Hello, My name is Pete 34 yo and I live in Adelaide. I have just gotten my first VW, a 1971 beetle, one owner and it cost me nix, nil, nothing! Fortunately an old guy I use to take care of had no family and couldn't drive anymore so in appreciation of my help, he gave it to me.
It is a light blue colour, paint is very faded, but the 1300 seems schmick. The door cards could do with replacing, as could the driver's seat, but the rear bench has NEVER been sat on in the old guy's 36 years of ownership!
I've had a few people tell me that I should do this and that to it, but in all honesty I want to keep it as original as possible. Replacing the door cards and driver's seat are my first priority, followed by a respray in the original blue (thank God my old man is a retired spray painter!) There's no rust at all, and the only body work required will be to a tiny dent on the left front guard.
I promise before and after pics will follow, and I'll keep you informed of my progress. Any hints, tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
If anyone knows a good VW mechanic in Adelaide, please let me know!
Also, what problems should I look for in the 1300?
I realise how fortunate I am to have this car and promise not to ruin it!

Ok, here are some pics of the beastie as I get her. I also have the original owneers books and purchase reciept for the grand total of $1874!!!






I hope all these links work!

Wow what a nice find!
Congratulations.

If you can get away without respraying, she'll be more collectable.

Cheers
Matt

I'm with Matt.

Just tickle it up a bit. Whats wrong with the seat and cards? Is the seat split (the purple line?) As long as the springs are ok, just replace the cover or repair it if it can be.
I would leave the paint too


But thats me, its your car. It is the perfect base. No rot and not messed with....an excellent find

The actual drivers card is mush! The vinyl is ok, just got some mdf to cut out a new card and will attach original vinyl. The seat, yeah has been repaired down the middle with that strip of canvas, and there is a small tear up the top. I am gonna keep the paint stock, but need to give it a good polish and find what is the best treatment for the very small spot of surface rust on the roof. Any suggestions? Maybe then hit it with clear to seal it?
Also, what is best for cleaning the stock roof lining? It has weird brownish stains, not appealing at all!

[ Edited on 22-8-2007 by FunkBass ]

Hi Pete, nice find - a very dear friend of mine always says 'its all about karma' your find is proof of this.

We had problems with our hood lining having stains on our kombi. We tried almost everything, bi-carb, bleach most whitening products, but unfortunately I think once you've got it MMMM chances are you wont get rid of it. See what others think, but we ended up just replacing our hood lining it was resonably priced.

PS: good to hear that your gonna keep him orig. there's not too much of that around these days. All the best and look forward to seeing your progress.

RACKIE