The bug had two previous owners. The Original owners had it until 1971. I have a copy of their title and handwritten bill of sale to the second owners for $250. Second owner was a lawyer who drove it daily until he died in 1989. His widow kept it under tarps on the side of their home until she sold it in 2006. When a buddy and I went to pick it up - it had about 6 cheap tarps over it. She would add another tarp every time the weather wore one out. Unfortunately, she didn't keep it very well as she got older. The floors were covered in debris and tarp materials. First order of business - strip it down and see what we have.
After removing seats and debris, etc. I gave it a good power wash to see what was up. The car has two coats of paint: the original and a hand brushed second coat.
So what did I find? In addition to a Bowie? knife next to the tunnel, the pans were shot as was the luggage compartment area right at the bottom. Pans I expected and wasn't too worried about. The luggage area.... we'll get to that in a minute.
I finished stripping the car so I could pull the body off of the pan. Other than being a filthy mess, it wasn't too bad. I'm always amazed at just how little there is to an early VW. The wiring is enough to make you laugh. Where is the rest??
With the body off I dove into the pans. This is my second pan job (remember that oval I mentioned?
) and it went fairly easy. The heater channels are beautiful and needed no work (thank God). I ordered the pans from Wolfsburg West and was glad I did. They are really nice. Only complaint: The primer on them is a joke. I had the whole pan media blasted anyway so it didn't matter - but if I had to paint over that stuff.....no go. 
Once the pans were welded in I had the whole thing media blasted and then sprayed in POR15. Rust no more pans! I think it looks a lot nicer anyway. Front beam and rear axles will get the same treatment.
Body work on the car itself wasn't too bad. It was fairly straight and no accident damage. The fenders - hood - decklid are another story we'll get to later. With body work done it was time to prime it and start some dry blocking.
Next I had to face the task I was really dreading - the rear luggage area. It ended up being easier than I thought - but not exactly easy either. The replacement piece is from WW. Again - quality is great - it just sucks that the piece is a one size for all years deal - wiring loom pressings, seat belts mounts, etc were not like a 60 - at least it's under your butt and covered.
And that is pretty much were things are now (Sept 07). I moved about four weeks ago and that brought things to a grinding halt. I'm almost settled here in the new garage and have just finished the front fenders and decklid. Trying to get the front beam done and all chassis stuff completed next. I'll update with more pics as it happens. At least I have a few months before summer gets here.
My current bug "stand":
September 24,2007
Another day closer. Beam is done - backing pates, brake assemblies, and drums done. Just waiting on new link pins to get it all back together.
September 26, 2007
This is my first bug to "restore" - although I did paint my first bug waaaay back in High school. Shaved trim - moon dics - o yah the 80's! I did a 66 Sundial Camper about two years ago. You can see that thing at http://www.sunportcollision.com/DD
The bug will be stock. I may drop it later and put some 5 spokes on - but that's about it. I do have a 2054 for my 61 double door bus I could throw in it for fun......but I don't think the tranny would last too long.
Front beam is back on and the driver side spindle to drum is finished. I'm not very impressed with bug link pins. No needle bearings or anything else between the bushing and the pin. Grease away. I want to paint something under here some other color - all this black is boring me to tears. I'll finish assembling the other side tomorrow then it's on to the back. Tranny - axles - brakes.
Dec 21, 2007
Back in Burque'. Bug is in primer ready to block and paint but I have a 65 21 window ahead of it to paint if I want continue eating.
