VW beetle Cal Restoration advice

Hi,

I have a 1960s VW Beetle that I'm doing up. I've owned it since 1992. The body is fairly straight, no serious rust problems.

The news so far So far my mechanic has put in

1. recon 1641cc engine+1300cc Transmission - include Mahle pistons/barrells, heavy duty high rpm valve springs,
lightened flywheel, new cyc heads, Engle 110 camshaft/gear set, 200mm clutch
kit, and a pierburg kombi fuel pump.

(The bigger fuel pump was necessary because during Summer, the hot conditions caused the smaller original fuel pump to malfunction and cause a vapour lock- stalling the car for hours- even at night when temps were still hot 25+)

2. lowered front end. Includes anti-sway bars front and back.

3. KYB Shocks.

4. 12 volt conversion plus everything else needed for it.

At the moment, I'm toying what else to do next to the Beetle to make it go smoother, drive safer+reliable and look prettier =).

The paint work is getting old- the fender have different shades of blue, there's some minor rust holes near the fenders and one big one underneath the front window rubber. I'd like to give it a new professional paint over and rust repair patching- but I want to hold that off to the last.

What else should I fit in next? I thought of doing disc brakes- but they won't work so well with older VW Beetles.

I'm going to be ordering a camber compensator. But I have to discuss that with my mechanic- my driveway is at an awkward steep incline and the need for rear end clearance is crucial.

Cheers!

G'day Blue65 - your plans to date sound good thus far to have a nice comfortable daily driver/weekend cruiser.

I guess what to do next really depends on your long term plans for the car. Disc brakes at least for the front would be a wise addition, kits are available nowadays to bolt them onto king and link pin front ends without any hassles. Most kits may widen the track slightly so take that into account depending on what wheels you are running.

My advice for whatever your plans are, be prepared (financially and emotionally) for flow-on effects as soon as you start changing something. For example I decided I wanted 17in wheels on my 63 beetle - no probs, buy the wheels and tyres....but then had to ensure correct bolt pattern brakes - this meant changing to discs all round (more $), but then the rear wheels rubbed on the spring plates so needed custom spacers (more $), fronts fitted okay but turning circle was crap - had to narrow the beam (more $), and then the rims rubbed on the trailing arms - had to have another pair of custom spacers made (more $)....and now its sweet.

So your plans will be dicated by what look you are after and what performance/handling characteristics you desire - which will both ultimately be dicated by your mecahnical abilities and size of wallet/credit card limit. You just have to choose something you are happy with as everyone's tastes differ significantly. Best of luck

Alan