Shaving parts...

[cbzdel]

My original plan was to do a completely classic restore, make it look brand new (once I had time to get it running!! it died 2 days after I bought it!!!!!). But then I got to looking at everything and I am thinking about shaving a few things;

The antenna and then relocating it with one of the universal hidden antenna kits, maybe in the headliner or in the dash somewhere?? I don't listen to the radio much anyways..

The windshield washer squinter, I am thinking about just junking the system all together, I never use them in the first place on any vehicle. Plus its one less thing to worry about breaking.

The turn signals, this one is a maybe, then I might relocate them inside the headlights, but this I am still unsure of, I like the stock ones because they look so classic, but I am thinking it may look better without them..

Also thinking the side reflectors on the rear tail lights.. maybe if I buy new ones they will look better, mine are almost pink right now, but I think it would be better if they were gone all together..

Really I am just looking for opinions, maybe like a yeah I did it it was worth it, or a dont do it, not worth the hassle..
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1971 Super Beetle - Purchased 02/05/2009

[JonF]

its all do able. might shave the trim also.
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68 bug 1600sp 30/31
68 baja 1600sp 010 32ndix

[drscope]

All of your proposed changes are doing away with features the car was built with.

Doing some of these mods like the antenna will require welding, paint and body work to complete. And what is the point unless you are going to install a better system then what is there?

Relocating the blinkers into the headlights makes them un-see-able at night. The headlights overpower the blinkers so they can't be seen.

The side reflectors on the tail lights were safety items required by federal law when the car was built.

Point is, you are proposing doing work to do away with items that were put there for your safety and comfort. Unless you really do a good job with the modifications, you run the risk of devaluing your ride as well as doing away with safety items that may keep you from getting clobbered.

So make sure you give some real thought to what you think you want to do before making mistakes that may bite you latter.
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[jhicken]

Although drscope's points are good ones, if you are doing a custom, where you are going to lower the car, and shave the side trim, and put on some nice wheels and tires, then go for it. Windshield washers seldom work and if you are not going to have a stereo, there is no point to having an antenna. Relocating the turn signals are a common modification but as mentioned before, the headlight mounted signals aren't that effective. There are alot of alternatives though, back in the day the light of choice were small Lucas lights mounted below the headlights [providing you are running t-bars]. So making mods like these would be in the classic Cal Look style. No problem there.

Now if you are planning on doing something like this on an otherwise stock car, it wouldn't look that good and as drscope said, it would devalue the car. If you want to restore it stock, then do it right. Keep the washer. If you don't take the time to restore it, just do not fill it with fluid, you'll never have a problem. Antenna block off plates are available, check the classifieds. Keep the signals, you might prevent someone from crashing into you.

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[damquick1]

Or move the blinkers and fill the holes

[bonewso]

1970 Standard L36 Azure Blue. I've made most of the mods that you're talking about. Shaved trim, script, antenna hole, windshield fluid nozzle, and shaved the exhaust cutouts. I've yet to wire up a radio, but I'll probably go the route you're talking about. I have an amber bulb inside the lucas 488 assembly. Didn't feel like I'd use the windshield washer that often. To each his own. I also shaved the reflector on the side of the rear brake light housing. I'm dangerous. I haven't gotten around to putting my back bumper on yet.

[jhicken]

Nice looking car, however I think it would look better with T-bars!

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[bonewso]

T-bars. Do you think chrome or black? Do you have any images of what you're thinking? Thanks for the ideas, I've been restoring this car for about four years now. Here's what she looked like before she went to the body shop.

[jhicken]

Definitely chrome, it would look sweet. Here's a shot of a late model Beetle with t-bars.

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[dmilla]

Here's some pics of how I relocated my front turn signals. The angle iron is available at Home Depot. The sginals are not "DOT Approved", but they're readily available from any VW store. They were originally chrome, so I scuffed the chrome as best I could, primed with self-etching primer, painted gloss black, & clear coated.

I ran the wire through the bumper bracket grommit, drilled a small hole through the fender well, lined with a rubber grommit, and connected to the original signal wire. I had to install a new turn signal relay, so the signals blink quite fast, but it's better than being pulled over for a "Fix-It Ticket" for not having front signals. Oh yeah, all the brightwork was shaved as well...

Enjoy!

[jhicken]

Nice job, clean installation too!

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[69rulz]

i have a replacement stock antenna, but i got no windshield washer, i did leave the little nub though, i have no trim, if ur cars a good contrast color thats light u coud paint the trim, that might look sweet

[69 Jim]

[Min ein er et stykke fole]

[69 Jim]

[SlammedBUG]

I have quite a few shaved parts. including tail lights.

shaved side mirrors

shaved decklid handle, rear lights, relocated lights on bumper

Shaved hood handle, all chrome removed

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THE ROTOR FATTY BUILD THREAD!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4931486#4931486

[Min ein er et stykke fole]

IMO i think what looks like ass is when people can't figure out backspacing and their wheels stick out of the fenders..That is a thoughtless,crappy look..


slammedbug..I like the hood and trunk.Very cool
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66
Don't mind the oil spots in your driveway...
That's just HP sweat..

I wanna be sedated

[SlammedBUG]

lol thanks. I got lucky with the body. My electrical is so nasty. But oh well. With time, itll all be good
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THE ROTOR FATTY BUILD THREAD!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4931486#4931486

[Min ein er et stykke fole]

I would gladly trade you your electrical for my probs. My sig is no joke. Well looking good, Keep going
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66
Don't mind the oil spots in your driveway...
That's just HP sweat..

I wanna be sedated

[tele68]

Chrome 5-spoke wheels would, IMHO, look better than the blacked out ones, give more of a Hot Wheels look to your fine ride...would match great with chrome T-bars as mentioned...
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'72 Super Beetle
Central Jersey Volkswagen Society