braddick wrote:Hairy panic, we call it arsehole grass in western vic, that is some build up inside the bus and boy what a pain in the arse it is to remove.
Love the bus, love the story behind it hope u get to enjoy it on the road soon.
Hahaha!! Yep, it gets called that and worse here too. From what I've heard, it's been the worst season for it in years. I'd definitely agree!!
After I got it cranking off the key it was time to assess the rest of the wiring and electrics. Pulled the head lights out for the very first time and found them to be dated in the first 3 weeks of December 1960. Checked power at the plugs and it was a bit sketchy. Had a look at the fuses and found they were a little corroded on the tips so gave them a jiggle and a spin and all was good. All the globes were still in 6V mode so it was time to change over. Didn't have any 12V "kombi" style globes so improvised..... (the old style globes are shit anyway!!)
Out with the candles...
Unsoldered the ring off the body.
Righto, it’s time to let the cat out.
I’ve been chipping away at the bus for a little bit now.
Massive thanks to Dean and Hayley for interrupting my relaxed lifestyle and making me work on the bus by rocking up and taking over!! It wouldn’t have happened without their encouraging texts, phone calls and visits. (I think Samba owners secretly wish there’s was a kombi!!)
So we’ve attacked all four corners with Dno doing the front bearings while Hayles was on de-gunking duties removing 50+ yrs of crud. Cleaned up the cylinders and put new cups in. Had to do a seal kit on the left RGB which Dno again did with his eyes shut. All drums and shoes got a clean up and all put back together. Originally I had to cut the lines at the master to remove it as they were stripped in there. Replaced the two front lines from a donor cab and got a new end crimped on to the rear line by a brake specialist mate.
Got it back home and threw the master on and bled the lines until we had some brakes.
Had to put a new fuse block in as the old one had a bit of a meltdown at some earlier stage of its life. Ran through the full compliment of lights including dash, number plate and high beam all working. Had to convert wiper arms to take beetle blades and put new ones on.
Front seat was converted from the ‘57 panno until I rebuild the original hump seat.
Engine is still the industrial 126A that I’ve been using as a test engine to move it around. Probably stick with it until something gives or something better comes along. Still running the magneto but put a genny on to charge the battery.
I’m hoping to get it to the mechanic this week for a blue slip list and then depending on the list size, hopefully be rego’d in a couple of weeks.....
