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Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:14 pm

I have been looking for an older beetle project for some time. Most were more than I want to spend for a project. Others have been cut up. I wanted an pre 69 bug. I found a good deal on a 75 Le Grande Super beetle. I figured the modern suspension and fuel injection would be nice. I have no issues with the mechanicals being a tech. I also no issues with the paint, having painted numerous cars. I haven't decided to buy it yet however. It also has all new interior. Of course the battery tray is gone, the rest of the floors are good. Both front and rear aprons are shot, not repairable. The hood is also shot. Here are a few pics of the bug and the rust I need advice on:

Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:25 pm

Well some of the small holes can be fixed by media blasting the area and welding up the holes. The larger hole require the areas to be cut out and new metal welded welded in.

Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:30 pm

Welding the areas below the rear "outhouse" vent may lead to trouble. It's filled with expanding foam behind that rust and it may just lead to interior damage if it's not removed well prior to cutting/welding. I've had to fix these spots before and have always removed the headliner first. Take care, otherwise that looks like a decent car needed a little bit of work. Though I'm more fond of the much earlier VW, my first Bug was a 75 standard. That AFC fuel injection really runs well and has great power. Good luck.

Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:54 pm

It all depends on the price, how much money your time is worth, and how much you are willing to spend to fix it. While all that can be fixed, you will be cutting and welding. I have seen people fix a lot worse than that but around here, it's either a full blown resto or entire bottom half rusted out

Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:24 am

Thanks guys. The car is $900. It need a engine rebuild. But it has new interior. I am also looking at a 1964 that needs only aprons. It has a rebuild pan with air ride that has been completely powdercoated. It has no motor, some interior, and is twice the price. So I don't know yet which direction I will go. I really like the 64 but I have to weigh the time and cost to repair the body of the 75 and replacing missing parts from the 64.

Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:13 pm

Get the 64.