Hi all

Have been thinking about getting a bug to compliment my 74 bay. I want to be able to "play" with it and do few a mods using some of the skills I have developed from trying to keep this bloody bus on the road!

Not sure if I want to go the Baja route or just tinker with things but I don't want to go down the road I have with the Kombi trying to get it restored. I want a toy to play with this time.

So the big question I have to ask is what is considered sacrilege? Is there an age of a beetle that you wouldn't consider doing anything other than a resto on?

I want to be able to play with things like electrics and running gear. Is there an ideal age beetle to start playing with or are there models I should steer clear of? I'm looking to spend upto 5k to start with but would prefer a lot less. Ultimately it would depend on the amount of repairable rust. I hear that I should stay away from anything with heater duct damage. Does this still ring true, or is chasing something with no heater duct rust a pipe dream?

Cheers

Matt

You do what ever you want to do. If you want to chop cut, modify, just do it.

$5K is a limiting factor, and if you want a solid rust free car, then after 1968 is a more realistic idea.

Doesn't have to be rust free. I want to try my hand at a bit of panel work. I just don't want to buy a lemon that is gonna need serious input from fee charging specialists.

I agree with hellbus, you buy, it's your car, you get to do what you want with it. If you are going to modify your bug, you are bound to upset someone. Just mention subi motor and some will get upset.

With regards to what to buy, maybe you should figure out what you want to build and work back from there.

Cheers for the tips.

The problem is that I'm not quite sure yet what I want to do and was wondering if there was any model that is less "flexible" in terms of mods. Should I steer clear of superbugs, or isn't that an issue? Is there an issue with getting parts for any particular years or are they pretty much interchangeable? Shoul I be looking at something that is 12 v or is converting a 6 v not too expensive / problematic?

I guess I just want to make sure that I'm looking for th righ type of vehicle and don't buy one that someone says " oh, you can't do that to it"

supers are fine, there just isnt too may baja versions of them. it really comes down to what you want. the later models have more safety features.
nothing is not doable its just the amount of money that it takes to do it.

I have noticed that the 70's Bugs are cheaper than the 60's ones. They are available in the L or S types so Standard or superbug; having different engines and front suspensions. Newer so less rusty. Might help if youre on a budget.

I bought a 74 std bug as a donor for my 1960 ghia. I got a good 1300 twin port engine & perfect front beam/suspension out of it. The body was perfectly rust free I sold it on it's getting made into a race car.

Some people prefer the 60's body styling & I understand I agree that cars were more beutiful in the 60's, and I suffer terribly for it too

NO Torana tailights

^pfft torana taillights are the new black according to kc.. doyen supremo

Quote:

Originally posted by peter87 I have a 63 beetle and i think the metal is a lot thinner that later models. If you are looking at doing your own panel work steer clear of earlier models (i was told by a qualified body builder). Good luck with your search and upload a few pics when you find something .

^ "qualified"

^ 'certified '

Torana taillights
Was there any other type of tail lights that were were used in place of standard types?.

Quote:

Originally posted by bugmaniaar Torana taillights Was there any other type of tail lights that were were used in place of standard types?.

Quote:

Originally posted by modulus Quote: Originally posted by bugmaniaar Torana taillights Was there any other type of tail lights that were were used in place of standard types?. '40s Ford taillights are popular with those looking for a Volksrod look. I think Torana taillights are a bit too subtle; some nice Mk 1 Cortina taillights would work well, however. hth

the earlier the better, 60s good, 50s better. the smaller the window the better the car.

no fiberglass, whale tails, torana taillights, yuk. keep it steel.

#1 No-No Mod... fuel filter's inside the engine bay. DOUBLY so if they're made of plastic.

The Torana tail lights come in at a very close second IMHO.

Quote:

Originally posted by modulus Quote: Originally posted by bugmaniaar Torana taillights Was there any other type of tail lights that were were used in place of standard types?. '40s Ford taillights are popular with those looking for a Volksrod look. I think Torana taillights are a bit too subtle; some nice Mk 1 Cortina taillights would work well, however. hth

beaded seat covers and ground effect flouros

Just buy what seems the most original,and best you have looked at,look at as many as you can.Then you will have a good idea on what things are worth,you pay the same for a good example to a bad one.The more you drive the more you will have to play with it.Soon you will think thats not right i will have a play,get out there and rack up some ks