LA's '69 Beetle Project

AustinGirl · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:39 pm Post subject: LA's '69 Beetle Project

I started this thread to catalogue progress being made on my '69 beetle.

A little history: I purchased this beetle off Craigslist earlier this month. It was listed as a 1975 but I knew better. A few hundred dollars later and very few questions asked, she was delivered to my door.

The biggest issue right now is rust. It's pretty bad. I've been taking her apart and am seeing the problems as I unearth them. I'm not horribly scared, but I know I'm going to end up putting some $$ into her in order to get her back into shape.

Here goes. Please feel free to comment as you like Smile

AustinGirl · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:42 pm Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

AustinGirl · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:43 pm Post subject:

volkswagen_bug · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:57 pm Post subject:

Looks good. Do you have the chassis number? If so, we can see what year it really is. Looks like a '68, bit I could be off a year or so. Also, does the chassis number match the body number?
_________________
1968 Volkswagen Bug w/ 1600 Dual Port

"It’s better to give than to receive. Especially advice." -Mark Twain

AustinGirl · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:01 pm Post subject:

Here are her numbers:

volkswagen_bug · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:11 pm Post subject:

According to the chassis number it's a 1969. It was built in December, 1968. Not sure on the year of the engine though.
_________________
1968 Volkswagen Bug w/ 1600 Dual Port

"It’s better to give than to receive. Especially advice." -Mark Twain

Chochobeef · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:26 pm Post subject:

From your other posts, hope you got the title taken care of. As far as what i see there, nothing too bad yet. Poke around the back parcel tray with a punch tool to see if its solid or holey. You might be able to just wire wheel the rust off and then throw some rust converter primer and be done. If not, replacing the tray or patching are your options.

Floor pans look okish, again poking with a punch to see if you have minor or major issues to deal with. You will probably have to wire wheel and rust convert them as well.

Check all your wiring connections and clean them (after the battery has been disconnected). 1 at a time so you don't miswire something by accident.

Just remember to have fun since its a project. Don't rush if your not sure on something and research, research, research. Know what you are getting into before you do it.

Theres lots of useful info through the search here.

Brian · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:29 pm Post subject:

I love 69s, that is a good start. You're lucky it has the dash. Looks like a great start.
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

irun5k · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 7:49 pm Post subject:

The '69 is a great model year but then again I'm biased.

I think once you hit some of that rust with a wire wheel you'll know what you've got but if it holds up and isn't swiss cheese-ish you can go with POR 15 or whatever suits your fancy. Doesn't really look too bad from the photos.

Looks like a solid project car, good luck!

AustinGirl · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:06 pm Post subject:

The title issue has been taken care of and she is fully titled in my name.

I removed the battery this afternoon. Poor thing was practically on the ground as everything around it was rusted out.

Tomorrow I am tackling the front seat...hoping to leave the driver seat for now, but may remove it as well.

Silly question, but until I get my book in the mail - you guys are my sounding board; how does one open the gas cap lid? I'm hoping it's not just stuck shut. I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it open?!

Brian · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:08 pm Post subject:

There is a little handle under the dash that you pull and it will open the flap.

Read up on what should be there here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/69bug.php
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

volkswagen_bug · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 8:09 pm Post subject:

Check inside of the glove box. If there is no cable in there check under the hood. I've seen people rig their own setup to prevent someone from stealing their gas.
_________________
1968 Volkswagen Bug w/ 1600 Dual Port

"It’s better to give than to receive. Especially advice." -Mark Twain

ryohey · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 6:13 am Post subject:

Looks like a solid vehicle. Not an original engine. 69 had an "H" stamp on the engine. Dont know what it is would have to look up that number code.
_________________
69 bug restoration thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=387230&highlight=

Rome · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 4:52 pm Post subject:

The right front wheel does not appear to be centered in the fender, even though it is turned slightly to the right. If you turn the wheels to straight-ahead and the right front wheel is still out of center (rearward), this can indicate a significantly bent front axle beam. That would be the result of a prior collision in the car's life, and not properly fully repaired. You can further check this by holding a straight-edge beneath the bottom of the axle beam so that it rests against the bottom of the beam. If the right (passenger side) portion of the bottom round tube of the beam is bent rearward, you'd notice it quickly. If so, you have no alternative than to replace the entire beam with a good used, or new unit.

This work is not difficult so that you could do it at home with a helper, but involves quite a few steps which require basic tools such as hydraulic floor jack, jackstands, metric tools, fuel line plug (you have to remove the gas tank), and a torque wrench. A repair manual is essential so you have the procedure as well as the torque specifications for the various bolts.

Give the car a good wash and polish so the paint shines... This makes it more appealing to see when you walk into the garage, and keep doing work on it.

AustinGirl · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Rome,

Thank you for your input. Would the very flat front tires have anything to do with the positioning? I will follow your advice and post the results Smile

AustinGirl · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:04 pm Post subject:

Any idea what this little box is under the hood?

Chochobeef · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject:

Its a charcoal canister for gas expansion. Collects gas fumes and overflow gas when its hot. Will be explained better when you get your Bentley (hopefully thats what you ordered)


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