Ok guys I have a '53 oval sitting in my front yard that I'm not sure what to do with.

FAHRGESTELL- Nr 1560271 October 1953 from my research(wrong actually June '57)
Engine Nr 1915816 not original not sure is a 36HP though

Chassis -pan halves need replacing
-running gear will need overhaul

Body -heater channels need replacement
-no bumpers
-Some rust in bottom of doors
-rust holes at bottom of windscreen
-rust hole beside rear window (where the S'bugs usually rust)
-usual dents in guards
-no interior has rear seat no fronts

I don't know how rare a '53 is and this one really need a LOT of work. Ok I know some of you will say that any oval is worth saving, but this is borderline.

Would this '53 be worth the effort? I have work to do on my Manx so this is very much on the backburner.

[ Edited on 6-6-2006 by mackaymanx ]

[ Edited on 6-6-2006 by mackaymanx ]

[ Edited on 6-6-2006 by mackaymanx ]

mate - if not now - at a later date...

i've learnt from my boss to do one thing at a time so i would focus on your manx untill complete (if there is such thing hehe)

then pull the 53 out of storage and resto it as you feel fit. depending on where you're going to store it you may consider just doing some of the major rust sections first?

nick

i might buy it, can u send me some pics and details
vwfool@hotmail.com

I'll get some pics organised in the next couple of days.

wats the paint like? original?

what paint , like I said this needs a lot of work

ok ill await the pics

I suggest that you put it on a strong steel frame that raises it about a meter off the floor, fit the frame with big strong lockable castors, put the car on it and spend the next few years slowly fixing it. Being on castors it can be rolled out to work on it and rolled away when it is not being worked on. That means that it will not clutter up your work space, but it is easily accessible when you want it to be.

do a poll - i vote keep it

nick

The car is a 54 model built in 53

Ok here is my sad and sorry '54

ouch, are those holes in the deck lid where the number plate is supposed to be? It looks a bit sad, not too sorry though - why is the front a different colour? Has it been cut and shut?

It's definately got potential dude...

.

PO gave the front a spray to prevent rust

[ Edited on 6-6-2006 by mackaymanx ]

Doesn't look too bad, can you look under the bonnet and see it there is a little triangle plate up in the middle near the windscreen and check the boot lid for a really big spring and wide mounting at the top. Could you also see if there are raised sections between the bolt holes on the rear guards. Sorry you'll have to get your knees dirty. The seats are hard to find as they are different to other seats and a few other things like tail lights, head lights, steering wheel and the exhaust cutouts shouldn't be in the rear apron but I know someone who is doing awesome repro sections that can replace that. please let me know. Also where is the ignition key mounted?
T54

Dude it doesn't look much worse than mine. I'd be voting for keep the bastard, at least you'd have something to be proud of when you look at the before pics

bonnet, decklid & guards . decklid has no spring or mounting bracket

are these the raised sections you asked about


[ Edited on 6-6-2006 by mackaymanx ]

turbo54 it has no ignition switch, wiring comes out on r/h side of column but there is a hole in the dash for a switch on the l/h side of column

dash, whats left of interior and lights.
rear light lenses are ok , reflectors are rusted
front lights both lenses are cracked

The rear gaurds are original by the looks of the indents. Very hard to get these days so if you dont want them and your going to throw them out... throw them my way! Unfortunately your bonnet isn't the original as it should have a triange plate under the top badge. Does your bonnet have 3 holes on one side and 2 on the other for the hinges? If it does is proberly a 55 bonnet but if it doesn't it way off track and these are really hard to find. I was looking for 15months. Pity about the mounting broke off the decklid. It should be wider than a normal w lid and the spring should look massive.
All I can say with 54's is nothing is the same as any other oval. They dont interchange so be prepared to wait for parts etc. If it is fairly complete than I would keep it for a rainy day.
T54

I actually bought the '54 for spare parts for this '57. No I won't tell you where it is I'm still in negotiations.

Are you sure it a 53-54? I think it might be a later 55-6-7 just from a few things. I cant tell but are the door ribbed? Do they have a raised rib around the dorr trim section. The steering wheel is wrong and the taillights and the seat mount dont seam to slant back far enough. The gear shift is also wrong. Does the door jam have 3 indents and rubbers, one above and below the door striker?
Thanks
T54

I agree, it is late 55, 56 otr 57, heater knob on 54 is further back among many other little things

Looks like a 56/57 to me. Heater knob should be back a bit further, doors, seats, tail lights, shifter and steering wheel are all 56/57.
Rob...

I've just been going off the chassis number, thesamba tech site says it was manufactured october '53.

Can you snap a shot of the Whole door jam?
That will soon tell.
T54

is this what you want

They are late model latch's and striker plate's. The early ones 53-6 had different more agricultural latch's.
Rob...