Since buying the VW Beetle it would seem as if I’ve been consumed by Beetle-Mania! The biggest problem has been getting it to our house(and in the garage). Because of the the lack of brakes it’s not in immediate drivable condition. For those that don’t my wife and I purchased a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle. Keep in mind this is a very used VW and will need quite a bit of work. The engine does run though it could use some tuning. The interior is rough shape and rust is present almost everywhere.
Yesterday I went over to start it up, take inventory, some notes and to take some photo. If any thing it’ll provide us a starting point as we go through the process of repairing and restoring.
Well for starters the paint has seen better days. The seller tells me it’s not the original color and was repainted about ten years ago(give or take a few). The original was red as you may see in some of the pictures later on. It’s peeling and cracking in many areas. It will obviously have to be addressed.
My wife and I are still debating what color we’ll end up with. I’m more of purist and would like it turn back the original red. She wants some thing with flowers on it. I don’t think so. It’s not the highest priority right now.
The all powerful 1.6 liter air-cooled monster of an engine. Between the receipts previous owner gave me and research I did from the engine number this is not the original engine. According to the paper work it was replaced in the early 90’s. It’s the correct engine and type for this VW. From my research I place it as a slightly newer 1972 engine. Not a huge deal in the long run. It does run and start. It could use some tuning. If it weren’t for the brakes I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it home. You can hear it run here:
Ahh those lovable VW hubcaps. The tires were new back in 2001. They are a bit cracked from dry rot though not severely. They still have plenty of tread on them.
It was last driven regularly back in 2001-2002 as shown on this Maine Inspection sticker. You can see some of the original red where the blue paint is peeling. I’ll have some more information on the Bug in my next installment. Thanks for dropping by.
