1968 1600TL Fastback Automatic

[Marko]

interior is finally done, I'm quite happy with it, new rear lap belts fitted and rear side panels along with armrests. the rear seat is a real PITA to get in, I'm sure there's a knack to it that I don't know about!



been battling away with the rear bumper too, just waiting for new stainless fittings so I can complete that part, again nothing was easy, the brackets I bought were all twisted and out of shape and the not so "NOS" bumper needed a bit of work to get right too and in the long run I may get that re-chromed as it's far from perfect but very presentable all the same pics to follow of that when I get the stainless fittings..

[Uncle S]

Wow, Mark! I just read this whole threat, amazing job you did here
Giant build-up in less than a year, that's impressive

The search for parts and the non-fitting rubbers look familiar to me, I know the struggle.

Interior looks great too!

Thumbsup!!

[Marko]

thanks! today I will have my rear bumper fitted!! will post pictures later..

[Marko]

new bumper fitted up, been a long time in the making but looks OK

[Dave G]

Stunning!

[oxsign]

Amazing work, and a great looking fastback. I love the 2liter wheels much better than the stock chrome wheels. I may have missed it, but what alternator are you using in there?

[Marko]

I adapted a Mazda Rx7 70amp unit. Seams to work OK so far and clears the engine cover. Had to trim down the fan housimg a little but other than that straight forward fitment.

[Marko]

bit of trouble today, found the boot lid plastered in micro blisters I was never 100% happy with boot lid as it had lots of silicone marks in it that didn't flat/polish out so I decided to strip it down today. luckily it's just the boot lid that is effected.

got a lot of rubbing down ahead of me though as the lid is fairly rippled!

[Marko]

looking a bit better today, fully skimmed and nice and flat.. did give it several coats of 2pk primer so tomorrow will skim it with stopper . the weather is being kind to me too, unusually warm for this time of year

[bigbadbadge]

Love your Fastie Marco, Any further along with the decklid at all, did the weather hold out ?

All the best

Chris

[Marko]

yes, boot lid came out very nice, better than rest of car now I have the knack of colour sanding! I did take pics but they didn't come out very well in the garage so will wait until it's outside at some point..

Mark.

[Johnjlong]

Hi mark, I uploaded some more pics my restoration I'm making progress a long way to go yet ,
Coll 1600 or Collin and yourself are two hard acts to follow ill do the best I can bye for now.
Regards, john

[Marko]

thanks for the kind words John! it makes it worthwhile especially after all the hard work, if I had of known back then what I know now I wouldn't of even bought the car though. I have learnt that the majority of Type3 owners crave after originality and for a very good reason! you can't beat a stocker, the quality etc.. mine is just a Frankenstein of mishmash and after market parts and nothing is correct for the year I've invested well over 6k in this car now and I know I'll never get anywhere near that back for it but at least I like it and my friends and family who know nothing about VW's think I've done a decent job I'd just be a little embarrassed to take it to any shows and park it along side show quality rebuilds

Mark.

[69type3]

Mark, I think you have done a great job and it's threads like yours that keep me going out to the garage and looking at my forlorn squareback.

I'm expecting to encounter the same issues you have had with distributor/carbs etc so its been interesting to watch your fasty's progress.

Unmolested, stock Type 3's are becoming ever more desirable and few and far between. Prices only go one way with that scenario.

[Dave G]

I second that thought! I love seeing the rebuild pages as it spurs you on and it's great to see the cars materialise back from the grave.

I get so many positive comments from using mine and it's nowhere near as clean as this!

[Marko]

Had a play last night with an original fuel pump and it's running the best it has since the rebuild. That FI vacuum can works great too. Not even timed it up yet!

[Marko]

not had an update for a while, almost ready for MOT-ing and just bit the bullet and ordered a new rechomed bumper from Germany for the front, gotta have it looking nice for it's 1st outing!!

Mark.

[69type3]

Hi Mark,

CanI ask where you sourced the fuel pump from? I want to keep my engine bay looking as close to stock as possible and OG pumps in good nick seem a tad scarce.

Good luck with the MOT!

Evan

[Marko]

I bought 2, the 1st one from the states but it needs a new top diaphragm, the 2nd one I was very lucky and dropped on it with a box of random Type 3 parts and it worked so fitted it!

if the spare pump I have is any use to you I'll sell it for £20 shipped, cosmetically like new but needs the top diaphragm..

[69type3]

Sounds like your making good progress on the carb set up Mark. You'll be pleased, no doubt.

If that spare pump you have has a plastic cover I could be keen. If not I've been looking at the rebuildable ones that ISP is selling on thesamba. They look less aftermarket than the usual replacement but the plastic cover is the look i'd prefer.

I think type3 specific diaphragms can still be found out there in NOS rebuild kits.

Apologies for the late reply too.

[Marko]

Yes it's the one in the pic above with the four bolt top..

[Marko]

took the car for an MOT yesterday and cracked on last night with few bits and pieces it failed on, it failed on petty things that cost nothing to fix

rear flexi pipe rubbing on "A" arm - just loosened it, twisted it then nipped it back up, fixed.

vacuum hose for auto-box dangling on drive shaft - made a simple bracket and tie wrapped it on, fixed.

rear bump stops missing - had them but never got round to fitting them, sorted.

both tail lights blown and rear indicator bulbs blown, this is a worry as I have no idea why they all blew but I changed them and they all work again now. will take spares with me tomorrow any ideas why they blew?

with a little luck I could be at my 1st VW show on Saturday in Doncaster just a few miles up the road from me

Mark.

[Marko]

passed the MOT today and went straight to get my free tax there's no better feeling than walking away with 12 months tax for free!

I have noticed the odometer does not work but the speedo does? think it's time to search for an early speedo with trip meter

[col1600]

well done that man. all that hard work has payed off. now go an enjoy!!

[jmarkha1]

nice one - congrats...