gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Jun 13, 2012 14:08:55 GMT -5
Hello all! I have a question for you experts... I have been given a GTII for free (as soon as I go pick it up). The body is ok, all glass appears to be there - except for the windshield, no seats, interior parts are so-so as it has been "stored" outside with the doors off, not sure if it runs, not sure of the year. I have always loved the Bradleys and I think this would be a great resurrection project!
HOWEVER... as Clint famously said, "a man's got to know his limitations". I drag raced in the 70's and could build a small block Ford in my sleep - back then... I owned a Ferrari 308 a few years ago where I changed timing belts and tensioners, replaced the water pump, and a few wheel bearings. I am not afraid to tear into any motor, but I might as well be looking at quantum physics as look at a VW motor. I have no clue other than I noticed it had two carbs on it. I was an old tool and die maker so I can fab virtually any part. Can I weld? NOPE... You guys talk about body work and fiberglass work like it is second nature to breathing. This car will need some work. Other than some horrid bondo work as a teen, I have absolutely no clue. Paint? Ha! Your joking, right?
So, I have the motivation, and I am anal enough to absolutely do it right. However, as I look in awe at the abilities and accomplishments of the members here, I am wondering if I am biting off more than I can chew. Has anyone else been at the point I am at? Or am I a lost cause!
I will post pics ASAP. Thank you all in advance!
Jim
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Post by big bob on Jun 13, 2012 14:43:11 GMT -5
hi jim... and welcome to the boards...
my experience has been that in your minds eye, you can picture a nice finished car, and because its a "kit", its sort of like a big go-kart. and to some extent that is true. it is just a glass shell over a VW chassis, so its pretty simplistic.
but you're not gonna run to autozone and get every part you need. especially in the case of the windshield, they are VERY hard to find.
you can learn a bunch right here, but there will be autobody, electrical, suspension, and engine issues that you, a friend, or somebody you pay will have to deal with at some point.
when we hear the word "kit", we sometimes think, just snap together. its a little more than that. i'll let more experienced chime in, but you've come to the right place.... good luck!!!
big bob
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Post by jspbtown on Jun 13, 2012 17:56:34 GMT -5
Yes...windshield is borderline impossible...keep that in mind. Do not invest a nickle of money or a moment in time in the car until you secure a good windshield.
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Post by horen2tas on Jun 13, 2012 20:09:57 GMT -5
Where are you located GTJim? There are quite a few shells with windshields around at the moment. Craig's List and ebay both have a few at the moment going at reasonable prices. There's also a guy in south FL on the east coast that has a large collection of "boneyard" GT's and twoies with various glass If you're a good "picker" you'll find one or two -- it ain't that hard -- just gotta have patience. I'd still go ahead with stripping it down and going ground up and stay sensible with the build, for the working parts there are still lots available for VW's and lots of support right off the bat I'd look at this sight since they did have a few cheap GT2's www.thesamba.com/vw/again it depends where you're located |
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Post by bobevans on Jun 14, 2012 9:36:55 GMT -5
Just to echo what has been said...I sold a bunch of windshields over the years and in some cases delivered them to the buyer...Mostly to assure that they got there in one piece...Today the cost of a windshield is more than a complete brad gt2 body with glass...If you can find one, it only makes sense to take a trailer, go get it..take what you need off the body and sell off the rest...I did this over a dozen times and came out with very little actually invested in the cars that I finished..I still have a few parts, and plenty of rear hatch glasses..the good news there is they are going for $50 each...plus shipping..
bobevans ;D
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gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Jun 15, 2012 0:43:54 GMT -5
Bigbob, thank you, nice to be here! Oh no, there are no sugar plumbs dancing in my head! I am very aware of what I have to work with. I've also read enough posts here to know that I will never be finished with the car. And this is not a problem! THanks for the heads up on the windshield, I certainly got that in the ongoing posts on the forum too. Horen2tas, I am in St. Louis but thanks for the source on twoie parts and the link. Here are some pics. Comments and opinions welcome! I had literally 5 minutes to look at three locations for parts and look at the car. I need to go back and see what I need. Where can I look to find dates, numbers, VW vin, so I can figure out what I have? Thanks again! Jim    |
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Post by jspbtown on Jun 15, 2012 8:46:36 GMT -5
Well to rebuild the pan you will need to know the date of the pan. Its located just in front of the shifter coupler access hole on the tunnel, which is inside the cabin near the rear bulkhead. Post that number and we can tell you what year pan it is.
That looks like a type 3 motor. I "think" the serial number is near that small black box with the hoses coming from it. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Did you get seats shells? If not I would start looking for those.
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gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Jun 29, 2012 22:26:55 GMT -5
OK, I will be re-visiting the car tomorrow. Just found out the windshield is in several pieces in the garage... Superglue? I will get a full inventory and report back. Thanks for all the help and comments!
Jim
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Post by jspbtown on Jun 30, 2012 12:08:01 GMT -5
Personally I would avoid it. You can buy a much more complete car for just a little more. That is a MAJOR project in terms of money and time. I would say $5000-$6000 if you do most of the work yourself (including paint, rebuilding the motor, windshield, wiring, interior). Farm it out and you will be into it for $10,000. Do you want to spend that much?
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Post by cocacoladodge on Jul 1, 2012 2:36:39 GMT -5
now what if he were to make it into a roadster like a shelby, only go without a windshield at all. a total open top... then either glass in the lower half of the doors or put hinges on like a standard door? that would save the price and headache of the glass, and give him something even more unique.
did you say this was being given to you? well if you really want it, as a b-gt2 i would say buy a dunebuggy with a fibeglass body, and switch bodies. and while you are driving on the dunebuggy chassis, start the revamp on the orginal. if i was smart, thats what i would have done with my first gt, had that almost 10 years and still havent gotten it road worthey. so ibought on that was, lol
dont make a quickon the spot decision, think about it an follow your heart (and bankaccount)
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gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Jul 1, 2012 10:37:32 GMT -5
Yes, this one is a freebee. Thanks for the input guys!
Some additional info to consider:
Windshield broken (we knew that)
back window good
back pillar windows good
doors good
no widows for doors (looks easy to fab)
headliner, dash, and tunnel console are there - but all needs to be recovered
Gas tank was mounted in the front? (for some reason I thought it was normally behind the seats?) Cap was rusted tight
Speaking of seats - no seats
Oil in motor looked like it had just been changed although I know it has not been run for at least two years
Boxes of small parts
Well, there you have it! I have some decisions to make...
Jim
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Post by skip20 on Jul 1, 2012 11:15:24 GMT -5
Yes, this one is a freebee. Thanks for the input guys! Some additional info to consider: Windshield broken (we knew that) back window good back pillar windows good doors good no widows for doors (looks easy to fab) headliner, dash, and tunnel console are there - but all needs to be recovered Gas tank was mounted in the front? (for some reason I thought it was normally behind the seats?) Cap was rusted tight Speaking of seats - no seats Oil in motor looked like it had just been changed although I know it has not been run for at least two years Boxes of small parts Well, there you have it! I have some decisions to make... Jim May have a few parts that you will need. Make a list & PM me. |
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Post by horen2tas on Jul 1, 2012 22:32:11 GMT -5
I'd go for it even if you pick up another one for spare parts at the price of "freebie" you're slightly ahead of the game.
I think setting some realistic goals like fixing & rebuilding what's there and scrounging VW parts from places like Craig's List and The Samba you'll find things start to come together little by little. Your question about what makes a VW engine tick, YouTube I'm sure is a good jumping off point plus there are videos on rebuilding a VW engine which are available, in ads in pubs like Hot VW's (monthly VW Magazine) I'd say if you stay inspired you'll find lots of info and contacts!
Good luck!!
Mike Horen
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Post by horen2tas on Jul 1, 2012 23:08:45 GMT -5
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