Barndoor Mafia

Who says there never isn't enough time, well this is true. This has turned out to take longer then what we expected. But it's getting there. This weekend I got all the rear end and brakes sorted out. Hopefully by the end of the week the same will go for the front? Keep your fingers crossed. All the hardware was cad plated. The seals, brake shoes, cylinders and drums are all brand spankin new!

The Wolf and I have been on the hunt for curtain material for the 1971 Westfalia and have come across a good candidate. Sure I would like the original print, but it's very expensive and to be honest not very practical for what we will be needing it. From most hardcore guys who like going camping and have the og curtains in their buses, they say the material does not keep the sun from blasting in. So we figured get something which is thick and will help the cause. We found this material at curtain material store and this pattern comes very close to matching both the interior scheme and the pop top canvas, as well the Tent. I think? So this may be a winner. Chime in and give us your opinion??

 

As you all know, 1971 was a great year for the Volkswagen bus. This was the last year for the up right Type 1 engine and the first year for front disc brakes.  For these reasons the 1971 VW bus is a very saught after bus, especially the Westfalia model. Sure everyone desires the early Westfalia or any early camper conversion, but these Bay Windows, in my opinion, are much more practical and are very comfortable rides. Without a doubt!

After going through the brake system and figuring out what I need to get this pupply going, the power brake booster needed to rebuilt. A good buddy of mine redid this one. I should have taken a shot of the booster prior to being redone. What a difference. And what a difference disc brakes make when you need to stop at the drop of a dime.

 

If you are all about camping, grilling, kicking back, eating, chillin, trail bashing, more eating .......... then this is the event to hit. What a surprise for me. I had plans for this weekend way back 4 months ago and was pretty bummed when I knew I wouldn't be able to make it. But last minute plans made it possible for me to join my buddies. I heard about last years event and how great it was and yada, yada, yada. WOW!  So I get up super early and head out to the town of Julian, which is about a 50 minute drive east from Escondido .......... San Diego for all of you who aren't familiar with Euskalifornia. What a beautiful and scenic drive it was, and the little town of Julian was really pretty. Worth the visit. BTW - this event was put on by Maria & Serg Vasquez, they are members of the resort and hooked us all up. But Dan, known as "Braukuche" on the Samba, organized the reservations & camp layout (which are limited) and the trail bash. Big Kudos to those three because without them, this wouldn't have been possible.

As soon as I arrived, morning, I was handed a beer and offered food .......... and off we went. The resort has a grass area for sporting events and out door concerts. That's where we were set up for camping. Come about 10:00 am Saturday, the troops were rally'd up and off to the trails we went. Must have been a good 10/15 mile trail? And very scenic. When were arrived back to the camp ground we were greeted by everyone who was there in their motor homes. Most folks were talking about the day they owned a VW bus. They were also taking pictures of themselves next to the buses. The evening ended with a fire and more eating. Like I said, if you get a chance to come to this event, you will not be sory.

Here is a link to the thread started on the Samba with other enthusiat's pictures they made of that weekend.

 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=544859&a...

 

 

 And the best picture for last .......... Cuñado Ear giving the famous pose. Think he didn't!!!

 

Finally got some time and hit the tire shop to have the tires mounted on to the wheels. They look really nice and I'm sure they will nicer once I mount them. I also scored on some re-chromed original hub caps. I need to clean them up and paint the emblem on.

Finally got back the wheels from the powder coater. Sir Chubbs a lot was taking his sweet time, but after bribing him with a cheeseburger ....... the wheels should up instantly. BTW - I replaced the clips and what a chore that was.

Now this was a chore in itself. After dealing with mounting the new rubber on the vent wing, I had to make sure it was aligned properly before I could mount the longer side glass which over laps this one. German engineering. ja!

 

 

 

 

Ciccolo says .... " When we going camping dawg!? "