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Sat May 12, 2012 5:48 pm

Flew to Sacramento to pick up 1971 SB that I bought off Samba!

We are driving down the coast to Santa Monica, then back east by Route 66.

Pics will be posted here!

'New' 1971 SB

Took the bug to former Harter VW in Davis where it was bought new in 1970!

At former Harter VW in Davis, CA

At former Harter VW, Davis, CA

At UC Davis where original owner was a Physics Professor.

On the road to San Francisco!

Sat May 12, 2012 6:05 pm

Nice looking VW.
Route 66 the Mother Road. You will find that it is now historic route 66.
Most of it is now I-40. But you stop In Winslow AZ. and stand on the corner.

Sat May 12, 2012 6:07 pm

Bad ass! Looks like an awesome survivor!

Sat May 12, 2012 7:19 pm

SWEET! That is one of two roads I want to drive, the other being PCH. I'm looking forward to more posts!

Sat May 12, 2012 7:40 pm

Cool! Then you'll be coming through here.. With the most driveable stretches of old route 66, apparently.

Sat May 12, 2012 8:15 pm

The car is bone stock - 1 owner since new and I intend to preserve it as stock. Needs front seats recovered, it does not seem to have the seat belt hooks? Wonder if they were not on early 71's? I also need to replace the cracked windshield - other than that it's all original and in great shape!

First glitch of the trip (and I knew there would be some) was the glove box latch would not open. Had to force it open - so will have to get a new latch. Of course the GPS was in there...

It's taking a little getting used to driving a bug again after 32 years, but it's slowly coming back. Not fun to get back in practice in San Francisco though!

Spent the night in Belmont, CA near San Carlos. San Carlos is a great little town with the most amazing restaurants!

Heading down the PCH tomorrow to Santa Monica.

Sat May 12, 2012 9:16 pm

gt1953 wrote: Nice looking VW.
Route 66 the Mother Road. You will find that it is now historic route 66.
Most of it is now I-40. But you stop In Winslow AZ. and stand on the corner.

Such a fine sight to see.

Sun May 13, 2012 11:06 pm

At Big Sur, CA:

Mon May 14, 2012 4:28 am

That is a nice looking car. Love that green.

Mon May 14, 2012 5:21 am

Quote: Took the bug to former Harter VW in Davis where it was bought new in 1970!
Looks like the car has survived better than the dealership. Sign of the times I guess.

Max

Mon May 14, 2012 5:30 am

And don't forget the chorus to that song - "Take it easy".

Your car looks very solid, but in general, many survivor vw's are ill-equipped to handle high speeds for days at a time. As you say, it is bone stock, so remember that it has 41 summers and 41 winters under its belt, and those little things that don't show up on 'round town cruises will happen on the road.

Great color, too. A lot of us older guys are green with envy right now. Congratulations on your find.

Tue May 15, 2012 9:11 pm

Went to Wolfsburg West today to pick up parts - seat covers, windshield, etc... Great service and friendly there! Was very impressed.

Going to recover passenger seat tomorrow!

Tired of driving around L.A. with the traffic and smog - glad to be back in Santa Monica where the air is much cleaner and pace is slower...

Wed May 16, 2012 12:57 am

Get your kicks on Route 66!!

Wed May 16, 2012 12:41 pm

Spent a couple of hours today recovering the front passenger seat. Looks awesome. Will post pics later today. May tackle driver's seat tomorrow.

Wed May 16, 2012 1:19 pm

Pics of seat restoration:

We re-used the side cotton fabric which was in good shape. The seat cushion is new from Wolfsburg West.

Attaching new cover.

Base is done!

Recovered seat

Recovered seat installed in car.

Not bad for a first time job!

Next we need to do the driver's seat!!!

My daughter who is on the trip with me is my GREAT assistant!!!!

Wed May 16, 2012 1:24 pm

Nice job. Love the green!

Wed May 16, 2012 1:27 pm

Eww.... Did the PO have a passenger with . . . bowel issues?

Thu May 17, 2012 8:37 pm

Recovered the driver's seat today:

Before:

After:

After sitting in the sun, the covers have tightened up quite a bit.

Heading out of Santa Monica tomorrow morning for our Route 66 Trip!

Got a fire extinguisher, spare fan belt, spare gas, oil is up and have lots if needed. Brakes are new. Wish us luck! Hoping to make Needles, CA by tomorrow night.

Fri May 18, 2012 4:02 am

I guess u had it serviced before u left, mainly a valve adjustment and oil change, enjoy the trip, no better way to travel.

Fri May 18, 2012 6:47 am

A road-trip with your daughter in a classic VW.

Fantastic! 8)

Max