Brendel20's 1954 Beetle Build

[Brendel20]

Slowly plugging along...literally. Lots of plug welds on the pans. Used a pneumatic punch to create the plugs every inch. One side down and seam sealed.

[BulliBill]

Go... go... GO Andy! Cool Oval, several months earlier than my "Martha" (June 1955). You running "Hearts" or "Egg" style taillights? Sounds like Hearts? Stay stock!

Bill Bowman
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[Brendel20]

Thanks Bill. Yep, hearts and 100% stock for sure.

[3foldfolly]

Any excuse to play with fire.

[Brendel20]

Yes, Mike I love fire for sure . So man.. Slow going but that may be for the best. It's really allowed me make things as perfect as possible. I get like 30-60 minutes a day max to stare at things and plan. And sometimes actually do something. I have a 2 year old that Must be with daddy when I'm in the garage and I'm not willing to weld or grid if he's anywhere close. I knew and wanted this to be a slow and correct project. I love it. Here's where I'm at. Left pan welded but no grinding yet. ~AB

Also been cleaning up my splitcase. New seals, some paint, etc.... Ready to build up on each end now. This is a nice change of pace when the pan work gets old. It's been good to be able to mix up the work.

[rlmartinez]

Great project and good luck! I am working on my 54 as well.
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54 Bug
56 convertible

[Brendel20]

Pans are officially done so I decided to get the seat rails welded. Seemed like an easy task but took way longer to plan and get correct.

I have these correct -55 beauties to install eventually but since the tracks were rusted either off or beyond recognition, I opted to use my later seats as an aide to ensure the spacing was perfect.

Luckiky 3foldfoly is only a call or text away to get measurements. He was able to get me exact measurements off his 54 to get my inner rail perfect. Thanks man. I then aligned my seat so the tracks and rails were spaced correctly. Still haven't welded the outer passenger rail yet but its all ready to go.

[Brendel20]

Thanks rlmartinez....saw your seat thread. I may need some assistance from you when I get to restoring my seat frames. Nice work on yours

[3foldfolly]

You have to make sure the rails are far enough apart to make the seat frame/rails hold tight enough against the tracks. When I start my seats onto the rails I have to hook the seat frame/track over the inner rail and then pull the outer seat frame/track outward somewhat to get it to line up and start on the outer rail.

[Brendel20]

Finished up the pan. Striped it to bare metal, 3 coats of POR15 gray, 3 coats of black top coat.

Then was able to get the spring plates set with new bushings and front beam installed.

[oakman]

Very nice work, it looks great!
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Brandon

[Keith]

Great work!! You went with the '56 and up style pans? Also, I don't see the floor mat buttons on the pans, did you forget them or are you not putting rubber mats in?
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Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"

"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty

"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind

[Brendel20]

Thanks guys. The pans are WW -55 pans. As for the floor mat tabs....I plan to put carpet in.

[Brendel20]

Lots of chassis work completed. I still have a couple brake lines to run and the axle boots to clamp. Other than that...it's time to roll the body in and start work on it. I'll also be building up my 36hp 1954 block that I've finally found all the needed parts for. Here's a few picture updates:

[BulliBill]

Nice! When can we come over to your garage and play (and check it out!)? Beautiful work!

Bill
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[Brendel20]

Thanks Bill. Absolutely, would love to host a VW get together. Let's plan it!

[3foldfolly]

I'll bring the concrete cleaner for the day after.

[icekoffee]

Looking great! I can't wait to see it rolling around this summer
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1952 Zwitter
1959 23 Window
1963 Doubleturd
1958 Patina Beetle EJ25
1984 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1964 Lifted Mouse Grey Standard
1967 21 Window
1968 Double Bubble
1969 Westfalia
1961 Ragtop Beetle
1984 GTI
1961 Kombi

[favguy]

Chassis is looking great, Noticed no jacking points, are you not having any?

[Brendel20]