TheSamba.com :: View topic - Der Grune Kafer - My 1967 build

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:00 am

**In August of 2021, my son bought me a 1967 Beetle.**
He had seen old photos of the Bug I had as a teenager and had heard all the stories of the adventures I had with that car. He also knew that over the years, I had sold that car—and others—to make sure the family always had newer, safer vehicles with plenty of room.

Only a few days later, I came across another '67 in the classifieds on TheSamba. It had a much cleaner body and pan, and I figured it would be a great parts car for our project. But on the way home from picking it up, my son said something that changed everything: *“Let’s build both.”*

And just like that, we were off to build two Bugs.

This thread is dedicated to the build progress of my Beetle.

A few disclaimers before we dive in:

1. I’m not a professional car builder.
2. I can weld, but I’m no pro.
3. I love Volkswagens, but I’m not a purist—I’m not interested in keeping everything stock.
4. I’m building this car for *me*, and only me. What I do may not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.
5. I will not mention companies in my posts in a negative way. If I do not have something positive to say I just wont say anything. You will also notice that a majority of the time I removed any names or adverts from my parts. I will not give a company free advertising. If you gave me parts or made a deal with me then thats something different.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:01 am

On to the photos.

This is what the car looked like the day we brought it home.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:04 am

The body was in pretty decent shape. At some point it had a front end collision and the repair was less than desirable. That will be addressed further down the road.

First thing we did was separate the body from the pan. I decided to replace the pan halves as there was a small about of rust through in the back.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:08 am

As you can see in the photos above the tunnel had been cut in multiple locations to repair the clutch tube. I cut out the damaged areas and welded in new patch panels. I also added in an access door from Washburn.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:09 am

Hi that looks like a good starting point on the body. How are the floors and the heater channels? What are your plans for it? Good luck-Bob.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:19 am

Bobs67vwagen wrote: Hi that looks like a good starting point on the body. How are the floors and the heater channels? What are your plans for it? Good luck-Bob.

Hi Bob
The heater channels are in great shape. There is a small amount of cancer in the door thresholds. I already picked up the replacement sheetmetal from Wolfsburg West. More photos to follow which will give you an idea of my plans.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:21 am

I am a big fan of air ride so I purchased a complete air setup from a company here in the good 'ol US of A.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:25 am

After much time and effort it was off to powder coating.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:29 am

At this point it was time to assemble the parts I had and get the transaxle built. I took my trans that was in the car down to Rancho and worked with Dave and his incredible staff. We ended up having a pro street freeway flyer built with billet side plates. Dave was kind enough to use the powder I supplied his with and had my case blasted and coated.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 11:50 am

Damn.... Lookin' good

Wed Aug 06, 2025 11:53 am

RobE30 wrote: Damn.... Lookin' good

Thank you so much.,

Wed Aug 06, 2025 11:57 am

Once I got the transaxle back from Rancho it was time to install it along with many other goodies. Brakes, pedal assembly, master, brake lines and cables.
I decided to name the car der grune Kafer aka The Green Beetle. So I painted the calipers front and rear to match the eventual color of the car.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:47 pm

In between big projects I would tackle smaller ones such as the peddle assembly. I purchased a bushing kit and clutch rod. Then welded up the clutch and brake pedals and then powder coated everything at home.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:50 pm

My plan all along was to run an Airlift manifold with height sensors. I've used this setup in my Jetta TDI wagon and loved the way it worked. Now I do not have the equipment yet but I know I would want a Plinth mount for the controller so I purchased the pieces, welded and powder coated them in my home shop.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 1:40 pm

Very nice welding and craftsmanship and attention to detail. I am not a fan of altered suspensions but I know good work when I see it. Great and thanks for sharing it.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 2:43 pm

Wow. Mind blowing. Truly beautiful. For me I gotta wonder how I could bring myself to drive a car that detailed.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:10 pm

Bobs67vwagen wrote: Very nice welding and craftsmanship and attention to detail. I am not a fan of altered suspensions but I know good work when I see it. Great and thanks for sharing it.

I thank you for the very kind words.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:11 pm

2type2 wrote: Wow. Mind blowing. Truly beautiful. For me I gotta wonder how I could bring myself to drive a car that detailed.

Well seeing as I wont be finished for a very long time I dont have to worry about dirving it HEHE

Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:35 pm

As I was working on the pan I replaced the fuel line. I did this a couple of times. First attempt was to keep the line in the same location as stock. I did not like the look at all. So after some thinking I went out and purchased another stick of stainless steel line, installed it in the tunnel, At the rear I came out of the frame just like the stock line did. Rubber grommet and flared the line to a -6 fitting. At the front I used a bulkhead fitting and come out the side of the tunnel. I then made a bracket, powder coated it and installed my holley fuel pump and filter.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:41 pm

I really enjoy the little details like the fuel pump mount that also holds the filter assembly. I also painted and detailed the master cylinder as seen below.