WooHoo!!!
 

It lives!! Finally fired up the freshly rebuilt 1600 this afternoon. Runs pretty good. I've still got a few bugs to work out, timing, replace the fuel line etc.. But it runs!!!! I was so nervous. I rebuilt this one myself, and it was my first one. That is such a rush to hear it run the first time, or maybe it's the gas fumes! :D

congrats it seems like not too long ago when i fired up my 1st vw engine on the stand and heard it run . thats was only about 6 months ago. so i know how you must feel and its not the fumes. wait til you drive the car !

I know! It's been 2 years since I've even heard it run, much less drive it. I'm figuring it'll be on the road within a month. I just can't wait!

congrats. can't wait to see that GL on the road.

Don't it make ya nervous when you first turn the key? Doesn't the entire buildup flash before your eyes when it fires the first time? :laugh:

That's good to hear Don. Looks like you'll be finished before I even get the body back on the pan for mine. :o

Yeti-
You're right. The whole thing flashes through your mind. Did I do everything right, did I clean such and such, did I tighten everything? Will it even crank? (Minus any horrible noises)

The end is in sight though. I picked up new brake hardware today and a bunch of electrical odds and ends. I've still got to sort the speedo wiring out, full brake job all around, and fab a rear breast plate tin. The engine isn't trick, just plain stock. The budget got in the way of that. Two in school y'know. But I'm already looking at the next engine project. I've still got the 1.7L I might build, or I could go with a 1776. Building this one has given me the confidence to do another.

It's funny, I've built a hundred SBC's and probably that many diesels. I've no fear of tearing into a Cummins PT fuel pump, but something about the air-cooled engine is a little daunting at first. Now with this experience, it doesn't seem so bad. Easy even.

Anyway, when I get it on the road, I'll be sure to post a video.

And big thanks to everyone in the VKG and on these forums for encouragement and support.

Cool, glad to hear that it has a pulse. :agree:

Alright guys, (drum roll, please).....

Here she is, all finished up. I put the disc brakes (ghia) on this weekend and finished up the wheels. Still a little minor tweaking to do, but I'll be cruising as soon as the tag comes in!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/alb...?pic_id=217789

I love when everthing comes together. Get the tag and start drive'n that thing. Looks nice.

Right on! That looks killer!

That'll be a better daly driver than a TR6. ;) (and that's a fact :laugh: )

Congrats bro!

Yeah, I keep telling my wife that it's cooler than the TR6. She won't have it though. :D

And now my Father-in-law wants to race me in his 64 TR4A. He's probably faster, for now. Maybe I can get a video of the race. Anyhow, my car looks better.

cool, nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment.looks nice .be safe :agree: