Der Beetle Bus XL-Pressing Forward-01/05

[Thomas_M]

I've seen a couple of 3 cylinder engines that we used to have in our smaller GM cars a few years back. So far it hasn't caught on here much. What the priority seems to be is electric cars. IMO the Chevrolet Volt is a work of art!

Well, in my opinion the Mercedes 540K is a work of art! The Chevy, hmm, light years away.

[mustang1989]

LOL! In terms of looks.....you're absolutely correct. I was speaking more in terms of technological advances in regards to electric vehicles.

[Paul]

I've seen a couple of 3 cylinder engines that we used to have in our smaller GM cars a few years back. So far it hasn't caught on here much. What the priority seems to be is electric cars. IMO the Chevrolet Volt is a work of art!

What you produce are works of art, Joe.

If that Volt is a work of art then it is true abstract impressionism . Just my opinion.

[mustang1989]

Wow! Thanks Paul. I dunno 'bout my work being that good but I appreciate the encouraging comment.

[BorgR3mc0]

I've seen a couple of 3 cylinder engines that we used to have in our smaller GM cars a few years back. So far it hasn't caught on here much. What the priority seems to be is electric cars. IMO the Chevrolet Volt is a work of art!

Lot of 3 cylinders overhere. I drive a 1.0 3 cylinder Ford Focus, they manage to get some 125hp from it. I must say, it like it a lot. And it has great fuel economy.

[mustang1989]

Anymore the manufacturers have managed to squeeze a lot of power out of engines and still get great fuel economy relative to their size. Good ol' computerized fuel injection and software can accomplish most anything these days.

Today I graphed in the L/H fender skirt and got it glued in. I've got ALOT and I mean ALOT of body work to do to get this to look good. I also cut out the rear wheel tub section so I can widen the wheel tubs and narrow the center section. Again LOTS of work to do. Paint is being mixed up at the dealership that I used to work at so that should be ready in the coming week or so. Of interest is the fact that it's acrylic paint that's used in the body shops now.

Here's where I'm at as of now:

[mustang1989]

Folks this doesn't look like a whole lot of progress but rest assured that it's huge for me because of all the work involved but I feel pretty good about the outcome. I've still got to relocate the spring perches and use a different rear axle and suspension but I'll get to that a little later. Here's some progress pics of the wheel tub and center section mods...........

Before:



During:



And after. I also managed to clean up the header exit cut out holes on the sides of the engine/ transmission cutout area. Here's the results. Still have some filling to go but it's minimal.



Still working on the clean up around the rear wheel opening on the body. It'll be a bit before I post any substantial progress due to this being the idea and development part of the build.

[KSaarni]

Lot's of surgery going on, great stuff Joe!

- Kari

[mustang1989]

Thanks Kari. I'll be resuming this build on Friday. Till then , it's back on the Arado.

[mustang1989]

I've been all over this thing like a rat on a cheeto filling and sanding and more filling and sanding on the body, roof and the wheel tub area of the chassis. Posting pictures would be a complete waste of time as it all looks about the same but this is the point at which I have to spend most of my time ensuring that this is all going to come together without looking like "Frankenstien". There'll be a payoff in the end I know but I sure wished this part went quicker because I can't stand body work.