Aussieveedubbers · General Chit Chat

Buying a beetle what to look out for?

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/98851/buying-a-beetle-what-to-look-out-for

tristanm ·

Hey, Iam currently looking at buying my first beetle, and id like a little advice of what to look out for.

Its a 1959 not sure what engine size yet. Was parked down the road from me, have had a quick look around the outside and interiour and looks very clean. Iam going to be taking it for a test drive and talking to the owner tomorrow afternoon.
He wants around $5000 but the rego expires in a month, said he uses it as a weekend cruiser and nothing should be needed for rego. Ofcourse i think i will try to obtain a roadworthy at this sort of price just for piece of mind.

I basically just wanted to know what i should look out for, i.e prone area's to rust, drum brakes working well ect.

Have attached a few photo's let me know what you think!

barls ·

dont think its a 59 unless someone has changed the guards and boot lid. id say more than likely a 60s.
look at the number on the tunnel and post it up here and you will get a more definite year on it.

MISS VDUB ·

That's a late 60's model for starters

Governor ·

Might be a 69, not a 59, looks like 4 bolt wheels as well as everything else

Joel ·

The shell is a 58-59 but she is a real bitsa of parts.

tristanm ·

Not really worried might give me a bit of room to negotiate the price a bit further! Thanks guys

tar76 ·

Pull the carpet up and go right over the floor all round the inside bottom where the doors hang from. Under front bonnet spare tyre well....just to name same areas.

68AutoBug ·

tristanm wrote:Hey, Iam currently looking at buying my first beetle, and id like a little advice of what to look out for.

Its a 1959 not sure what engine size yet. Was parked down the road from me, have had a quick look around the outside and interiour and looks very clean. Iam going to be taking it for a test drive and talking to the owner tomorrow afternoon.
He wants around $5000 but the rego expires in a month, said he uses it as a weekend cruiser and nothing should be needed for rego. Ofcourse i think i will try to obtain a roadworthy at this sort of price just for piece of mind.

I basically just wanted to know what i should look out for, i.e prone area's to rust, drum brakes working well ect.

Have attached a few photo's let me know what you think!
From what I can see.. its around a 1959 model going by the doors [pull out handles]
front guards are from a 1968 or later
engine lid is from a 1964-67 model
Gearshifter is from a 1968 or later
dash looks like a 1961> on before 1968
tail lights are a 1962- 1967

it looks OK.. has extractor exhaust system

make sure its 12 volts [should be]

looks like 4 stud wheels 1968> 1976

maybe a later chassis?? would have disc brakes at front?

LEE

car looks good in the photos..
photos of engine would be good...
and yes a roadworthy for that kind of money...

You don't want to be paying out more money..

LEE

Bizarre ·

tristanm wrote:Hey, Iam currently looking at buying my first beetle, and id like a little advice of what to look out for.
Rust

cam070 ·

Looks nice. I reckon you might be able to negotiate the price on those mag wheel centre caps though, lol.

tristanm ·

This is all awsome ill write it down so i dont forget it tomorrow!

tristanm ·

Any knolagble person live near redhead nsw and want to check it out with me at 4pm tomorrow... lol 😀

Governor ·

Bizarre wrote:
tristanm wrote:Hey, Iam currently looking at buying my first beetle, and id like a little advice of what to look out for.
Rust
Amen

barls ·

take a fridge magnet with you try it on all panels if it sticks all good if it dont walk away

tristanm ·

barls wrote:take a fridge magnet with you try it on all panels if it sticks all good if it dont walk away
Thanks this is a great idea!