niko's 61 microbus

[kombi niko]

So having a good look at my rims I decided they needed a little loving. I'm pretty sure the tire shop would have said "no way" as there was deep rust pitting along the bead line. So out came the tig and a few days welding grinding to get them smooth enough. Then a few coats of 2k red and clear to finish the 5. Off to the shop for Maxxis 175/65/15 rubber and these babies have the highest load rating for that size at 88T.

[kombi niko]

Back from the tire shop, two rims are pretty bad they had trouble balancing them, one will be the spare and the other on the rear for now until I found 2 more rims in better condition.
I'm liking the 175/ 65 look but don't think I'm getting down on the ground anytime soon. At this stage I have 2" gap between tire and floor and the bus is around 150cm off the ground. Not low enough dam it!! Kind of knew this would happen with this tire package up front but for now it will do. On to the rear wheels mounting so I can get her on the ground tomorrow. At least the spare fits nice

[NevsOval]

That is coming together really nicely

[Cam Biscuit]

ditto that!

[63 left hooker]

Niko,

Looking great but I agree, still about 5cm too high

Nice to think there's a little bit of the dual cab in your ride

Keep up the great work.

Warwick

[kombi niko]

cheers guys was great to see it on the ground, and ok now its lower than i thought!! but fronts hit the floor at 100mm so back up it goes and more chop chop for clearance. The rears are perfect for now. Looks like a toy bus after its been so high for so long

[braddick]

Top work niko, loving the stance keep up the good work

[marz]

Looks rad mate, tyres look like a good size.

[kombi niko]

Cheers mate, Not really into the thin front tire look plus they will be white walls soon so need a little side wall to look right.
On to the front seat belt mounts, I decided to go for the factory look and had a go at making the middle mounts out of 3mm plate steel.

[kombi niko]

Air ride system fits perfect under the rock n roll seat

[kombi niko]

Yep more blockin, at least all the panels will be done by the time the suspension arrives from the uk which could be bloody ages!!

final primer inside the front cab

Long panel looking flat as Natalie Portmans chest

[kombi niko]

On to the paint, started with the roof, 2k arctic white.
I layed the bus on its side then adjusted the spraygun fan sideways in doing this I was able to run down the whole roof in one pass in a up down pattern.

Inside taping this took hours!!

side white sprayed on




Nose done, now on to the underside and in the cabin with the orange..

[MID WEST DUBBER]

Really nice work mate

[Rudy_032]

Well done Niko, Good idea with the roof spraying pattern. Did you use direct gloss or clear over base? Looks good.

[kombi niko]

Just used base white gloss is straight off the gun, 3 coats, 2 bar pressure, fluid tip turned right out and fan pattern all the way out too. Using a Devilbiss finishline hvlp gun.