Have 69 but want 66 (too much trouble?)

Hi

I have a white 69 Type 1, Standard Beetle. This model has front disc brakes and 12 volt electrics. Some people say this is the best model Beetle made (opinion only of course).

I'd really like a 66 which coincides with the year of my birth.
I reckon my car would be worth about $5,000.

I know where there's a 66 for sale. It's a 6 volt, drum brakes all round with original papers. I reckon I'd be able to pick it up for $1,500 - $2,000. I'd like to convert it to 12 volt and disc brakes.

Questions: How much is this likely to cost (would it be more than $3,000 - $3,500), how big a job is it and, is it too much trouble?

Opinions would be appreciated.

Yes you could convert the 66 within that budget

Have you considered bolting on early guards and lights and towel rail or blade bumpers, if you're really keen cut front and rear clips out and install front and rear bumpers too...
Depends how much of the 66 you want. Pedals are different, gears tick is diff slightly different glass and interiors. Wheels would be four bolt not wide five etc

Food for thought

I drive a 66 us.
There are a few around.
More room than a beetle 😎

sacnac wrote:Hi

I have a white 69 Type 1, Standard Beetle. This model has front disc brakes and 12 volt electrics. Some people say this is the best model Beetle made (opinion only of course).

I'd really like a 66 which coincides with the year of my birth.
I reckon my car would be worth about $5,000.

I know where there's a 66 for sale. It's a 6 volt, drum brakes all round with original papers. I reckon I'd be able to pick it up for $1,500 - $2,000. I'd like to convert it to 12 volt and disc brakes.

Questions: How much is this likely to cost (would it be more than $3,000 - $3,500), how big a job is it and, is it too much trouble?

Opinions would be appreciated.

better to keep something You know.. IMHO
but many people like the early models..
and do switch..
if the 66 is in good condition...
and the front end [king pins] .gearbox and wheel bearings..etc.are ok.
and its difficult to know these things..

if all You really need to do to it is disc brakes and change to 12 volts..

then it would be OK...

a 1200 or 1300 beetle are still fun to drive..
even with drum brakes.. even in 1976 , the beetle in the USA still didn't have disc brakes... All had drum brakes..
KARMANN GHIAS was the exception..
so they still work OK.. unless You are going to drive thru a river all the time.. lol and even then they do dry out..
or want to stop from 140 KMH all the time ..lol

cheers

LEE

I see He is not really interested in changing His car to look like a 1966 model..
He wants one because He was born that year..

If the 1966 model is in great condition all He really needs to do is change it to 12 volts..

drum brakes work OK... unless You are driving around bathurst race track

LEE

get rid of if the 69 and go for the 66' much cooler car, you only live once

Thanks for the input, much appreciated!