TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Jan 18, 2005 3:38 pm

Check out some of the pic's i have in the gallery. I think I bit off more than i can chew.....It needs floors, heater channels, rear apron, front apron and front foot wall work. I have a front apron from a donor and a rear apron from a donor in good shape, but in the engine area it needs a lot of attention where the rubber engine seal goes. Has great fenders, Eggshell tail-lights, all good glass, I have most of the parts for the metal work. Great seat tracks, all original door panels, decklid, engine is primo. I know how to weld but I don't have a garage and I'm not to good with measurments. Do you think this Beetle is savable by an amateur? Just looking for some opinions, and I can take more pictures if needed. I live in the NE so ovals are kinda hard to come by around here especially early '55's.

Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:45 pm

Hell yes that car is worth saving! Take your time with it...don't go nuts with a sawsall at first...start fixing the areas that are hidden, (under fenders or under fuel tank) to practice welding. Think positive!!! If you just focus on whats wrong with the car, it'll never be finished!!! Just my 2 cents.

Fri Jan 21, 2005 8:13 pm

The cars not bad at all. Don't let that scare ya!

Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:18 am

i have had my pos 57 for about three years now and will not give up. i started collecting everything i will need for a pan off resto and am almost there. beware of what people tell you when it comes to the bodywork. i have been told that to get my car into primer would cost around 4k. f**k that. the body guys around here cry it is a dirty job. do it yourself because you enjoy it.you will be happier in the long run. don't sweat not having a garage. keep the car well covered, and watch bare metal exposure. good luck...if you do decide to give up i am certainly intrested in the tail lights.-scott

Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:13 am

Smurf,
When I bought my car I had similar problems - no welding skills, carport, and allot of rust. I searched all over Delaware looking for someone that knew about VWs with no luck. Finally I found a private welder that hooked me up! He worked on it after his full time job for about 3 months. He put about 80 hrs in welding into it not to mention undercoating and seem sealing. When all was said and done he charged me about $10/hr. I have also found people on the samba that are great and help out, I have even found some local!

Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:27 am

Never give up hope, this one is being saved also.

Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:51 am

Thanks guys! yeah I'm debating, I guess its just cause I got too many projects, my '77 Westy needs a drivers side rocker and rear corner, and I just traded my '57 Oval for a '65 Convertibale that needs some work. I really like the '55 and would want this car to be on the road in the future, but I'm upset cause I don't want it sitting outside rotting away worse than what it already is. I have it all planned in my mind what to do, metal work wise....starting to cut without messing up is another story. Thanks again I need a push on this....
-JIM

Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:54 pm

what would be a good asking price for this car if i was to sell it? Be realistic please, i know some of you would say free! Thanks.

I have most parts for this car....rebuilt gas tank, front windsheild, quater glass, original seats, door panels. New running boards, new tires, brakes, drums, springs. I have a front clip, rear clip. egg shell tail lights in great shape. Rebuilt engine all stock and NOS parts. and some other stuff.What should i ask for it?
Thanks
-JIM