Retrovan's 1968 Fastback

[Tony Z]

riv-nuts - same thing

[retrovan]

Today the gearbox was drained, the axle dust cover boots fitted, and the gearbox filled with sae85w145 gl5 final drive Castrol oil.
The stub manifolds went in and the balance/ideal bridge pipe was also fitted, after modifications.
Had to make up the joint accelerator shaft, with settable connector shafts to the two carbs, make up a cable bush, and connect it to the shaft, with adjuster.
Will also be modifying the bus filter box to fit into the Fastback engine cover.
Not sure on the condition of the carbs, but will try to start the engine tomorrow.
Few things to do 1st,
Till than.
Herman

[retrovan]

Got all in,
and connected all the wires,
and fitted the coil and voltage regulator,
and blocked the left tappet cover breather, as I have a top breather now,
and fitted the accelerator cable, after making a "through tin " bush.
Tried to start the engine, and.....

She's alive........


Well not really, only half alive as she was running on the left bank of pistons only.
The right carb is not working, so... off it comes tomorrow......

Herman

[Pine]

She's alive........

That is the most important thing - good feeling, isn't it?

[Tony Z]

Good news. Glad it runs.

5 min down
next step - 5km
then 50km

Good luck with the upcoming landmarks

[retrovan]

She's alive........

That is the most important thing - good feeling, isn't it?

The thrill of it trying to run, and the frustration of it not running right, screws with the giros.....
Had problems with both carbs, took them off and re-worked them, put them in again, and the other side gives , Stripped it, and re-worked that one, refitted, and again the other gives me
But alas, what ever I done, would not make the car run......
I could swear that these carbs are perfect, have checked them 4 times each......
So I took the exhaust off, to see if the back pressure had something to do with it, now you have to remember that the engine has not run, the carbs are suspect and do not know how many guys had F#CK around with them, the engine was a Fuel injected system, so totally in the dark with a hand full of variables.......
On taking the exhaust off, what do I see, the right is to rich, and the left is wet.
Removed the NEW champion Spark Plugs, and test them, as always, One is DEAD, I HATE Champion Spark Plugs, always, every time I try them, one will die in the VW.
Replaced the Champions, and Hey! Presto!....... She's Alive ..Really Alive.....

Now I have to fit the "Paint Drum Seat" and take it for a drive, Yes the 1st 5 Km trip, no windows, no seats, on seat belts, but off on a road trip we will go........

If all goes well, we will start with the Interior.

Good news. Glad it runs.

5 min down
next step - 5km
then 50km

Good luck with the upcoming landmarks

Thanks guys, this is truly a great day..

Herman

[Tony Z]

AWESOME!!!! Well done.

[calooker]

The manifolds? correct ones?

[retrovan]

The manifolds? correct ones?

HELL ! YES !....
Thanks Calooker, Yes they work perfect, with the 34 PDSIT -2/3 carbs, they snug nicely into the engine compartment, and will be testing Pancakes, if they fit, or even modifying the Van Filter unit (dry element) not sure which way to go yet.
The Pancakes will look COOL, but the Van Dry Element Box will work well.(need to reduce dirt box slightly)
Tell me, as I have so many of these carbs, in total disrepair, where will I be able to get kits for them, Gaskets, all the jets, may be even the electrical solenoids, two small and the idle big one.???????

Thanks again guys,
Herman

[calooker]

Gasket kits are still available local, the other items too. Carb spares places should have or can get them.
If you don't come right let me know, got 4 gasket kits last year

[retrovan]

Hi Guys,
Here are a few photos of the engine in place and all working.



As can be seen from the photo, the left carb has the Idle towers on it, so no Pancake filter will fit without MAJOR modification.
So have tried the STD Van filter box, and it sits well, only the dust box, under the paper element, it is too big to fit. SO....



I will be cutting a section out of it, just under the paper element, and re-assembling it again so that it fits into the space seen here....



Once that is done, I will be neatening up the wires, and pipes, so the engine compartment looks tit.

Till then

Herman

[hitlers revenge]

Herman, what is holding your coil in place???

[retrovan]

Herman, what is holding your coil in place???

FAITH............ .
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. Sorry, could not resist,....... (its out the system now..)
Just joking

No, I drilled and tapped it into the casting, as there is a thick section there.
The voltage regulator is also drilled and taped. (silver box to the right)
Wanted it on the engine, so that all move together, but as you can see, the engine compartment is getting a bit voll jong... Still want the lid to fit.
When I clean up the wires, you will see what I mean, Its all fitting very nice, and compact.

Herman

[sean]

Congratulations on getting it started.

There is the original mounting point just to the left of the coil, or were you missing the original bracket?

Are the carburettors happy know or are there still issues?

[IMPI]

Hi there cool mile stone
coil fits in std location on a type4 into type 3 as well
The regulator might not last there they were removed from the engine compartment for a reason
Armand