Big Orange Bug


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On last week's TV episode of Overhaulin' they made a 1967 Beetle into an orange & black hot-rod. They have rich deep pockets, cuz they said 1 gallon of their special orange paint cost $2000 (yes, thousand). Yikes!

http://velocity.discovery.com/videos/overhaulin-beetle-repaired.html

They spread Dynamat soundproofing on the entire chassis floor before installing the body. Dunno its cost? That might reduce noise, which you mentioned.
 
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Been into Bajas for many years. Here's a pic of my last one. i just sold it a year or so ago. Lots of fun.
 
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itlives, the rears are stock and the fronts are a disc brake conversion so they have I think a porsche hub. and thanks for the links.

cvar, I saw that one. I'm not sure why Chip didn't put the stripe on it. I thought that was more unique than the paint scheme he went with. I'm going to soundproof the rear mostly to try to reduce the engine noise.

dune Runner, I like the white and black.
 
hey all,

While waiting for the block to be rebuilt, I've decided to tackle the brake system. I just ordered new lines, hoses, and brake parts. Unfortunately, there were more parts missing from the driver's side rear brake. After this is done, it should stop well. I'll probably get to start on it mid week. I'm now waiting on parts to come in
 
Just a quick update, the brake system is moving along smoothly. I'm just waiting on some parts that are on back order. The engine on the other hand is more interesting. After having the engine place open up the block and clean it, it confirmed my suspicions. The previous owner destroyed the motor. The 68 1500cc motor was too far gone to save. severe damage to the engine case, etc. So now I'm building a new one from the ground up, or (and probably more likely) there's a 1915cc motor that they have partially assembled that was designed for a drag beetle but has been toned back a bit. Hopefully I can get that one. It makes about 140hp and 120ft lbs of torque. I'll find out today when I stop by the shop. :3gears:
 
The 1915 is a good size engine. You will be amazed at the power difference!
Don't go too high with your compression and it'll be dependable, too.
What carb will you run? If you have the money, I'd suggest a single 40 IDF Weber.
Link-
http://www.dirtyracingandrods.com/category-s/1967.htm
I have one and the intake/linkage for a VW . It needs rebuilding and you can see the rebuild kit on the link. I'll let you have it for $100 plus shipping if you want. Be wary off the EMPI 40 - it looks exactly like the Weber but is crap! I also have a Holley 32/36 progressive which is better for mileage - also, EMPI makes a knock-off of it, DON'T buy it! they are terrible carbs!. I don't have the intake for it, but know where to get it. You will need a better carb than stock for the 1915.
Let me know if you want either. I can help you with this stuff, I have a lot of VW stuff available since I put a Ford engine in my VW truck!
 
Got the new motor today!!! it was dyno'd and tuned at ~100hp and 120ft*lb of torque. I essentially quintupled the power of my original motor., which was making about 20hp before it finally died.

Specs for the 1915cc:
Aluminum block
alternator
high performance push rods
EMPI 40mm dual carbs
dual exhaust
high performance cams
counter-weighted crank
doghouse oil cooler
performance oil pump
lightweight flywheel
high performance street clutch kit
centrifugal distributor
bored and stroked
etc.

I can't wait to get it bolted onto the bug!!


Big Orange Bug


Big Orange Bug


Big Orange Bug


Big Orange Bug
 
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The Block has been "free flowed" for an external oil -cooler, also. That's what that hose that's looped is for. I recommend putting one on before the weather gets hot. 1915 is a good engine. It's going to fly with those carbs!!
 
I'll probably put the external cooler on a while later. And yeah, The plan is for this thing to scream! haha.

Today I got farther on the brakes. Ran the main line, repaired the passenger rear brake, and ran some other lines. I still need the rear hoses and driver's side hardware.

the old and new brake cylinder:
Big Orange Bug


The repaired passenger side. New cylinder, and parking brake hardware:
Big Orange Bug
 
hey all,

Just a short update. I got the brakes all fixed and bled. They work pretty well when pushing the bug around the driveway. I also got the fenders back on and the rails bolted back on. I'm just kinda putzing around until I can get people to help me put the motor in and set up the wiring.

Big Orange Bug


The fender beading was a bit of a pain to get it to sit where I wanted it.
Big Orange Bug
 
so, progress has been pretty slow this winter but it's about to speed up. haha. I'm putting the motor in tomorrow and before I do that, I went ahead and painted my drive shafts to match the body. After spring break, parts will start flying onto the bug to make it drive-able. On the Docket: fuel hose, battery cable, fuse box, fuses, relays, switches, lights, speedo cable, gauges, dash, and the final buffing of the paint to get some gnats out. I can't wait to get movin on it.

Big Orange Bug
 
The Engine is in!!!! :yahoo: And it couldn't have been a better day for it. The fit was pretty tight (we had to take the air cleaners off the carbs so it would fit) but we got it in. The only hitch (because you can't do something like this without a hitch) is that when we took the engine off the workbench, one of the push rod tubes got dented, so I'll probably have to open it up and check on the push rod. Oh well. It's in, and that's what matters.

Big Orange Bug


Big Orange Bug


Big Orange Bug




The push rod tube:
Big Orange Bug
:annoyed:

I just talked to my vw guy and he said it should be fine. I'm going to straighten out the dent to keep the push rod from rubbing
 
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