R / Outlaw project...

[jury]

On the few occasions I have driven the car in the dark it is noticeable that the lights are pretty woeful. Bulbs, Relays and outputs have been checked and are good, the only other possible reason was that I had painted the buckets Black (I wanted a look similar to the black scoops on a 904/906) and maybe the light wasn't reflecting around.....who knows

So I got everything together and made a MOD.....I had previously done some research and worked out that early sealed beam units, later H4's and early Beetle headlight parts are all interchangeable.....well sort of, alittle massaging is needed.

I ordered some complete but cheap Beetle repro units from CIP1 in California, along with extra wiring pig tails and seals, whole lot came to $90. Then after bit of research I found a company making similar units to the LED Truck-lite units mentioned in the above thread...but at half the price.


Current setup...








Repro Beetle units...

[jury]

LED units with H4 compatible connector. A transformer is also supplied should you experience any flicking (repro Beetle retaining ring shown) ...




I had planned to use the already fitted buckets but even with some persuading the new LED units and retaining rings wouldn't fit. I ended up painting the Beetle buckets, and blanked off the running light hole. It is still bit visible and I may either go back to revise the blanking plate, or, refit the running light fitting and bulb...



Everything put together:
-Beetle Bucket
-LED sealed beam unit
-Beetle retaining ring
-Porsche chrome ring
-Beetle glass




Ready to fit. The tabs on the retaining ring stick out little bit more vs the originals and the unit wouldn't fit ! This may be because the fiberglass wings have a substantially thicker Bowl compared to standard steel wings.....but, alittle bit of Dremel work and the new units slotted in.


Best thing is that the new LED units are black, this in combination with the black bowls and retaining rings gives look a lot closer to the 904/906 I was originally looking for...and the early glass is much more date appropriate for the car.





And...they work !! Blimey they are bright, and the light is instant !


Dipped...



Full beam...






Need to level and adjust, but over all very pleased with the result

[carwash]

"It would be boring if you got it right first time "

So true man....

I have borrowed a few things from your build. I love your attention to small details on it.

I don't recall now, but did you do full plex rear window, or did you just do the straps for the race prep look?

[jury]

Originally Posted by carwash

"It would be boring if you got it right first time "

So true man....

I have borrowed a few things from your build. I love your attention to small details on it.

I don't recall now, but did you do full plex rear window, or did you just do the straps for the race prep look?

Thanks

We have a saying: "Talent borrows, genius Steals"

Borrow, steal, do what you have to...I am more than happy for people to take the ideas from it.

Rear glass is glass, I originally cut a plexiglass version but never fitted it. Straps are just for ''the look''.


Cheers

[carwash]

Did you purchase some kind of kit for the strap look? Or do you know roughly what page it is on that you talk about the install if you did?

[jury]

Originally Posted by carwash

Did you purchase some kind of kit for the strap look? Or do you know roughly what page it is on that you talk about the install if you did?

Hopefully I won't need these now, but I couldn't resist fitting the Check 'Rabbit' Straps.....I do like the look of them




Available from a Builders merchant near you

.

Just some galvanized pre-drilled bar that I bent into shape in the vice...They slot through the vents at the top of the window. I had previously removed the drip tray, the straps bolt through the roof.

Cheers

[carwash]

I wonder how far off this is from the real thing.... I've never seen a set in real life.

[jury]

Kinda bringing it up to date...

[jury]

So.....erm....car now has Fuchs on it.



Seriously though it feels so much better. I liked the look (and still do) of the space savers, but the car benefits a lot more running on 15x6 Fuchs. Currently fitted with a 195/60 Continentals, but after recently being a lovely 356 Speedster, I am after a set of Hoosier (barely street legal) speedsters !

Hoosier Speedster (DOT)Bob Woodman Tires



Back tracking afew months.....I had met up with a couple of Porsche guys at a local Cars and Coffee. They both worked at a shop afew miles south of Portland. They talked like they knew what they were on about so I arranged to drop the car off there to sort out afew issues. First up was to sort out why the car was averaging about 10 mpg



Car was dropped off at the shop and they went to work. It was found that the carbs were incorrectly jetted, I had bought them second hand and they suspected that they were originally setup to fit a 3.0 - 3.2 car. So Carbs off and rebuilt with new gaskets...next was why they weren't opening fully. I had afew days off work so went along and busied myself. Basically when the accelerator was fully pressed down the carbs were only 2/3rds open. I removed the linkages and made adjustments...finally we got the carbs opening fully. Valve adjustment, timing done and time for a drive. WOW !! Completely transformed.....and the NOISE !!!

Also noticed that the rear shock rubbers were not seated correctly...had been fitted upside down !!




Also fitted a new sump plate...beefy!



RESULT, I thought that I had found a good reputable shop family close by......WRONG !!! Afew days later one of the guys called me to tell me that they had left as the owner had closed down, I don't know the full details but it didn't sound good !! Gutted for me, but more gutted for these two guys. However we have remained in contact and met up afew times, they may set up on their own. We are actually discussing removing the 912 engine and finally getting the many Oil leaks fixed...only been putting it off for 11 years More to come


So it was a summer on getting to know the car.....and o'yes.....getting used to Coffee. I have reconnected with old friends I had here last time living in Portland, and met a lot of new car geek/nerds/like minded souls.

Founded a new club...aka the ODD SQUAD

originally formed with a:
Impala
Beetle
'32 ford
Mini
Modrod
240Z

but now comprising Sapphire Cosworths, 911's a plenty, 356's, Karmann Ghias and afew BMWs



Only an official club if it has stickers...

[jury]

Revisited afew areas...

Spending a lot of time on Airplanes lead to updating the spare tyre strap....Only problem was having to use the sewing machine in situ






Extra lightness added...and some heat management






Coffee and bagel runs need cup holders...






Afew roadside repairs along the way...

[jury]

Alot of weekend runs (and afew work commutes)...just over 1500 miles clocked up...not amazing I know but already planning 2017 !! There are so many nice roads and locations around here...'RUN TO THE COAST' 'RUN TO THE MOUNTAINS' 'RUN TO THE DESERT' have all been discussed.


Currently making do with 'RUN TO GERMANTOWN'.....seriously the area is called Germantown, seems too perfect.


Bagels are optional...

VIDEO

[jury]

Probably missed alot out, but happy to report that the car is turning out to be everything that I had hoped.....Is it finished ? NO !! Still afew things to deal with and afew things already planned for winter:

-Front skid plate
-Lightweight Flywheel
-Tyres

It would be boring if it was finished.....but currently happy just to be rolling

VIDEO



Cheers
Chris

[fanaudical]

Glad to see you're having fun and enjoying the car!

[kent olsen]

Great to see someone who puts "personality" in their car. I like it!
I also have a steep driveway but backing off at an angle seems to work except for one tail pipe.

[dfhtrhjn]

Really sweet car, I'm also a Portlander

[kent olsen]

I noticed your fuel filter. I would think about replacing it with the metal one. Just renewed mine.

I've heard of them failing and then you have pressurized fuel spraying all over the engine compartment.

[jury]

I hear you Kent, that Plastic filter went along time ago...Fuel now goes through the Malpassi filter only.

I also re-fitted the fuel lines into the carbs, the original lines had kinked abit.




Cheers
Chris

[fanaudical]

Bumping this thread for others to enjoy.

It was good to see you yesterday Chris (even if briefly). Car still looks amazing!

[fanaudical]

I was reviewing another of my favorite build threads and thought of this one; bumping it up for others to enjoy. Looks like it hasn't been mentioned for over 4 years. Chris - If you're out there - I hope you're doing well and would enjoy any update you care to share.

[jury]

Wow !! 8 years since the last post !

Happy to report the car is still going strong...many ups and downs. So in no particular order :

Because things are cooler in Japanese.....

.....but who is Chris July ? :lol: