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It will be very very sad for us all when bus is done.... no more videos incoming but at same time, it been love and patient to follow whole journey!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Don't worry, tons of more videos to come with Kona in Hawaii! :)

Wow! Time stamp, MAY 22, 2022! Hope that your last two years of fun with Kona have been awesome!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Haha I know very delayed on KZread! Nope not really.. nothing happen yet with Kona

I know it's a bit like shutting the barn door after the horse has already bolted, but your Dad should have measured out the floor panels first. Then, instead of having a 1" slither at the back, he could have had half a board at the front and half at the back. It makes it look more even that way. I know because I used Beach panelling on my floor. It's a hard wood and quite beautiful, also expensive so I took every precaution not to waste any. About removing the powder coating where the wheel nuts go. Three days after, I finally got my bus on the road, having spent four years and £26,000 restoring it back to original factory condition, plus a few special hidden extras. I took my family to Alton Towers theme park one bank holiday weekend as a thank you for putting up with me, spending so much time working on Bob, my bus. Yes, i named my bus Bob. We camped for two nights, making the most of our trip. Driving home on our last night, I had just joined the M25 motorway heading for the M3 to our home in Southampton, Hampshire. It was 2am, and because I was in a hurry to get home, I put my foot down. Most of the time, I was doing 70 mph but as I knew where the speed cameras were, I did reach 90 a few times when suddenly, as I was overtaking a lorry, my steering went all wonkey. I never had much chance to do anything about it, even though I reacted instantly because just as I started to pull in towards what used to be the hard shoulder, slowing as quickly as I could, the nearside wheel came off causing the bus to grind down to the hub and caliper which then made the bus spin around violently. Luckily for us, the lorry driver missed hitting us and pulled in on the hard shoulder in front. While we waited for the RAC to come, he showed me the accident on his dash cam and then gave me the memory card so I could present it as proof to my insurance company. No one was injured, just scared half to death as they were all sleeping when the bus crashed down on the tarmac and juddered to a hault. The breakdown guy mentioned the nuts on the other 3 wheels were not loose but not as tight as they should be. He suggested grinding the powder coat off, which I later did using a large drill bit. Lastly, I had the same issue with my gear selection. Only it turned out to be a faulty clutch plate as the springs for whatever reason seized up. Once it was replaced, I had no more issues. On a happier note. I'm really looking forward to seeing your bus finished and what you will do next. Im sure you'll say you won't do anything else to Kona, but you will. You see, a bus is like a working process, a lifetime of love and dedication, and mortgage extensions. I finished my bus 2 years ago. I told my then wife, we are divorced now, that i was finished with the bus. That because Bob was finished to original factiry spec, I didn't want to change anything, but that was a lie. I changed many things, small things at first until the engine. I got one shipped from Australia after seeing one on an Astralian TV car show in a bus. They used a 6 cylinder aircraft engine, which they converted to run on petrol. It cost $36,000 Australian dollars plus another 3,000 for shipping. The company that makes these engines can basically make it fit any conventional manual gearbox. Before with the original 1957 rebuilt engine, with oversized pistons, it would reach 92 miles an hour max. With this new engine, I got Bob up to 127 miles an hour on the straight at Santa Pod Raceway. But from a standing start 0-60 in 10.26 seconds, which i was told for VW bus, a non charged engine, meaning without nitro, it was quite impressive. At the time, I was really impressed because to my right in the other lane as we sat waiting for the lights to change was a Porche Boxter who I left behind. My first attempt of three turns out was to be my best because the next two attempts, i got far too much wheel spin. Then last month, the gearbox casings were shattered, probably due to the engines torque. Now I have a porch 911 gearbox with extra gear and power ratio. I'm booked into Santa Pod from the 17th to 19th May for the VW Breakout. The family-friendly VW weekender, where i hope to beat my previous record in the 6 cylinder class. Unless another bus enters, I'll be the only one against BMWs and other touring saloon cars. I forgot to mention. After the divorce, she got the dogs and kids, and I got the bus. I got the better deal, I think. No, I know I did. I never liked those dogs anyway, and the kids, well, they were too expensive to keep.😂😂😂 Does that make me a bad person?🤭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚒️

This is, without any doubt, one of the finest restorations / customizations on the planet! So nice to see it coming to the end, but will miss the videos for sure!

@Chrisb8s

2 ай бұрын

Yeah. Next do a squareback

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

More Kona videos to come even after she is 'finished'! Stay tuned :)

The chrome side strips make all the difference. 👌

The laminated floor your dad put in is a brilliant idea! I never thought of that! Looks very nice!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

Looking good Mic, but I’m glad you took some time away from the build to play uncle for the day with your nephews, they seemed to have a good time. The bus will be there tomorrow

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Derek! Yes for sure!!

5 years... Mic, it is restoration of the century!😂😂😂

@RealKepsi

2 ай бұрын

it start 2019 been delay then that video in 2022 so basically 3 years

@user-vy1gb8mr2t

2 ай бұрын

@@RealKepsi anyway, it was a long way...

Mic, your family's property is gorgeous. I'd love to have a piece of land where I can havea Koi pond. And that shop, that's every guy's dream. Thanks for sharing your Kona journey with us. It's been amazing!

Even in my dreams I couldn’t imagine a place as nice as your parents home 🤙

The amount of time and work, that you have done on this bus, its just incredible. I almost wouldt dare to drive it 😂

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

haha :)

You have a beautiful bus there there has been a lot of work go into the project and you need to be thankful to all that have put time in on it enjoy your ride and feel blessed that you have a special lady that has been understanding and beside you though the adventure

The flooring is just the right touch. Being with family, makes things easier. You're more relaxed.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Oh yeah, so much better!

You've got to get up every morning with a smile in your face in Hawaii, and show the world all the love in your heart with Kona!!!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

That's the plan! :)

Another great episode. It’s not a VW without a little oil leakage😂

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

haha yeah. thank you!

Kona is looking amazing!!

She is coming along beautifully! Can't wait till the next episode!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!! Next episode is coming up tomorrow morning!

Did you forget to tighten the steering-bracket up under the dash.? when you mounted the flasher.. - the bracket was moving when you pulled the steering.. but anyway.. - what a HUGE amount of work theres bin done.. I guess theres no nails left to chew on 😁... Verry 'naice' 👌

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Oh no I didn't forget, not ready to tighten yet, need to get other things done and 100% working before I tighten up the bolts :)

can't wait to see it on the road. Also so glad you did the powder coat removal on the wheels, guess who had their wheel almost fall off first drive with new powder coated wheels...

@Demop_VW_garage

2 ай бұрын

Yep me too😂🤦‍♂️

@SkaterStimm

2 ай бұрын

@@Demop_VW_garage It was my first drive with my wife too, trying to sell her on the idea of my new 1968 double cab being safe for the family...

Brave of you refitting the engine before resolving 1st gear! I've watched a lot of other YT videos lately and its just struck me how good yours and Lori's editing skills are! Fantastic video as always.

Mic! I've been following you since the beginning. THIS RESTORATION IS EPIC! God bless you for preserving this machine! I love you for your dedication!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Hey, stoked you are here the whole journey! Thank you so much!

Wd40 is flammable. I wouldn't use it on something electrical as it could start a fire! But that's just me. Love you videos! Keep them coming!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Good to know... VW mechanic told me to do that way haha! Thanks for stopping by!

Looking very nice mate, cant wait to see it driving, with the powder coat make sure its on thick on the back side of the rims, I've lost a wheel because of this. The powder became soft and made the wheel nuts come loose over time. Trans leaks are a bastard to fix, I'm dealing with one on the Ambulance right now :)

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Oh man! yeah, I only did it on the front side, where bolt sits.

Yay! New video!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

😄🤙🏼🤙🏼 Ep78 tomorrow!

Hi Mitch, I had a problem with the gear shifter, so I bought one from Vintage Speed (same people that make the exhaust), it is also longer than standard shift, so you dont need the extension and the gear changes are super smooth.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Vintage Speed shifter look so good, been thinking about it :)

@user-cl7jk1fr1g

2 ай бұрын

@@MicBergsma Mitch, you wont regret it, easy to fit, super smooth and longer, so dont need the extension, so as your bus is so prestine, will look the part too, I know you have spent a fortune on Kona, but it is very good investment

@user-cl7jk1fr1g

2 ай бұрын

also have different colors too

@user-cl7jk1fr1g

2 ай бұрын

just looked and they a deal on the chrome 23" shifter, would look great in Kona

Been following since Episode 1. Can't wait to see it finished and drivable. God Bless

Mantaaaaaaapppppp.. From Indonesia..🇲🇨

That's the magic mitch start them young and they'll have a good job! Loving the bus

Beautiful as front is OWL 🦉

Hi Mic and Lori, Dan here from Tacoma. I have been viewing the entire restoration from start to almost finished. Lookin' good!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Dan!

You should mail that ball of tape to Alex at the shop hahaha

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

hahah I should have!

i love vw..

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Me too!

You should put some paint protection film now that you got it all paint corrected. It will give you peace of mind and allow you to use it without worrying too much.

I was hoping to see/hear the engine running in this ep. Can't wait to hear that unmistakable VW clatter. The end is definitely in sight now.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Same, more problems showing up haha!

WHO PUT ALUMINUM TO MY GRINDING WHEEL!!!! ha ha ha I heard that from Dad more than a few times in my youth!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Hahaha!!!

Glad to see is coming out better than show room display. It oughta be in a museum but then where is the fun in that!!!!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Haha exactly !

Thank you 😊It was truly enjoyable to watch Kona be restored to a showroom beauty!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

😄🤙🏼🙌🏼

Hey, Lori fits behind the wheel now! No more catalog… The bus is looking great!

Poxa, a parte da bolinha de papel, ao lembrar do Alex, me fez lacrimejar os olhos! Seu coração é enorme, assim como sua dedicação. É maravilhoso te acompanhar desde o começo e ver o resultado final. Amo vocês! 🇧🇷👏🏼🤠❤️🌹

Just love watching all the work going into the Bus/Kona.

Fantastic video Mitch n Lori👍🏻👌🏻👏👏👏👏 Kona be looking Great 🎉🎉. Be safe 🙏🏻

i cant wait for the wheels to be done. cookie cutter porsche would look insane

Looks terrific! Such good quality and what a nice family all coming together to help :)

Saludo desde Bogotá Colombia,hace 50 años, mi padre tuvo un microbus VW, por eso he seguido con expectativa esta recupera ción... 👏👍👌🚐

Wow.. Must say the bus is looking AWESOME... Just love the blue and white paint scheme... And the chrome beedings...i grew up with my father having a 1978 bay window(blue and white) and now I own a vw t3 camper also blue and white... But followed your build from the beginning... All that hard work and stress just paid off... Can't wait for the next episode.... Kona belongs in a vw museum

Beautiful bus good job

Love this. I miss home. I had a 1964 Squareback. We took the engine out and had it rebuilt by an old dairy farmer in Lynden, on Hannegan rd. His name was Voskuilen, I think it's called Sorensen truck repair nowadays. Damn, 46 years ago.

Beautiful!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

mahalo!

Great restoration of the VW-Bus, hope you get it's engine start and work done next episode.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank! Working on it!

Perfect

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

😄🤙🏼🤙🏼

This Bus is Awesome :)

Great video!! You really got a lot of details done. Kona looks so great!!

❤❤HELLO GREETINGS THAT BEAUTIFUL HAPPINESS 😂👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

Absolutely inspiring and beautiful work!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

toujours agréable de voir la restoration et félicitation pour le beaux travail que vous faite en familles a bientôt de voir le travail terminé amitiés a vous Regis de la France

Hi Mic, Ooh, wow, Kona is nearly ready for the road! The rails down the sides and front really finish the look. She is looking awesome! By the way, I received my Kona T shirt the other day, Really quick postage to the Isle of Wight and great quality too! Looking forward to the next episode. Love you guys 🙂

like 1.7K ! You have done a wonderful job...I remember your first episode and how bad of shape this was in.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Oh yeah so crazy! I will do BEFORE / AFTER video !!

Awesome! About time too! Many thanks.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

😄👍🏼

saludos desde Huayllay_Pasco_Peru. muchas felicitaciones cada vez esta quedando hermosa.

Thanks for the video.

the seam of the two-piece dash was not cleaned out before painting it you can clearly see the debris

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Yeah tell DOM that! He failed! Haha I knew about that but ran out of time and they want more $$ from us, awful people at skinner shop... I want to get dash repainted someday to fix that problem... it sucks :)

she is so cute, applying compound, nd buffing!

GREAT JOB ON THE BUS AND IF YOU'RE SHIPPING IT TO HAWAII WE DID 1979 AND IT SO DIRTY WE LOOKED FOR A CAR WASH TO CLEAN IT UP. ❤❤❤

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Oh man yeah for sure bus will get dirty from shipping haha

Looks beautiful 😍

Whooo hoooo, let's go!!!!! Love me some ##konathebus from Texas!!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Whooooo! 😄🤙🏼🙌🏼

Great progress

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Soooo Beautiful!!!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

One of best restoration.I have seen.❤

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

I love the GoPro tips I have new hero 12

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! That's awesome! I have bunch of gopro videos coming! :)

Os vídeos da kombi Kona são inspiradores. Valeu Mic.

Estava aguardando novidades. Excelente trabalho, sempre com dedicação e capricho nos detalhes!!! 👏👏👏 Brasil

Progress continues !

Good job 👍🏻

Cool! Saved 70 dollars.

24:49 WD-40 is not a lubricant. If you didn't lube the turn signal stalk with something other than WD-40, it will get stiff and bind up. I would recommend a silicone based gel or grease.

@maus068

2 ай бұрын

I Thing he was only using WD40 to cleaning the switch.

Прекрасно очень всё здорово, ждём #78😊.

Yeah, you tell 'em! Rotate your phones when shooting video! haha. Maybe I'm just old.

Looking awesome mich

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Mahalo!

Better make sure you get upholstery scotch guard or you will regret getting those interior colors in a second. That's for sure. btw Good thing you didn't try to drive that bus, with the steering assemble not bolted together yet. Jeez, man. BTW that Steering wheel nut is supposed to be torqued to 50 Nm of torque. When you installed those plastic hose separators from hoses not chafing one another you should place a larger piece of hose over both of those hoses that are rubbing against each other. to protect them or they will chaft one another and wear through.

I recommend shoulder harness for the driver. Are you really planning to bring this beautiful bus to rusty Hawaii. Don't keep it on Windward Oahu, Hilo, or anyplace on Kauai, or eastern Maui other than short times like camping. Just don't keep it the wet spots, especially on the beach. Make sure you contact the many VW clubs in Honolulu. If your home base is Honolulu look me up.

Looking good

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

Awesome video. Almost ready. Bring on 78

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 78 tomorrow! :)

Супер интересно VW 😊😊😊😊❤

Good job !

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

For security, you can add a hidden kill switch.👍🏽

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Yeah! For sure!!

The long slooooooow ride 😛🤣

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Haha ya!

Super ❤❤

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

🤙🏼🤙🏼

Un gros travail

Finally!!! i was waiting a lot for this day!!

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Whoo! Ep78 tomorrow!

wow...this is most technical stuff...not easy...Kona looks better and better 😊👍

Beautiful restoration, but I'd be afraid to drive it. It's basically a show vehicle now.

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Aw thank you! I'm looking forward to drive it! :)

Put some nice chrome ,rims and better tires! Will look a lot better!!

ah.... so close to starting up, we're so waiting to hear that engine purr...

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Me too!

Did you use a clutch alignment tool? If you have trouble stabbing the motor, check that first.

Hahaha Marking its spot all ready! Its a VW, if that ever stops it means your out of fluid fluid fluid!.

you vw bus very beautiful bus kona form lee

@MicBergsma

2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Here ya go

Heady stuff!🤣

A lot of trial and error, but success in the end "Bro"