TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:07 pm

Hi guys, I have been popping around the forum index asking questions pertaining to possible purchases when they come up.
I try to ask the questions about a possible purchase in the appropriate forum...
I spoke with a gent today about a beetle he bought when he was 15 years old.
He is now selling.
It was painted just before he bought it in 1975 from the original owner.
He is now 47 years old (same as me) so he has had it 32 years,
he claims that the paint has a couple of exterior bubbles now but says the floors and frame are very good.
he called it a survivor.
Says when you now lift the carpet some of the black coating on the floor is giving way to some oxidization (light rust).(only in some areas)
He also assures me there is zero rust anywhere else.
Nothing aftermarket,,,,,,,,,hasn`t driven down the road in at least 5 years,
Was going to sell many times but feels he would be getting rid of an old friend as he remembers it being with him for the past 32 years.
Anyways, the price is going to be somewhere around the $7000.00 to $8000.00 point.
Its a grey 1957 beetle with an oval rear window and apparently runs like a well oiled machine.
Please keep in mind I`m looking at several beetle of different years and the car is going to be primarily used to go for little spins on weekends and the farthest its going to go is about an hours drive on secondary scenic highways.
What do you think of the car providing it truly is a survivor and is in good/great condition?
Any little tidbit I can get would be appreciated.
Roger

Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:25 pm

I forgot to mention, he bought it with 19,000 miles on it, it now has 51,000.
Roger

Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:02 am

Gray? Factory color for 57 deluxes?

Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:38 am

Major Woody wrote: Gray? Factory color for 57 deluxes?

What do you mean Woody?
Roger

Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:51 am

Pictures, of the car go inspect it and bring us pictures.

Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:07 pm

I wouldnt recommend driving a 51 year old VW very far with original exhaust valves, thats a 36hp "weak spot" in my opinion, regardless of mileage some parts are going to be deteriorated purely by age, at that price it should only require a wash and wax, mind you that a perfectly running engine can drop an exhaust valve in about 1/2 second with no warning and its a lot easier to do cylinder head maintenance before the pistons have holes in them

Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:33 pm

for that kind of money????????
wholy christ man, .....he is asking 10,000 for it and acording to the several ads I have seen thats cheap....dirt cheap.
I don`t know where you fellers come up with these 500 dollar gold lined cadillacs but there ain`t any round here?
Now, what would you suggest to do to use a 57 to do hour long trips or more?
Are you suggesting switching the engine for a later model?
After all, I`m looking for a driver, not a trailer queen.
Roger

Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:36 pm

I forgot to thank you for your reply....so thank you, I appreciate it.
I`m getting up tomorrow morning and making the two hour drive each way, spend an hour taking photos and back home to inspect them.
I will post them when I get back,,,
Thanks again.
Roger

Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:48 pm

just saying that for $8,000-$10,000 this had better be pretty nice, generally ovals for sale here at or over $10,000 have been restored, anything thats been sitting for 5 years is going to need a good going over before you start driving it, there is nothing wrong with a 36hp motor thats been maintained but just because its "only" got 50,000 miles on it doesn't mean you can just jump in it and start taking long trips, like I said the old valves are a weak point in my opinion and I don't leave town in a 36hp unless I know how old my valves are, looking forward to the photos