1960 Beetle Patina Opinions

[Jacob-A-Smith]

I bought a 1960 beetle about 3 months ago and I have the frame close to fully restored but I want to keep the original paint on the body. I was wondering what I should use to preserve the original paint or if I should just repaint it. The only problem with keeping the original patina is that I need to replace the heater channels and the rear fenders so it may be hard to blend the paint.

I don’t know who cut the rear fenders like this but whoever did it committed a crime by doing it.

[Dibaltic]

Nice patina on that car. Should be able to get the repairs blended. Maybe put out a wanted ad for original paint fenders that would match.

Here is a product for preserving.
https://sweetpatina.bigcartel.com/product/patina-sauce

[Jacob-A-Smith]

Thanks, the product says I should clean the body before I put it on but it’s pretty delicate right now. I don’t want to clean it with something too abrasive because the original paint might come off but i want to make sure the product will stick. Do you have any advice or experiences with it?

[Dibaltic]

My understanding is hand washing is all that you need to prep for it

[sportin-wood]

[Dibaltic]

[richparker]

That Sweet Patina looks great!

I did this technique on my ‘71 Westy and it turned out great. I’m gonna do the same with the ‘65 bug I’m building.


Link

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’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
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[Blue Baron]

I'd find another pair of rear fenders, measure and cut the lower part to match, and weld them to the original fenders. I'd even leave the welds visible. That way you'll have repaired rather than replaced.
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[FritzCP]

That will buff out beautifully. Griots Garage compound is a personal favorite of mine on OG paint cars. it works well by hand or by buffer - i like the 3" foam pads you can use with a cordless drill personally. for the deep dark brown rust, use some super fine 0000 steel wool with the compound to smooth out the paint/ primer. you can use 2000 grit wet sanding first to help get rid of the chalkiness first. better used on the lower 12" of the car (paints thicker)

I also replaced the heater channels and lower rear quarters on my 60, as well as the bottom 6" of the right front fender. Blue Baron is spot on, when he says to weld on section, leaves the welds, and just paint the patch to match. I had 2k urethane SS paint matched by the local paint jobber to the glove box, and it came out awesome. i did not "patina' any of that paint.

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[Sharp64]

I’m in the “paint it” camp. Trying to match 60 year old weathered paint will be difficult. I would replace the fenders and respray it personally.
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1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[ZENVWDRIVER]

Agree - beautiful patina - i'd paint those 2 fenders with old-school enamel and not buff it out - will dull-some, by it's self - but id want those 2 fenders to have an updated look - to have an honest-look - or else, if they matched - you'd be like every other poor samba-guy where everything has to match- just my 2 cents - z

kinda' like this...

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5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
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2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
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[Jacob-A-Smith]

Well if anyone was curious, this is how it’s ended up looking so far, it’s very close to being done and it’s turned out well. Thanks for everyone’s help on the patina but she was too far gone underneath it would’ve been too difficult.

[LALA4Fire]

very nice. that a way to bring it back to life!

[Kennys72bug]

Must say that is a really nice bug !!!! Can I send you mine and have you do the same thing ...

[SLO-N-LO-69]

Aww you took the mudflap off.

Looks great anyways.

[scottyrocks]

Love the color.
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“If you care for a thing long enough, it takes on a life of its own, doesn't it? Mending old things, preserving them, looking after them – on some level there's no rational grounds for it.”
– D. Tartt, 'The Goldfinch'

[iowegian]

I am a fan of keeping things "original", but in this case Justice was served.

[vwuberalles]

Bummer the patina was too far gone, but at least you tried! It looks great now, I love the color you went with.
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1973 Superbeetle: 1st car, owned since age 12. Update thread --> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9919140#9919140
1967 Kombi: Owned since age 17, Dad's retirement project.
1966 Beetle: My new project. (SOLD) Build thread--> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=678040

[hitest]

ANYBODY can paint a car. Fewer can preserve one.

I would conduct test areas on the worst parts of the missing paint (roof). Polishing and preserving with wax is preferred by many (myself included) rather than clear coating. But it is more laborious and takes maintenance. Clear coat if it will live outside- polish and wax if it lives indoors.

The red down low (bottom of doors, etc) will not be a problem to blend- it's below the widest part of the car and only you and the most astute would notice.
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[Emeraldlion]

Is that jade green? Always been a favorite color of mine.
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1967 Sunroof Beetle: tourist pass car
1961 SWR Kombi