Fürstens Karmann Kabriolet Blog

Cardboard and padding

2012-02-02T08:27:00.001-08:00

I've just got this piece. It will need some paint, but I am very happy with it. Nice and correctly made.

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Steering column - rubber

2012-01-31T05:54:00.001-08:00

I am allways looking for original parts. I came across some rubber parts,both taken of 51-52 cars. These are often squeezed beond repair. The best i've found so far, is the black one in this picture.

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Kübelwagen for sale

2011-12-04T02:52:00.001-08:00

In 1964 this add was placed in a Norwegian newspaper. Once again - I was born to late...

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Bearings for the crashbox

2011-11-30T14:11:00.001-08:00

Bought these bearings for the crashbox. I was surpriced how easy and cheap it was to get hold of these. Just picked directly from the shelf.

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And a pic of the interior

2011-11-30T14:05:00.001-08:00

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One more pic of it

2011-11-30T14:03:00.001-08:00

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Nice 54

2011-11-30T14:02:00.001-08:00

Went to see this 54 witch turned out to be quite nice. Not perfect, but its not often to come by a 54 in this condition anymore.

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The crashbox is killing me!

2011-11-18T04:15:00.001-08:00

I opened the Crash box yesterday and was surpriced by the stuff found inside of it.... First we found some pieces of rope and then we discovered that the pinion and crown was badly damaged. The case it self looked great and all the other parts was in very good condition. And maybe the worst of all - the differential was not locked with bolts AT ALL. This is really something to keep in mind if you throw an old box into your car without inspecting it first.

Man, what a mess!

Bearings for crashbox

2011-11-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

I just bought some bearings for the crashbox. Next week I will bring it to a well known VW guy here in Norway. He will open it and see if there is any need for special SPA treatment or not.

Bosch battery logo

2011-10-26T13:50:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I need feel the urge to buy some funny stuff.. Its a nice feeling to get someting like this in hand after all this need-to-have-stuff I'bought recently..

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Split front beam

2011-10-07T12:20:00.001-07:00

Picked up this front beam today. I've been looking at many beams the last year but everyone of them was badly rusted around the rubber bumper area, except thia one. Its in absolute perfect condition.

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Amazing split convertible!

2011-10-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

Take a close look at this amazing Karmann Convertible! This is my absolute favorite. First I was a bit uncertain about using red leather interior in such a car. But after a while i started to like it:-)

Funny advertising by Karmann

2011-10-01T15:26:00.001-07:00

I love this one. If you look close this car got small fake windows in the doors. They have been put there using old photo technique. This is probably a brushed up 1950 Karmann Convertible made to look like a 53-55 or something. Do you see the popes nose...?

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Ultra rare temp gauge

2011-09-26T12:55:00.001-07:00

Not everything can be bought for money.. Some parts have to be hunted down over a period of five years. Then you must sacrifice six hours of driving to get it. This is by far the best item I've layed my hands on for years. MotoMeter temp gauge with split faceplate. Even if you try very hard, this is close to impossible to find.

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Störk temp gauge

2011-09-24T02:59:00.001-07:00

Mega rare split temp gauge.

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Details details - heather channel reinforcement

2011-09-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Not often I see a untouched Karmann reinforcement from 55! As usual these are rewelded and does not show the correct spotwelding!

Semaphore boxes

2011-09-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

I got these beauties today. Made by metalworker Seppe at BTT4VW.com, the man behind the DS (Dannenhauer&Strauss) in steel. I didn't buy Saschas boxes because the had no space for the rubber on the backside. Thanks Bob and Seppe!

Correct horn button

2011-09-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

Found this very nice ivory hornbutton for the Karmann Convertible. Looks as it is near NOS. Strange, because it came out of a really bad Batwing wheel..

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And if you live in Bergen...

2011-09-19T09:27:00.001-07:00

Here is another one. Maybe you want to track it down Algrøy...:-)

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I was born too late..

2011-09-19T09:22:00.001-07:00

I came across some old news papers in the basement. Look what I found! I've been tracking it for some time with no luck... So pleace feel free if you like.

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Restored steering box

2011-09-17T02:16:00.001-07:00

All bushings and bearings have been changed with new ones.

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Wiring harness - one more picture

2011-09-16T12:16:00.001-07:00

Here are one more picture of the different stuff that was inside the box.

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Complete and correct 6V harness!

2011-09-16T12:03:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting for this beauty for a while. Every small part for the car was in the package, even the small single wires. I couldn't wait until I got home before I opened the package, therefor this picture was taken in the car. Amazing! Thanks alot John at Zarwerks!

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Want Störk but got MotoMeter

2011-09-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

I've got two of these but what I really want is a similar looking Störk. Want to trade these two for one Störk?

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Leatherette samples

2011-09-15T09:21:00.001-07:00

I am collecting different samples of leatherette because I want to find something that is as close to the original used in 1951- Karmann Convertible - as possible. Both of these is pretty damn close when it comes to barndoor leatherette, but I think it looks too dark for split cab. What do you think?

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Split front drums

2011-09-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

Bought a complete set of drums and backing plates with all parts. Thanks AS!

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Semaphore box with correct rubber

2011-09-12T15:01:00.001-07:00

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Semaphore box

2011-09-12T14:59:00.001-07:00

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Emergency brake lock

2011-09-11T15:19:00.001-07:00

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Funny KAMEI stuff

2011-09-11T10:03:00.001-07:00

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Dehne fuel gauge

2011-09-11T05:15:00.001-07:00

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At the Karmann factory in 1958

2011-09-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just for fun

2011-09-09T01:08:00.001-07:00

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Clips - runningboard molding

2011-09-08T10:55:00.001-07:00

I've been collecting these clips for a while. This type is the first generation of runningboard clips. So far I've got 32 of them. That schould be enough for allmost two cars:-)

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Semaphore boxes - the best on the market (?)

2011-09-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

I hope Sascha has got some time left to help me. I really want these beauties.

Crashbox

2011-09-01T03:27:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the blurry and dark picture. Picture was taken at midnight after a long journey. Thanks HF!

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Battery springs

2011-08-31T15:04:00.001-07:00

I got these nice battery springs today. Great to get a nice old pair instead of a pair of repros.

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Express engine - return spring

2011-08-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

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And at last

2011-08-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

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More pictures of the crank

2011-08-29T09:48:00.001-07:00

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Bilstein jack - correct or not?

2011-08-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've had this jack for a while, but I don't know if its correct for Type 1, 1951. If you have any more information about this jack, please let me know.

Headlight

2011-08-27T03:09:00.001-07:00

I need one more of these headlight buckets with this arm on the side. Anyone?

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Archeology - looking for the original color

2011-08-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

I got the birth certificate for the kab last week. It was quite cool because stated that my car was delivered to Raffay Co in Hamburg with leatherette interior. BUT, it also stated that it was painted in L11 Pastel green. Only pastel green??? I was quite sure my car was pastel green and dark green so this was new to me. This meant of course that I had to do some more sanding to be absolutely sure. And, as I thought, the museum in Germany got it wrong and missed a color. There is lots of traces of dark green color on the car.

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Bushings for the rear torsion bars

2011-08-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

...and rubber parts between body and chassis at the front beam.

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Very nice gearbox mounting bracket

2011-08-23T12:23:00.001-07:00

You can get these with new rubber, but I got this in used but perfect condition. VW stamped rubber of course.

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NOS dash pod switches

2011-08-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

I found these on the SCC swap market. Often you see these painted or maybe repro. I like NOS better :-)

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Lucky me trying out a 51 kab:-)

2011-08-21T14:05:00.001-07:00

I had a fantastic hour behind this wheel on saturday.
What a great experience:-)

My precious...

2011-08-19T01:04:00.001-07:00

These are finally at home again after a loooong journey. I haven't seen them in almost two years.
Now they've got new keys, chrome, hingeparts and paint :-)

Rubber - to cover door hinge bolts

2011-08-18T01:08:00.001-07:00

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Stick shift boot - original

2011-08-17T15:17:00.001-07:00

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Dirty OG ZAR badge

2011-08-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

I've seen many ZAR badges but this is the first OG one I've seen without rust.

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NOS semaphore switch

2011-08-16T00:40:00.001-07:00

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Rear window 50-52 kab

2011-08-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

I found original glas with logo in BC and also a very nice wooden frame.

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NOS ashtray - still need one more

2011-08-15T12:58:00.001-07:00

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OG pre 53 carpet rings

2011-08-15T09:58:00.001-07:00

I'll prefer originals instead of repros here. I want to add a bit of personality to the car

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Door window seal - Karmann pre 52

2011-08-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

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Correct fenderbeading for the 51 kab

2011-08-15T05:38:00.001-07:00

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NOS crashbox rubber mount

2011-08-15T04:23:00.001-07:00

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Rear window seal for the Karmann

2011-08-14T15:18:00.001-07:00

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Rubber for semaphore boxes

2011-08-14T04:21:00.001-07:00

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NOS hood pull handle

2011-08-14T04:14:00.001-07:00

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NOS engine lock with keys

2011-08-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

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NOS sunstar fuelcap

2011-08-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

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Nos hood emblem

2011-08-05T12:22:00.001-07:00

I got this hood emblem from belgium. This will be perfect on the 51 kab

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Out looking for the OG pan.

2011-08-04T12:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I started thinking that maybe it is something terribly wrong with my head. After driving one and a half hour i finally came to the place where the wreck of my 51 kab once was found. There was nothing to see except broken bits of glass. And, yes, i cheched all the bits for sekuritlogos, but could not find any...

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I really like this one:-)

2011-06-09T09:34:00.001-07:00

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Nice! The hood lock is still there.

2011-06-09T09:06:00.001-07:00

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Norwegian split convertible

2011-06-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

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Help needed!

2010-11-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

I have alot of details and challenges to overcome in the process of restoring the split vert.
One of them is this wire lock mechanism for the hood. The cylinder has been drilled out, and has to be replaced. Any ideas where to get a correct cylinder and how to fit it without ruining the box?

Petri Pealit

2010-03-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Latest score. I allways loved these wheels.

What it looks like after cleaning

2010-01-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

I wiped off all the dust from the decklid today.

Latest score for the project

2010-01-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

This time we have something really interesting and rare to show you. After searching high and low - and yes I admit it - even desparatly considered buying a repro decklid, I finally found a original split vert decklid for my longterm project. The decklid has been under my roof for two days now, and both days I just had to take a look at it before rushing to work... Still, I can't yet believe it. What are the odds of finding a split vert decklid in Norway? It has two easy reparable dents, and lots of surface rust. The inner part behind the hinges is the only part that will need some minor welding. Luckily all of the vert-only-parts and outer skin are in good shape.

He's awake!!!!

2009-08-24T02:04:00.000-07:00

We can finally bring some proof that Brezelfürsten is not asleep anymore. Hopefully we will get some more input on the Express anlage, as it's up and running these days. Maybe it was all the rain at SCC that finally woke him up?

Express kit part #9

2009-04-20T08:18:00.001-07:00

Directly delivered from France :-) Handmade clips for the Express anlage. Fred in France really has something going when it comes to vintage speed. Take a look at his blog: http://vwisgood4you.skynetblogs.be/

Express kit #8

2009-04-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for these ferrules. Yesterday they finally arrived:-). Fuel lines are now finished.

Express kit #7

2009-03-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Directly delivered from Denmark. Thank you Peter Plade!

Take a look at his nice blog with lots of interesting photos as well:
vw-bluehats.blogspot.com

Express kit part 6

2009-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Regular buthane gas was not hot enough for the banjofittings. Today I found a very helpfull plumber who was able to do the job using a mixture of acetylene and oxygene. That was waaaay more effective!

Pictures taken in 1989

2009-03-04T07:32:00.001-08:00

Windshield frame

2009-02-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

Making space for yet another semaphore

2009-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

Early vert rubbers arrived today :-)

2009-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

The vert story - part #9

2009-01-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back in the garage. Now I have to manage by myself for a while.
After lots of measuring and test mounting, I finally had the guts to pick up the grinder. I am not 100% finished yet, but I am quite happy with the result so far. 4 hours spent.

The vert story part # 8 - Chassis rails

2009-01-09T10:25:00.001-08:00

The vert story part # 7

2008-12-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

The vert story part 6

2008-12-30T09:23:00.001-08:00

The vert story part #5

2008-12-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

The vert story part # 4

2008-12-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

The vert story part # 3

2008-12-30T09:08:00.001-08:00

The vert story part #2

2008-12-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

The vert story

2008-12-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

Express anlage part #5

2008-07-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

One step further on the Express anlage. Soldering of the banjo fittings was demonstrated by a proffessional today. It look so easy... Now Fürsten has to prove his own skills =)

Saving a fender

2008-04-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rare chrome tail lights

2008-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was kind of dissapointed when I first discovered that my
split had 56-57 tail lights mounted.
But happiness was again estabished when I found these
accessory chrome lights inside a cardboard box in the car :-)

Barndoor engine???

2008-03-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

During my vacation I was once agian able to visit my car.
I took some more photos and discovered that the engine
- a 25 horse of course - is a barndoor engine! More
specifically a may 1953 engine.

One month from driving this..

2008-03-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some parts bought for my split. I've gone for a
combination of NOS and new parts to get it back on the
road.

I can't wait! Now it just over a month before I can start
fixing it before the summer.
Here are some more pictures. If it wasn't for the three
sailingboats standing in front of the car in the barn
I would have taken it out ages ago :-)

Sanding is boring...

2008-03-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Allmost every hour in the garage these days I am occupied
sanding the #¤&% hood. Sanding and prepwork is really
difficult.. So you get no pictures of this boring process.
Next time I'll let some expert out there do the prep and paint.
In the meantime I can show you my jacketed K-manifold :-)

Getting it on the road

2008-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Lets get down to basics..
The most important thing is getting the my split on the road THIS SUMMER.
To make this happen I need to collect all parts this winter. Soooo - every part HAS to be ready for the mounting -marathon that will start in the beginning of may. So far I've managed finding 4 NOS ATE brake cylinders, A NOS set og Hella headlight cromerings, alot of wiring form ZARwerks. I am also waiting for lots of other NEED-TOO-HAVE-stuff from Wolfsburg West and Coker Tire.

A picture from the nineties

2008-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my split probably taken in 1991-1992. This car has not been outside rolling since 1994 and i intend bringing it back to life this summer. It will need four new tires, brakes, and a couple of gaskets here and there.

Express anlage part # 4

2008-01-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

Some parts was missing when i bought my express kit. A guy in France had the missing parts lying around, and I was lucky enough too get my hands on these beauties :-)

Tough desision

2008-01-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had to make a tough desision. The hood on my 51 beetle had a large rotten spot on the right corner. The only solution for saving this piece was using beat up 1950 hood as a donor.
I am still not convinced this was the best solution yet, but the result came out close to perfect. In the future I might regret using a 1950 hood as a donor... You will not see me doing stuff like this often!