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Thu Oct 06, 2011 9:03 pm

After months and months of trying to find a beetle, i finally found one. It is a 1962 Canadian Standard. The car was located in Calgary (approximately 320kms / 200mi away from me). Calgary, AB to Golden, BC in October can be quite unpredictable, but I decided it would be my only chance. After phone calls and emails I knew that it would be the right car for me. The seller (Mike) was awesome to deal with. He helped me out with anything that I might need to know (as this is my first aircooled). Mike was aware of the trip that I would be making and went totally out of his way to help me prepare for the journey. The week before I came to get the car Mike changed the oil, flipped the rear tires, topped the car up full with premium fuel and installed a new horn for me (I would need one for an OOP inspection).

Loaded with tools, jacks, 2x4s and an array of other necessities we headed out. The weather was not looking too bad as we headed out in the morning. Upon arrival it started to rain. Mike showed me everything on the car that I would need to know, spent a great deal of time going over everything with me. After getting the necessary paperwork in order, I headed out. Here are some pictures from my journey.

In the parking lot after lunch, ready to head out

First stop, approximately 60 Kms out..Checked the car over and carried on.

Next stop (forgot to take a picture when I grabbed fuel). The weather is not looking good ahead. This is where I put on an extra pair of socks and and extra hoodie. The temperature was about 7c (44f).

Starting to rain...

Stopped to check the car over again...

A picture I liked...getting closer to home

Starting to get darker and rainier..had to turn on the headlights...

About 30 minutes from home it really started to rain...

The fog had rolled in quite thick through the pass. I decided to pull over and let some big rigs pass me and take a few photos.

After all of the rain and cold, I finally made it home. Settled safely in my driveway...

The drive took me 4.5 hours and I loved every minute of it. I definitely could not have done this without Mike's help. It is so nice to deal with a great seller. And now the car sits until spring :(. I can't wait until next summer when I can finally cruise around and tinker with my "new" car.

Thu Oct 06, 2011 9:17 pm

:shock:
Damn, awesome man.

Pretty intense looking drive, especially in a slammed dub. Glad you made it home in one piece!

Mad cojones!

Thu Oct 06, 2011 9:38 pm

What an awesome trip!! =D>

Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:19 am

Nice write up with some cool pics. Enjoy your new ride, looks sweet. As long as you are sensible and prepared a trip like yours should be enjoyed not dreaded.
I am planning my next road trip from Sweden to the UK for Spring 2012, I just love hitting the road in an aircooled.

Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:52 am

Man, I can't tell you how stoked i am that this worked out so well. I will admit, I was a bit tentative of you driving it home, but I suppose that is what these old cars are all about.

I definitely appreciate the kind words. I feel like it is the right thing to do, when selling something like this, to make sure the new owner is prepared. I put a lot of love into that car over the last couple years, and i wanted to be sure you were safe. A tank of gas and some clean oil is a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Enjoy your new ride, Al!!

Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:46 am

great story and good lookin bug

Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:28 pm

miketweedie wrote: Man, I can't tell you how stoked i am that this worked out so well. I will admit, I was a bit tentative of you driving it home, but I suppose that is what these old cars are all about.

I definitely appreciate the kind words. I feel like it is the right thing to do, when selling something like this, to make sure the new owner is prepared. I put a lot of love into that car over the last couple years, and i wanted to be sure you were safe. A tank of gas and some clean oil is a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Enjoy your new ride, Al!!

Thanks Mike! I'm super stoked everything went well...the transaction the drive everything. I had such a blast driving home, I loved every minute of it. I wrote this up last night and was going to shoot you an email to check it out, but looks like you found it. I have already ordered the book and I will make a point to get yours back when I am in the city next....or if you are ever through Golden.

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:02 pm

Cool story, bug looks great! 8)

Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:40 pm

wheres your transportation for the way out there?

Fri Oct 07, 2011 6:46 pm

very very cool man, i love that first drive! mine was a month ago and about 600 miles!! awesome day :lol:

Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:39 pm

jmsmilin wrote: wheres your transportation for the way out there?

My ride stayed about 2-3 hours behind to do some shopping etc. I figured at least if they were behind me and I broke down, they would see me on the side of the road eventually. I really enjoyed going my own pace without anyone pushing me. I wanted to stop often and enjoy my first drive.

Just got in from a boot around town, the last one before my permit expires. I won't be getting inspection and full insurance until the spring. :cry:

Does anyone know if there is any way I can temporarily raise the rear of the car with out adjusting the splines to pass inspection? Any help would be appreciated.

Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:44 pm

You should probably ask Mike about the cars setup but turning the spring plates will get you up. Then you can just put it back down by doing the opposite. There is a sticky in the Beetle thread I think about lowering a Bug. Mark the spring plates so you know where you started. Nice looking car and great drive. How about some more pictures like interior, engine and what not. Congrats on your new purchase!

Sun Oct 16, 2011 1:17 pm

Ask and you shall receive. These are the only shots I have right now of the engine and interior.

Mon Oct 17, 2011 9:48 am

Sweet, my favorite steering wheel. Standards are the best. 8)

Fri Oct 21, 2011 10:31 pm

air shocks would give you at least an inch more height in the back. is it still 6v? also i borrowed one of your pictures as a desktop background. thanks!

Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:22 pm

Can't wait for spring!! :(

Thu Feb 16, 2012 2:55 am

cool car and story.

Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:22 pm

It lives! First drive of the year. Also teaching the little one to drive young :D

Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:41 pm

that is just awesome, are you planning any changes to the car?

Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:58 pm

Not much to update with the car, but I did build my son his own low rider...