Stripping the bay down
Even though I haven’t found a body and paint place I want to hire yet – I decided to disassemble the bus while methodically photographing and writing down any and ALL information I can think of to make assembly quick and easy. We’ll just see how that goes.
Today I managed to take out the cabinetry, seats and wall panels. I took measurements of the panels so I can reproduce them later. I kept a scrap here and there however so I can get the curves right for the wheel well arches and the bit by the cooler (passenger seat). There’s no sense in trial and error when I can just trace out the proper curves to begin with.
The laminates are actually in great condition! I think a mere soap and water clean-up will make it all better. I’ll have to put a bit more work into the original upholstery. There are some small tears here and there that will need some delicate patching. I’m sure there will be a post dedicated to that when the time comes.
Apparently someone at some point had smashed a window to break in. I see no apparent damage now though. Some quick and dirty attempt at a rear bench seat belt lies on the floor. That will not be making it to the final product let me tell you.
Next up… I’ll remove the headliner and ceiling lights, upper-rear cabinet brackets seen below and then the glass and rubbers all around. One thing you might be itching to do at this stage OR while the bus is getting it’s body and paint done – is to buy all your new rubber seals, etc. Wolfsburgwest however delivers in 2 days to my residence (which is fabulous!) – I love them…. BUT during my first project the rubber was sitting in an area that got “some” sunlight and they started to change color and crack… especially the grey foam door rubbers. I blame my paint/body guy for taking a year to do the project and NOT communicating with me when it’ll be done. Then of course I did store them in a bad place thinking I’d be using them real soon. I wont’ make that mistake again.
Below is where I sit at the end of the day today: seats, walls and furniture is OUT. Not bad.
February 8, 2011 at 3:38 am
Hi Mate I also have a so69-01 oslo with the same type poptop/turret top , did you get a canopy for it if so can you tell me as mine is now like paper and starting to rip everytime I open it.
Cheers,
Mark
April 19, 2011 at 5:15 pm
No more updates??? “Something” else taking up too much time???