My 1954 build thread "Beatrix"

[sled]

I’m absolutely not trying to give Charmaine grief over not having a ‘uterus’ and I’m not a bad human.

Part of the fun and challenge of putting these early cars together is chasing the right parts. Everyone has varying standards to which they want to hold their own builds, and that’s totally fine!

I don’t see anything wrong with running a uterus manifold if it has been restored. It’s not any worse than any other early poorly designed manifold, if properly repaired. Hey, at least it’s not as expensive as a jacketed ‘K’ manifold for 50-52 splits! Also a very poor design but when repaired with thick heat riser tubing will last for many more years without issue.

Will be a very beautiful car either way! I just like rare manifolds 😁

Progress updates!?
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drive your split.

[txoval]

Sled, I know you weren’t and I’m sorry if you thought I was talking about you.

I meant in general, like at a car show someone ripping on her car over the intake. My point was that Charmaine shouldn’t sweat it. If she can find one in the future, great if she wants to use it.

Sorry again for the misunderstanding

[TheLadyBug]

[D-train]

Updates please charmaine!!
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shiny paint doesnt make it worth any more

[TheLadyBug]

[grailoc]

Last time I checked in was with the engine rebuild story. seems like you addressed this story up to the finish line.

Car looks outstanding with colour details and finishing material.

Cheers from Quebec.
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My 59 low light ghia: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=452128
My 56 beetle convertible: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7796259
My 60 SO23 westy: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=341539
My oldspeed 36hp autotechnik express build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=670827
My garage build: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199438

[René R.]

That looks amazing! Congratulations on carrying this massive project through to completion. You're going to have a lot of fun next spring.
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)

[Zwitterkafer]

Dieses Auto ist phantastisch!

If you're missing the hood catch covering plate, I have a nice one I can send you.

Greets from Ontario.
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"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[TheLadyBug]

[D-train]

Awesome!! I’ve been seeing the pics on insta an that, but there’s people that don’t see those platforms, so it’s good to keep the threads an forums alive with updates!!

How good is that 23 also. Epic find
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shiny paint doesnt make it worth any more

[finster]

superb, you've done a great job there
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[bally]

Wow! That really does look amazing. You must be delighted how well it's turned out and made all your hard work worthwhile! Dave

[txoval]

Charmaine:

I made a simple tool to install that rivet, and it worked well on my 54. It takes some muscle turning the wrench and of course being careful, but I know you can do both.

I can send it to you if you want it. I just know shipping costs stink for you...let me know

[Blue Baron]

Wow! What a payoff!

Congrats.

That isn't the "monk bus" is it? (From Beamsville I think.)
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We are striving for perfection, to make our cars run forever, if possible.

Heinz Nordhoff

[TheLadyBug]

Haha thanks! So I did ok?! Lol.

The bus is the oldest Canadian market bus, arriving on the first shipment to Canada in 52. and no, it’s not mine. I just got to see it. Regrettably, it was too cold to smell it, too... it still had all the original interior.
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Charmaine
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1954 Beetle - because I can
2016 Golf highline - hubby’s daily
2016 Golf R - my daily

[motofly196]

[obus]

looks great! keep up the great work and continued luck with what little remains left to finish.
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July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
March 1956 Beetle convertible L41 Black

[Srecko]

Congrats Chrmaine, wonderful work. The fit and finish is superb and makes the car. Well done with your perseverance and you have a lovely car to enjoy with your family.

[nax]

well done!

[sunroof]

As many of you know I am now in the process of restoring my own 1954 ultramaroon beetle:

I was able to help Char with a few parts over the years it took her to build the car but now I need those parts back. Darn. As his father told him in the 1984 version of Tarzan "Never sell, boy", I guess I should have listened more closely.

Anyways, I looked through this whole thread again and I must say it was quite a journey and thank you Char for taking the time to document it. There is a ton of good information here that I am just beginning to appreciate and make use of. The first thing is I need to replace the glass and latch on one of my quarter windows and I notice Char had hers completely apart. Tell me how was this done? I already smashed one large logo glass when it fell out of the frame and smashed into a million pieces on the floor. I don't want any more mistakes like that!

Above we see a donor vent window and the original from the car that needs the donor glass and latch.


Don
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Better and better mistakes!