Aircooled VW South Africa

I decided to move away from the fiberglass header bow firstly it is bulky and with the scissor roof frame I plan to build, the fiberglass header bow wont work with my setup, so I decided to make one out of a steel tube I had the steel tube bent last week, I will then split it half along the center of tube this will give me the basic form then a bit of cutting and welding here and there I should end up with a steel header bow that fits snugly over the windshield frame unfortunately I am running out of time and will have continue in April, I also should also have all the other bits and pieces for the scissor roof frame back from laser cutting. Below is the steel tube placed over the fiberglass header bow.

Manny, it's seriously looking amazing man, and that roof bow will also be a work of art. Clearly the best looking Speedy in SA when it's finished buddy.
Have a safe trip back to work, and keep safe mate.

Alan

Looks really good. I love it when someones passion shows. Armand has always shown his passion through his work. We are very fortunate to have guys like him and many on this forum in SA.

Wernher

Great attention to detail. It's all those small things that add up to an unbelievable car in the end!

Update April 2015

Latest update on the Black Sheila engine, the CNC pulley insert is now flush with VW pulley, the original Porsche heat risers that I sourced is now securely fitted with a dummy cross bar this was used to open and close the flaps allowing hot air to be directed to the carbs in this case only a dummy, once again great work from Armand.

The engine is basically complete except for the plating of the generator, generator stand and crank pulley with insert.

Looking good!

April 2015 Update Continued

Besides trying to closely replicate an original speedster, the items I really wanted to include in my speedster build was the Fuel petcock valve, the 356 fuse block and the under-dash E-brake. Having installed an original fuel tank, placement of the petcock valve was going to be a challenge as the VW floorpan and fiberglass pedal board relationship does not closely resemble an original speedster pedal board thus the petcock valve would be directly above the napoleon hat. To rectify this issue the existing pedal board would have to be modified. I must commend Armand as he managed to resolve this issue. Steering Bracket also properly secured with steel bracket Fuel tank Straps also fitted these bracket where manufactured locally Early beetle Wiper Shafts and spray nozzles fitted

April/May 2015 Update

The one issue I had when I did a pre-fitment of the carpets I found that the replica "A" Pillar is not curved as the originals but has a sharp corner(Square Tube) and it did not look the part I asked Armand if he could look at this and again his outstanding skills prevailed to rectified this issue.
Over the next few days Armand plans to marry the body to the chassis the following pics is taken in his awesome man cave...
Check out Armand's other project the pics does not do the Superman Beetle justice but seeing in in the flesh is totally another picture.
http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... 23&t=24759

Great work there, awesome thread and photos - thanks

Nice work guys!! Hope it will be ready for the next get together. I need motivation.

Cant say at this point in time when it will be completed, I would like to have "The Black Sheila" as well as a lot more speedsters at our next meet. Many members are frantically busy trying to get their speedster's done, as the saying goes "patience is a virtue".

After many months of separation, the body undergoing major mods and the chassis completely rebuilt are now finally married.

UPDATE AUGUST 2015

Much has been done since the last update, all the scissor roof linkages have been laser cut, all the electrical wiring is almost complete and the dash upholstery recovered and the rear cowl bow manipulated to suit the body profile, again I must commend Armand for doing excellent work.

One item that I really want to include in the speedster is a fire suppression kit. I started building my own DIY kit.