My new 72 Super and paint removal

[justaguy]

Check out a few parts stores. I took my paint code to one and they mixed up a spray can of acrylic enamel to match the code. Came real close too. I have used this method 4 times so far and each time was real close (I think it would have been perfect if it wasn't for the fading of the original paint. It'll also be a lot cheaper than getting a paint shop to do it for you. If I get a chance I'll snap a pic of the interior of my bug so far so you can see what the finish can come out like.

[godsown]

Man that looks great! I know what your talking about when people think you are ignorant!! I had that same problem a few months ago when i was looking for tires. "Sir I've been doing tires for blah blah years! They don't make a tire that size." Ignorance!!!!

[swhitcomb]

Yes tires are a great example. Either they know exactly what you are talking about, or they tell you you're an idiot and that size does not, and never did exist. I lived in So Cal until I was 19. Everyone there had an understanding of VWs. Even your average gas station service station. Here, it seems only the few VW specialty shops want to touch them. That's why I have learned to weld, build engines, do my own brakes, etc, etc. It's just easier. When I moved here, I had a basic understanding. I could adjust valves, set points, carb and timing. Now I can build a car from scratch, out of necessity. I can't believe the level of ignorance on a car that is SO easy to work on. There were also 23.5 Million of them produced over a span of more than 50 years. They're not that rare.

These are the same people who order from JC Whitney. JC Whitney is a huge joke in the circles I ran in when I lived in California. It's sad really. It's like moving here added 40 years to my life. When I lived there, there were at least 10 places that sold VW parts within 15 minutes of my house. One was an all VW junkyard (Russ's Recycling). There were Bugs parked literally in a driveway on almost every corner. 9 People I went to High School with (Class of 95) drove ACVWs, ranging anywhere from Split Busses to Ghias to even a really nice Fastback. There were 2 teachers who had Ghias, and my math teacher had a 67 Bug. Here, there are a few Bugs here and there. Most don't run. The only places I know of to get parts are 40 and 80 miles away, and I could have them shipped from CA for less. To find a time when there were that many VWs in the High School parking lots here, one needs to go back the the late 70's or early 80s.

[snowymonkey]

[swhitcomb]

You have to understand that at 19 i thought it was like that around the country. I had read about vw restorations in manassas for years. Hot vws made it look like there was a huge vw scene here in northern va. It just doesn't exist. It is very depressing. Vws are such a huge part of who i am. I have owned at least one sometimes 2 acvws continuesly since i was 17. My parents never didn't have one. My dad has had his 71 Ghia since 81. When i was in high school my mom had a 70 bug as her daily driver.

[Red68]

I wonder how many cans of spray paint the PO used

It sure is looking better.
_________________
Paul.

1973 Type 181 "Thing'
1959 Baja Bug
1963 Baja Bug
1968 Baja Bug
1970 Baja Bug
1972 Super Beetle

[DaVonZip]

couldnt find the post you were talking about in the split bus section, what product are you using? graffiti remover any kind? thanks
_________________
-No, the point is, it's your frickin car. Drive it. park it, light the bitch on fire-- it's not for us to say. (samba member)

-For once in my life, i'd like to get up in the morning and be as happy as my pennis is... (samba member)

[swhitcomb]

I started with graffiti remover from a company called klean strip. It was cold out at the time so it worked well. The next few days it was in the 60's so it was working too well. I bought a small can of acetone. That worked great without damaging the paint under the spray paint. I since have gone through 3 gallons of it. I used steel wool to apply it. I tried a water based graffiti remover and it did nothing.

[swhitcomb]

Well, it's been a long time so I thought I'd post some follow up:

As some of you may or may not know, my Dad has decided to give me his 71 Ghia. So, the 74 Ghia that I was restoring had to go to make room. This cleared out my garage until I can have Dad's car shipped here. I pulled the Bug in, and have been able to do some of the things I wanted to do when I bought it, but winter came 1st. One of those things was finishing the paint removal. I also put the Empi 8 Spokes from the Ghia on it. They need to be cleaned up, but they look great on the Bug. I also did a full tune up (my engine only has a few 1000 miles on it). It was running terrible. I adjusted the valves and found both cylinders 1 and 2 were WAY out of adjustment. Now it idles MUCH smoother, and it has the right amount of pickup. Eventually the 009 will go, and I'll put one of those new SVDA 034s on it. I'm thinking electronic ignition with the points in the glove box (next to the fire extinguisher just in case.

I have started color sanding the paint, and polishing it. I have been working on the driver's side 1st, then I will do the passenger side. It will never be perfect, and the paint has quite a few chips, and missing spots. However, the results are making me very happy.

See for yourself:

Sorry, the last pic is sideways.
Eventually I'll replace the bumpers, and some various chrome pieces. For now I am saving to have Dad's Ghia shipped here, and not spending too much on the Bug.
_________________
My 71 Ghia Been in my family since 1980
My Patina 66
My 74 Ghia
07 Boxster

[chris&laura]

Looks like it was a TON of work. But very inspiring, nice job!

[swhitcomb]

I still need to take a tooth brush and remove some of the black paint along some of the body seams. But I can't get over how much better my car looks. Especially with the 8 spoke wheels on it. They were fairly new (like 3000 miles) when I parked the Ghia they came off of. They should shine up real nice and then it will look even better.
_________________
My 71 Ghia Been in my family since 1980
My Patina 66
My 74 Ghia
07 Boxster

[swhitcomb]

I took some updated pics today. It's still not done, and the wheels and tires are dirty, but look at the difference:

_________________
My 71 Ghia Been in my family since 1980
My Patina 66
My 74 Ghia
07 Boxster

[dubluvv]

[swhitcomb]

Yeah, that's the one. Sorry, I should've linked that a long time ago. On a Bug it takes A LOT of time. Not sure I'd have the patience with a Bus.
_________________
My 71 Ghia Been in my family since 1980
My Patina 66
My 74 Ghia
07 Boxster

[germanclassicg]

That thing is beautiful. Considering what you started with and that you didnt paint anything... Awesome.
_________________
'71 super

[harrisdude9]

That is a Beautiful bug, a real inspiration to those of us that picked up a $400 bug that has been sitting for a long time, maybe eventually it will look as good as yours.
_________________
1971 mostly stock Bug- Busted in a field to running on the road

1967 Baja in progress

[Ears]

That is one good clean up job! Looks endlessly better. Good score of a bug.
_________________
Jared

[GatorJZ]

[LeviMan2001]

makes me wonder whats under my 50-foot-paint job.

[swhitcomb]