59 11 window Splitty Custom Resto

[67seeker]

Just sharing some pictures of my custom 59 project. It's been going a while now and starting to take shape. I had a 67 splitty (eg PMG) when I first met my wife - quite some time ago. With the kids pretty much grown up we decided to go back to where the romance started so to speak...

My original 67 was rough but loyal but we wanted to get a few creature comforts - effectively creating a custom splitty "tourer" and sourced a reasonable 59 from Steve Muller and got it to Al at Das Resto Haus. He along with Steve and Rob have building our dream splitty for over a year now.

As we intend to take her on many tours in the future and wanted a comfortable ride the bus includes things like Walk Through conversion, Air Con, Red 9 front end, Supercharged Engine and a few other creature comforts like a good sound system and rock and roll bed.

Here are some random shots - I'll put more photos up in historic sequence if anyone is interested.

[Shayno]

Looks like a great project. I'm sure we'd all like to see more. I'd like air con too, So I'm very interested in how you do it.

[pixiesrock!]

Have been following this build over on Al's site…… this is going to be one amazing bus when it's done.

[zeuspig]

Sweet!!! Wanna see more of this

[FrankenCab]

cool seen pics of this on SSVC, great ideas.

[resinmonkey]

Hows that RED9 setup!!? has anyone had any driving experience with this gear?


look forward to seeing more on this bus

[travellinbob]

yep def want more info and pics on this one.would love to know how it rides as well! what supercharger, engine stats etc?
cheers for sharing. michael.

[D-Train]

ive seen this bus in the flesh, killer work al, steve an rob have all done an amazing job for what was wanted on it.
lots of tricks and upgrades that you wouldnt believe.
amazing work again guys.

[Dasdubber]

Cheers guys, we have been very fortunate to be part of this major resto and to run with a few ideas outside the square. Like any custom restoration, not all mods will be loved by everyone, but I am confident even those who aren't fans will still appreciate what has gone into the build.

I'll leave Armando to post up pics however I'm happy to help with any technical details if need be.

Thus far there are no other Red9 front ends on the road in Oz (according to Simon at Red9) and since this bus isn't quite on the road I can't comment on handling - there is a lot of adjustment so fine tuning the spring rate (coil overs) and bump/rebound stiffness (dual adjustable shocks) will be simple.

Engine longblock is being built in Brisbane but will be 2275cc type I based with CB wedgeport heads, mild cam, reasonably low compression and single throttle body EFI (Link ECU) - more details to come later.

Cheers
Al

[GFresh]

Thus far there are no other Red9 front ends on the road in Oz (according to Simon at Red9) and since this bus isn't quite on the road I can't comment on handling - there is a lot of adjustment so fine tuning the spring rate (coil overs) and bump/rebound stiffness (dual adjustable shocks) will be simple.


Al

Hi Al, top work there mate, this will be yet another fine example

Just curious, what is the cost for a Red9 front end including shipping to Aus roughly, I've considered this set up due to the fine adjustment ability and also the later technology used.

Cheers George.

[67seeker]

I'll leave Al to answer the Red 9 questions and the technical stuff - in the mean time I'll attempt to chronicle the resto over time.....

As per most restorations, more had to be cut out than expected




The early beginnings of the walk through conversion


Many many hours were spent straightening out dents accumulated throughout the years, but also factory intolerances in seams and joints






Shaping the walk through seat backs/bases


A lot of new metal went into the bus

[bay window bandit]

Love seeing the bus's that come out of Al's shop, and this one will not disappoint either I suspect.

[resinmonkey]

hmm - going to be a seriously nice bit of kit

[67seeker]

More progress shots

Doglegs on both sides had to be replaced as well as inner and outer valance and lower nose plus many other areas


Jacking points were customised so the ugly box sections are not visible from the side of the bus but are still functional for lifting on the hoist – late model non vw jack will be used on chassis rail instead.


A hint of things to come










New cargo floor....


The start of the air conditioning installation – under dash blower unit




Original heater outlets on dash top were removed and round vents out of a Mondeo were used to allow directional and flow control


A lot of time was spent to get gaps right


Custom glove box construction

[67seeker]

Some more progress shots - heading towards current day....

Custom hydraulic clutch setup was installed:


Hidden quick release bike mounts were fabricated so they could be folded under the floor when not in use




Bumpers will have deluxe trim along with the belt line trim


Under the bus there is a lot of plumbing including the air con condenser, engine oil cooler, supercharger intercooler and water to air intercooler radiator


Fast forward a little bit after some colour was applied under the bus


The start of the custom rigid fibreglass headliner including the rear section which doubles as a sub box housing two 10 inch subs


Again fast forward a lot of hours and the roof is taking shape....


Headliner will be trimmed rather than painted – a bit work to come on the sub box with another surprise to come


In addition to the two rear subs, the audio system will comprise three mid bass woofers (6.5in) up front per side to replicate different frequencies of music making a very efficient system. Front tweeters will provide the high frequencies and rear splits (mid bass woofers and tweeters) will provide the sound for any passengers in the rear. Here is the start of fabrication of the front pods (will be hidden behind a trim panel)


The pods which are sealed enclosures


....and the start of the custom trim panel