Happy Birthday our bus is 59 today !

So 59 years ago today, our bus was being put together (for the 1st time) in Wulfsburg-Germany. The assembly started on the 13th April 1955 and was completed two days later and rolled out on the 15th.

I doubt the guys in the factory could think that in 59 years time it would be going through another rebuild process again !

So whats been happening .....

LEFT: Ive been getting the rear suspension in order, I picked up the gearbox, so now im getting the torsion arms and axle tubes in order, a lick of primer and paint.











BELOW: A panorama of the garage, shows the bus spread out into every corner, nook and cranny.

 LEFT: My notes around the house have been relocated in to one big "to get done list". The garage is now at a bearable temperature - summer is coming : )

 Our old "shakes n stuff" menu has made a new life as my action board.

Also printed out some early samba pictures for inspiration.

   

 RIGHT: A table full of small parts, gradually im understanding what the miscellaneous stuff is for.

Sunroof is now de ragged and on the floor, have to make a detailed look at whats needed and get those small parts ordered, I have heard of 6 weeks waiting time on some parts ....

Headed over to peka´s on Saturday morning, I got there at 9.30 am and Peka had been there since 7 that morning painting the inside of the bus, Looking good ; )

 

Can not wait to see it all painted up !

 

BELOW: Peka, the man with the paint!

                                                               

Was pleased to see the wheels had been de-tired and sprayed

 I cant believe how good peka has made the thin lip under dash shelf, it turned out better then new - amazing skills.

 Loving the fresh paint, bumpers look great, hope the deluxe trim doesnt give me any headaches when fitting....

 Sealing wax red gas tank : )

 Ribbed bumper is looking lush too

 Back to my grotto, here I am with the rattle can primer on the new modified axle tubes - Black final top coat.

So that's about all for now, master cylinder should turn up soon, then I can fit up some braking parts and focus on brake lines and the routing of them.

My mind is always working on 2 or 3 steps down the line, so now im thinking about brake lines, gear shift rods, and wiring.

Next up this Wednesday and Thursday is to mount the axles to the box and offer it up to the bus, I know I will probably need to remove some metal from the nose cone, and then install the bearings seals and hubs, brakes drums etc. If that all goes well I will install the front beam and fit the front disk brakes.

Soon be on its wheels and heading into the booth for the body paint.