54 oval

[bassplayer20]

Hey everybody, I am looking into picking up an oval project and it will be my first vw purchase as well. I need some expert help and I knew I could come here. I was looking at this oval and wanted to know if it was a good deal. Also, does it look correct, such as the windows, taillights, etc...
Thanks, I appreciate it.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=693160

[joe h.]

Not a good first VW. Especially if you're at all concerned about correctness.

Wrong:

-fenders
-taillights
-wheels
-color
-engine
-shifter
-steering wheel

Doors are ruined (1 piece)
No decklid or semaphores

And that's just from a couple bad pics.

I suggest spending about twice what he is asking and you should be able to find a much better car.
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"This is about the best site I've come across and filled with amazingly knowledgeable people and a smattering of idiots."

[bassplayer20]

Thanks, thats what I thought. Well I suppose my search will continue...

How about one of these?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=850677
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=860580
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=840608

I'm completely new at this so bear with me. But I am grateful for the help.
Thanks.

[aa390392]

for my op, for what its worth, Id be looking for more of an OG car, where someone just didnt start strippin it down without thinking. all the ones you showed us well.....there kinda used up. and would be 2 times as much $ just to get to normal. take your time and be patient watch the forum's and see what others are buying ,remember parts are getting more and more difficult to find, and some sellers of parts might as well ask for your 1st born . watch for matching numbers ,rust issues, og seats, front and rear apron damage..just be wise..then again I dont know you and what you want out of the car, Im thinking you want a OG stock VW? if you want an old CA Look...well then you are looking @ the right cars?
LOL now arent you sorry you asked

[ViLL]

Seems like something under $5K is what you're looking for.

Like what was said before, be patient and the right car will come along. I spent weeks searching the ads here on a daily basis, as well as local papers, local for sale ads etc...Just keep looking and do not rush into a purchase you will regret.

I was lucky enough to find my oval 30 miles from where I live--complete, clean and all original except for the repop bumpers, tranny and dual port engine........paid a little over $4K

[xatex]

I suggest starting with a 58-66 for your first VW. No sense getting a ratted out oval window money pit that you can't enjoy.

Are you looking at these because they are in a price range you can afford? If so, you're much better off getting a '58-66. A bigger back window is a great sacrafice for something you can actually drive and enjoy, not to mention learn about VW's. If you start out with limited experience and get one of these ovals, you're in for a bunch of nasty surprises.

Take my advice and get a good running 58-61 for $3500-4000.

[big papa]

Is your project direction to build a museum piece, or a fun cruiser? I bought a mutt oval (wrong pan, seats, engine, steering wheel) and am fixing it up and cruising it. It depends on what your intentions are. It was my first a year ago. From studying here and hanging around w/ other VW people, I could make a more educated purchase next time.



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57 oval, newer pan...

[bassplayer20]

Thanks. My price range is around $4000, so I am going to continue looking. I don't mind doing a lot of work, but less would be better. Hopefully I can find something good. Thanks for all the help.

[bassplayer20]

[big papa]

Cali seems to have better prices than AZ, you should get something cool for $4000.
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57 oval, newer pan...

[FRK]

[bassplayer20]

Thanks. I am also torn as to if I should get an oval on a late model pan or not. I would like it to be on the same year pan, but is that too much to ask for for my price range? Here is another one I'm looking at.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=863149

[johnshenry]

You might find the article "What to look for when buying" at my site thebugshop.org useful. Not oval-specific, but relevant.

I agree with the others, run away from the hacks.
_________________
John Henry

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure” ... Bill Cosby


'57 Deluxe
'50 11G Deluxe Sunroof
'51 11E Standard Sunroof

[FRK]

You want to have at lease matching numbers on body and pan.
_________________
VW Parts, Accessories For Sale
July '55 Vert / July '53 Sedan

http://strictlyairvws.com/

[Soul_VW]

[valentinesr]

Alright my turn to chime in..and donate my Dos Centavos to the search for the Great Oval Deal.... Heres my thought and suggestion..

There out there brotha..the oval you want, the one you have your mind set on for the price you want or much less...is out there.. I say, you pack a lunch and extra..plenty of water, and other filling drinks that wont get you a DUI..and take a drive.. I found a few ovals, just driving around my in-laws area in Lake Perris & Nuevo..peeking in back yards..trying to get myself lost throught the small back roads..I jammed up one guy, who had an OG 57 that was a nice dry Cali ride, in parts but complete..for $700..but my buddies pops was a little more interested in it than I was...Imagine..you got $4K to play with..and to find a complete ride for a price like that..Im just shooting you what could happen...
Its like fishing for VeeDubs....you have your basic catch (anything after 57)..then the one your going to tell all of us about on TheSamba... Keep us posted...Take care and enjoy the hunt...The Oval Council here is wise....kinda like a bunch of Yodas..
_________________
Valentine, Ray J Sr.
Force Protection
Camp Bastion/Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province Afghanistan

1954 117 DeLuxe Sunroof L227 Strato Silver
(Delilah) http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=319235

"WANTED" - Left Heart Tail Light Bracket Original Used/NOS

[bassplayer20]

Thanks valentinesr. I am definitely going to enjoy the hunt. And when I get an oval, you guys will be the first to know. I'm guessing the samba isn't the best place to find a good oval. But I will do my best and keep looking. Thanks!

[sparkleplenty]

Bassplayer...You live in the land of plenty...California. Don't buy a later model as someone suggested earlier. Don't buy an oval on a later pan. You will have to register it under that year. The Samba is not a bad place to find what you are looking for. On occasion, good deals do pop up here but you need to be quick and hopefully near by. Your best find will probably come when you least expect it. Newspaper, Craigslist, word of mouth, happenstance etc. I found my 56' Ghia in the newspaper. At the time, I was not even looking for one. I called the morning it was advertised and 20 minutes down the road and an hour later it was mine. Untouched, 99% original, cheap, and sitting in a barn since 1978. Remember a little to even moderate rust on an original unmolested car is to be expected in most cases. If you find one without any rust, of course, is even better. It's far better than finding out you bought a "bondo mobile" after the fact. Beware of the "band-aids" is what I say. Be patient...You will be much happier in the long run. They are definitley still out there. Best of luck to you...When you find one, post it.
_________________
56' European Oval Ragtop
56' Karmann Ghia Coupe
59' Italian Series I Li150 Lambretta

"Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

[xatex]

I just don't want someone to wind up with a project that they never have the resources to finish, or worse yet, disassemble and sell for years later as a project. I just think if your funds are limited, you'd be much happier with a '65 you can hop in and drive than a disassembled oval sitting in a barn.

If he has the resources to take a big and spend the money to get it on the road, I guess go that route. But in the long run you usually spend less money buying a better condition bug to begin with.

Or, yes if you're set on an oval and don't care that it's going to cost a lot of money, a lot more than a big window, definitely be patient, know what you're looking for, and don't buy if it's not what you want. I waited 2 years to find an oval I wanted. 2 years is a long time. But it was worth it.

[bassplayer20]

Thanks sparkleplenty. I agree with you that I shouldnt get a later model. I feel like I will be a little disappointed. But, I am no good at finding any deals out there. I'm working on it though. If you guys have any advice, I would appreciate it. Once I get myself an oval though, I will be on here often.