Rob's 1977 Fatty Camper

[MrBreeze]

Ok, the times they are a'changin'

[ObnoxiousBlue]

Rob, take detailed pics of where/how the canvas attaches at the top and bottom.
I'd like to replace my canvas soon. I'd like the OG yellow style...

[Raj]

Nice rob. Rest assured, vintage vws are no stranger to massapequa.

[MrBreeze]

Can't afford a new tent right now, so why now "reimagine" the old one?

[Tom]

I like the logo tent ! Wonder why VW didn't think of that ?

Because VW didn't build it...

[MrBreeze]

[MrBreeze]

I'm getting a new exhaust this week and I have a few questions first:

- Should I get it powder coated first?

- Will that help it last longer?

- If so, costs? Place to go?

[MrBreeze]

Another question.

My gas pedal has been squeaking and it drives me nuts. Any big deal taking it apart and cleaning it all up?

[Tom]

Another question.

My gas pedal has been squeaking and it drives me nuts. Any big deal taking it apart and cleaning it all up?

Most likely its the pivot below that needs lube, drop the belly pan and you'll have easy access.

My experience with mufflers is that they normally rot from the inside out.

[ObnoxiousBlue]

I dont think powder will protect it Rob, you might look to have it ceramic coated. But frankly, the cost to ceramic coat a $120 muffler is gonna be $220 lol
I bought the Bus Depot Extractor. I like it MUCH better than the GT muffler you and I both had. I don't kick it when I'm near the back of the bus, and the tailpipe to the side of the bus doesn't trap exhaust behind the bus - bye bye nasty exhaust smell.
I installed mine, and painted it with VHT Flameproof paint. I do touch it up with a little spray.
The first time I sprayed it on, I followed the instructions on the can for curing, but some guys on TS suggested laying the paint on heavy. It did self-level and is holding up great. There is one spot that has a bit of rust on it, but it's been on for 2+ years and it cost me $120 so I can't argue it.

[Brown]

Another question.

My gas pedal has been squeaking and it drives me nuts. Any big deal taking it apart and cleaning it all up?

turn up the volume on the radio!

[JGriffoto]

I dont think powder will protect it Rob, you might look to have it ceramic coated. But frankly, the cost to ceramic coat a $120 muffler is gonna be $220 lol
I bought the Bus Depot Extractor. I like it MUCH better than the GT muffler you and I both had. I don't kick it when I'm near the back of the bus, and the tailpipe to the side of the bus doesn't trap exhaust behind the bus - bye bye nasty exhaust smell.
I installed mine, and painted it with VHT Flameproof paint. I do touch it up with a little spray.
The first time I sprayed it on, I followed the instructions on the can for curing, but some guys on TS suggested laying the paint on heavy. It did self-level and is holding up great. There is one spot that has a bit of rust on it, but it's been on for 2+ years and it cost me $120 so I can't argue it.

As Mike can attest, I too bought the Bus Depot unit. Sprayed on the VHT and followed all of the instructions to a tee. New paint started to peel off the extractor a few days later. Remedy = Install the unit right out of the box and let the factory paint peel off BEFORE using the VHT.

[MrBreeze]

That's the exact one I ordered. I figured the paint would burn off, so I'll wait to paint it. I'll tackle the gas pedal this weekend, thanks!

[Glenn]

Before having my exhaust ceramic coasted I had them "aluminized" where they spray on a aluminum coating. It lasted a long time and much cheaper than ceramic.

[MrBreeze]

10am and I'm already sick of working on it. New gas sender has decided it now only wants to register up to half full. Cleaned and sprayed the hell out of the gas pedal stuff and it still squeaks. Bus Depot's replacement mirror for the one that broke is the wrong one, so I have one high quality one and one so-so one.


Fuck it, I'm gonna go watch some school busses crash into each other.

I'll try again tomorrow.

[MrBreeze]

Yeah, I think it was time....

[MrBreeze]

Annnnnd, we break down AGAIN.

Right in front of the bar with everyone looking. I love these little moments. Especially with the damn mosquitoes biting my legs while I'm trying to deal with it.


Looks like a fuel pump this time, I turn the key and I hear nothing.

Damn shame, it ran so beautifully to and from CT yesterday.

[Glenn]

Maybe you should get a old beat up Civic.... you just can't kill them.

[MrBreeze]

Maybe you should get a old beat up Civic.... you just can't kill them.

No, I'd just want to kill myself.

[EDNCAROL]

Well at least it was close to home. It was running good I was having a hard time on some of those hills!

[ObnoxiousBlue]

So, I'm guessing Salem is off the list for this year? LOL

Anthony Pozun (Apozun) had a few late bus fuel pumps for sale. He had bought them new assuming his was bad, but it turned out to be something else.

[MrBreeze]

I'll spend a little time on it tomorrow and see if I find something. Not gonna waste my day on it, not in the mood.

[MrBreeze]

Ok, good start to the day, bus is fixed. Clogged fuel pump. I read on type2 to wire the pump backwards the unclog it and it worked like a charm!

[Tom]

Good to know, guess that you didn't get all the debris out of the tank with the vacuum ! The fuel filter is before the pump correct ?

[MrBreeze]

Good to know, guess that you didn't get all the debris out of the tank with the vacuum ! The fuel filter is before the pump correct ?

Yup. I guess it could have been a clogged filter also. I definitely heard something go through. Taking out and cleaning the fuel tank is one of the winter projects.