67 Beetle Resto - 2009 Trophy Winner!!

StenGuns · 2007-08-07T08:54:22+00:00

Well nearly 11 months ago, I started a 67 restoration which at the time, I optimistically thought would take three months.. Finally I'm about to start the re-build phase.. Rather than add to the old thread, I thought I'd start a fresh one.. Here is the old thread.. http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=56492 The floor pan... has been ready for months.. (the delay has been in the body restoration).. The pan has been blasted and powder coated in black.. Looks great.. Cost $1200 The body.... The more you chop into a 40 year old car, the more you find needs doing.. I have not cut any corners and the body will be substantially better than factory condition.. Chris, (the fabricator) is an absolute genius.. He has smoothed seams, replaced sections, fitted and re-fitted countless times the doors and other parts to get all the gaps correct.. Chris has spent 100's of hours on the body.. He wants to show the car when its finished.. I have to believe him as I've seen some of the hotrod work he does and there are not enough superlatives for his metal creativity.. I have a dvd video of the work.. I can't work out how to post the stills but I'll find a way later on..Anycase enough of the body.. Cost to date $8,000.. The front K&L beam is being fitted with wide 5 disc's by Boris at VVD.. All new or refurbished bits on the beam.. Cost $2200 The rear is a created around a re-built gearbox using a 3.88 Ring and Pinion and a .82 4th drive gear.. The gear box will be married to Type 1 axle shafts and type 3 brakes.. I finished stripping these parts today and they are off for media blasting and powder coating.. The gearbox builder is reknown on this forum.. Cost $2,000 I'm hoping for 17" ESCRA's for wheels. If that doesn't happen, 15" Raders.. Cost (with tyres) $1900 The engine is a 1916 re-built about 18 months ago by another reknown AVD guru.. Built around a sweet counterweighted crank with an engle110 cam.. It will run either EFI or twin carbs.. Not sure yet.. Finished with a ceramic coated semi merged extractor and exhaust.. Should be good for 80 - 90 hp which is plenty.. I'm curious to dyno it when ready.. Total setup $6,500 The body will be set off with a blue that I've been told will be like "looking at the blue sky but just blue-er and a bit metallic.. Cost $2,000 The interior will be all new with leather connolly hide in light tan.. Say $5,000 Total Cost Say $30,000 once all the bits are on the car.. About 16 months should do it.. Not for the faint hearted but you get back a car that is rebuilt and re-fitted, down to the smallest nut and bolt.. Better then when it came off the factory floor Anycase.. For the moment.. Here are the axle shafts and brakes ready to go to the coater.. I'll post the assembly here as we get into it [ Edited on 10-9-07 by StenGuns ]

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 9 Mar 2008, 2:33 pm

#635991

Another little mod is the frenched radio/cd head slot.. Nicely cut in to give a smoothed off appearance and a "tray" in side the bulkhead to stop the unit bounce..

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 9 Mar 2008, 2:35 pm

#635992

Body gets bolted onto the pan through the week (I wont be there unfortunately) and then its off to get the finally paint and assembly!

bond Veteran Volks Folk

2,456 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 9 Mar 2008, 8:07 pm

#636065

sensational. very jealous of your progress! well done.

nick

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 10 Mar 2008, 8:14 pm

#636247

Thanks Nick..
Sometimes progress feels bloody slow! Just do it in small bits as time and budget allows..
Haven't forgotten giving you the nod on all the remaining goodies.. Absolutely positive they will be no good to me as this is my last beetle..
Rob

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 21 Mar 2008, 4:53 pm

#637630

Quick trip down today to help with the body onto the pan.. Lots more to do but at least we are now seeing the progress..
Once the body has been all tightened up, its off to get the final paint coat and then we can start hanging the doors and bolting the guards and stuff on..
All new stainless hardware.. It's like working on a new car!

Anycase, i hope you enjoy these photo's.. No time to add comments at this stage as I'm cooking a risotto before I sit down to watch the crusaders belt the waratahs..

Here's some pix from today..
Rob

bugboymatt Custom Title Time!

1,405 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 21 Mar 2008, 5:43 pm

#637631

Mate looking great.

Da Time For The Aircooled Revolution Is Upon US.
Brothers & Sisters Lets Hit The Streets, Roll As One. And Feel The Power Of The Aircooled Storm.

Camo Custom Title Time!

1,936 posts · joined Oct 2007 · 21 Mar 2008, 6:19 pm

#637633

Hi Rob,

Looks great and gives me inspiration to get mine to that point, as still waiting fro the body to come back from the sand blasters. I guess at this point would be an exciting time, as you finally start to bolt everything together again.

I notice you sprayed the final coat on the inside only. Is this the best way of doing this as I was just going to get mine sprayed completely inside and out and then hang all the painted items (guards etc).

I must point out this is my first vw and my first resto, so am new to this and would appreciate if you could tell my the benefits of spraying inside only and spraying the outside when body is mounted.

Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing your progress.

Cheers, Kevin

I thought rebuilding a VW would be cheap - Shit I was wrong, just don't let the wife know !!!!

Click here for my (slowy) modded 1961 Beetle build.

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 7:40 am

#637666

Kevin.. Thanks for your comments and good luck with your resto.. I'm not the expert but I'm sure if you were to ask one, they would say to prep the whole car for paint, (eg; final primer coat on everything inside, outside, doors, guards lids etc) then put your final paint and clear coats on all "under" and "inner" surfaces. This means when you bolt the car up, all those parts you can't see are as good as the rest of the car when finished.. Remember also that the body MUST be re-located back on the pan before you swing the doors etc.. My builder will now fit everything to the car BEFORE the final paint, check everything and make sure that all the bits fit and work as they should.. THEN, leaving the doors on the body, he'll take evrything else off to paint separately and paint the body of the car with the doors in place.. Then everything is re-fitted to the body and beaded.. Also all the "under" sides, guards, running boards etc.. were given a gravetex treatment before final coat.. Hope this long winded explanation helps..

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 7:41 am

#637667

Cheers

bugboymatt wrote:Mate looking great.

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 7:45 am

#637668

Here's a couple of more shots..

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 7:53 am

#637672

We were stumped what goes on these two points.. Can't recall whether it is some fitting to go with the tank or rubber spacers and a "cup" style fastener.. has anyone shots of what happens here or advise what we need?.. Thanks

BrisDubba Fahrvergnugen

877 posts · joined Oct 2005 · 22 Mar 2008, 8:27 am

#637678

Rob,

There should be a leather/rubber spacer under those bolts originally which was around 5mm and square- they bolt the body to the beam.

Sorry dont have a picture handy.

Peter

VW Toys

64 Beetle - club car - Herbie
RSK 718 Porsche Spyder
76 Southern Cross Offroad racing buggy. "Manx Buggies"
77 Cobra Offroad racing buggy "RipOff"
68 Country Buggy KO200
64 Manx swb
70 Dual Cab kombi
74 Dual Cab kombi
74 Micro bus

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 8:35 am

#637682

Thanks Peter..
So there must also be some type of metal spacer that bolts down with the bolt as well?.. Where's my westcoast metric book?

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Mar 2008, 8:47 am

#637684

Found them on wetscoast metric
111-123A - Shockpad - Body to Beam

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 24 Mar 2008, 5:52 pm

#637947

Not sure whether I'm posting this for inspiration to others or for my own nostalgia trip.. However I've put together a few progress shots of the body re-build since September 2006.. Its a huge trip, this type of resto. I can understand the original motivation and gung-ho effort through the mid-resto depression of more and more money and less and less time. Is it worth it? I'll tell you when I'm finished.. Still a ways to go.. Anycase, enjoyed putting this together for what its worth..

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 24 Mar 2008, 5:59 pm

#637949

PS: The inner floor pan shots show the pedals on the left hand and right hand sides.. I just flipped the image in photoshop.. thats all.. Not exporting it.. hahaha

Dasdubber DAS Resto Haus

5,746 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Mar 2008, 6:49 pm

#637958

Nice one mate, I know firsthand the challenges, highs and lows of a big resto like yours!

I think it has been asked before but what colour paint is that? I understand if you'd prefer not to divulge it though.

Cheers
Al

www.dasrestoparts.com.au

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 24 Mar 2008, 7:13 pm

#637963

Alan.. You need not say much mate as we all take inspiration from your work.. Actually you made me start this one so its your fault!!
The colour is "liquid blue" its a current Audi colour used on the A4.. Looks bright in these shots but your seeing it off the gun.. It matches well with a light tan interior, some understated chrome and a light bronze wondow tint.. 17" Escra's.. There, I've just given the whole game away.. Hoping for the Nats in May.. Might just make it..
Rob

bond Veteran Volks Folk

2,456 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 24 Mar 2008, 7:53 pm

#637970

escras. good choice.

nick

Dasdubber DAS Resto Haus

5,746 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Mar 2008, 8:18 pm

#637975

Rob, at least when your wife (assuming you're hitched) gets the $hits with you for spending so much time and money on your project, you have someone to blame other than yourself! Just don't give her my phone number 🙂

Looking great, colour is nice (I was thinking of something similar for my oval, thats why I just wanted to make sure I didnt' choose the same colour). Thanks for sharing the plans.
Al

www.dasrestoparts.com.au

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 9 May 2008, 7:39 am

#645040

Sanded and ready for final coat.. I hope to have it in my warehouse (for wiring up) by the end of May.. So thats Sep06 to May 08.. Not bad for a 3 month quick resto!

squizy Thinking about another dub...maybe

4,082 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 9 May 2008, 9:01 am

#645066

Ready for the Nats Rob?

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 9 May 2008, 5:06 pm

#645163

Probably only if I trailer it.. Wiring and mechanics might be complete..

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 6 Jun 2008, 6:16 pm

#650575

Finally the body has had it block sand and final rub down.. The booth is booked all day tomorrow.. i'll go down again on Sunday to take a look..
Not much to see in these shots but the body and guards etc.. The close up of a front guard is to illustrate how straight all the metal is.. Absolute craftsmanship! You need to run your hand over it to feel the sex of it.. I'm confident the paint will do justice to the work

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 6 Jun 2008, 6:18 pm

#650576

Here is the dash showing the alloy instrument panels.. I was going to polish these and clear them but decided to paint and use stainless screws to set it off..

bond Veteran Volks Folk

2,456 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 6 Jun 2008, 8:08 pm

#650596

nice mate. coming along! very jealous!

nick

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 6 Jun 2008, 8:43 pm

#650605

You will be when you see the pix on Sunday!!!

decked dubby Custom Title Time!

1,046 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 6 Jun 2008, 9:40 pm

#650611

Really nice work.👍

.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Jun 2008, 5:59 am

#650637

great pics Rob

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 7 Jun 2008, 6:02 pm

#650685

I can't think of too much to say about the paintwork.. I guess it's all about 18 months work in preparation..
Any case, enjoy while I think up some superlatives...