Mikes 58 Ragtop Beetle Restoration

[Mike1101]

I picked up a 1958 Ragtop Beetle a few weeks ago. Will be doing a full off chassis restoration. Lots of rust in usual spots but will get it all sorted. Had a few Beetles growing up including a 58. It's been a while since I've been in the VDUB scene but something I've wanted to get back in to for a while. I've actually started the restoration process so will be following up with additional posts/pics. This is my first full restoration, so any creative criticism is welcome.

[GERMANAIRE]

Nice Find !! 50’s Ragtops are Rare!! Looking forward to seeing this build!! Congrats!!!

[Mike1101]

Spent time sorting through car and getting a better look at what I'm getting in to. The ragtop seems to function just fine. Just needs servicing and new top. Cleared the cargo tray and was pleased to see rust only down by the supports. Definitely will need new heater channels and floor pans, which a driver side pan came with the car. Also, some firewall repair will be needed too. Next will be removing body from chassis.

[Mike1101]

Huston, we have separation!

Disassembly begins. Lifted body off chassis. Think my plan off attack will be to focus on chassis restoration first. Did see some pretty bad rust directly under the napoleon hat that need to be addressed. Also think it will need a complete napoleon hat replacement. The rest of the chassis looks to just have surface rust which Ill dispatch with a wire wheel. Next Ill disassemble chassis and cut out floor pans

[stale air]

Looks like, except for the rust you mentioned a pretty nice car.
Coral is one of my favorite colors, and a rag? Nice score! One thing to note, looking at the pics, not sure about the drivers side, or the quarters, but the passenger side door panel looks really clean. I would at all costs try and keep the og panels, as the repops, in my opinion just dont look right.
Looking forward to the progress photos..

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

[Mike1101]

The rust below the napoleon hat was much worse than I expected. I was also hoping to save the napoleon hat, but the ends are wasted. While I'm waiting for parts Ill cut out the pans and address this major rust issue on front chassis bottom side. The silver lining is now I have internal access to the front chassis tube so I will rust treat as much as I can with Naval Jelly. Hope I cut out enough rust to get a decent weld for patch plate. Its 14-gauge plate so think there is still some good metal to make it stick.

[Rome]

[GERMANAIRE]

Your doing a great job on that chassis, it’s comin out really nice!! I agree, I would not throw away any original German parts until you are positively sure what direction you are going to go with the build. Original clean door panels and parts are hard to come by and those are in great condition. Love the set up you have , clean shop and plenty of space! Keep the pics comin!!

[Mike1101]

Making some progress on the 58 ragtop chassis. Got the major problem areas resolved. However, I was unhappy with the replacement Napolean Hat fitment. It was a klokkerholm part which required a bit of persuasion to fit correctly. Should have just cut off the ends and welded them on as that was the only issue on the original hat. Made some additional bulkhead repairs and sprayed the chassis with a couple coats of epoxy primer. Decided to put the chassis aside for now and start on body work.

[smeag]

Wow! You do really nice work

[Mike1101]

Thanks, smeag.

[Root_Werks]

That's some great progress! Pan off restorations are always the best way to go.

Looking good!
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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[EnjoyNukaCola]

Clean work! Nice shop space too, plenty of room to work around. Mine is only like 400 sq. ft. and half of it is storage so I always have to move stuff around/ outside to do what I need to do and its a hassle.
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"when i go to drive it i get to like 5-10 mph it is at high rpms and gets higher the faster i go when i shift up to second the rpms drop is this normal or what and this is my first vw please help"

[Rome]

Will you apply seam sealer to all the joints' edges before you paint the pan?

[Mike1101]

@Rome - Yes, I will seal all seams prior to spraying top coat.

[Mike1101]

Haven't posted in a while so thought Id provide and update on the 58 Rag. Lots has been done, so ill provide several posts. I left off with getting the chassis sorted and primed. Since then I have begun work on the body. Lots of rust requiring metal work primarily at the lower 5 to 10 inches. Started with the firewall. My goal is to save as much original metal as possible within reason. Was able to rework the inner firewall with some lower replacement metal. Did the same for the lower half outer firewall.