johnnylongtime's 1963 VW Subhatch Westfalia Camper

FRONT BUMPER FRESHEN UP

2011-10-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

Removed the bumper for a light refurb. Left the dents but gave it a good few coats of paint. Should be fine for a few years now.

BUMPER STEP

2011-10-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

Picked up this Bumper Step. It is a period aftermarket accessory made especially for Split Bus Slash Cut Bumpers. Gave it a lick of paint to match my newly painted bumper.
It is stamped with the manufacturers logo, "IDEAL". Will need to look these up, I think they look sweet.

Shrunken Head

2011-10-08T09:12:00.001-07:00

My good luck charm! Chicken bones through nose and in hair.

Park Brake Extension

2011-10-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Neat little after market accessory for the hand brake.

TEMP GUAGE

2011-10-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

NOS (new old stock) thermometer from the 1960's. Magnetic base so no need to drill the dash, result.

DRINKS HOLDER

2011-10-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Got a neat Split Dash Drinks holder a while back. Works a treat and looks great too. It is made from cast ali which is then mirror ploished.

K&L STEERING AID

2011-10-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

K&L steering knob was an Ebay bargain, helps with parking no end.

LID & BUMPER PAINT

2011-10-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Repainted the rear bumper and engine lid, then fitted an aftermarket chicken!

TINTS

2011-10-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Got some Headlight tints on my early 1990's VW Passat, liked the look so I thought I would try it out on the Bus.

BEETLE SALES

2011-10-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

First went my girlfriends daily as she needed something for the motorway miles she will be doing, then we had to sell my '63 Beetle. Sad times as I really enjoyed driving the pair of them all the way from Sweden.
Not all bad news though as we are planning to go back to Sweden Spring 2012 to get some more early 1960's beetles again.

NEW '63 DAILY DRIVER

2011-06-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a tough 4 months. In Feb I broke my shoulder pretty bad. Only just back at work now, being self employed meant no pay. The bus was up for sale for a short but I just couldn't bring myself no sell it. Have a few things I want to sort out, watch this space.
Went to Sweden and collected this sweet '63 Beetle, the drive back to the UK was a breeze. This is now my daily until it sells.

PICS IN MONTANA

2010-12-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Trawling through the internet and I came across some photos from 2002. They show my bus sitting in a yard in Kalispell Montana.

PAINTED & BUFFED

2010-11-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

Bare metaled the hatch, rust protection applied. 3 coats of primer, 2 coats of Mouse Grey, 3 coats of Pearl White. Wet sanded and buffed just enough to pull through some Mouse Grey to match the rest of the roof. Really pleased with the results.

NICE PAINT MATCH

2010-11-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

Really pleased with the paint match.

CRUSTY HATCH

2010-11-28T05:30:00.001-08:00

I like patina but this is just crusty.

SUB-HATCH

2010-11-28T05:26:00.000-08:00

Took the sub hatch off for some loving

REFLECTOR

2010-11-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

With the fixing on the back, they also stop the plate & frame being taken.

LICENCE PLATE REFLECTORS

2010-11-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

NOS plate reflectors on the rear.

NICE & TIGHT

2010-11-28T05:13:00.000-08:00

All done a looking good, this was one of those jobs that I had been meaning to do for ages.

BATTERY MAT

2010-11-28T05:08:00.000-08:00

Protection against corrosion.

POWDERCOATED TRAY

2010-11-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

Nice clean tray.

BATTERY CLAMP

2010-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cleaned the battery tray ready for an after market clamp.

NEAT RETRO ACCESSORY

2010-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Went for a cruise to West Sussex this weekend in the bus. Stopped by the charity shops and picked up this neat flashing emergency light. Sticks to the side of the vehicle and is battery opperated.

MIRROR ARM BUSHES

2010-03-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Had a little play in the off-side upper cab hinge. Drilled out to 9mm and a local engineering comp are making some bushes to take up the play.

SURFACE RUST ROOF SCABS

2010-03-07T11:46:00.001-08:00

Got a few little scabs to tend to, will blend the paint to match.

Powder Coated Beam

2010-02-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Back from the coaters, really pleased with the results. It is a 4" narrowed adjustable 7 degree castor beam, raised center pin with all new custom fabbed bushes.

Up On Stands

2010-02-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

Bus has been up on stands for a while, getting my beam powder coated. Weather getting better so I took this shot to encourage me to get on with it.

Volksworld Camper & Bus Photo Shoot

2009-12-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Antony Butler came down to do a photo shoot for Camper & Bus. Had a great day, funny guy who knows his stuff. Cant wait to see the full feature.

NEW FOREST CAMPING

2009-10-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

In august popped down to the New Forest for some camping with a group of friends.
Must do more of this next summer, I loved it.

BRIGHTON BREEZE '09

2009-10-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics from the show.

PERIOD ANTI-GLARE VISOR

2009-10-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

Another find, this time Brighton Breeze '09.
Clips onto rear view mirror and can be positioned to stop headlight glare from vehicles behind.
This one is a new old stock find from the 1960's.

STUCCO ALUMINIUM HEADLINER

2009-10-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

Got some stucco finish ali sheets and made them into the headlining. Love this look, reminds me of the Airstream trailers from the '50s & '60s.

BERG SHIFTER

2009-10-27T04:31:00.001-07:00

Got this shifter for my birthday. My girlfriend surprized me, what a surprize too. Well worth the money. In my opinion, best shifter on the market.

AT THE SHOP

2009-06-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Just about to leave The Bus Station! In the background is the '62 Shop truck. The bus will be back soon for a steering box raise.

FUEL FILTER BLOCKED

2009-06-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Out for a cruise and the van cut out on me, noticed the in line fuel filter had some muck in it. Only option to drop the motor to pull the tank. Whilst the motor was out also swapped the dynamo as I had some charging issues.

CHASSIS MODS COMPLETE

2009-06-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

A really neat job and not a drop of filler used. Looks like it could of been done in the factory.

NOTCHING ACTION

2009-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Took my bus back to The Bus Station for some mods. Cut and filled the notches with 5" diameter steel tube.

FRAME NOTCHING REQUIRED

2009-06-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

The flipped tie rods are fouling the frame! Will have to notch the frame to gain some clearance. Sourced some 5" dia. steel tube, this will be split in 2 and used to strenghten the frame where the notches will be.

LICENCE PLATES

2009-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Got the registration back from the DVLA, had some US spec plates made up to fit the plate frames I got from the States.

Just Waiting For The DVLA

2009-05-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Until the tax disc and registration come through, the bus is back in storage. Still it will give me time to sort the electrical gremlins.

Fingers Crossed

2009-05-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Within 2 hours back at the MOT station. Quick charge on the battery and change the front brake hoses for a pair of shorter ones from The Bus Station...........IT ONLY WENT AND PASSED!
Mad dash to the local DVLA office, and managed to get all the documents to them to register the bus. Just waiting for the tax disc and registration.

MOT Day 15 May'09

2009-05-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Stopped at The Bus Station for some last minute tinkering before the MOT inspection. 1 hour before the deadline....bus would not start, suspected starter motor problem. Only had time to adjust brakes and check all electrics. Had to bump start to get to the MOT station. At the station just about to push...yes push the bus onto the ramps! had no lights, indicators or horn. Could not check lights so failed on that, only other fail was brake hoses. Front ones fouling on chassis.

Nip 'n' Tuck

2009-05-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Down on its wheels. 4" off the beam and alot more wheel arch exposed, love the look of a dropped narrowed beam bus.

Front End Install

2009-05-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

11 pm thursday night. 12 hours before MOT! Still lots to do. Good job Mark from The Bus Station was up for a late one. Cheers mate.

Interior Refit

2009-05-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

The interior is coming along nicely. Thinking of putting a stucco finish aluminium headliner in. Something a little different!

German First Aid Kit

2009-05-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sourced myself a vintage German emergency kit, will load it with up to date dressings, plasters etc. So don't panic....don't panic capt' Mannering!

Cargo Floor Covering

2009-05-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Stage 1 Ply Flooring.

Stage 2 Vinyl Covering.

Stage 3 Interior Refit.

Long Sil Paint Blend

2009-05-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

The paint blending has come out pretty good. Tried to save as much original German paint as possible.

Vintage Sounds

2009-05-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Blaupunkt made it into the dash, not a 5 minute job either!

Tax Disc Holder

2009-04-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Got this stainless steel tax disc holder mounted on the windscreen pillar. No worries when the safari windows are wide open, cruising at 10mph!

ACA Bumper Badge

2009-04-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Had this Amusement Caterers Association badge, just so happens the hole spacing matches the holes in the bumper for the Westy awning.

Polished Slam King Badge

2009-04-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Got this from The Bus Station, a neat little crown to show it was slammed at their shop.

4" Narrowed Adjustable Franken Beam

2009-04-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Painted and ready to go on the bus. The centre pin housing has been shortened, new pin needs to follow suit. Steering arm has been given a coat or Por15. Dropped spindles are at the machine shop, once they are back the beam will go in!

Por15 Underside

2009-04-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Couldn't get either of the spray guns I had hooked up to the compressor. Had to do it the old fashioned way...brush in hand laying on my back. I still have the Por15 freckles to prove it! Tiny area left to do once the steering box raise section has been welded in.

Lower Rear Corner Repair

2009-04-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

After the new battery tray was let in, I did a skim of filler along the join, primed and blended in some L325 Mouse Grey. Hardly notice there was a repair. Paint Preservation Society.

Front Safari Windows

2009-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Bit the bullet and installed the Creative Engineering Safari windows. Lets hope for a kind summer.

Windshield Surround Resto

2009-04-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Took the front screens out to find only light surface rust on the off side lower screen area...result! A light rub down, prime and blend in some L87 Pearl White. Whole job done in under an hour.

Porsche 911s

2009-04-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Have been watching this nice 911 waste away(first saw it in 1999). Put numerous notes on the windsheild asking if it is for sale....no replies.
Cycled passed today and it seems it is either, being broken for parts or the owner is begining a resto. Lets hope its the latter. A nice early 911 daily driver is deffo in my vitual garage.

GB Plaque

2009-04-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hoping to take the bus on a road trip to southern France this summer. This vintage AA plaque will be put on the repro Westy roof rack....Bonjour Froggies!

Dual Circuit Upgrade

2009-04-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Going to upgrade to dual circuit braking system. This will be done when the bus is having its 4" narrowed beam installed.

1950's Cooler

2009-04-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Kiltie cooler, was going to move this on but it works real well. Will wet sand and polish it and it will come out great.

Funky Panels

2009-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah baby! Here are the interior panels, these are until I get some from the states.

Door Top Refurb

2009-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Took both door tops off and treated them to new rubber seals. Whilst I was at it, I treated the frames to some clear coat to protect them.

Clean Rust Free Floors

2009-04-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Rot cut out and now clean enough to eat your dinner off. Will spray the cab floor Pearl White, the cargo floor will be ply lined and lino finished.

Vintage Travel Decals

2009-04-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the decals on the pop out window. These will have the wardrobe unit behind. Might put some on drivers and passenger doors too.

VW Santana 2.0L 5 Cylinder Auto

2009-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ever seen a Santana on 15" Bus rims?.....me neither, this was just a mock up for fun. The Santana is my daily hack until the bus is on the road. It is such a sweet ride,being an auto it is effortless to drive. Going to keep this until my single or double cab is purchased.

Volksworld Show '09

2009-04-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

A few cool rides seen at the show. Cant wait to get mine on the road.

Logo'd Shop Truck

2009-04-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Bus Stations '62 Single Cab logos have come up real sweet.

Blaupunkt 6v-12v Radio

2009-04-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Picked up this neat radio from the '09 Volksworld Show. The radio I had got previously did not fit in the bus dash.

The Bus Station Shop Truck

2009-03-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Have been helping out on The Bus Stations single cab whilst my bus has been away. After 3 grades of wet sanding, compounding and polishing, we got round to some shop logos on the doors. Painted them silver white to match bumpers and emblem.
If funds permit I will be getting a Single or Double cab this year.

Battery Tray

2009-03-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

The battery tray was non existent. Rust had eaten into the lower corner panel so this had to be fixed too. All solid now, cavity wax is to be applied to protect all the new tin.

Cargo Floor Fix Up

2009-03-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

The cargo floor was a little thin in a few places. Only replaced what was necessary. This will be treated to Por15 then some sound deadening material.

Out Riggers & Jacking Points

2009-03-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Although the outriggers weren't too bad, I decided to replace all 4 along with the jacking points.

Inner & Outer Sils

2009-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Had inner and outer sils replaced both sides. In this pic you can also see that there was a little lovin' to the wheel wells too.

Cab Floor Repair

2009-03-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

The cab floor only needed a localised repair. All welds ground back, so once painted it should be an invisable fix.

Back from The Bushaus

2009-03-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

The bus is back with fresh tin. Now I need to blend some paint and crack on with the Por15 underside.

Rims, Caps and Tyres

2009-03-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

My freshly coated rims and caps now shod with Bridgestone tyres all round. Fronts 165/50/15 rears 175/65/15. Cant wait to get them on my bus.

50's Cooler

2009-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Got this ratty 1950's cooler. Might pass this on as I have a pristine one.

Folding Clothes Hangers

2009-03-15T11:16:00.001-07:00

Got these neat folding hangers for the Westy wardrobe.

Coleman Ice Box

2009-03-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Managed to source this icebox made by Coleman. This will do until I can get a so42 Westy icebox/sink unit.

This should keep my beers and food chilled for a weekends camping.

Slam King Badges

2009-03-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mark at The Bus Station gave me 2 of these cool polished stainless steel Slam King badges.
I shall mount one on each bumper.

Vintage Fuel Can

2009-03-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Got this petrol can from e-bay, even came with a little fuel in it..! Plan to sticker it up or practice some pinstriping. The handle folds out to become the spout.

Pinstriped Cooler

2009-03-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Another cool find. Got this one at Brighton Breeze '08. Already came with the striping. This will be sweet for cushed ice Margaritas!

Vintage Cooler

2009-03-10T09:59:00.001-07:00

Got this great condition Pik-Nik cooler from the SSVC Autumn meet at the Ace Cafe. Winter is a time for harvesting away cool accessories for your ride for the warmer months.

The shot that made me buy the bus

2009-03-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

This one did it for me. The bus is away at the mo, at The Bushaus, having some fresh metal let in. When it is back I will blend in some fresh paint to match the Mouse Grey. Want to keep as much original German paint as poss. Original paint busses should be preserved where possible. The number of virgin paint busses is getting less by the day.

15" Stock Bus Rims

2009-03-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

Sourced these 15" rims at Dubfreeze'09. Had the wheels blasted and powder coated. The hubcaps just needed coating and detailing. They have come up amazing, why put after market wheels on when stock can look this good?
They will be shod in 165/50/15 fronts and 175/65/15 rears. Cant wait to see them with the new rubber on.

Original 1960's American Travel Decals

2009-03-08T10:25:00.001-07:00

Got these off thesamba.com. Original '60s water transfers. These will look great in the windows.

Rambler Radio

2009-03-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

Took my girlie to Brighton on Valentines Day, managed to source this working Roberts Rambler Radio II. Will be great on the Westy table when we are having our breakfast!

Safari windows

2009-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Took a trip down to Creative Engineering and got myself some front and rear safaris. What was I thinking with the summers we have. Yet to install them......

Retro panels

2009-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Until I can afford some nice new panels from the states, I decided to pep up the interior panels.
Purchased 2 rolls of retro wallpaper and covered the panels. After a few coats or clear varnish they are done. Came out better than i had expected. Yeah baby!

Straight axle conversion

2009-02-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Wanted a LOW bus, so took it to The Bus Station to be hit with the lowering stick. While it was there they got rid of the reduction boxes, fitted a late beetle box, straight axle kit and all new rear brakes. It will be back for narrowed beam, re build on the dropped spindles, steering box raise and all new front brakes.

Bottomer

2009-02-08T11:02:00.003-08:00

Another nos ebay find. This one will be for the rear under the plate.

Topper

2009-02-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Nice nos licence plate frame topper. Popular in the States during the '50-'60 s. This one is from an auto parts store. Will be on the front plate.

Licence plate frames

2009-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Been buying some goodies.. A quick freshen up and these frames came up real nice. Will be running black plates with white digits.

More paint

2009-02-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Got a new exhaust, these rust in weeks. POR20 heat resistant paint will cure this I hope.

Underside protection

2009-02-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

POR 15 the underside. Not a fun job, but well worth doing unless you are handy with a welder. Wish I had a bus flipper, lying on your back outside in winter is no fun. POR15 on the skin is a bitch to remove...you have been warned.

Clean tubs

2009-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

The tubs are all OG paint. I will be painting with POR 15 grey paint, I want to use this bus all weathers.

Painted Hub Caps

2009-02-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

Painted caps, detailed logos and stock bus rims..I love that look. Sourcing some more stock rims to powder coat white with red inserts and chrome caps. Got some beauty rings to try out too.

Quiet and comfortable

2009-02-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Its no fun in a cold noisy bus...well not all the time. I want to go cruising in winter in a T shirt...!

Ssshhhhhhhh!

2009-02-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Sound deadening material. Foil faced, bitumen backed and self adhesive. Using this to cut down on engine and road noise.
This stuff is great, will do the cargo floor too.