
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  4. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    The metal behind the washer bottle panel cleaned up quite nicely and only needed a small repair in the end. Rust treated with bilthamber deoxgel and hydrate80.
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    New washer bottle panel clamped, welded and ground flush just as my grinder died (new brushes I think).
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  5. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    A very wet day yesterday cycling to and from the workshop.

    I did manage to pretty much finish up all the last little repairs to the N/S front arch though. The O/S isn’t as bad as this so shouldn’t take quite as long!
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  6. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    Nice job on some fiddly little repairs there mate. :thumbsup:
     
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  7. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Cheers matey.
    The seal channel wanted a body cut really, but as it's a baja it's definitely good enough for what I need.
    A shrinker/stretcher would've been a great help too! :confused:
     
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  8. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Full mockup of the baja front panels yesterday. I’ve a bit of trimming left to do but it’s just about where I want it.

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  9. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    gonna look great when your done Jim :thumbsup:
     
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  10. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Can't wait to see it on the road. Still really enjoying this build though which is nice.
    Hopefully will be doing some tube welding in the next month or so making up the nerf bars and front and rear bumpers.
     
    Lazy Andy and paradox like this.
  11. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Should look great when they are finished!

    Keep up the good work, I am enjoying something different and watching this build progress :D
     
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  12. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Finished trimming the front for the nose piece and added some rivnuts to hold it on. The nose fits really nicely now.
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  13. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Hi Jim,
    Do you have a pic of approximately what you're aiming for - the overall look?
     
  14. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Heavily influenced by this one. So going for an overland look.
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  15. I like that!
     
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  16. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Decided the baja needed a custom headliner. The old one was in ok condition so I made a nice template from it in hardboard.
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    And the new headliner all stitched up in the same fabric as the rest of the interior. Lovely stuff.
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    rstucke, MorkC68, paradox and 4 others like this.
  17. Hopefully, some winter inspiration for you, Jim. We'll, I liked it when I spotted it on Instagram :D I am almost certain it's a Tamiya, but it looks sooo cool.

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  18. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Love it!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  19. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Starting to template out a new wiring loom for the bug as a little home project (one of the previous owners chopped the loom in half when repairing the quarter panel).

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    I'm adding a few additional bits to the loom, is there anything else I should perhaps add?
    • Electric Windscreen Washer Bottle.
    • Hella spots (of course!).
    • A few additional wires to the engine for some further gauges.
    • Stereo.
     
    rstucke, mcswiggs, vw newbie and 3 others like this.
  20. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

    Not sure if these are on your original loom or not.... Electric fuel pump, engine bay courtesy light (probably less necessary on a Baja than a bus!) heated rear screen, Rev counter, oil temp, Acc cable for an amp / other accessory
     

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