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54 beetle value
jobie - January 11th, 2013 at 05:42 PM

Hi All,

I would be interested in what you all thought a fair price would be for a fair condition 54 oval that I have in mind.

The body would require a new front end that is supplied and would need fitting (haven't seen this!) and minor work to the rear (valance, rails, guards etc). Both ends have had hits and have had poor repairs. The paint is what you would expect for a 58 year old car thats not been looked after, rubbers are stuffed and the glass is original.

The interior is complete although very rough. Door cards bent, roof lining discoloured etc. The pans seem to have no rust and the channels look okay (still has full carpet). Its still 6 volt but hasn't got a battery but have been told it should start with one.

I know its a very open question and I don't have photo's but any feedback or advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Joel


Craig Torrens - January 11th, 2013 at 05:54 PM

2-3k


Bizarre - January 11th, 2013 at 09:01 PM

I will add depends "how" complete

i dont know my ovals - but I do know that 54's had some one off things
Especially the ribbed doors

What about tail lights, steering wheels, semaphores

Dash complete??

Does the motor have a matching year number engine?

Correct gearbox?

but as a starting point - what Craig said ^^^


h - January 11th, 2013 at 10:04 PM

if it is OG then way more than 2-3k
grab it as they don't make em anymore or pass it on to others who are chasing such old gems


Doug Sweetman - January 11th, 2013 at 10:53 PM

It's worth what you are ready to pay for it. From your description I would not pay more than $2500 - $3000 but I am a tight bastard when buying cars and don't have an oval :)

Just don't underestimate the work involved in a front and rear clip replacement.


ian.mezz - January 12th, 2013 at 11:57 AM

2 to 3K for a roughie , some of the small parts are hard to find, window regs, check straps, J pipes etc.
Ther a few for sale now on here.


Turbo54 - February 6th, 2013 at 09:03 PM

Also hard to find is bonnet and deck lid are different. Rear valance is different and hard to fix and about 500 landed to replace with a good one. If you can find a 54 front clip ( I payed 250) for one it is about 20 hours to fit properly or just cut the old one off and weld new one on. I un-picked mind and fox if the right way

If the rear apron is hit, most likely the bumper brackets ate bent or rusty as they almost all are and they are about 70 per side for matching replacements. It is all going to add up. Ask dasdubber, he's doing one at the moment.
BUT as it has been mentioned, they are becoming hard to get, so it will be worth it in the end.
Good luck, turbo54