Here is what I had...


Then this happened...




So I bought this - only the shell and really just for the Baja kit.


So, do I repair the blue bug or do I pull the nose out as best as I can and then cut off the front and Bajarise it? Or some third option?

Comments please...

Ouch. It's a 51 year-old classic car, and there aren't that many sand dunes in Canberra. I think it deserves to be repaired, proper-like, but that's just my opinion.

hth

Yeah - fix it properly would be my suggestion too - looks to be in pretty good nick in the first pic, and the damage just seems to be guard and bonnet, so prolly not too major a repair.

Also once maybe consider putting a bumper on to hopefully prevent/reduce the damage from that sort of bump in the future - chrome smoothie or even blade bumpers would go pretty well with that look I think.

I'm in Newcastle now... updated the profile.

As for the damage, it is worse than it looks and it was already a bit out of shape before I got it. It is now kinked from the windscreen forward. There are bends above the guards and ripples all through the engine bay. I also can't find a good panel beater anywhere around here. You never know 'till they have done the work and no one will recommend anyone.

The first thing to do it beat the snot out of the %#@$#@$# that did it.

I'll vote for fixing it also. Find new guards and bonnet, and find a panel beater to pull the front out. As Clarkson would say "How hard can it be"

What is the deal with insurance?

take the motor out ,throw it into the baja drive it around whilst fixing the 59 ,then swap back when fixed

ive fixed worse than that, dont cut it up, fix it, they are easy to pull out

fix it dont fook it
you'll kick ya self in the long run if you cut it up

I'm now leaning towards the no cut solution.

Beating up the cause was not possible as the rottweiler rolled down the road, got up and ran off. And my brother was driving it so I wasn't even there. The only person I really trust to drive my car is my brother and unfortunately there wasn't much he could do to avoid it.

Insurance. Well that is a bit interesting. I had it insured for 2k, but i had just upgraded the front end, brakes, engine (1916), gearbox, shocks, camber compensator and type 3 rear brakes. Needless to say, I wasn't too pleased with myself for not getting around to getting it revalued.

Thanks for the advice so far. Much appreciated. I have my other car booked in with the only panel beater I trust (12 month waiting list) so I might just substitute this one instead.

mate im into baja's got a 74baja but id fix your bug as its a 59 to good to cut to bits and find a later model bug to baja my 2c worth

Check out your insurance policy as you may have write-off retention or be able to buy back wreck. Insurance would pay out $2k and you might get write-off back for Nil or small sum and have some $ in pocket towards fix.

yeah with our Shannons insurance if a write-off we get the money and get to keep our cars

NRMA said they would do the same deal as Shannons - the car is yours in a write off with their classic car insurance

just needs a fibreglass one piece front end put on her........and then its perfect donor for a drag car ...do you want to sell it ?

Yep, stick with the repair plan - just see it as an opportunity to make it better than it was pre canine misadventure. It'd be a terrible shame to cut / wreck it for bits etc (- not that Bajas aren't cool!!)

These things are sent to try us ......

Kris.

i would fix it and drive the BAJA while fixing it.

Looks like quite a shunt.. Makes me want to leave my bumpers on now. I have to agree with everyone.. fix the bug .. its shweeeet!

Have you decided the fate of the Beetle?

A dog caused that much damage?! F*&# !