Aquifer's '67 Beetle Thread

[aquifer]

I had to install new axle boots on my “other” 67, the one I owned since I was a kid, restored myself, and should never have sold. But was fortunate enough to be able to buy it back in December 2024. So if you’re new to this thread, I now have two Java green 67 beetles. I re-indexed the torsion bars too, and fixed one of the heater arms. Here are a few pictures.

The heater arm was missing so I bought a replacement. I suspect that the old one came loose and the PO just cut the cable wire. So I used a butt connector to splice the wire, and a butt connector to insert into the clamp on the lever. I don’t now how long the repair will last, but it seems pretty good.

I changed the aluminum rims over to this 67. For the faded 67, I bought some Autobahn bias look radial tires that look original. I have a set of original black & white rims that I’ll put them on. The rims have a lot of patina, but I’m going to leave them that way. I’ll post pictures when I get the tires mounted on the rims and installed on the more-original car with the faded paint. I think they’ll look more at home on that car.

Here’s the empi knockoff rims that I moved to the restored 67. This car isn’t very original anyway, so the rims seem more appropriate on this car. The torsion re-index turned out great. The stance seems right, and I was able to get the untensioned angle spot on. When I restored this car in the 90’s I just used coil over springs on the shocks because the internet wasn’t what it is now and I didn’t want to try re-indexing the torsion bars at the time. Like anything, now that I’ve done it a few times it’s no big deal.

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Parts needed:
Front & rear NOS or used OEM door panels for a '67 in the original Gazelle color (dark tan/light brown).
Also looking for used white headliner pieces, both perforated and non-perforated.

[aquifer]

Here are the replica tires on original rims installed on the unrestored 67. The rims are from early 66, so not 67’s and not original to the car, but I think the patina complements the car pretty well. The tires are Autobahn bias look radials, 145/95 R15. The car will turn 59 in October this year, and I think this is what it probably should look like at that age.

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Parts needed:
Front & rear NOS or used OEM door panels for a '67 in the original Gazelle color (dark tan/light brown).
Also looking for used white headliner pieces, both perforated and non-perforated.

[The Pilch]

This is most excellent!!
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'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it.

[Bobs67vwagen]

Looking good Acqifer. I would have a hard time holding myself back from cleaning / compounding/polishing the off white portion of the wheels. I am just not a patina guy.

[aquifer]