The Cal-look Lounge

Hi
My first post here so firstly hello! Have been reading, I think it's called lurking but figured it was time to post as my new car is close to being finished.

Story so far is I bought a 1960 Ragtop of a guy called Pete (who I'm sure is on the forum) from the South of England.  I had just given up searching after several months and Pete and I had spoken previously but car was out of my price range.  I was on my way back from having just seen a really disappointing car and he called.  Anyway, a deal was struck and the car was bought minus running gear and engine.

Since then it's be a bit of an adventure.  Firstly the front beam I had from a previous car turned out to be good enough.  A replacement was sourced and narrowed and lowered by Alex Taylor at Defcon 3, in the UK.  It's a work of art but like a numpty I forgot to get pictures.  Next the 044 heads in the 1776 I also had from the car were destroyed by a courier when they were sent for some tweaking; so back to square one there too.  Also on closer inspection, it turned out the engine builder had also forgotten to tap the full flow and used old con rods which hadn't even been cleaned - less said the better.

Anyway Alex, who has been brilliant and I highly recommend, has been working on getting the car back together with help Pete at Funkenblitz on bits of the engine.  His work is excellent and he been a pleasure to work with.

So for some pics..............

Here's how the car looked when Pete bought the car in the US - I have tried emailing Oldbug to try and get hold of the original builder as it would be great to get more build up info, or even some pics, but no joy so far (if anyone can help I'd appreciate it):

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Oldbug_ad1.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Oldbug_ad2.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Oldbug_ad4.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/326014.jpg)

So where am I up too, well it's got a new Pro Street box from Bear Motorsport UK with all the necessary bits, the engine has had top end re-build with new Los Panchitos CB heads which had some loving.  New front narrowed beam with CB disk brakes. Berg early locking shifter and a few other bits but I'll wait for the completed photos.

All the elements are now almost finished and should be coming together in the next few weeks - there's a Volksworld deadline for another project with Alex which is cool.  It's been a few months after waiting for bits e.g. heads from US, so a couple more weeks is not here nor there.

Engine bits:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/IMG_4802.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/IMG_4797.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/IMG_4789.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/IMG_4801.jpg)

I will post more pics in a few weeks when car on the road but I hope you like it in the meantime.

Cheers

Stuart

 

EDITED

I remember seeing that car at The Classic a few years back. I hardly ever take pictures, but that car had me at hello! Must have been the wheels ;)

Welcome dude, I love that car!  :P

Cheers guys, appreciate the comments and photo, it really did look good with those wheels.  There's some for sale which need restoring but am very tempted.

welcome to the lounge , hope you will enjoy the place like us

and by the way i love the car the way it was with the E/T mag

 ;)
fabs

That would be great to see it again with ET Mags, or maybe Flat4 Enkei 5 spokes.

I agree !!! It's the best version  8)

hi stu!

the offset was crap on the et mags,  also i wouldnt have wanted to run it on the track on those as the rims only held together by a few itty bitty rivets.  some ways i may regret selling the car but to take it to the next level would have cost me a fortune and meant re-doing work for works sake,  i  watch with interest what you do with it!  the guy i bought it from was Chris Davis and he was from Vista in california,  last time i spoke to him he was building a quick trekker.

keep well mate....  looks like yours will be out before mine!!!!    the 57 lowlite is having the cage done atm and the 56 is just about ready for the mot,  oh and there is always the 57 oval i just bought but thats another story!!!

You're addicted Pete  ;D

Re: wheels, cheers for the input everyone.  First thing first, get it back up and running and then see!  Have always loved Cal Part rims too.....  8)  ;D

I always liked the Berm's personally.... very cool car. You'll be please with it I'm sure Stuart.

:) Enjoy!

pictures i've found on the net years ago  ;)

some i took @ebi 3  ;)
is it jungle green color ???

Pukka car dude :)

Sick car, I love it !!  8)

Cheers for the comments everyone and thanks for the pics Speedwell, can't wait.  Spoke to Alex and should have it back in under 2 weeks!    ;D ;D ;D

Things got a little delayed but I have been praying to the gods of old cars and hopefully we are talking weeks rather than the months it's been since I last posted.

In the meantime....

Engine as of last week was running (this has been where the major delay happened but it's sounding sweet so that's what matters)........

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/60_4.jpg)

Couple of shots of car.....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/60_3.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/60_2.jpg)

Finger crossed for no more major hiccups.

Sweet... looks great on the AE 5's.

Awsome ragtop!!

Coming along nicely!

Thats mine awaiting attention under the covers (on the right of pic) next to yours ;)

I wonder what they talk about when everyones gone home......  :D

J

Thanks J - I reckon they talk about who's turn it is next :)
By the way, never got to say thanks re: your advice on petrol tank and sender, all installed now, appreciate it - it was a while ago on VZI, on the link to your other car build.

Quick update - horror of horrors, it turns out the gearbox had an issue - so close and yet so far.  Good news was it was only small germlins which have now been rectified (sweet) but did require engine and gearbox out (again) and box back to builder.

Car back and having a shake down.  Engine needs tune and a few other bits and bobs but that's old beetles for you.....
Hope you like it the pics; they're just on the driveway as I needed to take some for insurance company but thought it'd be good to post them up here
Cheers
S

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/RearPassengerSideDusk.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/RearPassengerSideDusk2.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/RearDriverSideDusk.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/RearDriverSideDusk2.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/RearDusk.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/FrontDriverSideDusk.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/FrontPassengerSideDusk.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Front.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/FrontEnd.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Backview.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Interior2.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Steeringwheel.jpg)

Don't have a spring for boot lid but have a little helper instead....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/Engine.jpg)

He decided to test ragtop too..

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/60%20Green%20Ragtop/FrontRagtopOpenLuke.jpg)

where is that gauge panel from ? 

I think it was Machine 7 in the UK or somewhere similar.  I bought it when I picked up some VDO gauges which I never used.  It is normally black cracked effect but I rubbed it down and had it painted green to match.  Hope that helps.

thanks man

    That's a great looking car you have there, I hope you and the boy make tons of great history and memories together with it  ;D :) :D ;) , that's what its all about.          KG

What deep sump is this?

from scat i believe 

Can't remember, it's been a while.  I'll have a check underneath and let you know if that's okay.

It looks like a wide glide from scat but I wasn't sure.

Hi Guys!
Its Chris from California. Its good to see my old car is in very capable and appreciative hands. Fire away on whatever questions you have about the build. I bought it in 2002 because it was the driest and straightest bug I had ever found. 100% original German sheetmetal, perfect aprons, all 4 original fenders, 4 tab hood and decklid. The pan tarboards were scraped clean to reveal shiny paint even in the battery tray. The car was painted 2002 Jaguar British Racing Green using single stage Glasurit paint in Oct 2003 by Braxmeyer Auto Body in Vista,CA. I always loved looking at all the perfect spotwelds inside the fenderwells. :) When it was shipped to England it had a Franklin's 3" narrowed beam powdercoated with adjusters, stock spindles and AC Industries disc kit up front. It had a KCR built transmission and a VW Paradise 1915cc engine. The car has a Wiring Works wiring loom installed and I made sure to restore or source NOS screw terminal switches and lights for it. I installed NOS pop out windows that were still wearing the original 45 year old rubber when it was exported. The front seats are from a 1986 Porsche 924 and are quite cozy. I must admit, I do miss the ET's as well. Those were the crowning jewel of the car for me. I sourced the wheels from Colorado, bought NOS caps and lugs off EBAY and then polished and painted them. I see the additional gauges have been installed, the shifter, steering wheel, running boards and drivetrain have been changed. Good job with your build. Keep up the good work!

Looking sweet :)

ill have your berg pulley and shifter handle with button on monday for you, ill drop you a pm

cheers james

Hi Chris

Great to hear from you and thank you for your comments re the car.  If it's okay I'll drop you a PM with questions but thanks for the background!

James

Brilliant, will settle up as soon as you let me know how much.

Cheers

Stuart

Hi James,
Sorry its been so long in responding to your PM. My home computer crashed and I got a new phone so I lost a lot of info and time. The bug is painted with US spec 2002 Jaguar Brithish Racing paint. It is considerably darker than traditional British Racing Green. I had painted a 61 ragtop back in '92 with a British Raciing Green with 2 shades of black mixed in and when I saw this paint on a new Jag I knew it was exactly what I wanted. I sent a CD along with the car to England with Pete that showed the car in the body shop in bare metal along with all the body work shots as it happened. Hopefully he still has it and can send it to you as I lost a ton of pics when my computer died. Lesson to everyone, BACK UP your computer. I lost half of my kids childhood with that one. :'( Google Volksarama.com and look for the show in Vista in 2004 to see more pics of what it looked like when I was rolling around SoCal when it was freshly built. While I agree with bumpers instead of T-bars (I was sourcing NOS bumpers at the time of sale), I can't agree with your desicion for low back seats from a saftey standard. Whiplash sucks. Notice how I had capture nuts welded into the B pillars for 3 point seat belts (they are welded in with 3mm thick steel plates seam welded for strength). I love the pics of your boy as it brings me back to the exact same time with my girls when I finished it back in 03-04.  Have fun and continue the good work! By the way, I finished mechanically restoring an original paint 73 trekker that had been rotting in the desert of New Mexico for 20+ years but sold that too. After that I built a 59 ragtop baja bug that would be grossly illegal in the UK but a bunch of fun here in CA  8). Now all I have left is a 70 squareback that I have to finish a few drivetrain bits to sell. I'm now dedicated to building a 50 year old vintage 16ft camp trailer that is fully functional but is getting a slow piece by piece restoration as I camp in it with my daughters and wife every chance I get. I will build another street bug when my kids are older and my time less restricted. Please keep in touch!
Chris

Cheers for the note Chris - I'm speaking the painter I know to see if he can mix up the colour you mention.  It should hopefully be the darker colour you describe.  Thanks for the update too, the Baja Ragtop sounds like a whole heap of fun!

Tiny update on car.

CSP Python exhaust has been removed and has been replaced with this......

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/photo.jpg)

Sounds great and the build quality is 10 times better than the CSP one it replaces.  CSP are 2 for 2 with build issues at the moment with me, not impressed at all and shall not be buying an exhaust from them again.

Speaking of quality issues, also am having issues with bumper blades.  The ones picture are the supposed high quality stainless steel repro ones.   If you look closely you'll see that the right hand holes are actually lower than the left hand ones.  It's only 5 mm and we can get the blade horizontal with playing around but it does sit quite right and it looks off, aaarrgh.

Does anyone know where to get decent bumpers?   I'm trying to find original ones and get them re-chromed but again really hard to get hold of decent ones.  The search continues.. :)

hi stu, the closest colour match we could get over here was jaguar brooklands green,  phil from HRC bodyshop got the mix done for me and i had the 4 wings re'done to touch up stone chips match is nearly perfect and i am a proper fussy bugger as you know

cheers

pete

It's a been a while since I updated my post but life has been busy; work, new family members arriving and the usual delays. 

It all started as a result of going drag racing last year for the first time. After being beaten by a mark II Fiesta (with a huge turbo in my defence) I made a decision to upgrade the engine.  My friend took my engine and gearbox and I managed to get hold of a much bigger engine as well as an intrim gearbox - am currently trying to get a new Berg 5 speed organised and it seems like it might happen, very excited.  Have been waiting for my friends car to be finished and after quite a few delays, it's now on the road. So now it's my turn.  Here's a couple of pics.....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/DSC00361_zps8cd4b8cc.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/DSC00361_zps8cd4b8cc.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/DSC00362_zps2368fc56.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/DSC00362_zps2368fc56.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/DSC00363_zpsa81a2899.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/DSC00363_zpsa81a2899.jpg.html)

Car's a bit dusty :)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/DSC00364_zps6d4450da.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/DSC00364_zps6d4450da.jpg.html)

And here's the new heart ;D

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/DSC00366_zps97ef58be.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/DSC00366_zps97ef58be.jpg.html)

Once everything's in, just need to fix the carb issues, hit the dyno and then it's time to smile.........

Hope you like the pics.

Cheers

Stuart

Progress :)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/2013-12-11090629_zpsffd6335d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/2013-12-11090629_zpsffd6335d.jpg.html)

Fingers crossed for Christmas!

Looking good chief:)

Hi Dth
Thanks for the help earlier, makes complete sense now :)
Also means engine only comes out once more, thank goodness
Cheers
S

Back on the ground now.  Some plumbing issues to sort and then it's rolling road.   Patience.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/2014-01-31093908_zpsacff09aa.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/2014-01-31093908_zpsacff09aa.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/2014-01-31093921_zps548adec7.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/2014-01-31093921_zps548adec7.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/2014-01-31093835_zps5809034c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/2014-01-31093835_zps5809034c.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/2014-01-31093814_zps13c1ac0c.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/2014-01-31093814_zps13c1ac0c.jpg.html)

Good to see you making progress mate , must be something in the air:)

I reckon so, saw your pics too the other day, looking good Donald, looking good. 
Only problem I see is that the car will get finished but this pissing rain will continue!  Not sure the UK is the best country for Cal lookers in terms of climate ;) 

Engine finally in,lots of snags which continue (including leaking Jaycee sprung push rod tubes which meant the whole thing was a smokey affair),however managed to get on rolling road today.  BIG thank you to Donald (DTH) for help over the phone regarding incorrect float height - you are a legend, thank you again.

So here are the current figures,175 bhp at flywheel- slightly down for the stated 200 bhp in car of the original set up as per the article :) but as everyone agreed, pretty damn good none the less.

Been a real mission to get this running, including whole new MSD set-up, carbs having need to be stripped and cleaned twice, and an adventure into the world of jetting.

That all said I had the biggest grin ear to ear during the first test drive after fixing the carb issue, even before it was on the rolling road.  Been a long time coming!

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/BHPGraph23Jun14_zpsb676c155.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/BHPGraph23Jun14_zpsb676c155.jpg.html)

Right, next its MOT time followed by fixing the push rods, anyone got any suggestions, original versus the spring loaded?  Remove the now oil stained wrap and figure out a better way of insulating the exhaust under the push rods; then new K&N oil fliter as the Fram is having some issues and leaking.

Next it's a berg traction bar, fix the mis-matched fuel lines, new cover for interior and finally some practise before racing!

Hope you like.

Cheers

Stuart

Here are a few shots of it back in '04
(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/188388.jpg)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/188389.jpg)

And my fat ass with the camera...
(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/188407.jpg)

Nice to see you made progress Stuart ,catch you at the track later in the year:)

Now that's a nice car! 8)
Cheers
Kev

By way of a small update.  So the engine turned out to be in a worse state than thought.  Thanks to Donald who pointed me in the direction of Daz Chandler, this is now being fixed.  The initial verdict is that all the pieces are there but it needs to be freshened up with a bit more care.  So new pistons rings and various other bits.  Fingers crossed for next week and perhaps a revised graph :)

A couple of shots locally before I dropped the car off the North North Yorkshire.....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/IMG_0779_zps3026d993.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/IMG_0779_zps3026d993.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/IMG_0781_zps850759e7.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/IMG_0781_zps850759e7.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/IMG_0783_zps1d817f48.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/IMG_0783_zps1d817f48.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/IMG_0780_zpsc0db482e.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/stait9/media/IMG_0780_zpsc0db482e.jpg.html)

My friend has my 1776 now in the back of his '58.  We reckon he's starting a new genre Hot Cal Rat Looker!  Beats having 30hp in the back.  

2 years ago, almost to the day, I fulfilled my boyhood dream of going drag racing.  It was a local event, in November, very relaxed affair.  The place is an old airfield and as you'll see it is conrete with a hint of tarmac and cow pooh :)

The problem is I wanted to go a bit faster as a result so this set about a series of events that has resulted in a new bigger engine.  Well today saw my return to Smeartharpe, and it was great fun again.   Best time was 14.15 in damp conditions.

Here's some clips...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxDF1aQQJBMoVWtpSHI3bjBPWG8/view

A guy called Simon turned up with his bus running a turbo with intercooler and Nitros but had issues with a slipping clutch.....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/Racing%20Smeartharpe%20Nov%2014/th_IMG_1157_zpsl6azpjuw.mp4) (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/stait9/Racing%20Smeartharpe%20Nov%2014/IMG_1157_zpsl6azpjuw.mp4)

A big thank you to Daz @ Aircooled Performance taking the engine and making run again as it should!  Transpires there was a lot of things wrong with it.  Will get it rolling road'd again in the Spring.

I think it might be time to visit a proper track and see what the car can do on tarmac.

Cheers

S

Good to see you on the road/track Stuart ,hopefully catch up next year at the track:)

Thanks Donald.  My driving still needs a lot of improvement :) but the car is getting better.

Actually quick question for you, as it was so damp and greasy I was getting wheel spin in first and second.  Due to over excitment I was flooring it all the time, should I have been more controlled and a little less eager?  The majority of times where below 15 secs but a few went above based on the amount (or lack of) traction I was getting.  It was still running the 185 street tyres too  ::) 

Not sure if this will work but here's a clip from the Van's go pro

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152531165675749&set=o.87531493142&type=2&theater

I think I was lucky, the Van is going to be amazing when the clutch can handle the power.

Hi mate ,yer never gonna get consistant times on a track like that ,much like Crail up our way ,lots to think about ,tyres ,launch technique(pre loading ,revs etc) ,not sure if you have a shift light or not? Keeps it consistant ,and stops you hitting the rev limiter .Best thing to do is get along to something like Dragday ,and speak to the drivers ,watch what they are doing . Not entirely sure on your full spec ,on a good track ,with a good launch you will be doing at least low 13,s to high 12,s ,as i said lots to think about :)

Cool video ,not much to see really apart from how bad the track is ,and i think i made an oil pan for that splitty:)

Thanks Donald, appreciate the advice.
Right I'll see you at the next Drag Day then :)

Yeah the splitty was really cool and will be amazing when he gets the clutch sorted!

And what's wrong with my local track?  The thin layer of cow pooh adds a certain element of excitment  (as well as smell)  ;D
Its kinda fun but I definitely want to go to a real track now.

I'll drop a full spec on here after the next trip in the spring to rolling road.

I see you're still keeping really busy.  Some awesome looking projects mate.  Looks like a busy winter for you and Jerry.  Hope its not to cold for you guys as I believe you've got snow already.

Cheers

S