I've always thought beetles and beach buggies were cool but I've never owned one until just the other week, when a friend said I could have his '68 or '69 beetle at a very good price so I took it. It was a project he's come to realize he'll never get to and doesn't want to see it rust away to nothing. I've only had a cursory look at it and it seems OK. It's been in his yard for the last 3 years. There is some rust that I can see but I have no idea how much there might be that I can't. It has a 4 into 1 exhaust and twin Webers.

Now, to keep it as a beetle or make it into a beach buggy? I know very little about VWs per se, other than the basics that any car enthusiest would know. I can restore a body as I was once a spray painter, as is my brother who owns a panel beating shop. That said, I'd rather just buy a 'glass body and bolt it on so that makes me lean towards a buggy but I still like beetles. Does anyone make a 'glass beetle body? I also like hot rods and you can buy 'glass bodies for Fords from 1923 to '40 in roadster, coupe, Vicky, tudor, etc. It occurs to me that if VWs have such a cult following, surely someone would be making 'glass bodies.

If they do, I'd probably toss a coin but if not, I'd really have to think about whether I want to restore the steel body.

There were glass bodies sold in the UK and the US in the early Nineties, I've seen adverts in old mags. Can't say I've seen them here but would not be suprised if some have been made.

be aware if they did make it here you would probably have a hard time registering in nsw as they would be classed as icv. find one that has been used before and is in the system.