China Clipper's Official 1971 Super Beetle Project page!

[jeremy.g]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing some pics and story of enjoying your success.

I know the exact smell you describe when you turned on the heat. I've not smelled that in about 26 years (when my bug was last on the road), but I'm looking forward to that nostalgic aroma again!

-Jeremy

[VW_Jimbo]

Awesome update! Thanks for posting it up and sharing the experience! So glad you got to the finish line and are now reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication!

So now, are we thinking of another one?!?! I know I am!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[tzepesh]

You put a smile on my face with your story. I'm happy for you that you love it so much!
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'74 1303S, L98B Viperngrun (extra glitter), German Look
'64 1200, Sea Blue, under restoration

[Chinaclipper]

Well lookie here! I got some nice comments from many people who I have met here on Samba, and especially respect ALL of the comments and assistance I've received from these three, VW_Jimbo, Jeremy_G, and tzepesh.
It has been a process, a hobby, an obsession, and many other things but it first and foremost it has been FUN!
Is it all over? Well, if you are like me, it's never really over is it?
Things to do, always, and yes, maybe even thinking about another one...

Hehehe let's get a new garage!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And a special thanks to these three!

(I know there are a few more but ....)
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China Clippers Official 1971 Super Beetle Project!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728089&highlight=

[Chinaclipper]

So this holiday weekend, I took the liberty of putting on all my chrome trim.
Now, realize it was probably 3 years ago when I had to take all the chrome trim off, right? Having to pull out and of course subsequently ruin all the "tabs" was a bit disheartening.

Well, putting the chrome back on, I gotta tell ya, the enjoyment I got out of the whole process was real.

Starting with the "reaming" of the little holes with a tool al Chris Vallone on Classic VW Bugs, then pushing the brand new clips (I love the little gasket they include) in the holes, and then just "tapping" the little tab in with the use of a flat hammer head on one of my metal working hammers. It was real!

Then leveling and straightening them all out, and finally, of course, that satisfying "snap" you get when the chrome strips are set in place with a light "thump" with side of your hand.

I felt a sense of "closure", when that last strip was in place.

"CC NOW are you all done?"
Well, now, what does "done" actually mean?
I mean, I STILL have to figure out how to locate those holes for the visors, and get them in.....
.. And I should install those new rear shocks I got 3 years ago..
etc etc etc....
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China Clippers Official 1971 Super Beetle Project!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728089&highlight=

[VW_Jimbo]

Very nice! Enjoy your hard work! Glad to see that you are close to being finished. Whatever “finished” means to you. For me, it means another Bug, after selling the “finished” one!

Nice job! I have enjoyed your story!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[Jhp212]

The car looks great! You really did a nice job. Have 2 questions 1: how has the charcoal canister worked so far? Are there any gas smells in the garage? 2) How has your heat been working? I know you rebuilt your engine and if I remember correctly you patched a few holes in your heat exchangers and kept them. Just wondering if you’re getting any exhaust odor in the cabin.
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1971 Super Beetle

[vamram]

What a great finish! I just saw that you're using the front seat backrests from a ' 68-9 Bug.
_________________
"Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition
to put moral chains upon their own appetites. -Edmund Burke
Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...languishing since 2022.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!!

[Chinaclipper]

OK thanks for all the comments .....You guys are sharp. You don't miss much do ya? Hehehe I lOVE it. I will try to address them as much as possible.

VW_Jimbo: A thousand thanks, I mean it; you've been one that has been with me since yes, POST 1. Pretty cool.
But Jimbo, SELL IT??!?!?! Argh, it's like selling a favorite pet.. Dunno if I can do that...

Jhp212: Another "frequent flyer" on my thread; many thanks.
The charcoal cannister and system has been really stable and helpful-the whole shebang. Learning about it, making my own tubing and connections etc...my biggest mistake was forgetting the gas cap needs a gasket. Once I got that figured out almost ZERO gasoline odors. As far as exhaust: I DID repair the heat exchangers-I wanted to stay with the stock ones, the aftermarket are not very good IMHO. I only repaired the "outer skins", I didn't have to repair the "J tubes" that pass thru. I'd say I have no exhaust odor in the car. I think some of that VW "smell" is old oil burning off on exhaust parts etc that can get in the cabin-but VW owners like us understand that and are OK with it.

An Vamram: Also a frequent flyer, thanks again. Yes. Sharp eyes. The low backrest part is an original 1971. But, as you know, the backrest is two-piece. I did look for an original "headrest" part of the seat, but finally just went with what I had. Someday maybe?

BTW, can someone show me what the holes/placement for the sunshades look like BEFORE they installed the headliner?? I have heard of using a tool to probe/find them, but I'm weary to do that, don't wanna make any unnecessary holes.
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China Clippers Official 1971 Super Beetle Project!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728089&highlight=

[DUNGBTL]

Your trim and the whole car looks great! Well done!

Here’s my visor/mirror holes in my ‘72 SB…

J.

[vamram]

[Chinaclipper]

[DUNGBTL]

[Chinaclipper]

Got the left side visor in already, thanks again for the pictures. What a trip.
Still took about 2 hours to get it in.... Argh. And the worst thing, the little spring and the compression "nut" they put on the aftermarket visor end popped off. Of course, they fell all the way down into the "A" pillar. I can still use the visor from the front to shield the eyes, but if I pull it off the little tab in front to swing it to have the side shielded, the darn visor falls out. The right one I'll do another day.

Then I put the antenna in too. Quickly realized I needed to get it in from the inside-NOT the outside..... that just doesn't work. And be careful NOT to disconnect all the wires that connect on the door switch-or pull off the hoses to the windshield defrost. The things ya have to do.....Radio next? Maybe. I have the Sapphire XV on the bench, tested, cleaned and ready to go. Now where is that speaker?

I should probably do the valves again, and retune, now that I have put on about 250 miles on her since her first drive. Then I suppose I have to think about getting her ready for her winters nap, because this car is NOT an "everyday" driver.

Still loving all the comments, remarks, and waves from people who are driving by or on the street saying how much they "love your car" or "I had one like that" or "what year is that? '72? 71?"

Ahh bugs!
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China Clippers Official 1971 Super Beetle Project!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728089&highlight=

[Buggeee]

It's beautiful. What a joy to be driving around in it. That was an epic journey, with more to come. Next season is going to feel so free and relaxing. Enjoy the cruises. Especially enjoy responding to the inquiry "did you build this" with a proud "every nut and bolt!.... paint too!" Lots of nice cars at a cruise-in, very few that are personally built. Welcome to the 1%
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out)

[Buggeee]

p.s. ...I drove a bug this color in high school and these finish pictures really brought back some good memories.
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out)

[Chinaclipper]

[Buggeee]

All true
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out)