Skilpad II, 74 Autovilla
Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 7:21 am
Ever since we bought our 74 Autovilla about three years ago, it's been the top of the pops among our campers. Although we've used it for a Kaapse Kombi Kult konvoy and kamp-out at Mountain Sanctuary Park, as well as driving it to AfrikaBurn twice, Skilpad II, as we've named her, had a few issues that needed to be dealt with.
First was serious rot in the frame due to water ingress (PO parked the car outside in MP for 8 years). So we sent her to Caravan Academy in Krugersdorp, who did a great job of peeling back the outer skin and replacing rotten timberwork, as well as completely rebuilding the side door and resealing the caravan body, and for a great price.
Next, I commissioned IMPI to build her a custom engine, based on a type4, but with bigger bore (96mm Keith Black pistons), hotter cam (Web 86) and fuel injection system from a 2.1. That engine is now built and ready for installation.
While Armand was busy getting the engine together, we sent Skilpad to Pierre at VDubTech, where he supervised some rust repairs around the windscreen and in the doors and the cab, and oversaw the bus being repainted in a new colour combination of our choice. I debated a long time whether to leave the bus in standard Jurgens khaki and white or whether to go with a custom colour combination. Most (all) of the Autovillas I've seen in custom colours have looked like shite, but eventually we settled on dark olive green below, with original Jurgens khaki above, and white roof and bumpers.
We're very happy with the outcome. Well done Pierre!
With hubcaps:
After decades of being seen as the ultimate "old fart's car", Autovillas have finally started to attract attention among ACVW bus people and collectors. I always thought they're super cool!
Skilpad is going to IMPI this week for her new engine installation. We can't wait for our first road trip and camping expedition in our "new" camper!
First was serious rot in the frame due to water ingress (PO parked the car outside in MP for 8 years). So we sent her to Caravan Academy in Krugersdorp, who did a great job of peeling back the outer skin and replacing rotten timberwork, as well as completely rebuilding the side door and resealing the caravan body, and for a great price.
Next, I commissioned IMPI to build her a custom engine, based on a type4, but with bigger bore (96mm Keith Black pistons), hotter cam (Web 86) and fuel injection system from a 2.1. That engine is now built and ready for installation.
While Armand was busy getting the engine together, we sent Skilpad to Pierre at VDubTech, where he supervised some rust repairs around the windscreen and in the doors and the cab, and oversaw the bus being repainted in a new colour combination of our choice. I debated a long time whether to leave the bus in standard Jurgens khaki and white or whether to go with a custom colour combination. Most (all) of the Autovillas I've seen in custom colours have looked like shite, but eventually we settled on dark olive green below, with original Jurgens khaki above, and white roof and bumpers.
We're very happy with the outcome. Well done Pierre!
With hubcaps:
After decades of being seen as the ultimate "old fart's car", Autovillas have finally started to attract attention among ACVW bus people and collectors. I always thought they're super cool!
Skilpad is going to IMPI this week for her new engine installation. We can't wait for our first road trip and camping expedition in our "new" camper!
