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jbannon
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2020
Posts: 178
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 Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2021 9:07 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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I had previously posted some images and comments on my 59 Diamond Gray Beetle restoration, and wanted to let those that are interested that I set up a separate post to document the restoration. You can find it here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=761529 |
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TheRealOld59
Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2018
Posts: 81
Location: South of France
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| Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2021 7:42 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| stale air wrote: |
| Beautiful car! |
Thanks !
I love it and she drive like a charm.
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7of5
Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2021
Posts: 13
Location: USA
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Bug-nut
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2015
Posts: 488
Location: Knoxville, TN
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| Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2021 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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I doubt you will get many helpful replies here in the 58/59 only discussion thread. You would probably be better if you moved this to the 58-67 general section.
As to your question: no, I have not tried this tank, but if I may ask, what is wrong with the original tank? Is yours rusted out or in need of replacement? You would be taking up a lot more trunk space trying to get this to work over repairing or replacing the original style tank, IMO.
_________________
1959 Fjord Blue Volkswagen Beetle
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=
1962 Austin-Healey Sprite
| Snort wrote: |
| A 59 Beetle is just an Oval-Window car with aspirations of modernity. |
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Patiently Impatient
Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2020
Posts: 128
Location: Tri-State
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| RichOakley wrote: |
| stale air wrote: |
| RichOakley wrote: |
| I have a Dec 1958 (59 Model) Garnet Red RHD Beetle that I have owned for years. I am about to get some carpets made to original spec. Firstly, I need a definitive answer of whether 59 models had plastic or metal heater outlet rings and reserve tap ring. Secondly, I have the choice of dark grey or light grey (very nice quality) square weave carpet material, but neither look like the original mid grey-ish colour used in Garnet Red Beetles. I don’t suppose anybody has come across a source for this original colour material? |
59's would have had aluminum heater rings or plastic depending on if it was an early, or late build. What month the change over took place, I am unsure of.
Here is a pic of a clean original 59, for reference...aluminum
As for the carpet, the colors correct for your car would be T109 anthracite for the front, and t110 silver grey for the rear.
If it were me, I would go with WW Charcoal for the front, and Med Grey for the rear. Just my .02 |
Brilliant, thank you. I could find no literature referring to the change-over. As my car is a Nov 58 build, I’ll go with the aluminium and charcoal carpet. |
Hey that’s my car! 
Never knew this thread existed.
For future reference on the above, my 59 is an extremely early 59, one of the earliest survivors if I were to take a guess.
August 5th, 1958 production.
The engine is original to the car as well, and was the 341st engine built for all 1959 model year buses and beetles. I’d be surprised to hear of an earlier original engine & bus/beetle for 1959. |
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Patiently Impatient
Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2020
Posts: 128
Location: Tri-State
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Here’s a shot of the survivor august of 58 production sunroof beetle that the interior posted above belongs to.
I took the photo this past Friday after a 512 mile / 5 state drive. Still 6v, original 36hp motor still chugging along. 58k original (and documented) miles.
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Bug-nut
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2015
Posts: 488
Location: Knoxville, TN
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| Patiently Impatient wrote: |
Here’s a shot of the survivor august of 58 production sunroof beetle that the interior posted above belongs to.
I took the photo this past Friday after a 512 mile / 5 state drive. Still 6v, original 36hp motor still chugging along. 58k original (and documented) miles.
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Beautiful car!
_________________
1959 Fjord Blue Volkswagen Beetle
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=
1962 Austin-Healey Sprite
| Snort wrote: |
| A 59 Beetle is just an Oval-Window car with aspirations of modernity. |
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sunroof
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006
Posts: 1774
Location: Winnipeg
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Does it have one bolt or 2 bolt wheel cylinders?
Don
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Better and better mistakes! |
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stale air
Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2007
Posts: 5155
Location: Senoia Ga, formally NorCal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| Patiently Impatient wrote: |
Hey that’s my car!
Never knew this thread existed.
For future reference on the above, my 59 is an extremely early 59, one of the earliest survivors if I were to take a guess.
August 5th, 1958 production.
The engine is original to the car as well, and was the 341st engine built for all 1959 model year buses and beetles. I’d be surprised to hear of an earlier original engine & bus/beetle for 1959. |
Very cool. 
Just because.... my 58, has a build date of July 7 1958, and
left the factory on July 12 1958. 
_________________
WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames
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aa390392
Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007
Posts: 3602
Location: So.Cal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:06 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| Bug-nut wrote: |
| Patiently Impatient wrote: |
Here’s a shot of the survivor august of 58 production sunroof beetle that the interior posted above belongs to.
I took the photo this past Friday after a 512 mile / 5 state drive. Still 6v, original 36hp motor still chugging along. 58k original (and documented) miles.
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Beautiful car! |
Yes can stare at it all day long.
_________________
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!
55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet |
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Patiently Impatient
Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2020
Posts: 128
Location: Tri-State
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| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| aa390392 wrote: |
| Bug-nut wrote: |
| Patiently Impatient wrote: |
Here’s a shot of the survivor august of 58 production sunroof beetle that the interior posted above belongs to.
I took the photo this past Friday after a 512 mile / 5 state drive. Still 6v, original 36hp motor still chugging along. 58k original (and documented) miles.
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Beautiful car! |
Yes can stare at it all day long. |
Thank you.
The drivers side shows less patina but still a great side. It sat in a garage with a busted window on the passenger side from 1970-2019, so the passenger side sports the look a lot better.
It came from the original owners estate. She passed away a long time ago and her house/car remained untouched except for a cat that clawed its way through the ragtop.
The beetle itself was won in a raffle at the 1958 International Auto Show in NYC. It came with the event program showcasing all of the manufacturers and their latest models, VW included. There’s more to the story, but I’ll save that for a rainy day!
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TheRealOld59
Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2018
Posts: 81
Location: South of France
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| Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 2:06 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Awesome survivor !  |
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jbannon
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2020
Posts: 178
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| Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2022 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| myvolks1 wrote: |
jbannon,
Can you post some pictures of the Red/Brown leatherette samples that you got from them?
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Sorry for the late response on this one. For some reason the Samba didn't notify me despite having notifications turned on.
Here are pictures of the green and blue. The overhead lighting doesn't show their true colors despite many attempts at trying to get the color balance correct. However, you should be able to get an idea of the weave quality. The sample feels very durable and I personally think it looks like the original.
Green
Blue
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jbannon
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2020
Posts: 178
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| Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2022 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Does anyone know of a company in the US or Europe that can restore my 1959 Gray/Green leatherette interior? I have a complete, original interior that looks pretty good, but it needs some help. I need new door card material, and want to get the vinyl re-dyed. In addition, the seats have a few small tears (very small) that I want to get repaired as well have the seat vinyl re-dyed.
Any help or ideas are appreciated. |
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hsosa1
Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2005
Posts: 1897
Location: Fontana
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| Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2022 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| jbannon wrote: |
Does anyone know of a company in the US or Europe that can restore my 1959 Gray/Green leatherette interior? I have a complete, original interior that looks pretty good, but it needs some help. I need new door card material, and want to get the vinyl re-dyed. In addition, the seats have a few small tears (very small) that I want to get repaired as well have the seat vinyl re-dyed.
Any help or ideas are appreciated. |
west coast classics may be able to do it
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Just Cruzin Sur Califas VW Car Club est♤1998 |
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jbannon
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2020
Posts: 178
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| Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:18 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Thanks for reply. Unfortunately West Coast Classics only do new interiors.
I’ll keep looking. |
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TXHCBeetle
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2021
Posts: 170
Location: Boerne, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:43 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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I figured I would share this for those looking to restore and looking for original condition cars.
Original Euro 58 for sale here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2470860
With extensive photos here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sthx8gtudwd6enj/AAC9MOHC9xfYmxepoZH_hFDSa?dl=0
I found these photos very interesting, but I also had some questions.
What is the circled item in the photos below?
Mine has a plugged hole there.
What is this black box under the hood on the DS?
Did US models have the coat hook assist straps on both sides?
_________________
In Progress:
1958 Beetle Sedan - L243 Diamond Gray
1967 Beetle Sedan - L456 Ruby Red |
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mukluk
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 7028
Location: Clyde, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:19 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| Quote: |
What is the circled item in the photos below?
Mine has a plugged hole there.
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It's an antenna with a missing mast. Could be a standard radio antenna, could have been for a CB -- take a look at the connector at the end of its cable if it's still present.
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What is this black box under the hood on the DS?
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That the fuse block for the headlights.
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Did US models have the coat hook assist straps on both sides?
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Yes
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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TXHCBeetle
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2021
Posts: 170
Location: Boerne, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:30 am Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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Thanks mukluk!
_________________
In Progress:
1958 Beetle Sedan - L243 Diamond Gray
1967 Beetle Sedan - L456 Ruby Red |
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EVfun
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012
Posts: 5481
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: '58/'59 Beetle Discussion |
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| mukluk wrote: |
| Quote: |
What is this black box under the hood on the DS?
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That the fuse block for the headlights. |
I would add the 2 fuses for the high beam headlights. On these older Bugs the low beam headlights are not fused! If its is a US model Bug the front parking lights are not fused either (and those screw terminals on the bulb holders are very close to shorting out against the headlight bucket.) Honestly, some old VW stock wiring practices were kinda scary.
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| Wildthings wrote: |
| As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
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