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Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:19 pm

Here is the story of my Ruby Red Bug; in 2005 my wife bought this car as a gift to me in New Mexico from the original owner's wife that just passed. The car has been in a garage sitting since 1978; at least that is what she told my wife. Since I got it the car, has been in storage waiting for the opportinity to get a face lift and a new life, the car have no rust anywhere. I got the car with a Bill of Sale with the original signature of the owner and I have been trying to get all documentation together from few family members to get the car properly registered.

The car has the original engine starting with a F0 and the tag and chassis number match 116207936 also the color is Rubin L456. I have also few of the original documentation that came with the vehicle.

Now, with my Thing finished, my 67 awaiting for paint job and my lowlight getting metal work done, I have decided to get this car on the road with a very tight budget, the car does not need a lot, but I will like to do it right, the car deserve it.

The Plan
I have been trying to learn how to sand the top coat of paint (orange) to get to the original Rubi Red under.
Have not decide if I low and narrow the front beam and get the car low enough for a driver.
Narrow and wide beige or black smoothies.
Engine will be a 1700 T1 until I can get the original rebuild.

Any ideas or comments please chime in... I will post more pics as the work progress.

Regards,

Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:25 pm

It is hard to tell from the photos, but are you SURE that it has been painted orange? Or is it just extremely oxidized Ruby Red? :?

Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:30 pm

That appears to be extremely oxidized red. My 65 looked the same way.

Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:35 pm

Endicott jb wrote: That appears to be extremely oxidized red. My 65 looked the same way.
As did my '66.
It is amazing how that color changes and comes to life when buffed out (and how quickly it oxidizes again)

Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:38 pm

Buff the shit outta that thing and roll her.

Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:49 pm

This is a better pic while i am installing the engine. I think you guys are right about the color variarion. I will buff it out tomorow ti get a better idea.

Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:05 pm

LUNATIK wrote:

This is a better pic while i am installing the engine. I think you guys are right about the color variarion. I will buff it out tomorow ti get a better idea.
I think that I changed my mind. :oops:

Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:00 pm

Today, just finished the 1700 engine. After got it dialed in the exhaust seemed hotter than normal. It may be the gas or too lean... will continue troubleshooting it. I have setup tomorrow to work on the paint... a friend recommended using easy off while the surface is hot. Got all electrical issues done as well.

It has been a long overdue project.

Regards

Sun Jul 08, 2012 5:57 pm

Today, i spent about 15 mins removing the old paint. I staeted with chemicals but at the end decided to use a blade and work my way to the paint from the primer using chemicals or buffing it. Also i got a cheap rack for the car.

Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:30 am

Showing some progress with the paint removal.

Enjoy

Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:34 am

As of today I have remove paint from almost half of the car, only finding that one of the fenders only have the original color in spots. I did my best in keeping the paint and cleaning it as best but the rest of the fender is metal. Probably a color sanding and a clear coat is necesary to keep intact what is there.

Regards,

Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:20 am

Nice work.

Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:02 am

After many months of absence due to business issues, finally I go the time to spend with my car to get it back on the road. I have been working every chance I get, even now my comute is two hours each way I try to find time to continue with the work. More work on the paint will continue. Enjoy the pictures

Regards,
Before the lowering job..

After the lowering job

Painting the floors and new wheels and rubber

The finsihed work for now