Interesting day......

Post by **syncrodoug** » 30 Apr 2008, 18:21

I just come back from delivering some rims (Syncro-Nutz variety) to a chap local to me.
He has a single cab syncro with a Tischer demountable that you would willing sell your soul for, Matt.
This SIKA was bought by the owner, Fred, from new in 1992, it's on an H plate.
The interesting thing about this vehicle (apart for the fact the Fred didn't really want a syncro but was told by the dealer that this was the only the single cab left!) is that it was assembled in JAPAN - I've seen the plate on at the bottom of the A frame.
Now is that rare?
Apparently something to do with a joint effort between VW and Toyota - remember the Taro or is that Tara?
He has also got a 'velle, again bought from new, on a D plate besides his 1956 Beetle and his works vehicle, a 2WD single cab
Oh, the 'velle and syncro have less than 50K on the clocks and have been maintained by VW.
On a personal note, to those have been following my efforts to get by DOKA on the road by the end of this month - I have failed. The engine and gearbox are now on the workshop floor ready for dissection to find reason for non-operable clutch.
Such is life!

Post by **matt** » 30 Apr 2008, 19:42

not Sure if you meant Matt or Mat Flint Doug, but that sure would rock

keep up the work on the Doka Doug

Post by **syncrodoug** » 30 Apr 2008, 19:49

Matflint, Matt.
I'll be back on the the job tomorrow, its personal now!

Post by **syncroandy** » 30 Apr 2008, 20:26

Doug, excellent tale. Always good to hear of another special Syncro.

Unless I'm mistaken, the white TD double-cab that once was owned by DH, then by Cate, was also assembled in Japan.

Good luck with the clutch. I take it it's a hybrid of some kind ?

Post by **syncrodoug** » 30 Apr 2008, 20:50

Yes Andy, its the dual mass flywheel/pressure plate from the Passat with a T25 228mm clutch plate.
There seems to be something restricting full movement of the release shaft.
I've changed the slave and master cylinders but still get only about 12mm movement of the clutch lever which starts from a horizontal postion.

Post by **syncropete** » 30 Apr 2008, 21:51

The interesting thing about this vehicle (apart for the fact the Fred didn't really want a syncro but was told by the dealer that this was the only the single cab left!) is that it was assembled in JAPAN - I've seen the plate on at the bottom of the A frame.
Now is that rare?

Interesting that. Perhaps thats the reason a subaru engine fits in so well

Website · Post by **syncrosimon** » 30 Apr 2008, 22:02

I had heard that Porsche had made 10 T3's known as B32's, 230bhp...130mph. But never heard of a Japenese one, VW used to ship body panels around the globe for local assembly, so maybe this is what happened.

This is a pic of a B32, according to the internet!!! Could just be a Porsche badge stuck on with double sided tape.!! But note the splity style air vents at the back.

[IMG:800:563]http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa28 ... /VwB32.jpg[/img]

Post by **Boltze** » 01 May 2008, 11:19

If the ca is a original B32 the VIN is not a Volkswagen VIN and in the papers the manufacturer is not Volkswagen.

Post by **Syncro G** » 01 May 2008, 18:34

syncropete wrote: Interesting that. Perhaps thats the reason a subaru engine fits in so well

I think the resion the Scooby engines fit so well is because, like most jap manufacturers, they started out copying western cars ideas. For Subaru that ment VW as they're early cars had rear mounted air cooled engines and looked a bit like a shrunk beatle. They are now famous for their boxer engines which they claim have a supereour weight distrebution and to be fair they do suit the 4wd drivetrain but you've got to wonder why they chose that before they started makeing rally cars - farmers didn't care where the engine went or what shape it is, they just wanted something that didn't break or get stuck. Obveously they have developed the boxer engines much further than VW did but its funny the belhouseings are so simular if each were derived seperately on their own.

Post by **Chilla** » 01 May 2008, 21:36

Weird 541T, just looked at my vin plate and.........assembled in Japan!
91 doka td.

Anything to do with the joint Jap/Aussie market?....shipping costs etc

Post by **andysimpson** » 01 May 2008, 21:48

Chilla wrote:Weird 541T, just looked at my vin plate and.........assembled in Japan!
91 doka td.

Anything to do with the joint Jap/Aussie market?....shipping costs etc

Whats the 11th letter in the chassis no?

Post by **Chilla** » 01 May 2008, 22:19

andysimpson wrote:
Chilla wrote:Weird 541T, just looked at my vin plate and.........assembled in Japan!
91 doka td.

Anything to do with the joint Jap/Aussie market?....shipping costs etc

Whats the 11th letter in the chassis no?

G

Post by **andysimpson** » 01 May 2008, 22:21

Chilla wrote:
andysimpson wrote:
Chilla wrote:Weird 541T, just looked at my vin plate and.........assembled in Japan!
91 doka td.

Anything to do with the joint Jap/Aussie market?....shipping costs etc

Whats the 11th letter in the chassis no?

G

Made in austria

Post by **toomanytoys** » 01 May 2008, 22:56

As far as I am aware VW did biuld "knock down kits" that were fabricated in Germany and Austria and assembled in Japan.. something to do with import duty IIRC..
Some found there way back to Uk as they have very tight mechanical rules (thats why there are so many "grey imports")

Post by **Boltze** » 02 May 2008, 06:07

There were definitely no syncros or busses assembled in Japan! Every syncro has a G for Graz in the VIN.
Maybe they imported some.