Taking a Bug back in time...

Hey guys,

Ever since I got into bugs, I've always wanted an early model. I don't know why, I just love the longer decklid and bonnet and nice bugling guards.

First things first, I've got a '79 1300, but I would love a pre '67 look.

My question is, if I changed the front and rear valance, would I be able to put an early nose and bonnet on? Coupled that with early guards, I figured it would look pretty similar? I know the front window is bigger (and possibly back window?) but I was thinking down the track.

The reason I ask is I'm tossing up between just getting an early one (but rust/brakes/suspension is a problem) or just sticking with mine and making it look almost as similar.

Anyone done this/ know if it's relatively easy?

Cheers!
Ollie

Guards will fit no worries - I've got early front guards on my '70 1500, but I know the rears will also fit.

Earlier engine lids will also fit, if you have the right apron... even a W shape, which is what I used to have on the back.

Front bonnet and apron not so sure about... never tried it myself, but have an idea the back edge of the bonnet is a different shape.

The windows are bigger all round, but other than that would look pretty similar... someone who's into Volksy's would spot it, but don't let that stop ya !!!

😎

Haha I just love the old-school look - I saw a Early 60's today and fell in love all over again.

I'd be happy just to get the rear going on then (if I was desperate) I could look look at doing the front bonnet.

Thanks Dave!

Heh - no probs.

To be honest am rethinking how likely people would spot it... as it's prolly not very many.

My 70 bug with early front guards, US spec headlights, fiberglass smoothies on the back, W shape engine lid and snowflake tail lights... even with fuel filler door, square bumpers and big number 70's on the side (the real giveaway)... it used to confuse a LOT of people as to what year it was !!!

😂

Haha, I think the only real dead give aways would be the 'airvents' on the side - and possibly the dash if they look inside.

But yes I think it would certainly fool a bunch of people

It's been done plenty of times

Depends how far you wanna take it.

my 70 rota bug was de-fatchicked when I first bought it.
Had 62 gaurds all round, early decklid and the fuel door shaved with an early tank fitted and T-bars.

in Europe and US the bugs from 65 had big windows like late models here have the only one that sticks out is 72 and later rear window is bigger and squarer which sticks out like a sore thumb.

If you get the valances, and bumper mounts right it can be pulled off nicely

Just to give you an idea, this one is a 74 and apart from the back window and late model trim might fool most people.

You had a rota bug?

You're my hero 😵‍💫

But yeah that's great (the '74) - I think I'll look into it down the line

You'll probably hate then that I got it to swap to a WRX engine 😂

Can't say I'm a wankel fan.

Mate if your bug is a 79 i'm pretty sure its a curved front windscreen...???

The guards do not match up on the front of curved window or Super/strut front ends sorry🙁

http://www.justkampers.com/blog/post/just_beetles_goes_touring_car_racing_part_2

heres a link to a bloke in the UK who did it with a late 1300, it was for racing but it also was carried out very well!

Aussie Dubbin wrote:Mate if your bug is a 79 i'm pretty sure its a curved front windscreen...???

The guards do not match up on the front of curved window or Super/strut front ends sorry🙁

Course! Sorry I did mean '76 - not '79!

My mates been complaining of his superbug nose (curved) for a while now and I've been riding a high-horse that at least I may have the option of changing it!

Haha, Joel I can understand completely the change.
That said, theres something satisfying of the brap-brap of a tough 13b bridgeport