Yet another Pearl White 68 Pop top Westy

[joneastwood]

So here it is, my first Bay, always had splits and beetles and even a trekker. But I always said if i ever got a bay it would be a pop top westy!

This came up and was too good to pass me by!

Imported from the USA by Custom and Commercial a few years ago, its been sat in a cargo container ever since they brought it over. It was always going to be sold but kind of got forgotten about.

Working for them now I managed to buy it and its going to be my own bus.

Here's a few shots before it was shipped to the UK

 

[Myvanway]

Cool westy.

Nice OG curtains on the slider side too! 8)

 

[joneastwood]

the curtains are toast!

I slide them open and they have simply fell apart, same went for the roof bed canvas :shock:

 

[joneastwood]

First job was getting it home!

so it just about fits on the drive!!!

The next worry was would I need to slam it before I could get it in my garage!

I had fitted a split panel in my garage before but then realised bays are a little longer as well as taller!

But it just fits in without about an inch to spare on the door closing!

 

[aogrady]

Nice! Thread followed!

Cheers

Alistair

 

[gninnam]

Looks like a good base to start with. Will be watching.

 

[joneastwood]

First job is the crusty rear corner where the battery over time has leaked and rusted all the rear corner out!

So managed to source a good rear corner body cut from FBI

And today's job was to start cutting it up ready for a new C&C correct fit battery tray, corner still needs work as putting the tray in shows the corners a little battered, but its progress nevertheless

 

[Fortunate Son]

Good work!

Lovely Westy, Nice to see repairs being done properly with quality repair panels / OG cuts

 

[Hodgins]

Nice 8)

Ps, it was obvs meant to be yours look at the no plate. "Yo job 3"
You're job see? :lol:

 

[joneastwood]

So started work on the interior clean up

Interior all removed to see the state of the floor

First glimpse it doesn't look too bad, think it will be a quick clean up with a wire brush and a coat of white hamerite. Then I can look at the trim panels and insulation

Quick brush and first hoover not too shabby thank god!

 

[joneastwood]

So its been a bit of a slow one as just don't seem to have as much time as I would like

Took the front bumper off to find this





So looks like new front inner and outer needed

While i was there took the window out to fit new seals

to find this








not sure if I should fit a complete bottom repair panel or try to patch as it might be easier to fit a complete lower panel but would mean cutting out more original metal and may end up only using a tiny part of a complete lower repair panel?

 

[AD4M]

I see what you mean Jon. I will be watching closely for tips on replacing the rear quarter!

 

[joneastwood]

So the front beam work has started

stripped the old one down ready to have the adjusters fitted and found this!

So looks like I need a new leaf...

 

[1961bluebug]

Can I have a small question? I´m remaking my ´68 Combi to a Weekender. I´m going to fit an early Westy folding table to the side panel under the window. Was the original wooden slat hinge bracket bolted directly to the Westy paneling? Or are there any special brackets hidden behind the side paneling? Thanks, Jan

 

[joneastwood]

Can I have a small question? I´m remaking my ´68 Combi to a Weekender. I´m going to fit an early Westy folding table to the side panel under the window. Was the original wooden slat hinge bracket bolted directly to the Westy paneling? Or are there any special brackets hidden behind the side paneling? Thanks, Jan

will take a look/picture when I next see it as its now at the body shop

 

[joneastwood]

so it begins...

now in the workshop for the welding to get sorted

front inner and outer valance
windscreen lower repair
cab floor sections
rear corner and battery tray

sounds a lot but really is a solid bus 8)

 

[lemur]

Can I have a small question? I´m remaking my ´68 Combi to a Weekender. I´m going to fit an early Westy folding table to the side panel under the window. Was the original wooden slat hinge bracket bolted directly to the Westy paneling? Or are there any special brackets hidden behind the side paneling? Thanks, Jan

Hi buddy,
there is indeed a hidden galvanized narrow strip that goes between body and hinge, i too will try and dig out a photo for you

Liam

 

[lemur]

Can I have a small question? I´m remaking my ´68 Combi to a Weekender. I´m going to fit an early Westy folding table to the side panel under the window. Was the original wooden slat hinge bracket bolted directly to the Westy paneling? Or are there any special brackets hidden behind the side paneling? Thanks, Jan

Hi buddy,
there is indeed a hidden galvanized narrow strip that goes between body and hinge, i too will try and dig out a photo for you

Liam

here you go (mine was painted during resto but was galv'd)

 

[1961bluebug]

mucho gracias!

 

[joneastwood]

So the front valance inner and outer is the first job