Gill's BUS

[Ron&Gill]

Yep, Tony was a lot of use. Without trying to kiss ar$e, he's very handy with a spanner, I was glad to have him around. The other guy that helped putting the engine in was Steve, the new owner of Blue Bird the beach buggy, Coxxie's old buggy, he's also very handy with the tools. I could not have done it without them, and Dave Rowley of course, he's also helpful to the extreme. It was very kind of him to bring the front beam to my house after he'd finished with it. And I pushed him rather relentlessly, and he delivered the good, so to speak.

[Rudi02]

What an awsome conversion. Well done and enjoy this beautiful bus.

[karmakoma]

WOW, now there is some inspiration for the lazy! Lot of work done so far (and neatly at that !)

The bus will tow just about anything with that drivetrain in there. Love the look of the new front beam as well.
Did Dave make the wide 5 adapter plates?

Keep it up

[lowlight]

I like keep it up.

[Dutch_Diver]

Fantastic Ron&Gill......really want to see in the real, I hope I will soon! Glad you are bad from the travels safely!

[Farhaad]

does that mean archie is back?

[hitlers revenge]

No! Frank's got it all wrong. Archie is still in PNG for 3 more weeks.

[Farhaad]

i think its safer to follow archies thread . dutch take two blue smarties and relax this weekend. i think the delay with rosie is stressing u out. she's in good hands.

[Ron&Gill]

Update: So the bus was still not on the road, October leave came and went (in Thailand), December leave came and went, with friends, my kids, Christmas and New Year, didn't even have time for a sidewards glance at the bus, but Oh Yes! We want to go to George in her. Phone Dave...

Dave's installed the front beam, replaced the bushes on the gear selector rod, assembled the steering (hence the panic about the AWOL drag-link) and found reverse gear reliably. He also installed the ex Ghia Huco fuel pump. Tonight he is bleeding brakes (I was kinda living it with him when I wrote my other post) and modifying one of the exhaust mounts. Then that's it, really, she's ready.

But Dave's going to see about building a towbar... Pics? Forget, maybe when I'm in George, with Chris...

[karmakoma]

Now that she is complete, how about a proper photo shoot, that sexy front suspension, interior, motor, the works.
Pretty please?

[Ron&Gill]

I will, as soon as I get the chance. I contacted VW Museum in Germany regarding the "birth certificate" and we received it last leave.

She was built on 16th December 1955 and rolled out the factory on the 17th, in primer, as was the custom of the day.

She must've left immediately for Africa as she was first registered here in January 1956.

I wonder if I can find out more of what happened to her between 17 December 1955 and end of January 1956? Like port of departure, arrival, etc. VWSA? or what was it again SAMAD or something?

[johanb]

Ron.. So there be a full photo shoot in George then (Recon you still going with the bus to George)

[Dutch_Diver]

Ron, I need the certificates for Mo & Bobbie.....how did you get yours?

[karmakoma]

Sorry for the hijack - Frank - read here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=398

[Ron&Gill]

Sorry for the hijack - Frank - read here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=398

Thanks, couldn't have answered better myself. Frank take note of the comment down below about the engine number. They will not tell you the original engine number. If you give them an engine number, they'll tell you if it is the original or not.