My One owner '58 Bus - project update!

[stew 89]

Keep it as is. the paint is only original once. that bus is an institution and should not be tampered with in any unnecessary way. Keep it running and under cover. What an amazing find!!!!

[Gusto]

Hey Guys saw this bus on the weekend running and looking great, as only a split window bus can. Still driving around as only a vw can after 50years can.

That was such a find hope you restore it back to all its glory and have fun driving it.

[Lochnesh Monster]

OK, so it's a year and a bit later and here's the update on the bus.

The first thing I did was have the roof, bumpers and rims repaired and repainted in on original '59 VW white. Thanks Tibby's workshop
Removed and tossed the terrible orange indicators
Had the motor taken out and looked at. It was almost perfect! Didn't open it at all. Changed the points, condenser, plugs, plug leads and oil. Thanks Ed!
Had to remove the tank and have it cleaned out and re-lined - Thanks silverton radiators
Got new brake hoses.
Had the brake cylinders re-sleeved, drums skimmed and shoes re-lined. - Thanks Backlers brake services
Had the carb serviced, needed a few adjustments and a few bits and pieces replaced due to wear and tear. Only really needed a new diaphragm for the accelerator pump and the pump arm needed some braizing. Jets, needle & seat, float and butterflys all perfect! - Thanks Maurice Rosenberg at Auto Rosen, total Carb Guru I tell you!
New upholstery, matched as close as possible to the original. Thanks Clive's auto trimmers
New Window rubbers and all new glass once the guy at PG had warned me of the dangers of the old Armourplate Glass
New "old" VW nose badge, Thanks Fig!
Attacked the old chrome with some steel wool - wow! Came out like new!!
Lastly I had the original paintwork professionally polished and it came out beautifully! Best 800 bucks I've spent on the bus so far!!!!!! Thanks Deon!
Almost done with the new door and side panels....
All that's left to do is get the missing rear seat I need from Fig, try and fix the semaphores, maybe a radio and then....... I'm hitting the road on a road trip! Who knows to where?????
Hope you enjoy the pics!

[fig]

Looking good Nesh!

[jolas]

Seeing your thread for the first time, hells bells man, that is a lovely bus, congrats on what you have done so far, stunning !

[Bugger]

Bliks@m that is a cool find and it is looking good

[BUGGOFF]

Wow, thats almost looking brand new.

[karmakoma]

Jealous! stunning. Love it.

[GavinHuart]

I've also only just seen this thread for the first time. You are one lucky guy! I think it's absolutely perfect and I love it all the more as is. Jealous doesn't start to describe how I feel at the moment . A couple of quick questions: What is the name of, or paint code for that glorious colour? And, where did you take it for the professional polish? Desperately looking for somewhere to get the bug to... (Apologies if this is considered a hijack )
LOVE YOUR BUS!

[fig]

Gavin, the colour is L31 Dove Blue, which was the default colour for early commercials.

[1972]

I must say, it turned out to be one very nice bus!

[Warren G]

Very nice bus congats

[splitfan]

Well done ! That came out verry well indeed

[CooP]

Beuaty! My mum used to take me to school in Cape Town in a very similar one to that - brings back happy memories. Enjoy it

[Klaus]

That must be one of the nicest buses I've seen in a while !! Love the subtle resto work - too many people go over board and loose the buses character !!

Rock on and enjoy the road trip - hear theres a camp out happening somewhere next month