July 1972 in blue

Doug Sweetman · 2013-01-11T14:17:03+00:00

So after an impatient search for a rough but rego'd bug for less than $4k, somehow i ended up buying a non rego'd bug for $1.5k..... go figure. I'm sure some of us on here understand how logic can go out the window when you are around certain cars ? Anyways, after too many years without a dub, I have re-entered the fold with a blue 1972 (July) S bug, which from what I can determine was last rego'd sometime in 2005, after a restoration / rebuild at least 4 - 5 years before that (earliest receipt 2001). Picking it up at the previous (rockabilly, complete with Rat Fink tattoo and schmiko Valiant Charger) owners. Wheels are chrome 15" - I'm not too familar with 4 stud steel rims - are these mangels or just chromed stockies ? Back at home, and the dreaded S bug rust pattern is evident if you look closely. Paint is terribly oxidised in this photo but after a quick scrub came up acceptably. Left rust spot. Sigh, why do I do this to myself ? Right side. Not so bad from outside the paint, but likely just as bad under it. So it seems to have three main rust spots - the two above, and one in the outside vertical panel of the drivers side sill, behind the running board. I'm hoping that one will be a simple patch, but the two above could be fun. Enough of the bad bits - this bug was obviously given some love many moons ago.... Twin port of unknown size, kadrons (need rebuild, throttle shaft bushing seized), alternator, oil temp (only on dipstick), 009 (bet it had a flatspot with the kadrons !) and apparently ponts replacement kit, deep sump, glass pack muffler / extractors. Havent popped the rocker covers off it yet to check head casting numbers.... prolly 113 stockies. Wonder if it has a cam ? Hasnt run in a while though, and has been sitting outside for a while, so everything is weathered.... Having bored you enough with my new found enthusiasm, I have two questions; 1). Last service receipt states motor has excessive end float and internal noise (query lifter). Best course of action from here is ? Is it worth me getting it to a running state (service carbs, new battery) to have a listen to the knock ? Am I more likely to cause further damage ? 2). One or two owners previous have lost the keys - so I'm now in the market for an S bug ignition barrel and key, s bug door handles and key, engine lid lock and key - any chance on of you have a full set with matching key squirrelled away anywhere ? 🙂 Cheers !

Last thing I have done was to cut the old accelerator pedal off the rusty section of floorpan that was removed and weld it on to the new repaired section.

I don't have a MIG or TIG welder, so thought I would have a crack at doing it with my trusty Lincoln HandyStick 130 DC Inverter stick welder. Grabbed some 1.6mm 6012 rods and @ 35amps managed to glue the two pieces of ~1mm thick sheet metal together.

Welds are certainly not pretty but are plenty structural enough for what they hold together.

Very pleased not to have blown any holes doing this - my first experiment using a copper chill / backing strip to soak up some of the heat. Worked a treat.

Next destination is either headliner and get the windows back in..... or replace bailey channel and scrapers in the doors, then door handles and ignition barrel replacement. Not sure yet.