Aircooled VW South Africa

Thanks, Dutch - the end is in sight as I am almost 100% done with the wiring, then there is still a few small things to sort out.

As I mentioned earlier, these are the original VW connectors I am using for wire connections and splits - absolutely NO insolation tape and coloured 'Hypermarket special' terminals were used for the buggy.

This is what the terminals look like after they are sourced at the scrap yard (R 5 each at Volkspares, R 2 each at vdBrinks)



After a cleanup (i.e. throw them in the washing machine with a bunch of clothes), they look a lot better



The two at the bottom left are the most difficult to find - not a lot of Beetles have them, but they are used on all 411's and 412's - they basically split a circuit into two (i.e. flasher left rear and left front)

The ones at the right are common on Beetles, and splits a circuit into three - at the top left you can see the brass male and female terminals I am using. More pics to follow soon!

The left two are also used on bay window busses. Late bay in any case.

Now that was an awsome idea Pine! And your wife didn't kill you for putting them in with the clothes? But the result looks good.

I also hate insulation tape joins. all my stuff is soldered and then heat shrink insulated. Some times even two layers of heat shrink depending on location and possible wear. Its so easy to remove soldered joints i dont even use connectors like you do, But then again, its safer this way for racing as well. I also split my circuit in two, first half is purely racing, second half is going to be road stuff (Not that important so haven't bothered yet). every thing is fused, all joints and connectors insulated. I even pulled wires through sheathes to make my own looms to run to the back lights and another for the fuel pumps. Silicone insulated wire used for the pumps.
Not the neatest when i took the picture, not everything was in its final position, but i did tidy it up a bit afterwards.

post a pic when you done

After struggling to get the correct side mirrors (i.e something that can actually see past the rear wheels) I decided to try the Hella spot light/mirror I got at Piston Ring a while ago, on the drivers side - modified the stalk a bit - and it works perfect!





Almost a year to the date since the first test drive, I took HW2 for a spin around the block this morning to test the electrics, and almost everything went fine. The only problems were the horns that blow at a certain point when you turn the steering (might still be an issue with the steering wheel), and that the small indicator bulb on the tachometer blew - I checked it and it turned out to be a 6V bulb

After spending some time (read: a number of hours) earlier fiddling with the dual Kadrons, they are now at a point that the buggy accelerate smoothly without any flat spots, and idle fine - the manifolds were ice cold after the small trip, which I suppose is a good sign. I reckon they only need some minor tweaking now - no idea of the consumption at the moment though. The exhaust gas is not too hot, and the dipstick is fairly cold, can be removed easily without burning my hands so I guess the engine doesn't run too hot. The Kadron gurus actually recommend a damper for the standard mechanical fuel pump, to bring the pressure down to no more than 1.5 psi (a standard Beetle fuel pump should give 2.8 psi at 3400 rpm).

Although according to the tech forums the 009 dizzy is also not ideal for the Kadrons, it will have to do for now as there is no vacuum signal for a vacuum advance dizzy, and it is quite a modification to install one. As far as I could find out, many VW owners use their cars with 009's and Kadrons with no problems.

The red rubber motocross shock covers I put over the front shocks turned out to be junk - and completely perished in a matter of less than a year, without seeing any sun

Next will be to have the winscreen cut - I want to see if I can have it made so that it can fill the entire window frame, not only the inner part like what is was designed for - any ideas?

The gelcoat still need a final buff and polish, but I might end up repainting the whole body in a few years time. The seats still need to be covered, and the inside chassis covered with outdoor marine carpet. Then I also need to make the bikini top. I other words, still quite a list - but at least it is getting shorter.

But nonetheless - you like pics, so here are a few I took this morning:







(The next target date for 100% completion is KKK 2012 - I think this is the first target date I'll actually make )

Looking good Pine!!!!
Now you just need to lower her and fit a turbo

What is that on your exhaust on the 1&2 side just under the valve cover?

Thanks TonyZ, actually I already have an adjustable front suspension, so it can be lowered easily - but I prefer the higher stance. As for a turbo? No thanks! (Perhaps I'm getting older/more careful).

The 'thing' under the valve cover is actually the r/h J-plate/heater box from a 36Hp engine (another Piston Ring find), which IMPI helped me to modify so that the J-pipes can go through it, there is one on the other side as well. It replaces the normal 1600 TP 'J plates' and offer some protection for the pushrod tubes. Looks something like the pic below (no 40)

Looking good....still need to visit you! Need advice!...

Looking good Pine! Now you need to get some dirt on those shiny wheels!

beetlefanatic wrote:Looking good Pine! Now you need to get some dirt on those shiny wheels!

Thanks, but they are quite used to dirt by now

Pine, has the yellow fibreglass wing made a noticeable difference to the Baja's handling with all the extra downforce?
When are you painting it ?

HW 2 looks great, keep up the good work

karmakoma wrote:Pine, has the yellow fibreglass wing made a noticeable difference to the Baja's handling with all the extra downforce?
When are you painting it ?

HW 2 looks great, keep up the good work

LOL! Yes - the Baja stuck to the road like chewing gum to a carpet.. as for the painting of the yellow body - no immediate plans. (Unless someone can source me a few thousand small square mirrors? )

Some cop-dodging late night fun - one has to test the lights in the dark as well, right?

[quote="Pine"]Some cop-dodging late night fun - one has to test the lights in the dark as well, right?



[/quote

should have asked him to wash the windscreen

buggyfan wrote:should have asked him to wash the windscreen

Buggy is looking absolutely clean and fresh