'74 Super Beetle - fix it up to sell?

[OldBayAlex]

I'm going to try to be as specific as possible, so this doesn't turn into a generic "is it worth it to try?" question...

My brother has a '74 Super Beetle that's been out of commission for awhile, and is just sitting at his house (sans-engine). He won't get rid of it because it's in rough shape and he has a lien on it; doesn't want to pay off a car he has no use for (this is admittedly unethical on his part, I don't advocate it at all - but it is what it is).

ANYWAY, he's brought up selling it to me for real cheap (probably in the 300 dollar range) since I'm family and he would make an agreement to ensure he would take care of the lien. Here are some pictures of it:

So, I guess put yourself in my shoes: I'm undertaking a '66 restoration soon, and it may provide an opportunity for some low-stress practice (particularly heater channels, and floor pan welding) and possibly coming out a hundred or so dollars ahead when I sold it (just getting bodywork straight - no frills improvements to make it safe again).

On the other hand, it could turn into a financial blackhole, more work than I'm imagining, and could lose a whole bunch of money because Super's aren't that desirable to begin with.

Thoughts? I have access to a professional spray booth through my friend's job for only $15/day so that could cut down on costs. For engine, I could put in a bare stock 1600 to get it running.

Feel free to vote on the poll just for giggles...[/img]

[Kelley]

I'd buy it for $300, based on the pics. Need more pics to be sure.

Make sure your bro takes care of the lien before you hand him the cash. Ask to see the receipt of the paid off lien, and then call the lien-holder to confirm. After all, you shouldn't have to assume the lien. A clear title is the only way to go.
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74 rusto-custom type 1 Sedan - SOLD
ZRX1100c3, Mean Green - SOLD

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Just trying to remember classic Samba quotes from the 'Days of Yore'

[OldBayAlex]

[vwracerdave]

I would not give him a dime untill he pay off the lein and has a clear title. Your Bro' will take the money and run if not cleared up first. Family will fuck you quicker then a stranger will.
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[Beaboy]

I agree with the others on the lien. May be a blood kin, but that's where the screw is driven twice as far. As for the bug, I'd love to jump at that kind of offer. As I first read on this forum, "Owning a bug is constant work, endless expense, and the most fun you'll ever have." It may take years, but that's the brass ring.
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'69 Standard Beetle

[66busman]

Do it, but don't get screwed.
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'66 SO-42
'73 Bay
'75 Type 181

[Air-Cooled Head]

[Zundfolge1432]

[73BuzzBomb]

[johnnypan]

Looks pretty rusty...no motor ....and a brother with no money...300 is on the high side,but if you love him go for it

[OldBayAlex]

Call it a gut feeling, but I don't think I'm going to pull the trigger on this one. Sure I COULD do it, but it takes time/money away from my '66,and the lien makes me nervous. It's a shame, because I think it'd be a good project too but I think I gotta use my better judgment on this one - thanks guys!

[Mr. Unpopular]

At least post up where its located or put an ad on the samba for it so somebody that does like supers can save that car.

10 years from now everybody will be kicking themselves for not buying project cars that nice and cheap, even supers.
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"In any racing engine, the nearer you are to it disintegrating, the better it's performance will be"
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[TexasAirCooler]

[OldBayAlex]