1992 Dodge W250 Cummins / VW Vanagon Abomination *MAY CAUSE BLINDNESS*

[Karmann Vandiego]

After MONTHS of procrastination from lacking inspiration (harder to find inspiration in the rain!), I have finally made some progress! I decided that the cab would be easier to finish, mounted in position.

I lifted the front of the cab onto some tires to prop it up, then lifted the rear with a engine hoist. With the cab precariously hanging in the air from a chain, carefully pushed the frame underneath. This required some more trimming to the floor, in order to get the massive Cummins to slide in more easily. Instead of welding the floor solid in the rear, I will be making an access cover to bolt over it, in order to service the drivetrain more easily.

Enough gab...this is what you came here for!



Next, I will be stitching the cab back together to finish the widening. Then it's time to solve some brake and steering controls!

 

[ITTOG]

It looks awesome on the frame. I am glad to see you back at it.

 

[Mekcanix]

NICE! kinda looks like it belongs there. Happy to see you at again

 

[nathane]

Glad to hear that you are back on it and great to see the progress. Looks like you live a pretty amazing spot too!

 

[pigsammy]

That looks great! One of those milestone type moments that comes periodically during a project.

 

[pappawheely]

The VW tow bar is cheeky, but I get it. I love people who operate outside the box! COE's are super hot right now. Not many build their own.

 

[Isgro]

This build is fantastic! I'm getting some strong VW LT vibes out of this thing...



Really excited to follow this build. This Doka on steroids checks all the boxes for me. Keep it up!

 

[Karmann Vandiego]

Now that better weather is upon us, and I've moved a couple of projects out of the way, it's time to fit some panels!

Starting with the roof, I made the 12" cut at the top window frame. In order to correct the inevitable odd shape to the roof, I cut a large 28" strip down the full length of the roof. This should also retain the shape of the window frame, so stock glass will fit back in place.


With the roof cut, I mocked it up on the cab in order to mark out the cut needed to fit the panel.



Next step is to cut the cab roof to fit the panel, then start on the nose panel.

I just need to stop starting other projects!


Stay funky, friends!

 

[TroySmith80]

Yes! Keep it going !

 

[pigsammy]

Glad to see you're working on this again!

The new project is intriguing as well.

 

[Karmann Vandiego]

 

[warrpath4x4]

that's gonna be one hell of a shifter lol

 

[TroySmith80]

Are you going to Descend on Bend? I don't imagine this rig will be ready, but it would sure be a hit if it was (maybe 2022?).

 

[Karmann Vandiego]

that's gonna be one hell of a shifter lol

I am still battling with the idea of converting to an automatic, or a series of linkages to control the manual...having personally driven the pickup as a manual for nearly 200k miles, I must say I have mixed feelings. Converting to automatic would probably be the easiest way to accomplish the task of forward motion ?

Are you going to Descend on Bend? I don't imagine this rig will be ready, but it would sure be a hit if it was (maybe 2022?).

Definitely on my lost of events to attend when the abomination lives! I have made it out there a couple years in my daily driver, the lovely yellow "Karmann Vandiego". I must say though, 5 days instead of 3 was too much for me. It may have been the 2 month journey that we had just completed, with DoB being the final destination before home. 5 people and a dog in a tin top Vanagon for 2 months is one cramped, crazy, wild, and free hell of an adventure!

 

[Karmann Vandiego]

Turbo fitment test time!

With the turbo flipped around backwards, it creates the proper clearance to fit it tucked closer to the block. The only real clearance issue is the oil filter.

Oil filter relocation, or a later model exhaust manifold to move the turbo more towards the back of the engine should solve that issue all together.

Excitement!