The Black Rose - '68 Beetle 'Refresh'

[kryslaurelle]

Here's a pic of how my dash came out (thank you Jeffrey for reminding me!). I would like to replace the emergency knob with a type 3 so it fits better, or find an alternative that matches the dash better. Same goes for the fresh air box knobs.

I'll try to get a better picture when it's light out - hard to get a good pic of a black dash in the dark.

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The Black Rose - 1968 Standard Beetle

[kryslaurelle]

Finally finished the door panels!

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The Black Rose - 1968 Standard Beetle

[kryslaurelle]

A quick update:

I enlisted the help of my parents to get a speaker box made. I cut the cardboard templates, dad cut and put together the wood, and mom guided me through upholstering it. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Before installing the box, I laid down quick roof on the firewall and luggage shelf, then put down some carpet padding. I can't believe how much it helps with muffling the engine noise.

Also replaced fuel filler hoses and vent hose. I found out the main filler hose was leaking (I mean pouring out) gas when I was filling up. My dad had some 2" fuel hose laying around, so it's not pretty, but it temporarily does the job. Eventually I'd like to get one piece of hose and eliminate that coupler (that's where it was leaking from). Almost got some 1 7/8" hose from the local auto parts store, but it was going to be $56 for two feet I figured I could find something better online. What size is the filler hose supposed to be? 2" is a bit on the large side.

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The Black Rose - 1968 Standard Beetle

[57BLITZ]

Before ya install the hose, you need to install these rubber sleeves onto the metal neck and coupler tube first . . . http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=113201215
They will take up some of the slack.
You can get all the other hoses from WW as well.

BTW . . . nice job on the door panels and speaker box!
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Jesucristo es mi Señor y Salvador!

[Danpa]

Your "Black Rose" is looking good!

Just in case you're interested, VW Heritage in the UK sells defroster vents for 68 and newer bugs that have the steel dash from the factory, both the center and right/left vents. I picked up a set for my 70 and they're top quality. (Padded dash vents are different)
Also, you're right about the Type 3 fresh air knobs being shorter, so are all the other knobs, too. I'm using all Type 3 knobs, lights/wiper/e-flasher/fresh air on mine, along with modified short light knobs for my Becker Europa.

Dan

Bug and Type 3 fresh air knobs, and Type 3 e-flasher.

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67 Beetle (gone)
68 Bay Window Double Cab (gone) sob, sob!
64 Beetle (gone)
77 Scirocco (gone)
73 Squareback (scrapped)
70 Beetle (current, in pieces)

[kryslaurelle]

Thanks! Good to know about VW Heritage - I'll definitely have to put in an order with them.
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The Black Rose - 1968 Standard Beetle

[bellabug]

Can you post a pic of your arm rests/door pulls please? I'm looking to get rid of mine but still have something there to close the door with and your idea looks good!

[slagathor]

[kryslaurelle]

Here's a close-up of the door pull for you guys. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of its construction, but I used plumber's tape inside to give it rigidity then covered it with vinyl (there's also some thin upholstery foam between the vinyl and plumber's tape).

Each end has a carriage bolt and a stringer washer. The washers are billet aluminum and you can find them in a variety of colors.

Hope this helps! These door pulls work great for me!
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The Black Rose - 1968 Standard Beetle