The SA 2.6i Microbus thread

[silverbullet]

The sill panel is suprisingly light gauge. I am convinced that VWSA used thinner (as well as poorer quality) steel for some panels.
It will have to be a keyhole surgery job asap, I want to get an MOT and take it to the trimmers to have a tonneau made for the Dehler/tent combo.

[HarryMann]

Interesting... quite heavy the original German ones. .. 1.7 mm ?
What do you mean about centralising the plugs?

[silverbullet]

It may be thinned out more than I realized, the cutting disc will tell all.
My spark plug quip was a sideways reference to twin-cam conversion, but finding 9A pistons at sensible money is proving a challenge.

[silverbullet]

All welded up. Just caught it with enough of the return with some meaningful gauge remaining to take a weld.
It was a bit crusty in there but could have been so much worse.


Turned the voltage down a good bit, did a test weld first, then tacked and worked in short bursts:



Not a bad job, a powerfile is essential for this fiddly work:



The sill panel will ultimately need replacing 'cos its always had a long scrape/gouge in it from a PO.

Better go and get an mot early next week

[silverbullet]

PS there is NO cavity wax in there whatsoever...

[HarryMann]

Love the anvil... i have a 3ft section of rail. Trouble is i can't lift it
I marvel and really wonder where in the world all the steel was made for our railways way back in the 1840's (they came through here laying it in 1836 i think.
Then i realise.. here in the UK. Probably South Wales?

[silverbullet]

I would think Sheffield? I little bit of railhead like that is really handy, the wheel wear gives a choice of rads.
Not too bad to cut down with a 9" grinder but remember its a special type of work-hardening steel...

[silverbullet]

MOT'd again and taxes paid, found a reason to go the long way to a petrol station and buy some fresh Super 97 to perk up what was left in the tank...
Happy days. Coolbox on hookup overnight

[marlinowner]

Rails were wrought iron (developed in Northumberland for Stephenson et al) until around 1860, when steel rails were introduced, steel became available with the development of the Bessemer process in Sheffield.

[silverbullet]

Went down the A3 and A27 to the coast today, to get the dogs damp and get some Vit D.
Bus was flawless, despite having basically stood for 9 months.

Loaded with Dehler and rooftent, 5-up and dogs, Waeco and cooking junk:

Did it overheat in the awful traffic? No.

Did it haul ass up every hill at 65 mph+ in 5th? Oh yes.

Do I still love this bus? You betcha.

[Wychall]

So no more silly plans to sell it then......

[silverbullet]

Not this year Brian. Its had its first welding job and there's more to do, bit of a watershed moment tbh.
It really is at its best when loaded up & eating up the miles.

[silverbullet]

Now it is definitely for sale.
After the year we have had, I have taken a good hard look at things and a change to my approach to life is required.
Took the bus out at the weekend: starts first time, still sounds awesome, the new roof canopy works like magic (see the Dehler rooftent project topic) and 70mph @ 3200 rpm is still perfect for the 2.6 regardless of who or what is onboard.
The whole thing always feels unburstable and tunnels always require a downshift
Glad to have owned it, despite the frustrations (thanks for selling it to me Fran, wherever you are )

It will be listed in a few days but if you are in the market for an utterly reliable and unique SA bus then get in touch.

[silverbullet]

Its now listed in thesamba.com classifieds. Biggest coverage and no ebay messers.
Not asking stupid money either, just reflecting its rarity. Show me another 2.6i for sale in Europe!

[mrhutch]

SELL THE SYNCRO INSTEAD


its got the wrong number of cylinders