VW Split Screen Final High Build Primer

We finally managed to get the last coat of high build primer on the main body before we start the endless task of rubbing down all over again.

Unfortunatley we ran out of paint for the doors, tailgate etc so having to order some more in but it will be in soon.

Not long till we decide on a colour.

VW Split Screen Bumper Preparation

The front bumper is the original, the rear unfortunately was beyond repair and as originals in good condition are hard to source at realistic prices. I went for the better quality after market replacement from Alan Schofields they are nowhere near the same quality as original but will have to do.

The rear bumper just needed the black nasty paint removing before i covered it all in etch and then sprayed the internal in stone chip to give it some added protection.


The front bumper took a good day to rub down there was so much paint on it that I was going through pads like nobodies business but finally got to bare metal, treated the rust spots and gave it a good dose of etch primer before again spraying the internals with stone chip.

VW Split Screen Fuel Tank Preparation

This is the original fuel tank off my1964 VW Split Screen Fire Truck. After emptying the last dregs of fuel, I took the sender out and checked inside the tank. Surprisingly it had very little dirt, but more importantly no rust so is not going to need too much work





 
The external surface was another matter although much of the original grey paint was still on it, there was parts of it which were flaking away with small amounts of surface rust  presenting itself, so all the paint was removed down to bare metal.

Any rust spots were treated, it was cleaned up and given a few good coats of etch primer prior to it being prepared for paint.

VW Split Screen Fire Truck Overhaul

This is my 1964 Panel Van (ex German Fire Truck) in its former glory, lowered sitting on empi 5 spokes and running its original 1500 engine which had only carried out 16000km. I beefed it up a little with twin 34 dellorto carburettors and a ceramic extractor exhaust system. It was lowered front by Wagonworks and ther rear using a Bus Boys straight axle kit with a 1600GT beetle gearbox and type3 drums. I pulled all the fire pump, racking etc. out and panelled it out fitting a simple rock n roll bed. It has served me well across camping trips and shows, but the UK climate has taken it's toll and it needed some tlc.

So the  van was stripped down and the paint taken down to bare metal where any repairs needed were carried out. The nearside front inner and outer arch needed replacing which were sourced from Musclebus along with a couple of jacking points and sections sourced from Alan Schofields. The wholes in the floor where as a result of the fire pump fittings that had rusted from the inside out.

The etch primer goes on the bare metal panels.

Finally the first coat of high build primer goes on and the rubbing down and making good begins.