1969 Squareback panel van

[markymarc]

Hi Guys,

I am back in the VW family after a bad experience with a Fiat 126 I changed into a Hot Rod!!!
Having been into the scene from back in the late 80's and owned two Baja's, a Fastback and Beach buggy.

I got this Squareback from sheffield a couple of months ago from a very nice couple and had it trailered home.
I have plans to wrap it in vinyl as I am better at that than painting!! I hope I don't upset too many owners as I normally seem to.
I have already changed the wheels to centerlines and refurbed them in satin black. Changed the steering wheel to the one from the Hot Rod.
I hope these pictures show you the way my cars turn out?!

Mark.

[Editor]

Welcome aboard, Mark. I doubt anyone here would object to you wrapping your car. What can be distressing is when major body chops are undertaken, which are hard to reverse, but no one can force their wishes on you, apart from the MoT tester! We're an easy-going lot here.

[markymarc]

Cheers Dave, I hope to be some shows next year?

mark.

[Editor]

It would be interesting to see that 'in the flesh'. The van version of the Variant was very uncommon in the UK - but was a simple mod of the Variant body, with panels welded in. The factory ones had a small ventilation box in the rear panel with louvres externally. Australia imported quite a number, probably as kits.

I recall a story in an old Safer Motoring some time in the late '60s I expect, where someone in Nigeria (where VW had a plant assembling kits) bought a van version cheaply, removed the panels and fitted seats etc to bring it up to the standard Variant, and sold it to the local dealer for a lot more than it had cost him. I guess the tax levied was different, which would have helped boost the profit. I think that car came to the UK later in its life.

[miketyp3]

Also the official van side panels are swagged for stiffness.



The interior is boarded out and there's a bulkhead behind the front seats.





Although as mentioned it was popular to purchase the van version and convert it to the passenger spec, as purchase tax was not payable on the van version.

Personally I'm not aware of an original UK sold PV, although I have some UK brochures where they are shown.

Mike

Edit: I think the gist of the text in the top image is saying there's 2 versions, one of which retains the passenger car interior.

[markymarc]

Very very interesting material you have shown, cool.

mark

[Editor]

Yes, 'quattro finestrini laterale' must mean 4 side windows, and I've just noticed it's a RHD car pictured, with just the one sunvisor (as was standard on lower trim spec, even for 1600A Variants, though I think most were supplied with two). Odd the language isn't English - Italian I would guess. Photo taken in Malta/Cypress maybe, with Mediterranean pines and bright sun? Quite a lot of countries drive on the left (a few more back then).

[markymarc]

Hi Guys,

Work has been manic but I have managed to take my seats and dash to be trimmed by my local guy in Colchester. Pictures to follow when complete.
Before.

[markymarc]

Another little job done today.......Big bumpers removed!!


If anyone wants them, They are now for sale. Good condition in gloss black with cutouts on the front for Golf (MK1) indicators.


Mark.

[markymarc]

A few jobs complete as I wait for welding to be done on the floor.
Trial fit of rear seat.......then remove and paint, seats gone for recovering.
Remove rear window and tint......re-fit with new cal-look rubber.





Mark.

[col1600]

that is a cool looking wagon
keep up the good work

colin.

[bigbadbadge]

Very nice, wheels look great in black. Can't wait to see this one finished.

All the best

Chris

[markymarc]

Cheers guys, I would like yo get it back on the road this year but I don't want to tempt fait!
When the wheel man had my wheels everyone that saw my wheels were devastated I was having them done black and not polished!!
Mark.

[markymarc]

Hello again.......work has been busy so only done a few bits to the VW van.........but did wrap the "work" van for practice on the Square-back......that's what I told the missus!
Jobs done :-
Front window back in.
New rear window panels.
Rear seat fitted.
Floor dynamat fitted.
Carpets in.
cat playing in my carpet!!
VW timeline at local dealership and my van wrap just added out of interest.

[Tight yorkie mick]

I like that, something a bit different. And from near me

[markymarc]

This is the new back seat fitted.

[markymarc]

I like that, something a bit different. And from near me

Many thanks but I am not sure I am near rotherham?
I am on the Essex/Suffolk border.....Colchester/Ipswich way, any other type 3s this way?

I have NO friends lol.......

[Tight yorkie mick]

No mate I ment the car, it was from Sheffield which is five minutes from me you could have called for a tea on your way home.

[markymarc]

No mate I ment the car, it was from Sheffield which is five minutes from me you could have called for a tea on your way home.

Sorry pal......I am a silly Essex boy!!!!
If I had known I would have snapped up a coffee/tea, cheers.

[markymarc]

My dash top is back from the trimmer and I am very pleased........fitted and dials back in......



Slowly getting there......mark.

[jmarkha1]

nice job on that dash retrim - very tidy work around the gauge pods...

[markymarc]

Hi guys,
I have been busy with work but managed a few little jobs........
Picked up and fitted one front seat.
Fitted wiper arms and blades.
Started luggage area carpet set.

[markymarc]

Interior is very nearly finished.......just a few little adjustments.

[Kai]

I'm thinking vintage "sport line" contender. You'll need se of those tubular side bars next

[markymarc]

I have all the service parts needed and just waiting for RTI transport sometime this week to take my squareback to Anchor Motors for a FULL service and check before it's MOT...........watch this space!!
Mark.