| [ Total Views: 2344 | Total Replies: 35 | Thread Id: 102930 ] |
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 Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:38 PM |
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"73 Superbug Build - Topaz
A bit over a year ago, after a lot of looking around, I found my dream beetle...a '73 Superbug. She is named Topaz after my beautiful Siamese cat,
who tragically passed away before the Beetle was finished 
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Samantha 
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it  |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
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Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:39 PM |
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With hopes high, I started work on it, stripping back the interior. I soon found out the floor was completely rusted out & had been replaced with
a sheet of aluminium!!!
Not happy 
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:47 PM |
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With the RWC only 2 weeks old, I was pretty devastated as you can imagine! I contacted the RWC supplier & after inspecting it, he agreed to to
replace both floor pans front & rear. She also received new push rod tubes.
I've since learnt rusted out floors are pretty much par for course on a 40yo Beetle!
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:54 PM |
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From underneath, front:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:55 PM |
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From underneath, rear:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 04:59 PM |
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With the shiny new floor pans in, lol, Topaz was stripped completely. As expected, there were some patches of rust but overall she was in very good
shape.
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:01 PM |
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She was stripped back to bare metal....
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:03 PM |
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The "C" pillars needed one section cut out & a new piece welded in:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:04 PM |
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Some rust in the boot but not bad
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:17 PM |
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I searched for ages for a Beetle sunroof but couldnt find one that would fit properly. Eventually I ordered one from CRL
Laurence...http://www.crlaurence.com.au/crlapps/showline/offerpage.aspx?ProductID=9574&GroupID=21824&History=30587:21809:21810:21814&Model
ID=21824
After many months of painstaking work, all the rust had been cut out & new metal welded in, the panels had all been smoothed out the old fashioned
way with a hammer & dolly & it was time for primer:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:18 PM |
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The front:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:23 PM |
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More months of rubbing back spray putty, then applying another coat followed by more sanding & more coats till I was getting pretty frustrated.
But it was starting to get where I wanted it...purrrrrfect!
The panels were loosely hung & it was off to the panel shop for painting:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:32 PM |
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Now to the paint...
I had spent ages deciding on a colour. It had to be metallic blue to match my Siamese cat Topaz's eyes, but which one? There were hundreds to choose
from!
With help from Hellbus (many thanks  ), I decided on "rally blu
mica".
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
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Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:47 PM |
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While there, I had it completely lined with Dynomat to insulate against the heat & sound. Everywhere was done...front & rear firewalls, the
roof & floor, the sides & even inside the doors, replacing the ordinary factory soundproofing which was too small & starting to peel
off.
I also had a kick-arse flip up DVD player head unit & custom front speakers installed. The rear speakers were kept & a custom rear parcel
shelf made.
To top it off a keyless entry alarm system was installed. The solenoids in the doors took some work but eventually it was done using heavy duty
solenoids & custom brackets.
Time for Topaz to come home
Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:52 PM |
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The front seats had been reupholstered but I wanted something nicer. After lots of searching I found some Honda Prelude seats in excellent condition.
I got some extra Beetle rails which were modified for the Prelude seats & in they went:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Craig Torrens
A.k.a.: Craig Torrens
Scirocco Rare
6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion
Posts: 8040
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Location: Sydney
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Mood: Time to go Salt lake racing, and actually achieve a result.
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:52 PM |
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Love the colour............and what a great transformation !
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:56 PM |
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I then had some door cards made. Robert from Centreline Motor Trimming did an excellent job
Front:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 05:59 PM |
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Rear:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 06:05 PM |
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After trying an ebay hoodliner which fell apart while installing it I got Robert to make me a replica of the original. Again, he did a fantastic job, great quality material & stitching:
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
Scirocco Rare
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 06:23 PM |
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Hi
the car is looking good. How is the fit of the sunroof on the outside, does it follow the contour of the roof?
Steve
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
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Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 07:13 PM |
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Next was a new carpet, new retractable front seat belts, new rubber mat for the boot & some custom panels to hide extra fuse boxes & wiring.
An electric windscreen washer, Bosch H4 halogen headlights, a complete set of new rubber trims for the doors & windows, also the guards, boot
& bonnet.
Driving lights were added.
New heavy duty sideboards were fitted with new bolts, the guards were also given new bolts.
The fuel tank had a small leak & was repaired & painted.
A new carby was shipped in from America & the engine given a tune.
Topaz was finished, finally 
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 08:22 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by Craig Torrens
Love the colour............and what a great transformation !
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Thanks...I really love it. It glitters so nicely in the sun
Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 08:25 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by 1303Steve
the car is looking good. How is the fit of the sunroof on the outside, does it follow the contour of the roof?
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Thanks.
The sunroof follows the contour of the roof pretty well. It also has an excellent seal so I'm sure it wont leak...that was my biggest concern.
Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
Scirocco Rare
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Location: Sydney, NSW
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Mood: Parrot Heading
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 09:05 PM |
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That's good, I've seen some that are flat and the roof gets flattened to suit the sunroof, not a good look
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 helbus
A.k.a.: Pete S
Super Administrator
Mad fabricator, paint and body
Posts: 7386
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 09:12 PM |
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Yay! Looks good.
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
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Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 09:54 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by helbus
Yay! Looks good.
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Thanks so much for your help picking out the colour & all your encouragement 
Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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Camo
A.k.a.: Kev
Custom Title Time!
Posts: 1936
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 10:11 PM |
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Wow, you have done a great job and glad you got the colour you were looking for.
I remember sending you a PM about a year ago and discussing colours, you must be so glad to finally have it on the road.
Also, I think you need to update your signature at the bottom of each post. The process has now been completed 
Kev
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
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Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on July 30th, 2013 at 10:45 PM |
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Thanks for your help too Kev, yes very happy she's back on the road. With the new carbie has heaps of power up the steep
hills now & everytime I see it in the sun I just think its stunning! 
Signature updated
Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
Scirocco Rare
Posts: 8621
Threads: 556
Registered: August 27th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sydney, NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Parrot Heading
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| posted on July 31st, 2013 at 08:57 AM |
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you will need to update your avatar as well, I kept thinking you were going to paint your bug gold
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Topaz
Slammed & Awesome Dubber
Posts: 96
Threads: 14
Registered: March 31st, 2012
Member Is Offline
Location: Heathmont, Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Pink
Mood: Bugged
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| posted on August 1st, 2013 at 07:15 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by 1303Steve
you will need to update your avatar as well, I kept thinking you were going to paint your bug gold
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My avatar is of the 1 millionth beetle produced, a beautiful metallic gold with 1000s of sparkly things lol
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Samantha
'73 Super Beetle: Fully restored, bare metal re-spray, custom interior...lovin' it |
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