Project for the boys

[Calvyn]

Hi,

after being a quiet member for a few years and living North of the border, my boys and I found this neglected fellow in stashed in a garage.

A lot of work ahead, but will be fun and looking forward to it

[Tony Z]

that looks like its got plenty potential
good luck and keep the updates coming!

[Pine]

Nice old school find! Looks pretty solid. Just a tip - get it running first, before starting to add shiny parts

[acpaterson]

Awesome project to bond with the boys.. Nice find there, good luck.

[snoeckie]

Nice good luck with the build, another buggy gonna be brought back to life

[riaanj]

Looks awesome, lotsa fun to be had, building it & enjoying it afterwards..

[Calvyn]

Thanks for the kind words. A bit of an update...the enthusiasm in our house over this project has hit new highs. I just hope it continues as the work gets tougher.

The last week end was all about stripping off. The attachment bolts are WELL rusted so need to be cut off. On investigation, we found that the engine is a 1200. It does run but has been run by the previous owner with the air cleaner off. The body is undamaged, how ever is very badly cracked from standing abandoned in the sun. I will post some new pic tomorrow.

[Calvyn]

Back from holiday and did a bit more stripping down. There are a lot of cracks on the body. They don't seem to go all the way through into the glass. The gear box is really dirty from engine oil being leaked all over it. This is the first one that I have seen the casing split length ways so not sure what model or year it would be? Any speculation info would be appreciated!

[John Alves]

you guys are going to love owning and driving this buggy
if I was forced to sell all my cars and keep only one, I would keep my buggy

[Calvyn]

John...you are 100% correct. This is the third one that I have rebuilt and have enjoyed them all.

This one is going to be for the kids to drive when they get their licences! If they are part of the repair and rebuild, they should then have a fairly good idea on the mechanics of it and should be able to look after it and keep it running.....with a bit of over sight from dad of course!

[buggyfan]

This one is going to be for the kids to drive

Now why does this sound so familiar??? http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... tt#p266251 check last page for cllips .

[Calvyn]

This one is going to be for the kids to drive

Now why does this sound so familiar??? http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... tt#p266251 check last page for cllips .

Hi buggyfan,

EXACTLY my thoughts. I am very hesitant to let them loose in my new RANGER

[fig]

This is the first one that I have seen the casing split length ways so not sure what model or year it would be?

The split case transmission was replaced by the tunnel case in May 1959. Your buggy may have started its life as an oval window.

[Calvyn]

Thanks for the info fig. Are they as good as the tunnel boxes or should I consider replacement?

[fig]

Thanks for the info fig. Are they as good as the tunnel boxes or should I consider replacement?

Split case boxes don't have synchro in first gear; otherwise there's nothing wrong with them. You just have to ensure the car is stopped before engaging first. Some split case parts may also be near impossible to find. Split case boxes are longer than tunnel case boxes and have a totally different front mounting, so it's not a straight swap. Most of the brackets I've seen to convert the front mount to tunnel trans are steel with no rubber mount; apart from the noise that will be transmitted into the car, I would expect the nose cone will end up breaking. You may find it easier to replace the whole pan if you need to upgrade to tunnel case trans.