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  1. #1
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    Default 1964 VW Beetle - WIP

    This one's been slow coming, but with the onset of the warmer weather, I'm feeling the urge to get back out in the shed more, so it's time to continue.

    I had a few different VW Beetles over the years, the last was a 'SuperBug', but always liked the old '64, my first.

    This build is based on the Gatto plans, but like Yonnee, I'm changing the lines to make it look more like a Beetle. The plans were really crappy in the areas of the roof/boot lines and the front and rear windscreens.

    I'm using some old waste Tas Oak for most of the body, filling cracks with epoxy as I go. I'm not sure what I'll use for the guards, running board etc, but probably Merbau, to use up some other offcuts I have laying around.

    I like the way Yonnee did his, so took the same approach with the roof line, breaking it up into shorter lengths for a more realistic curve.

    The original plan looked like this:
    aa. Sides - Original.JPG


    And the modified version looks like this:
    ab. New sides - RHS.jpg

    I'm still not really happy and would have preferred one continuous piece, but that's a bit too tricky.

    This is where I'm up to so far. The sides & roof are just sitting there - nothing glued yet.:

    ac. First parts.JPG

    I still have a bit of cleaning up to do on the edges of some bits, some inserts to go into the dash for speedo etc, then the steering wheel needs final shaping.

    When that's all done I'll continue with the next roof piece. I've cut it over-length so I can have a couple of goes at getting the angle right for a tight gap, if necessary. Each piece is at 97 degrees, giving a 194 degree dropoff from the middle of the side, rear window.

    Mostly self-explanatory so far, except the steering wheel. It's made from 3 layers of 2mm Basswood ply laminated together, then hand-carved with a scalpel & small chisel.

    ad. Steering wheel blank.JPG


    It's supposed to look like this when done.
    I won't worry about the horn, though.:

    ae. Steering Wheel.jpg


    Like my last build, this one won't happen quickly. I'm working it in with a few boxes and other stuff.
    Fun, fun, fun.....

    Edit: I forgot to say, the Gatto plans are really for a later model, so I've collected a heap of pics of the '64, to convert things like taillights, bumpers etc as I go. The old bumpers, with overriders and the extra tubing, should be much more fun.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

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  3. #2
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    crowie is online now Life's Good, Enjoy each new day & try to encourage
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    Looking god Steve, I'm in for the ride..... Thanks for the WIP photos & build notes. Cheers, crowie

    PS - we seem to have lost Yonnee and his VW Bettle build, so looking forward to yours......

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by crowie View Post
    PS - we seem to have lost Yonnee and his VW Bettle build, so looking forward to yours......
    Yeah, a pity, I was enjoying it. Still, you never know now that the weather's warming up again. Three beautiful days in a row here, and it was even warm in Canberra for the show.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  5. #4
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    Looking forward to this Steve I made the vw a while back but didn't get it quite right the back was wrong and the roof could of been better i have one half built on the bench which I scrapped the roof because it didn't look right I will have to have another go at it when I get the time
    bob

  6. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobman 58 View Post
    Looking forward to this Steve I made the vw a while back but didn't get it quite right the back was wrong and the roof could of been better i have one half built on the bench which I scrapped the roof because it didn't look right I will have to have another go at it when I get the time
    Hello Bob. I'm glad you're on board, with experience in making this model. If you have any suggestions along the way, feel free.

    I'm not sure how well it will turn out, or if any of the modifications will come back to bite me later, but I'll give it a good go.

    I'd like to do something about the front windscreen opening, too. It doesn't look right on the plans. I'll see what happens.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  7. #6
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    Looking good Steve. Even if it's only half as good as your roadster it'll be a winner.
    Now if you ever think about doing a Corvette in the future, I know I can help you with that build. Having done a 64 and a 77 you have your choice of doing a C2 and/or a C3. Now THAT would be something I could get interested in.

    Good luck,
    Bob

    ps I'll have that 'other' info for you this week too.

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Glenrob View Post
    Looking good Steve. Even if it's only half as good as your roadster it'll be a winner.
    Thanks for that Bob. Fingers crossed.


    Now if you ever think about doing a Corvette in the future, I know I can help you with that build. Having done a 64 and a 77 you have your choice of doing a C2 and/or a C3. Now THAT would be something I could get interested in.
    Well, what's stopping you?
    You should consider having a go at one. From what I've seen of your work, it'd come up well, especially with your passion for Corvettes. There might even be plans available online. (I just checked Gatto Plan Supply and Toys 'n Joys, but neither has one.)


    ps I'll have that 'other' info for you this week too.
    Excellent - thanks mate.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  9. #8
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    Alright another build thread. Looking forward to this one Steve. Will you be making all the parts on this one? I look forward to how you make the wheels and hubcaps.

    Bret

  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by bj383ss View Post
    Alright another build thread. Looking forward to this one Steve. Will you be making all the parts on this one? I look forward to how you make the wheels and hubcaps.

    Bret
    Hey Bret. At this stage, I plan to make everything. I'm not sure how I'll tackle the wheels yet, but I'll sort something out when I get there. Most likely, 3-piece - rim, tyre and hubcap, using my drill for the turning. This time I have to add the hub-caps, or they wouldn't be VW wheels.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  11. #10
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    Nothing wrong with using the drill press. Thats how I made all the wheels and tires for the Scania truck. I still don't see how I did it now that I have a lathe. I did make a piece to go under the stock chucked in the drill that rode on a center finder that was mounted in a bearing. It helped with some deflection on longer pieces. Thought I had a picture of it. Can't seem to find it. I also mounted the wheels on a piece of all thread to use as a mandrel to shape the curves on them.

    Bret

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by bj383ss View Post
    Nothing wrong with using the drill press. Thats how I made all the wheels and tires for the Scania truck. I still don't see how I did it now that I have a lathe. I did make a piece to go under the stock chucked in the drill that rode on a center finder that was mounted in a bearing. It helped with some deflection on longer pieces. Thought I had a picture of it. Can't seem to find it. I also mounted the wheels on a piece of all thread to use as a mandrel to shape the curves on them.

    Bret
    I haven't used my drill press for turning (yet). For the short items that I usually make, I use my (electric) hand drill, with a bracket around the neck at the base of the chuck, clamped in the vice so that the chuck projects over the top of the workbench. I clamp a 'tool-rest' to the top of the bench, at the right height. Tools are whatever comes to hand - files, the burred-over end of a stainless steel 6" rule, carving chisels etc.
    It'll be a good challenge thinking of a method for the rims. I'll make the tyres the same way as I did for the Roadster, using a jig and Dremel/sanding drum.
    I might be forced to buy a small lathe sooner than I'd planned.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  13. #12
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    I'm in like to watch some of you craftsmen making scale models.

    Treat yourself if possible to a small lathe and the correct tools, you will find it invaluable.

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dalboy View Post
    I'm in like to watch some of you craftsmen making scale models.

    Treat yourself if possible to a small lathe and the correct tools, you will find it invaluable.
    Hi Derek. I don't consider myself a craftsman yet, just a second year apprentice.
    Your workmanship and that of some of the others here leaves me for dead.
    Nevertheless, I'm hoping it'll be an interesting build.

    I'm on a tight budget at the moment, saving for something else, but the lathe has gone on the list. Between you and Bret, I've been talked into it. (Looked for an arm-twist smilie, but there isn't one. )

    I'm eligible for a pension advance on September 24, so I'll buy one then. Three weeks and counting. I'll start checking what's available. A little 18" bed would be perfect.

    Meantime, it's the electric drill. I have most of the other equipment I need, just that one major purchase remaining, then more small stuff and, I guess, accessories and tools for the lathe.

    Thanks for the motivation.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

  15. #14
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    Excellent!(putting hands together like Mr. Burns) Don't forget to leave room in the lathe budget for a scroll chuck, lathe tools, and a grinder if you don't have one. So I'm curious what is the big purchase ahead of it?

    Bret

  16. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by bj383ss View Post
    Excellent!(putting hands together like Mr. Burns) Don't forget to leave room in the lathe budget for a scroll chuck, lathe tools, and a grinder if you don't have one. So I'm curious what is the big purchase ahead of it?

    Bret
    Now the learning begins. First question, what's a scroll chuck and what's it used for, please Bret? (Time for me to start hanging around the turning forum for some serious reading.)

    I still need to buy a bench grinder. To date, I've used my Dremel for everything like that. GlenRob gave me one on Friday when we passed through his place after the show, but I forgot to put it in the car, so it's still sitting there.

    As for turning chisels etc, I'm not too sure what I'll need yet, apart from a small gouge and a parting tool. This'll be a steep learning curve.

    The other 'big purchase' is just a boring one, I'm afraid. As you know, I'm renting. I've been here 7 years now, and realise that sooner or later I'll have to move, (owner selling premises, renovation, or some other reason), but I don't actually have enough put aside to be able to move if it becomes necessary, so I want to save and put enough aside for moving costs, rent-in-advance etc. And with all of this gear I've bought over the last 18 months, I'll need to hire some extra arms for loading and carrying. I'd hate to be given notice to move when I'm not in a position to do so. It's the biggest drawback of renting.
    Having said that, I spoke to the owner a while ago and he said he was happy for me to stay forever, but things happen. I want to be ready.

    Almost forgot, this is the lathe I'm leaning toward at the moment. Jet Mini Lathe : CARBA-TEC
    Jet have a good reputation. I'll only be making very small stuff and also space is very limited.
    Any comments welcome. I know absolutely nothing about lathes and turning.
    ... Steve

    -- Monkey see, monkey do --

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