I have just started on the rebuild of this 1968 Beetle.
It is a beetle that I have known of all of its life.
It has travelled around Australia in recent years with Mick Miller at the wheel and he has recorded it and written a book.

The Beetle is a little sad with some rust appearing.
Time for a birthday as it is about to head overseas in 2020 for another great adventure with Mick.

It is off to New Zealand first next May, then Fiji and then off to USA.

The roof rack has seen better days, a new one is in order.

Panel by panel

Rotten running boards and some difficult guard bolts

Interior strip with coins, pens and crap everywhere.
Well, I suppose Mick has been spending a lot of time in it, nearly even living in it.

Spreading its wings

I like the battery strap and cover

Great car with a lot of history. I first met Mick when a mate of mine and myself attended a sail coaching clinic and he made a great impression on me. We often used to talk about him and his attitude and drive.

The next time I saw him was with this beetle at the VW Nationals a few years ago, and it was great to catch up with him again. I bought his book and it is a great read, and a very good story on how to get a new perspective on life when you get a huge curve ball. Even though I have really only met him the twice, I hold him up as one of my great role models.

From reading the book, the engine sure won't be worn out the way Mick drove it - about 80kph all around Australia. lol

Thanks for the heads up Jeff. Just ordered the book. I have a '68 Beetle too although I haven't driven it around Australia.
Cheers..........Wayne

Body to chassis bolts all undone but there is always something that is forgotten.
This time it was the engine wiring and the brake fluid reservoir fluid line and then the brake light switch wires.
Can't think of everything.

Chassis wheeled out of the way.
It goes around to the wash bay for a full steam/hot water wash.

Chassis is rust free, having had a section welded in sometime in its life.
Good to go with a clean and a paint, but not today.

Body now on a simple but great frame set up that I have had for decades.
Would like to have used the rotisserie but 1955 single cab still fixed to it.

Doors fully stripped.
One door, drivers, has a double lift regulator that I would happily swap for a good single lift one.
Both door glasses need lift channels so would be easier to have matching.

Rust found in about 10 locations.
All to be welded up.

Doors

Heater channels etc

Bits and pieces, all to go back one day.

One of my pet dislikes of roof racks is that they can collect dirt and crap where they bolt on to the roof.
This then leads to moisture and then rust!
This is what it has done to this beetle.
Imagine a few more years

I think they got that idea from one of your rebuilds a few years back

NOPE wasn't me washim

I think we may be able to find a the correct fitting battery then you wont have to replace the timer cover

Wayne,

I have used POR15 on occasions but usually just use 2 pac black paint which is always on hand around here and leaves a great finish and a tuff coat.
Cheers

All areas getting welded but have found some extra rust in the bottom of the heater channels.
I had looked there and thought it was OK but its not.
Hate welding panel work upside down as gravity works well and drops hot lava on ones body.
Change of approach now needed.
So, into the other shed to retrieve the rotisserie.

Good excuse to get "Frankie" off and start on it again soon

Rotisserie out and "Frankie'' left on a couple of pallets.

A couple of hours making new mounting bars and away we go.
Much easier to work on now and a better job.

The area needing attention.

Well done

Love watching this stuff

Great job