Should I keep original?

1956NZ · Samba Member Joined: March 04, 2022 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

I have my 1956 RHD Beetle I purchased in Christchurch , New Zealand in 1985. I was in the Navy and it was shipped to California October 1986. I drove it all the way to Atlantic City, NJ. I couldn't afford to do anything with it and put it in a barn. It's in very solid original condition with only some surface rust. The battery box isn't even rusty. I am asking if i should even wash it? I have used polishing compound on a very small area with nice results. I am asking if using polishing compound on the whole car changes the value? Thanks, Greg

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

obus · Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 12:37 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

is it repainted? It looks 2 shades of green. If it has i see no harm in trying to buff it out. Looks like you had it at the Pumpkin Run? Im in Ocean County exit 81 off parkway
_________________
July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
March 1956 Beetle convertible L41 Black

1956NZ · Samba Member Joined: March 04, 2022 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

Yes this was from the Pumpkin Run. That is a fun event. I think it was repainted before I bought in 1985. It is only since October 2024 that I have had it road worthy. I did a top end rebuild the summer of 24.

EverettB · Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Yes, you should wash it and polish it out so it looks nicer... Unless you like the way it looks now.

I don't know if it will change the value much since it's been repainted but if anything it will be more valuable since it will look nicer
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - everettb@thesamba.com | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

esde · Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Hi Greg, we texted a bit after the pumpkin run. LMK if you want some help getting the old paint to shine a bit, I think it would be a great improvement
SD
_________________
modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

tasb · Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Once you’ve polished it out. Give it an annual rub down with boiled linseed oil. It will preserve the paint.
_________________
Roads Scholar
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

Member# 2059

stale air · Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 5:44 am Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Personally, I would do a full detail on it.
I think it would improve the overall look, and have no ill affect on its value. Cool

_________________
WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames

buck · Samba Member Joined: May 31, 2004 Posts: 395

To hell with polishing that. Id be removing the cheesy respray to get to the original agave green showing.

finster · Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 11:44 am Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

so was it assembled at the otahuhu plant near auckland? did nz cars have their own colour range?
_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

ryans65 · Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 5:47 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

I don't have an opinion on what to do with it other than drive it and enjoy it as-is!! Man I'd love to find an oval like that! What a cool car.

silvertonguedevil · Posted: Sat May 17, 2025 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

If anything, I'd think cleaning it up and making it shinier would improve the value. Just as long as nothing is permanently changed or modified.
_________________
-Greg

BulliBill · Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Because you asked, I'd say clean up/polish the paint, but leave it as stock/original as possible!

Bill Bowman
_________________
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!

1956NZ · Samba Member Joined: March 04, 2022 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

Thanks to all. I think I will clean it and give a simple polish. I do not have the assets to restore it, it's such a solid car. It will remain like this with maybe a few simple improvements for safety. I try to drive as often as I can. It is a blast to drive around and get lots of smiles! Thanks

stale air · Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 4:33 am Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

heimlich · Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Should I keep original?

Do what makes you happy.
_________________
www.vwnos.com sales@vwnos.com
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57		Share:
		Print View

	Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1