65 Westy

[65Westy]

I got the birth certificate from the museum and was amazed to learn that the car was built the DAY before I was born.

[bastardbus]

I saw that westy at the Columbus show as well. She is clean as a whistle and a great price. Heck, you would pay that just in metal work for a rusty one.

Nice looking oval too! was it built the day before your actual birthday and same year? that would be cool! This `51 Crotch Cooler Split I restored back in the late `90s was built on my actual birthday October 1st !...though 17 years earlier I always thought that was just the coolest thing though, wish I still had it... what a fun car!

[Six Volt]

Welcome Craig! That's a nice 36HP you've put together. Those 'W' deck lids are what it's all about. The bug looks great!

Bill W. told me about seeing that bus in Columbus. He thought it was a great deal. If it ends up looking only half as good as that '56 bug, it'll be great! Nice find.

[65Westy]

Nice looking oval too! was it built the day before your actual birthday and same year? that would be cool!

Yes, same year, the car is exactly one day older than me.

[65Westy]

I dropped the engine today. First time taking a motor out of a bus. I'm liking that..... so much quicker than in a Bug. Not really any surprises, the engine did not turn over, but it has been sitting for over 15 years. When I popped the heads, the piston on #3 was about a third of the way down the stroke and all kinds of crud between the top of the piston and top of the cylinder wall. I'm hoping that some PB Blaster soaking for a week will break it free.

Can anyone recommend a good machine shop? I want to have everything gone over. The shop that did my 36 horse had it last year from January to September, way to long.

[65Westy]

One step closer to getting the bus on the road. After 10 months I finally got my first ride in a bus. It was a little noisy without any windows so I just did a spin around the block.

Spent the day yesterday under it replacing both tie rods, drag link, & stabilizer. Before I could turn the steering wheel a half turn without moving the front wheels, now its just a little flick of the wrist. I am hoping we are off to the paint shop soon.

[Six Volt]

Great stuff! Keep working and post some more photos!

[65Westy]

Finally! The Westy is off to the paint shop to get a new coat of Pearl White. Then the winter project will be a new wiring harness and putting it all back together.

[Six Volt]

Nice! Can't wait to see some pics when it comes out of the paint booth!

[SlashKirk]

Keep up the good work!