My 51 Crotch Cooler

freddie89 · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:51 am Post subject: My 51 Crotch Cooler

Hi all, about time I introduced my little project. She is a 1951 crotch cooler originally from Finland. She was found in a swamp by the previous owner in a bit of a sorry state. Despite the rust and damp she was pretty original, Missing only the passenger seat and unfortunately... the engine.

From what I have been told she had a makeover at some point in her life with a few new wings and a re-spray in what looks like diamond green?

The person I bought her off spent some time welding her up, and has done a great job. She might not be as good as when she left the factory but at least she's solid!

So here's a few pics...

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

Some cool paperwork too!

After a few weeks work/play she looks something like this...

Still a long way from being finished, The beam is a 9 and a half inch narrowed which has now been taken out and is in my current daily 65. The beam being built for the 51 is a 7inch to allow bit more of a comfortable drive. The rear is sitting at a practical 2 splines currently on the original crash box. My plan is to fit an oval splitcase box with early split bus nosecone, Engine wise I would love to find a correct 25hp, but may have to settle for a 30hp for now.

I have the original split beetle beam and will be keeping hold of the crash box so she can be returned to standard. Eventually I would like to restore her to her forma glory, but only when funds allow to do it properly.

Hope you enjoy!

Freddie

ZwitterND · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:19 am Post subject:

A lot of work to do but at least she isn't in a scrap yard. Stay the course!
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Bill

0nebadbug · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:21 am Post subject: Re: My 51 Crotch Cooler

Jon65 · Samba Member Joined: September 29, 2012 Posts: 2417

tisius · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 6:06 pm Post subject:

seems all hard to find parts are there, nice ride.. you can't fabricate that patina instantly like mother nature does it over 60 years, that's for sure

johnshenry · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 6:40 pm Post subject:

That is frameable ast art....
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John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

OvalTeenAZ · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:32 pm Post subject:

Beautiful car....
I thought the 5" beam in my '49 made it tuck..
This thing is a dang tricycle, Love it..!!!

Cool

freddie89 · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:37 am Post subject:

Thanks for the kind comments Smile

Yeah the 9 inch beam looked good but without modifying my inner arches (which I dont want to do) its just not practical!

The patina is pretty mad isnt it! Shame its not original pastel green, but hey at least its not bright yellow!

tstracy39 · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 2:02 am Post subject:

Were the seats pulled out of the swamp too? Can't possibly smell good Laughing

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Check my classifieds for kewl gauges:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?username=tstracy39


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