My 1962 Bug RAT STEW

[david58]

I found some very interesting info on my bug. Very well documented info.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3349517/1 ... gen-beetle

[david58]

I spent this morning making room for the bug under my carport at my house. I moved the Camo baja so it is out of the way and put it on jack stands. I might even throw a engine on it while I am moving stuff around to make more room.

[Lew]

I like the deal! Good for you, and I heard something you wish you hadn't done......Maybe the 62 will look like a 57 soon. I will get in touch next time I am up your way...

[david58]

Thanks for the warning Lew
I got the 62 to the house and up the hill into the carport. Something isn't right with the car, it fish tailed if I went over 45 mph. I towed the red 74 I traded for the 62 and dropped it off before I went to get my bug. The 74 pulled straight. I am pretty sure it is just the toe in settings causing the problem the LR wheel isn't sitting in the fender like it should be see pics below.
Left side rear

Right side rear



































I am thinking of swapping pans as this pan is awesome.

[Lew]

I know now you got the best end of the deal seeing your pictures..... I started back working on my Bug Saturday.

[david58]

I know now you got the best end of the deal seeing your pictures..... I started back working on my Bug Saturday.

We want to see proof of progress.

[itawolf]

nope not my old bug---but it seems you got a good deal David---keep posting

[david58]

I slid a engine in the bug today and in doing so found a lot of little things I need to change. I was lucky as all get out that I made it to the house without the wheels falling off. The right rear wheel must be missing one or both of the bearings. The rear coil overs need some custom spacers made for the spring seat so the top of the shock doesn't need the spacer that was added. The top of the spring is all caddy whom pass when it is sitting down. You should have heard all the screeching and moaning it made when we jacked it up. Also it will probably need some limit straps on the rear so you can jack it up and the springs will stay in the seats. But the spacers may fix that too. I am really leaning towards doing the pan swap. The pan is just too nice for a baja and having to strip the bug down to find out why the wheels want to fall off makes it much easier to do the swap.

[Lew]

Why don't you pull the body, and go over the chassis. Understand what you have and the conditions of all the mechanical parts. It's a good thing, and you will feel better about the car!
I'll bet you're gonna find other things missing or not quite right. I still like your deal!

[itawolf]

I'm with lew! U might find out something that need to be fixed now better than later


Anyone of u going to bugs and brats in huntsville al?
Oct 15

[david58]

I would like to start with the 74 pan on the baja since it is like brand spanking new and installing all the good parts off the 62 then doing the body swap is the way I want to go, since I need to take it apart to see what is wrong. It won't be much more work than doing the suspension that the 62 is on now. The rear body mounts have already been relocated, and there are some things i would like to do to the body off the pan anyways. Like a new pan to body seal. also some body work above the pan needs some minor attention.

[david58]

Doing a little cleaning and painting on some of the rear suspension parts off the 62. I am going to use the nice pan I have and transfer all the parts from the 62 to it. The 62 already has the rear body mounts relocated and is on a IRS Ball Joint pan. So the 74 Baja pan will be perfect and everything will be like brand new. I was told this is the nicest pan I have ever seen anyone do it is immaculate.

[david58]

Which hole to drill? A or B? Or both? C is out of the question as you can see.

[Lew]

My pan looks better than yours. Just kidding! Did you inspect the stub axle bearings, spacers, etc., and re-pack with new grease. We both know the ball bearing goes in closest to the CV Joint, and the Roller Bearing toward the disc brakes. Your paint job is looking good....... Also on the swing arm pin, 80 fpt after I coated the pin with Never Sieze. It's a good thing!

[david58]

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic ... 1&t=137522