1971 standard Baja

[kensho]

I have learned a great deal from this forum and have decided to document my own build.

I have actually owned this Beetle since 2006, but haven't done anything with it. It has been sitting out in the weather for a while.

It is time to bring it back to life. Last week I got it registered and titled in my name. That was a good feeling to finally take care of that.

I need to move it from my dad's farm over to my house. I thought about using a tow bar....but it doesn't have a bumper and the steering seems to be messed up for some reason. I am not sure it would be safe to try to tow it in this condition. Also...I am sure the tires are dry rotted and would probably pop. I found someone with a roll back willing to transport it for me cheaply...I hope to get it moved this weekend.

It doesn't have an engine, no seats, no upholstery, and some one put plywood in as the floor... I do have a transmission for it....all 4 fenders and an extra set of hood and trunk. This project is going to be a ton of work. ;}

Here are some pics of current condition.

[Nick1390]

that will be a awesome project i can't wait to see your progress, hope you don't get burnt out.
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I feel in love with my buggy when I was a kid, climbing on it, sitting in the seat acting like I was driving it. Now I'm 24, I've fixed it up and get to actually drive it... when its running... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525937&highlight=ending

[wbrown45]

The std. bug tow bars attach to the front end beam. Good luck on your build.
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OK Thang

[75smith]

you going to cut it up baja style or go full bodied, class 11 style?
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My 1975 Beetle Build Updated 8-21-12

My engine build

[kensho]

Here are some ideas for what I want the paint to look like when I am done.

[pafree]

looks like a good plan but check your local laws for using the narrow eye kit.

[kensho]

Pafree,

I live in Tennessee, and I can't find anything specifically talking about distance between headlights. There is a height requirement, and a bunch of rules about how powerful they can be.

My daughter's uncle is in local law enforcement. I may give him a call and ask him about it.

Does anyone out there already know the answer to this question?

thanks,
Kensho

[kensho]

I checked out the steering yesterday. It looks like the column is disconnected from the steering box. I put a vicegrip on the connector and was able to turn the wheels with it....well as much as you can with flats sunk into mud. I also noticed the turn signal was snapped off the column. I have another column that seems to be a later vintage....with a padded 4 spoke wheel. Decisions to make.

The trans is currently not installed....could I tow it without the trans installed?

I really should have looked under the back hood. But I was too busy laughing at the plywood floor when I ripped up the carpet.

[vwracin2win]

Yes you can tow without the trans installed in an IRS car

[kensho]

Thanks vwracin. That is good to know.

More pics of the carnage:

luggage rack is rusty...but no holes so far

wood pan.....

steering column is disconnected

[kensho]

Bean and I went out to the farm to see if we could get the bug ready to tow this morning. I knew the tires would be bad because it has been sitting so long.

When we got there, Bean wanted to check everything out. So I showed him around the bug. Then he wanted to check out my dad's '48 Chevy and my '74 nova. He thought the 48 was a race car.

I got a tire iron and a jack out of my old dodge Dakota, and carried it over in case I needed it. My dad drove up in his van about then. He does a lot of on-site mechanic work, so the van has a compressor in it, and tons of tools.

Bean and I dug out the mud and weeds around the bug's sunken down tires so we could find all of the valve stems and get some air to them. Dad got the compressor ready and started airing up tires. Two of them seem to be holding air okay, but one has a bad valve stem, and another leaking around the rim.

Dad had a valve stem remover, so we grabbed the stem out of the spare and put it in, but it still went flat. I decided to check to see if she would roll at all and started pushing it. Front wheels would roll, but the back just slid in the mud. I checked the e brake, but it wasn't set. I am afraid the drum brakes may have rusted badly.

I tried to remove one of the back tires, but I ended up bending my lug wrench then just picking up the car. Those lugs are badly rusted.

So it looks like I am going to have to hire a roll back to move the bug to my house. Or go back with a ton of wd40 and a torch to try to get it rolling at the farm.

I grabbed the steering wheel to take home and repair the cracks, and also brought the spare tire. I plan to get the rust off the spare and paint it so I might feel like I'm making progress.


Bean and I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon just hanging out with my dad. Bean got to pet some doves and played with dogs too. We need to visit more often. Bean was super shy at first like usual, but when we left he gave his grandfather a big hug. We didn't get much done really, but it was a good day.

[kensho]

Too rainy....no progress. I am still trying to find someone who will haul the bug for me at a time that fits my schedule.

I found someone who would move it for me for $60...but I have to meet them at 5pm on a Friday to do it.
I just can't make it...I get off work at 5...drive 30 minutes...pick up the boys..then go home.

I really need to get this puppy out on my carport so I can work on it even when it's rainy. I think by next week I will have a solution though.

[The Desert Rat]

Since the rear won't roll anyways...

Take the axle nut off, then beat the wheel/drum off just to get "through" the rust?

Replace and get it rolling once you get all the rust out (or whatever)?