Started working on the back half of my chop 67 today....

[rick m]

It amazes me how many hackers there are building VWs.  Don Bulitta came over today and watched me as I did some work on my chop and I discovered that the HACK that built the car put the side panels in the engine compartment too low and not square with the firewall.  When fitting my 67 apron on the rear of the body, the body was tweaked to the right 1". So, I cut out the side panels that set next to the heads.  I will buy new ones from CIP and get the back half right.

I started working on the pieces for the rear apron and the EMPI eyebrows. No, they will not be as big as they appear when done. I just worked them on my english wheel till I got the contour I wanted and now I will cut them to size and finish the rear apron too.  My shrinker jaws crapped out on me so I could not finish the complete shaping of the rear apron piece but it is close.

All donor metal is being taken from an old VW roof. So, I am using the correct guage metal and german metal to boot.  I like using metal that is compatible and the right thickness when making body mods.

Trying to get the car ready to drive to the Classic. Definitely will not make it for Bug-In. Found to many things on the car I have been redoing and fixing to get it back together.

Rick M

[2manytoys]

Look forward to seeing the car at the Classic. I told you before, I came this close to buying that car. I will always love chops. Good luck with the repairs. Are you going to keep the interior that was in the car when you bought it?

[rick m]

Patrick,

I took the interior out. It was not my taste in interiors.  I have new SCAT seats in the car with Cal Look style biscuit door panels being done by ZACH who frequents this forum.  An IDA Motor is going in it too.  I've basically gone through the whole car, installing Autometer gauges, brakes, wheels, electrical, etc.  The only thing left is to completely disassemble it and paint it the color I want it.

I won't be painting it until I finish the new floor pan sometime next year.  When the new drivetrain is done is when the full face lift will take place.

Rick M

[Donny B.]

I enjoyed my visit Rick.  Still looking forward to our trip to Bug-In.  Looks like you made a lot of progress after I left.  Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing it done.

[Zach Gomulka]

The 'lid looks great, Rick. Too bad about not being able to make it to Bug-In, I know how that goes. Maybe we can cruise to The Classic. I'm hoping to have your panels finished up this week. I can't remember, did the car have a rear seat? Do you want me to go ahead and fat biscut the front seats since we have a little more time? That shouldn't be too difficult, I may be able to use the material that's already there.

EDIT: Give me a ring when you get a chance

[rick m]

Zach,

Yeah...I am bummed about not being ready for Bug-In but Classic without fail.  I had to tear out the rear side pieces in the engine compartment. Apparently more work was don on this car than I first saw.  The wrong side panels were in the compartment and they were put in wrong. So, had to remove them, order some from CIP1 and I hope to have them next week and installed. I will have the rear apron and decklid welded up this weekend and metal finished.

I don't have a back seat right now. Just a panel with carpeting.  I may put a seat in it when I strip the car down to remount on the new pan with 5 speed. For now, we will just go with the door panels.  Would love to cruise over with you and Slingshot. Let me know when you guys were planning to leave.

Rick M