My 63 Beetle Resto

Chappo · 2010-03-29T12:24:08+00:00

Let me introduce me and "Bertie". Bertie was given to me by a mate as a project car. He had stored it at a mates property for the last 7 years in the hope of doing it up. Well the usual girlfriend/marriage/kids/life thing got in the way and he finally gave up on the idea of fixing him up so offered him to me free but with to wishes. One the car is to be tastefully done up (no rat rod or chop chop 🥲) and be back on the road by Berts 50th birthday in 3 years time. I will start the restoration of him over Easter. I plan to do a full body off, ground up restoration and return him back to better than his former glory. I am still yet to finalize the over plan and design but it will definitely be a "California" style beetle and it will be slammed low low low! I am in no rush and fully expect this to take at least 2 years to complete. I have absolutely none, zero, zip experience with VW's. Have restored and customised a few cars now but more the Holden elk (am i allowed to say that without getting flamed?🥷) I have always wanted a VW and I still can believe how excited I actually am to be doing this resto. Anyway I hope to get to know you guys as this forum seems pretty friendly and helpful. Anyway I hope you get something out of this guys? And I get some of your wisedom and knowledge to help me complete this wonderful car. Photo's can be found here: http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=43383&hl= Sorry but I am a tech tard haven't worked out the photo thing yet 🤪 Chap Chap

Chappo Casual Dubber

27 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 29 May 2010, 5:29 pm

#781706

Yeah I hear you Paulc about the engineers but I'll have to get stuff certified at some stage so i may as well do it all at once and take the pain in one hit.

BTW I like Rosie she's beaut!

Been tossing up buying a later bug as a Friday drive car.

V dub Learner

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 29 May 2010, 5:31 pm

#781708

Chappo wrote:Yeah I hear you Paulc about the engineers but I'll have to get stuff certified at some stage so i may as well do it all at once and take the pain in one hit.

BTW I like Rosie she's beaut!

Been tossing up buying a later bug as a Friday drive car.

Thanks Chappo, rosie will get quite a transformation in the next 6 months, new wheels and tyres, lowered front and new interior

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug

Chappo Casual Dubber

27 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 29 May 2010, 5:36 pm

#781710

Paulc that bug is a cracker can't wait to see it with some new shoes. BTW I would go with the leather with your interior if it was me. I have had 3 cars now with leather as it's great to keep clean, even with 2 kids and 2 dogs. I plan on leather for this one as well.

V dub Learner

Chappo Casual Dubber

27 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 31 May 2010, 2:31 pm

#782027

Gwendolyns Master wrote:
Chappo wrote:Dunno if anyone bothers with looking at this but hey i guess it keeps a record for me.

People are always interested, even if they aren't posting comments. Especially when you include so many photos. 😎

It helps keep those who are still building inspired, and makes everyone happy that another VW will be back on the road.

Keep the progress going and looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Cheers
Craig

Thanks Craig for the encouragement I will keep posting up the progress even if it is a little slow.

Need some advice and or opinions on Front end setups.

Ok I have basically made up my mind to:
1. Add adjustable height link pin either install myself (perferred option) or buy one already done.
2. Add 2" drop spindles
3. Disc brakes - Thinking Porsche ATM but I am open to other suggestions if you have them.
4. New coil over shockies
5. Rebuild/exchange steering box
6. New bump stops
7. New bushes all round

Now only from what I have read I believe if I am using the stock rims and porsche disc's there is no need to narrow the beam,is this right?

I am playing with the idea of rebuilding the gearbox and 1200 motor to a performance spec. Well the engine is a wee 1200, I believe I can up it to a 1300 fairly easily? I am really starting to get into this bug and think tweaking rather than out and out modifying to the riddiculous is the better way to go? I like the idea of a nicely modded bug to an improved 63 spec without going over the top. Just a little personalized 😊.

I might have to go knock on Dak-Attacks door for some help, advice and a chin wag as I noticed he only lives at the other end of my street 😂. I saw the beast in his yard a few weekends ago after the Gold Coast club day. Then again it might also be my downfall with all that VW porn?

V dub Learner

phoenix_dr Commited Dubber

64 posts · joined Jul 2010 · 31 Aug 2010, 1:08 am

#799460

Hey Chappo Loving the progress on your bug. I'm doing the same thing ATM to my 65 beetle...
just like you;
I got it for free and was so so SO tempted to Rat it!!
But I promised my sister (who gave it to me) that I'd do it propperly.

I'm in the same boat with mods... what to do what to do;
stockish with a tweak... light rebuild to 1776... flat out 1916 witht the lot? hrmm...

My plan is to to run an adjustable front end with a 2" narrowed beam and disc conversion from vintage in sydney. Their conversion fits the standard wheels (a little pricey thou) but I think the porsche ones are just a little to big especially if you run drop spindles... (this is what I've read not from experience, so I'm not 100% on it)

Here's a link to my build up
http://aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=85098

good luck with it mate

"So... when will the bug be finished?"

HA, better question: "will it ever be finished?"..

whatnow Custom Title Time!

1,000 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 2 Sep 2010, 12:43 am

#799879

looking good so far.

can i suggest that you weld up the hole in the top of the tunnel. i've seen 2 beetles bent at similar holes from decent front end prangs. one would have been rebuildable if the pan hadn't bent.

going the vintage speed route won't make for a super fast car but it is fun and can be done fairly cheaply + IMHO gives major bonus points for style 🙂

pm sent with a few ideas.

i am planning to run skinny tyres so i can still play silly buggers but don't need lots of power or speed to get the same fun.