Ferdi's VW Swop Meet 2011

 Last Sunday we headed to the annual VW event, Ferdi's VW Swop Meet in Midrand. Saw lots of beautiful bugs, the original looks were especially wonderful giving great many ideas how to restore our beetle and make it look at its best. We also had the chance to go through piles of spares that were on sale. Made on feel that what you couldn't find there you won't need. If you'd want to join the fun next year please follow Motorhead's events on internet or The Big Five Events on Facebook.

Engine Overhaul, Step 1

According to "Without Guesswork, Type 1, 2 and 3" VW Service Book, August 1968 the 1300 cm2 40 bhp engine compression should be between 135-106 psi. The measured compression value was 70-75 psi which is below the specified value. Engine didn't smoke so eighter the valves were leaking or the rings were worn. Other problems discovered were that the crank case seal was leaking, the engine was very dirty and the paintwork on the engine covers and other parts was rusted.

Engine before removal

Engine removed

Before a wash. A good example of how engine should not look.

High pressure cleaning. We had to clean the engine before stripping it to prevent the dirt getting into the engine.

Engine after the wash

Cars in the Park at Zwartkops

We had a very enjoyable Sunday at Cars in the Park last weekend. Loads of beautiful old cars occupied the race track from head to toe. Hopefully we'll be there next year with our Kewer! Naturally the section that we were most interested in was the Volkswagen oldies. In addition we managed to find couple of good contacts such as Historic VW Association Southern Africa which is a club restricted to air-cooled VW's up to 1967 model and for purists only, not for modified vehicles. That is our aim with our Kewer so we are now eagerly waiting if they will accept us as their new members. Another recommended club in the Pretoria area is the organiser of the event; Pretoria Old Motor Club (POMC). Due to our restoration project, and a damaged front bumper, we've been battling weighter to purchase a totally new bumpber or restore the old one. At the event we came across with a company in Johannesburg which made a quite an impact with their rechromed products so that is where our front bumper will end up to in near future. More about the bumper a bit later on. Another quite useful link got from Cars in the Park was a sell and buy portal in the internet called Classic Cars. If you are looking for an old vintage car that might be another place worth while looking into in addition to JunkMail.

Ready for Repainting and Some Bodywork

The Beetle has now stripped and taken to the repainting. At the same time the floor plates from both sides will be replaced due rusting and the stepping boards will be fixed as they've suffered some bumps in the past. While the car is at the garage our main focus will be on the engine. It needs to come out and have some serious TLC. Hoping to add the whole engine story together with the pics here in one months time.