Second Chance at a Crew Cab

[mdubg]

In 1991 I bought a 65 CrewCab in Avalon on Catalina Island of the coast of Long Beach, CA. I spent the next couple years chroming, painting and enjoying my ride. In the summer of 1994, some low-life stole my Crew in the middle of the night. Now, 22 years later, I was able to pick up this 1960 CrewCab. My new 60 DC is in decent shape for a 55 year old bus. Now, I'm starting the dream all over. It may take some time, but I'm hoping to document the transformation as I work to restore this piece of history.

[Kiwinw]

Looks awesome as it is! Congrats on your new crew cab!
_________________
I need a long camper side WINDOW for a 66 Riviera - please let me know if you have one!

1975 Westfalia
1967 Westfalia
1966 Riviera
1966 Deluxe

[EverettB]

It look super nice! Congratulations on the new truck.

Is the bed coated?
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[mdubg]

It is pretty sweet as is, but as with any of these buses you gotta keep the rust at bay. I've got some pre-cancer rust and bubbling paint that I wanna stop. Pictures of the problem areas will be forthcoming.

The bed is currently lined. I'm not sure of the quality of the bedliner. It's a bit faded, but looks clean.

[ronjonlasvegas]

That bus looks fantastic as is. Congratulations, it looks like a great starting point.
_________________
September 1964 Standard Sunroof walk through SWR/BG original paint.

[Mile High Puma]

I kept a copy of Hot VWs for years that had an article of a gorgeous 65 crewcab owned by a lady on Catalina Island that was I think a light gray with burgundy striping, was that the one you bought?
_________________
1965 Velvet Green DC

[mdubg]

No that wasn't my bus. Up until the early to mid-90's Catalina was a wonderland for buses. All the taxi's were Bay's and there were probably a total of 10 double cabs of all varieties. I think a couple Vanagon era DOKA's still remain, last I was there. Other than the differences in Model Years, my previous looked very similar to what I have now.

In case anyone sees it 22 years later...
When it was stolen, it was two tone (white/turquoise) with a thin black pinstripe. All the window frames and bed latches had been chromed. I have no pictures of the previously completed bus, which is why I'm taking plenty this time around.

[mdubg]

Filled the tank the other day. Immediately, the cab began to smell like gas. There was a small leak in the seam, so it would take a half tank, but would leak if it was full.

Yesterday, I opened up the gas compartment and removed the tank. A little bit of rust, nothing crazy and no holes in the floor. I'm going to clean it out, prime and paint it, so that it can be sealed up for another half century.

Anyone else come across insulation in this compartment? This looks like house insulation, not automotive. It's coming out, but first I need a respirator.

[easy e]

Nice 2nd chance Brother!

Do you have M code 173? What was delivery port (two characters at lower left corner of M plate?
"173 - Engine prepared for arctic climates, heavy duty insulation in engine area Includes steel-backed crank and rod bearings.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[cru62]

That is just fiberglass house insulation. Long sleeves, goggles and a dust mask are all you need.
Sweet ride!
_________________
"My biggest worry is that when I die, my wife will sell all my parts for what I told her I paid for them"-Jon

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[mdubg]

Yeah, I think it was normal fiberglass housing insulation. I have the fiber rash on my forearms to prove it. All in all, it was a quick clean up. Not sure why it was there in the first place.

Next task is cleaning up the surface rust, neutralizing it, priming and paint the compartment. Then the new gas can will get me driving again.

[aa390392]

Very nice truck, sorry for your past loss, looks as though you found a good one,
Where and how did you find this one? Its in excellent shape minus its lil flaws, I must say I would love to find one in that shape, but I probably could no longer afford, good luck and have fun with it. And I dont need to remind you keep it secure, for sure.the thiefs are definitely still out there willing to take their next f**king plan.
Thomas
_________________
.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[mdubg]

@Thomas. I've had my eye on this bus for a few years, in Long Beach, California. The previous owner worked for a family friend. The bus is in relatively good shape, but like any 55 year old VW, it has some surprises. I've uncovered a few already, like the leaky gas tank. The last few weekends I've spent a few minutes getting the gas tank compartment cleaned up, so that I can close up the compartment and gas tank for the next few decades.

[BulliBill]

From the owner of a '59 DC (see my build thread - http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545000&start=0 ), once you get your tank all squared away and area closed off again, ALWAYS be cautious when filling up your tank not to overfill and spill gas in the "filler" area. The earliest DC's did not have an overflow drain tube in the filler area (added later on) and if gas spills down into the tank area, your cab interior will stink of gas for days/weeks. Ask me how I know this. Just sayin'.

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[mdubg]

Bill, I have read through your build thread several times, prior to today. Thanks for taking so much time to document your build! I've been using it as my inspiration.

Couple questions for you:
1. Just want to confirm that you are talking about overfill just in the filler area or are you say that the old buses are missing something internal/mechanical to prevent the fuel pumps from "tripping off" when full? May be a dumb question, but my previous DC was 5 years older and although it always smelled of the gas , it would trip the auto-shut off.

2. After a few years, how has the "undercoat" you used on your bus held up? I was thinking of using a similar technique in this compartment as I'm not ready to give up the bus to a paint shop yet.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

[BulliBill]

[Eric&Barb]

Filler neck drain also helps reduce rust in the tank area, otherwise rain gets past the gas door and drips down onto the fuel tank floor.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available!

[Cuñado Wear]

[Sinklar]

Nice looking 60. Why is the build date?
_________________
Never argue with stupid people. They will sink you to their level and beat you with experience.

[mdubg]

I'm not sure of the build date. The m-code was lost by the PO. The vin plate is intact in the engine bay. It's painted over and I just haven't spent the time to decipher it yet.

I finally finished cleaning out the fiberglass insulation, cleaned out the tar, cleaned up the paint/rust, neutralized the rust, primed, and painted the gas tank compartment. Next step is to get the tank in and get this ride on the road...again.

_________________
Greener

Current: '60 Double Cab
Previous: '65 Double Cab (stolen)