Looking good Jim!

Not as good as yours mate, but getting there.

Some winter progress.

Fuel tank closing panel suport structure in.

Rear end panels mocked up to test the fit. Bumper was cut when it was on the donor vehicle, but clears my towbar

After hundreds of hours cleaning the every surface on the chassis, decided we just weren't happy with the finish. Just couldn't get it as clean as I wanted, so off to the blasters, (again).

Having it all on one colour does make it feel like the end is closer than it was.

Seam sealed and over-paintable stone chip applied, (until I ran out!!)

Starting further mock up prep'



Drop gate catches are rather bent




Fortunately Kev' confirmed what they should look like.....

Amazing eye for detail mate and a really too finish on all you've done so far, just wish I had the skills and the patience to get to this standard!

Whats the final look going to be?

Wish I had the skills to get it how I want it in my head.... Though, I do keep telling myself, "this is a parts hauler / minimal filler work / she's going to wear her dents and scrapes with pride". Bodywork & paint has never been my thing.

As I'm not going for straight, dent free panels / roof etc. then the paintwork is doing to aged, (if I can pull that off), as I thought all new shiney paint on dented panels would look a bit strange. Maybe some sign writting.

Not 100% on the engine yet, most likely the engine out of the Samba reworked over. Still EFI. IRS suspension, usual stuff. Heated windscreens, heated seats will help make the truck more useable all year.

Nice truck .

Has the rear bulkhead been cut, or did later trucks have vent holes through to the fuel tank area? I know later trucks have longer side vents, just wondering if they had extra vents through to the engine compartment as well?

No idea if there's a year difference, but that panel is OG.

Few more items blasted and powder coated.

Arms straightened.


Drop gate hardware blasted & plated.