Tonka Beetle restoration

[panicman]

Today, I used chemical stripper on the body and pan....

And wound up using a brass brush, red scotchbrite pad, and spot applications of stripper to get everything clean.

I found stubborn rust on the undersides of the front fenders and inside edges of both windows. I used steel wool and lemon juice to remove it.

After everything was clean and prepped, I gave the body and chassis a coat of SEM self etching primer.

Like volktales, I found some scratches and a dent that would show through the paint. I used a build primer in a beer cap, and dabbed it onto the bad areas, then sanded and then primered the whole body again.

The chassis got painted gloss black over the self etching primer. The body was painted using Wolfsburg West rattlecan Anthracite, and I followed that with 2 coats of clear. The seats were masked and painted Krylon Georgia Clay, which is a great mimic for Indian Red.

Before reassembly, I'll try to get the glass as clear and glossy as I can.
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Plate of shrimp

[Volktales]

That is going to look nice. I haven't tried painting the interior of mine yet, but I think I just might have to now...
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1974 "Restfalia" Camper 2000 cc EFI 2001-
1970 Beetle first car, rotten, yard art 1985-
1966 Sunroof Beetle, restored 1998-
1964 Ghia, ongoing project 2007-
1962 Beetle Beryl,original paint survivor 2012-
1970 Savannah Beige Beetle 2012-
1992 16v GTI, 100% stock 2006-
1991 "Terseo", wife's old daily 1995-
1969 Chevrolet CST/10 (family owned since new)
1965 Gold Corvair Monza 2021-
1966 and 1965 Monza 2022-

[panicman]

Here it is assembled.
The paint took a long time to dry on the plastic. I would try a different kind of paint if I did this again, but I'll see how it holds up. At least nothing will touch or scratch it.

Thanks volktales, for the inspiration. This is fun- I may have to do another!
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Plate of shrimp

[Volktales]

That looks very nice. Tonkas are relatively simple and fun to restore. I know I will do some more in the future too. Wish Tonka had made a baywindow bus then I could have some more fun!
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1974 "Restfalia" Camper 2000 cc EFI 2001-
1970 Beetle first car, rotten, yard art 1985-
1966 Sunroof Beetle, restored 1998-
1964 Ghia, ongoing project 2007-
1962 Beetle Beryl,original paint survivor 2012-
1970 Savannah Beige Beetle 2012-
1992 16v GTI, 100% stock 2006-
1991 "Terseo", wife's old daily 1995-
1969 Chevrolet CST/10 (family owned since new)
1965 Gold Corvair Monza 2021-
1966 and 1965 Monza 2022-

[vdubmyk]

Reviving an old thread, I just bought a red one and it’s missing the headlights. Any recommendations on what to use?
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64 stock bug, 12V (converted 6v unit), 40 hp, all documents even sales contract and dealer window sticker!

[Volktales]

Usually lots listed on e-bay at any time. These are reproduced as well. Probably would be possible to make one using your remaining light as a pattern. These Tonkas are fun to restore! Post up your pictures on this thread when done!
_________________
1974 "Restfalia" Camper 2000 cc EFI 2001-
1970 Beetle first car, rotten, yard art 1985-
1966 Sunroof Beetle, restored 1998-
1964 Ghia, ongoing project 2007-
1962 Beetle Beryl,original paint survivor 2012-
1970 Savannah Beige Beetle 2012-
1992 16v GTI, 100% stock 2006-
1991 "Terseo", wife's old daily 1995-
1969 Chevrolet CST/10 (family owned since new)
1965 Gold Corvair Monza 2021-
1966 and 1965 Monza 2022-