Kubalwagon build

[pflaming]

We are in Maine, so can only reflect on what I've been doing and mull over other possibilities. For example, the VW Bug I bought has an engine and transaxle that were operational when parked, which means, a tune up could wake up that engine.

 

That said, I could tune up that engine and transaxle, put it in the "Empi " frame, fix the brakes, wire it in a minimal manner, put good tires on it and have a driver.  Upon our return, I may just do that.

 

Maine with its clear blue rivers and lakes, rain washed flora, and roads that still follow the deer trails upon which they were built, is a very enjoyable place to relax. I really enjoy it out here. 

Edited June 22, 2018 by pflaming

[kencombs]

Paul, have a look at this:

http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttales&th=214885

Nice EMPI pics

[MackTheFinger]

On 6/22/2018 at 7:56 AM, pflaming said:

I could tune up that engine and transaxle, put it in the "Empi " frame, fix the brakes, wire it in a minimal manner, put good tires on it and have a driver.  

 

That would make a nice weekend! 

[pflaming]

Mack, back home and focusing on the Empi (Kubalwagon) to make it a barebones driver and sell it Aug 17-18 at a huge dune buggy reunion at Pismo Dunes, just two hours from home. It's 105 outside and will remain there all week, so only some morning hour work. I brought the carburetor in the house and I'm studying how to rebuild that. It is many times more complex than a Carter B3B. I may just soak and clean and not disassemble it beyond the top off. 

 

Edited July 18, 2018 by pflaming

[greg g]

https://www.classicvwbugs.com/2013/12/18/classic-vw-bugs-how-to-express-clean-restore-rebuild-beetle-carburetor-carb/

[pflaming]

Greg, TKS, saw that and others. I think I will soak it, air out the ports from the top but not disturb the bottom. I only need to get the engine running, it won't need to be fine tuned. Since I won't disturb any settings, it should work. 

 

greg, been looking at the video,  like it. After viewing the video a couple mor times with the carb in hand, I concluded this is a doable project. So it is now loosely disassembled ready for a long soak.

 

Edited July 17, 2018 by pflaming

[Plymouthy Adams]

do something half way...expect haft the results.......it will only take a little effort to go all the way with this ting and do the job right......patina in a carb will block jets and passages

[pflaming]

While the carb soaks, tomorrow I will remove the transmission and axles from the VW Pan frame, clean it, check it out and put it in the Empi frame. At 106 degree weather, morning work only. With the help of a couple fork lifts, should not be too difficult. 

[pflaming]

Temp was 108 yesterday. Lost a day.here is what I get to work with. No repair nor fabrication work. All just clean and assemble,  the engine may be the exception. All will be pressure, steam cleaned first. 

Edited July 19, 2018 by pflaming

[pflaming]

This morning I moved the Bug to my yard and the VW pan is now in a shop where I have use of a fork lift. The bolts are soaking with penetrating oil yet I may heat them before I put the impact wrench to them. Transmission off tomorrow and bring in the Empi. 

[pflaming]

I bought the Bug, rhe pan, the Empi for a total of $165 freight included. All parts include fenders, hoods, seats and parts or three engines, "some assembly required". The Bug is dent and rust free. Just needs to be rebuilt. Oh, and all the windows also. 

Edited July 19, 2018 by pflaming

[pflaming]

As is evident in the photos, this frame has seen a great deal of weather over a long period of time. Should I heat those connections with a torch before removing them? 

[casper50]

I'd give it a try without heat first.  If you can't budge it fairly easy then go for the torch.

[pflaming]

Casper, did as you suggested, and the nuts were not as tight as I feared. I only had to do the hammer shock treatment on two bolts. It's ready to be removed but for e brake cables. To release those, the rear brake drums come off. Thanks to the net, I downloaded a schematic of the  brakes. Plymouthy taught me that the " net was my friend" , so true.  I have use of a fork lift at this shop, what a help.

Edited July 20, 2018 by pflaming

[casper50]

Getting there.  Don't push it with the bad heat that you're having.

[pflaming]

I'm a little sore today after yesterdays wrenching. I saw these on my office shelf, now to decide which one to keep full.

[Dodgeb4ya]

The one on the right of course.??

[Plymouthy Adams]

2 hours ago, pflaming said:

I'm a little sore today after yesterdays wrenching. I saw these on my office shelf, now to decide which one to keep full.

at this time the shelf seems to the item that is full....

[Mike36]

17 hours ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

at this time the shelf seems to the item that is full....

If you decide on the “right” one, it won’t help with your soreness, but you won’t care! ?

[pflaming]

Maybe DESOTO Dave can bring me a jug of bitters so I can use this mug! 

[pflaming]

18 consecutive weeks days of 100+ days and another week forecast. So I suspended a large plastic tarp on a small cable and with a swamp cooler made me a cool temp work zone. Works very goo until noon.

 

Today started the prep to rebuild my first VW engine by pulling, and cleaning the heads and block. Peers I'll need to remove the valves and lap the seats. The valves look new. Will order a set of rings while the pistons are exposed. 

[pflaming]

This morning I laid out all parts required to rebuild the engine, pulled the valves to lap, now waiting for new rings.i think the ones in the pistons are new because everything else, including two packets of all gaskets etc. but won't chance it.

[pflaming]

I took my VW  engine to a VW speciality shop today.

 

 

The VW specialists comments: 1) the block in question is a 67 model, thus a good foundation model, 2) replace the rings,3) one  bearing is highly suspect so replace all, 4) I am to separate the block, and partially dismantle, then bring it to him and he will replace inside bearings then will reassemble the case to allaignment specifications. After that hat he said I would have no problem reassembling the remainder and I would have a good as new engine at a low layout of money.

 

regarding the Empi frame, he suggested I steam clean it as is, then seek to find out what the printed numbers on the frame are. That documentation may make it a wanted item to some enthusiast because it nearly has to be scarce especially since it is authentic. So reasearch starts tonight. 

 

A good day, did nothing in the shop but did find out more on what I have. 

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[MackTheFinger]

10 hours ago, pflaming said:

the block in question is a 67 model

 

The heads are '70 or later. The '67 engine has decent cases with a 69mm crankshaft and a 200mm flywheel with single port heads and a single oil relief valve. In 1970 VW changed the cases to dual oil relief valves, a slightly different oil cooler and installed dual port heads. It's not unusual to see dual port heads on a '67 VW but they weren't OEM.

 

Replace the distributor with an 009, upgrade to a Weber progressive carb, install an Engle 110 cam, and that will be a much more responsive motor.

[pflaming]

Today a Empi enthusiast on a Facebook Dune Buggy forum states this may be a frame built in Fresno, CA. It is likely a rare find, but unlikely to be a valuable one. In any case he suggested to install engine etc and get it street legal, clean and preserve the patina, the most unique part of it all, and enjoy where enthusiasts are. Someone just might want it very bad. If no one does, no problem, it will likely draw a good deal of interest as is. It will be an easy toy to tow to fun places to drive it. 

 

So there, that is what I now know and this information is only a reasonable guess.