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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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 Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:06 pm Post subject: Thinking out loud . . . My plan for my '65 project |
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I just bought this little feller, aka Q-Bert, per the Previous Owner. The guy has *TONS* of man hours on this project & practically gave it to me for $600. It's got a ton of work to be done, but I'm down. I can't freaking wait to start working on it!
It comes with all these new/used parts:
So, here is what I'm asking: What will absolutely NOT work about my ideas/plan? We all know the quote about "opinions", so, I'm not asking for your opinion, just what is fatally wrong about the plan. Cold hard facts.
Of course this costs moneymoneymoney. The budget for this is not yet defined, but I ain't got super deep pockets until my woman gets to work with that PHd she's about to wrap up!  So, likely to be done in phases. I'd like to get on the road ASAP, but I want to do this right. So, perhaps the expensive expensive Airkewld disc brakes & wheels come last.
DRIVETRAIN
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[ENGINE]
CURRENT: 1600 built by an old baja racer dude that retired w/o ever firing up this rebuild (supposedly - I really have no way to verify, me thinks). The PO states that it has an aftermarket cam, but he doesn't know which. More pix next weekend, but externally looks stock.
WANTED: minimum 1776, but considering something larger. Preferrably something streetable. No ricer-esque exhaust, prefer something mellow to mildly aggressive. I drive an Impala SS w/the 'Vette LT1 now. I like fast.
[TRANSMISSION]
CURRENT: Stock. What is the max a stocker can handle before you have to worry about building it up?
EXTERIOR
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[PAINT]
CURRENT: blank canvas!
WANTED: Leaning towards a stock color, appropriate for year, but considering a "medium" metallic. Nothing super dark, Texas summers & all.
UPDATE 1/18: OMG! I saw the Austrailian flash trim & I GOTTA HAVE IT! I've never ever ever seen it. Dunno if I'll get the trim per se, but I will do the color scheme like that.
[TRIM]
CURRENT: absolutely nothing, doesnt even come with any
WANTED: If stock color, then maybe stock trim, but I'm thinking just blades no overriders & even filled in holes (maybe spikes!)
[WHEELS]
CURRENT: 3 stockers! 2 blasted & finished with 2 tone paint. 1 unfinished.
WANTED: I really like the chromed/polished 5 spoke EMPIs, but I'm thinking of 4 wheel discs from airkewld + 17"/18" 5 spokers! Tons of people with EMPIs, few with ak wheels. I get aroused by wide tires with a tiny sidewall! I've got 255/50/17s on my Impala SS, but I drool over these 225/40/17 tires at Costco! I need to know: widest/thinnest for the 5 spoke EMPIs & widest/thinnest for the Airkewld wheels. I know suspension matters, so see below!
SUSPENSION
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CURRENT: STOCK! blah, but as it stands right now, completely done! The PO did a wonderful job on replacing all the hard lines/rubber from the lugnuts to the e-brake.
WANTED: Low, but not obnoxiously, "broken axle" low. Dallas roads suck. Tons of inclines bumpy roads. Also considering bagging it to get all levels of low!  My Impala was described as like "driving a couch it's so comfortable", so I like my smooth, but yet some what sporty ride (quality). An adjustable beam (but narrowed) + bags overkill? What is the ideal bag setup?
ELECTRICAL
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CURRENT: NOTHING!
WANTED: Probably going 12v cuz I'll want a stereo even if I wasn't gonna bag it. I wont butcher the dash, probably a custom glove box setup. Also, there is no wiring harness & since I'm going 12v, would it make sense to purchase a '67's harness? If I'm not mistaken, the 6v harness adequately handles 12v, just bulbs/starter/wiper motor/generator that needs addressing? (Yes, I'll read more about what's needed on that . . . )
INTERIOR
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CURRENT: NOTHING! Blank canvas . . . again. I have seat frames, nothing on them.
WANTED: Most likely stock appearance if I go with a stock color. Also thinking maybe something different, but what? Dunno. I got a gimpy back at times too. 
PARTS
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WANTED:
- Driver door
- right rear fender
- front turn signals
- wiring harness
RECENT PURCHASES (prices shipped):
- Hella headlight lenses/rings ($3
- HID lights w/Halos ($23)
- reverse lights ($45)
- both bumpers ($230)
- euro taillight lenses ($22)
- gas gauge ($15)
- front gravel guards ($19)
- knuckle guards ($15)
- EMPI Uni-Vents [used] ($150)
- headlight buckets (free!!)
- popouts ($25!)
Last edited by LAYGO on Tue Jan 23, 2007 8:22 am; edited 5 times in total |
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TexasAirCooler
Samba Member
Joined: October 31, 2005
Posts: 933
Location: Lone Oak, TX
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| Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 4:43 am Post subject: |
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Looks like you have your work cut out for you. But at least the PO has done all the hardest part.
_________________
Terry
Common Sense Is A Flower That Doesn't Grow In Everyone's Garden. |
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VWdreaming
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2005
Posts: 34
Location: LaGrange,GA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:48 am Post subject: |
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a nice start to poject
your ideas look good. you mite want to go up to a 1914 engine if you want something closer to the feel of the ss a stock would work a little while but you may want to upgrade 4 longterm
if you want to get it on the road asap id say get it painted 1st then but it together get it on the roed with 1600 and stock trans. most of the other thing you want to do are mostly bolton that can be done on weekend projects(ie brakes,wheels,engine trans swap)i say paint 1st because its a pain to strip it down again
good luck have fun |
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clarkbre
Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2004
Posts: 1107
Location: Everett, WA
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| Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:35 am Post subject: |
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| Just the fact you have a plan is good. It took me 5 years and a second beetle to finally put together a plan. Now, it's easy to focus on just the pan or just the wheels and tires because I know what I want as a final product. I'm not gonna knock you on any of your ideas because they're all pretty good. Just keep to your plan and do a quality job. Good luck, look forward to seeing more posts. |
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scottvw
Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2004
Posts: 2826
Location: Centennial, CO
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| Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:58 am Post subject: |
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You seem to have a pretty good game plan. I would recommend a stock color and put the stainless steel trim from Wolfsburg West on the car. I would not cover up the holes or put spikes on....too funky.
Good Luck. |
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hlwimmer
Samba Member
Joined: May 29, 2002
Posts: 533
Location: concord, calif.
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| Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:43 am Post subject: |
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| most anything would "work" (i fixed a broken shock tower with a fender washer once), so anything you'd hear from folks would -- in their opinion -- make it work better or worse. IMHO, i think you'd be disappointed in the 1776 -- not enough torque and just enough power to leave you wanting more. you should stroke it slightly at the least (often the shorter strokes can be drop-in). upgraded brakes are a necessity for a daily driver in today's ABS world (especially if you give your ride 2X the horsepower from stock). i'd rather be able to stop when i need to than get a thrill from speed when i want to. if you can stand the aesthetics of an alternator, it will give you power for electrical needs later on -- if you can't stand the looks, think about a 38amp bus genny. on the stereo: consider a hidden amp and ipod setup -- leaves you with a workable glovebox and a completely "removeable" stereo (and who needs FM radio?). i have dual stereo speakers in the stock speaker location (mounted to a simple template) which leave front speakers invisible (as opposed to kick panels) and lets me keep my parcel tray. not optimum for stereo-imaging, but gives me a place to keep my owner's manual. on the paint, a stock single-stage will look more original whereas a base-clear will be a bit more durable (rocks chip the clear rather than the paint) and easier for modern painters to work with. make sure you paint inside and out before you install anything (wiring, engine, etc.). a 6V wiring harness will do you fine and probably be easier to install as you can follow the stock diagram rather than a piecemeal setup. on the interior... think about powdercoating your seat frames and pieces while they're out and fix broken bits, etc... otherwise, the TMI interior comboed with WW's horsehair pads worked well for me. WWs carpet is also very much worth the extra cost. best of luck... |
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, thanks for all the responses. I saw it plummeting & went looking for it on the 4th page!!
The body work is mostly done, and the pan is completely done. I'm missing the driver's door & right rear fender. I'm monitoring classifieds. So, WTB:
- Driver door
- right rear fender
- front turn signals
- headlight buckets
- wiring harness
- both bumpers
I'll know much more about what I'm missing when I actually get the vehicle & go over it with a fine tooth comb.
Things I've purchased:
- Hella headlight lenses
- HID lights w/Halos (I havent heard anyone mention it but for $20 on ebay fits all VW)
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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Mowser
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2002
Posts: 607
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:16 pm Post subject: |
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Your project looks alot like my '58 rag project. I'll break my comments down like you did:
Drivetrain: leave it stock for now... easy upgrade later
Exterior: Personal opinion here but I wouldn't go metalic... stick with a stock color. Look through the years and even ghia/ bus paint codes. You'll find one (or even two) that grab your attention. Go here and mess around with it
http://www.volkswarenhaus.de/bugselecta.htm
Trim 1965 last year of the wide trim. Embrase that. You won't regret it come sell time. As for bumpers whatever works for you goes. again bugselecta will help
Wheels: I'm a fan of both. I'll be running 17" wheels on my '58 c/w 4 wheel discs. I like to stop! I also have a nice set of 15" Fuch's that would look great. I'm still up in the air so no help there.
Suspension: If all you want is a bit lower than drop spindle will do the trick and they are a bolt on item. Buy them at your leisure. If you want more than that and want wide tires (as mentioned) than a narrowed adj. beam is in your future. Again you can always put it on at a later date.
Electrical: Don't waist your time looking for one in the classifieds. Buy one from one of the people advertising here. NOTE: some are better than others so do your research.
Interior: It's a matter of personal preference here. TMI makes some nice sets. Research again is your friend!
As for the rest, your beetle can be as expensive as your pockets. Myself, get it in paint, get it together, and get it on the road. The rest will come to you along the journey.
_________________
| bushaus wrote: |
only in the VW bus world is someone stoked to have road raced an AT&T bucket truck!  |
| cdennisg wrote: |
| If I was in this for big money, I wouldn't be in it. |
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:41 am Post subject: |
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| Mowser wrote: |
Your project looks alot like my '58 rag project. I'll break my comments down like you did:
Drivetrain: leave it stock for now... easy upgrade later
Exterior: Personal opinion here but I wouldn't go metalic... stick with a stock color. Look through the years and even ghia/ bus paint codes. You'll find one (or even two) that grab your attention. Go here and mess around with it
http://www.volkswarenhaus.de/bugselecta.htm
Trim 1965 last year of the wide trim. Embrase that. You won't regret it come sell time. As for bumpers whatever works for you goes. again bugselecta will help
Wheels: I'm a fan of both. I'll be running 17" wheels on my '58 c/w 4 wheel discs. I like to stop! I also have a nice set of 15" Fuch's that would look great. I'm still up in the air so no help there.
Suspension: If all you want is a bit lower than drop spindle will do the trick and they are a bolt on item. Buy them at your leisure. If you want more than that and want wide tires (as mentioned) than a narrowed adj. beam is in your future. Again you can always put it on at a later date.
Electrical: Don't waist your time looking for one in the classifieds. Buy one from one of the people advertising here. NOTE: some are better than others so do your research.
Interior: It's a matter of personal preference here. TMI makes some nice sets. Research again is your friend!
As for the rest, your beetle can be as expensive as your pockets. Myself, get it in paint, get it together, and get it on the road. The rest will come to you along the journey. |
Kick ass, I was gonna try to find BugSelecta! Thanks.
Great feedback too, thanks.
But . . . I had a '66 awhile ago & it had wide trim (for sure on the running boards), I thought body trim as well?
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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johnnyrotten
I Cure Seizures!!!
Joined: January 06, 2004
Posts: 1211
Location: Behind the security gate
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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lookin' good, great idea labeling all of your parts.
I did that as well
_________________
Enemies are friends in reverse..... G. Busey
In the garage....
64 Ghia
66 beetle
56 Oval rag
58 ex-art project Beetle
A fleet of parts buses and ghias |
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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| jedidiah wrote: |
lookin' good, great idea labeling all of your parts.
I did that as well |
Wish I could take credit for that. PO's work.
Wait until I post pix of the pan/suspension work the PO's done. All new suspension/brakes (including lines/cylinders/etc)/pan. I gotta get my garage cleaned out for it though, so the vehicle is still at the PO's house.
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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Also, I messed around in BugSelecta. Let me post those . . .
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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Mowser
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2002
Posts: 607
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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yeah you're right about the trim... don't know where my head was.
_________________
| bushaus wrote: |
| only in the VW bus world is someone stoked to have road raced an AT&T bucket truck! |
| cdennisg wrote: |
| If I was in this for big money, I wouldn't be in it. |
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bill may
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003
Posts: 14160
Location: san diego,ca
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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Recent purchases added . . .
ADDS UP QUICK!
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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LAYGO
Samba Member
Joined: December 24, 2006
Posts: 142
Location: Cross Roads, TX (Denton)
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| Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 12:35 pm Post subject: |
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Cheeseless rice! Old back up indeed.
_________________
'65 Bug (Project: purchased 01/06/07)
'67 Ghia (purchased 01/07/07)
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'66 Bug (sold somtime in '93-'94) |
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