anyone able to give me a rough idea of what it would cost to reco/replace all running gear for a beetle (hasn't been registered for 20 years) and convert it to 12v? ie. brakes, engine, tranny, shocks, possibly fuel/brake lines, battery etc.
and how much dearer would it be to get it done by a vw mechanic?
cheers

how long is a piece of string?

buy another bug... it would be easier.....

Start at around $6000 just for parts not including interior or any body work or labour and go from there.

if you've got no time limit and can wait for the right prices to come up, you can get lucky if you keep your eyes and ears out, always stop and ask if you see old vw's sitting with flats or rotting. time also allows you to try out your handywork at repairs, if you couldnt fix it ,you can get more advice from aussie dubbers, and try again. the quicker you want it done the more you'll spend

If it needs all that, it's not worth it unless you do the work yourself.
Like:
Brakes - reline $100, machine drums $40, cylinders $200, master cylinder $120, lines $50, battery$100, 12V conversion $100 for all bulbs.. gearbox $200 for s/h one, engine $500 for s/h one... 4x new tyres $600, wheel bearings $50, grease $20... that's two grand so far... generator $50 s/h... etc