Project Orange Bug

This is a continuation of my smaller Matchbox Volkswagen Bug I'm restoring. I started by drilling out the posts holding chromed plastic engine and seat inside. I then drilled out and tapped the posts to fit screws when I reassemble it.

 I test fit the new screws  and it seemed to go well. The tiny wire wheels are a little bent up too and will need adjust them on the final fit.

 Then I used a citrus based paint stripper, which seemed to work well after sitting for awhile. I scrubbed with a toothbrush and was able get most of the paint off. The longer stripper was on it the easier the job got.

 After I used a small wire brush to get most of the rest of the paint off. 

Next up fixing the post with some super glue and baking soda which is a trick I've seen other restorer's use on YouTube or perhaps some J-B Weld(or equivalent). I'll post some more pictures as I move along.Thanks for coming by.  

Bug Repair #3: Replacing fuel sending unit

 

I've had an on and off again battle to get my fuel gauge to work, I had replaced the sending unit and thought perhaps that would do it but nothing changed. I changed the regulator on back of the gauge thinking it might have been that. same result.

New sending unit.

The issue got put on the back burner until recently when checking the tank for gas when it wouldn't start. After removing the sending unit I noticed the arm was stiff and didn't move easily. I thought no wonder the gas gauge needle is not moving. A little while later I also found a fuel line leak under the tank so I took care of that recently which (hopefully)took care of the mystery of my disappearing gas.

 

First step is clearing off my junk off the top of fuel tank. Second is to disconnect the wire to unit on top of the tank. Loosen the phillips screws and put them aside so they won't fall inside the tank by accident.

The sending unit I had originally got was a different style than the one I got from JBugs. I'm hoping the new one works better.

 

I insert the new one with the float pointing to the driver side and screw the top back on and reattach the wire. That's it. I started the Bug up and the was happy to see the needle come up on its own. It still shows on the low side. The tank was on the low side so I'll recheck it again next trip to the gas station. Hopefully it'll go up although from what I heard these gauges can be erratic even when working correctly.

Unfortunately it took me awhile, like weeks, to get to the gas station to fill it up.  When I did the needle only went up about the quarter mark which isn't the result I wanted but it was at least something. It's better than nothing but could have been better. Oh well. Better luck later.