Itinerant Air-Cooled

I'll be getting a Beetle in the next week or so. I'm torn between 2 and want some input. They are both the same price.

Beetle 1:

I'm in love with the paint job. I've always wanted a two tone Bug. Everything has been restored (including the sunroof) except the seats & carpet. Engine is 3 years old and strong.

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Beetle 2:

Fully restored. Suede headliner. Imitation ostrich skin seats and panels. No issues whatsoever.

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I'd go for #1.

First items on my list would be:

1. Repaint the air filter housing black
2. Repaint the dashboard cap black
3. Get rid of the white headlight trim rings and get chrome.

Following that, I could at least deal with getting the seats sorted out!

Hiya Slug,

As a Bug owner............

ditto what Don said!

Bookwus wrote:Hiya Slug,

As a Bug owner............

ditto what Don said!

I'd also make my decision based on:
ya like a little room between your knuckles and the windshield? #1
ya like the more classic profile of the flat windshield and the way your nostrils can fog it up? #2
Colin

Amskeptic wrote:

Bookwus wrote:Hiya Slug,

As a Bug owner............

ditto what Don said!

I'd also make my decision based on:
ya like a little room between your knuckles and the windshield? #1
ya like the more classic profile of the flat windshield and the way your nostrils can fog it up? #2
Colin

I was thinking along the lines of classic vs no classic thing myself...

Your in California, not much rust, and you probably already know, but just in case those cars are not from there be sure to check floor pans and heater channels and behind front wheel wells for rust.....That would be a major thing.

vwlover77 wrote:I'd go for #1.

First items on my list would be:

1. Repaint the air filter housing black
2. Repaint the dashboard cap black
3. Get rid of the white headlight trim rings and get chrome.

Following that, I could at least deal with getting the seats sorted out!

I'm leaning towards #1 because of the paint job, chrome and Sunroof. I have the same list.

Amskeptic wrote:I'd also make my decision based on:
ya like a little room between your knuckles and the windshield? #1
ya like the more classic profile of the flat windshield and the way your nostrils can fog it up? #2
Colin

I do like the look of the flatter windshield.

steve74baywin wrote:I was thinking along the lines of classic vs no classic thing myself...

Your in California, not much rust, and you probably already know, but just in case those cars are not from there be sure to check floor pans and heater channels and behind front wheel wells for rust.....That would be a major thing.

#1 has no rust except for the battery tray which has been treated and covered.

#2 has no rust issues whatsoever.

#1 is the choice I want to make. I'm in love with the paint job and chrome. My wife likes the sunroof.

#2 is the more responsible choice since every detail has been addressed and restored.

This is why I'm torn. I really, really like #1. I mean really like it. I look at the picture of it with the sun sparkling off the chrome and shiny two tone paint several times a day. But #2 has been fully restored and would be the more responsible choice.

My Wife's #1 concern is that it is NOT ANOTHER PROJECT! It has to a be vehicle that's ready to go with a bare minimum of small details that need to be addressed. I could get away with #1. But I would catch some grief for the seats and carpet until they got done.

Hiya Slug,

Sluggo wrote: My Wife's #1 concern is ...............

You were holding out on us! Nowhere did you mention a wife, let alone her concerns. It's been my experience that when a wife has a "concern" what you or your friends might think is strictly a second tier matter. I'm thinking that the decision has already been made.

Gotta make the little lady happy, especially if she's the one who will be spending time behind the wheel.

Bookwus wrote:Hiya Slug,

Sluggo wrote: My Wife's #1 concern is ...............

You were holding out on us! Nowhere did you mention a wife, let alone her concerns. It's been my experience that when a wife has a "concern" what you or your friends might think is strictly a second tier matter. I'm thinking that the decision has already been made.

Gotta make the little lady happy, especially if she's the one who will be spending time behind the wheel.

I'll be the one behind the wheel. At least for now. Jacki (my Wife) actually can't drive. I think she's just nervous. Especially if I'm the one teaching her.

She won't rip my head off or anything. She's a bit more easy going than most wives. She's just tired of me having so many "works in progress". Not just cars. And she wants at least one vehicle that is complete. But she'd be cool with just the seats and carpet looking old as long as I took care of it.

I'd go for #1.

In addition to Don's list and the obvious interior, I'd also suggest replacing the bushings in the front end and a strut bar between the towers. Eventually. It doesn't have to be done right away (which deftly avoids the "not another project" issue) but it'd eventually give you a chance to play with the mechanical stuff. Use urethane bushings, get a good alignment and it'll handle like a slotcar.


(why can I not edit my previous post?)

If your looking to buy a vehicle to use, not just something to resell or to collect, then go with the one that is the type and has things you want like the sunroof...

Every day that you drive #2, you'll be thinking about "what could have been" with #1. Listen to your heart!

tristessa wrote: (why can I not edit my previous post?)

Fixed that.
Colin 02/08/08 10:40AM PST

I'd go for #2.

I just like it more.

Going for #1 first. If it's as good as they say, I'll be driving it home tonight. I'll post pics and let you know my decision tomorrow.

Bought #1 today. Not quite as good as the pics make it look but I still love it. Runs well. Brake booster seems a little off. He said it was new but who knows. I'll take a look soon. New chrome trimmed window rubber all around except on the doors. Sunroof works flawlessly. Speedo cable broke on Friday. A little bit of orange peel and over spray on the white but nothing I can't take care of or live with. A few of the clips for the chrome need replaced. Has a 009 dizzy. Idles a little high and has an exhaust manifold leak. One of the vanity rings is a little rattly. The rubber strip is loose on the front bumper. None of the wiring or hose grommets are in place.

Came with an extra set of newly paint red rims and new running boards.

Not bad for $2400.

Questions?

Do they make mirrors for the passenger side and what does it take to install it into a bug with no hole for it?

Oil filter. Is it a good idea to add one?

What year seats fit a '74 Super Beetle?