My 1954 build thread "Beatrix"

[TheLadyBug]

[Erik G]

[Mr. OGPaint]

[TheLadyBug]

Thanks Ultramoron still my fave name as I wish I'd come up with it myself.

I agree on the powder coat. The point is to restore it so that it
looks original. I therefore don't see the difference between black zinc plating something that was bare metal so it doesn't rust. It looks correct. Powder coating so it's more durable and looks like paint. It looks correct. Shooting a layer of clear coat over your decals so they don't fall off. It looks correct and serves a purpose.

As I've learned (and have done myself), people will always have an opinion whether it's reasonable or not. At the end of the day, I'm building the car for me. So unless the person criticizing has or has had a car of similar vintage, restored with the same goals of correctness, their opinion really doesn't phase me. Funny how the ones who often comment on correctness, often do not have or have ever had a car that is a perfect example of it. Although I do appreciate tips and pointers as the learning I've done has been invaluable....I just pick and choose what information I take to heart.

Now if it gets judged... I'll probably care what the judge thinks! Hah. But unlikely I'll ever get the opportunity.
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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

[txoval]

Charmaine:

I think your car is great and your doing a wonderful job. I hope none of my comments have ever come off as negative. I respect the heck out of you for your commitment to the details/criteria you have established.

I try to offer help where I can. I build my cars for a different purpose, to look good and function well in modern traffic, which is why I have 4 wheel disc brakes, optimized suspension, and a heavily modified 36hp engine.

Where the "restoration" techniques are similar, I'll offer input.

Keep it up!

[wcfvw69]

[TheLadyBug]

Thanks guys.

TXOval, my skin is thicker than that, lol.

Wcfvw, I eagerly await someone to tell me that the aircleaner or heart taillights etc on my care are rare... because most don't know. I think the zinc and chrome platers are ready to strangle me!


No worries, it's all good!
Glad to know some of you appreciate my effort.
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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

[Fifty-Eight Rag]

[Mark Evans]

"Funny how the ones who often comment on correctness, often do not have or have ever had a car that is a perfect example of it". So true...
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'63 Ragtop

[Erik G]

I guess I hurt some feelings, which was not my intention. Sorry. It was a comment to slalombuggy that the powdercoat discussion has already taken place, nothing more. And again, I'm sure the car will be nice when done

as for the have and don't have, not me, I don't really worry about that stuff. I've been in Magazines, had cars I helped restore in magazines, and owned cars nicer than most magazine cars. None of that matters. Of all the things I've learned in nearly 25 years of VW's, one of the biggest things is that who has what doesnt mean shit. I personally know the owners of a lot of super nice magazine cover cars, members of the biggest most famous VW clubs, even the ones that post here, and most really don't know all that much. On the other hand, I know a guy that has most of his teeth missing, drives a beat up 70's truck, and probably has a meth problem - that knows more about VW's and what's correct or not than just about anybody I've ever met. You may be surprised next time someone walks up to you and tells you about their old VW...
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Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Joey]

No one is going to pick over the car 'cause everyone will pass right by it to go look at the 'barn find' a few cars over...

Very nice work so far.
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Joey

‘60 Kombi - '74 Bus - '79 Panel - '65 Beetle

[slalombuggy]

Is it just me or have all the pictures disappeared? All I get is reduced size icons?

[Eric&Barb]

[Mr. OGPaint]

Should be posting build thread pics on thesamba for posterity
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https://instagram.com/mr.ogpaint
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Patrick Hall

[TheLadyBug]

[René R.]

Ouch. That's a bummer since this is such a wonderfully documented restoration.
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Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)

[janerick3]

[project_therapy]

Just curious how your body and paint are moving along. Any estimates on getting it back from the shop?....that's when the real fun starts.

[TheLadyBug]

A few things have happened since I posted last.

I had made an agreement with the engine guy in December that I would be picking up my engine on March 27th whether it was completed or not. He's had it since October 2014. I picked it up with my dad on March 27th, 2017, uncompleted. I've debated heavily on what to say regarding this transaction as I don't want to speak ill of anyone, so I'll just post the facts. It's been a few weeks and I still feel sick about it so here goes.

I lost a lot of sleep prior to picking it up, as a conversation went south when the engine guy told me that my engine was not going to be ready on the date. I insisted that I was still coming to pick it up finished or not as that was the deal; he wanted more time and actually told me that if I wanted my engine back, I'd have to prepay and he'd leave it in the back alley... and any further contact would have to be through his wife. I, thankfully, was able to turn the conversation around and he agreed to let me pick it up on March 27, since my dad and I both took the day off work to drive 11 hours to get it.

After speaking with others around my neck of the woods, I am not the only person who has been told their stuff could be picked up from the back alley. This is inexcusable. Anyway; it's done. I have most of my stuff back. You can draw your own conclusions. I provided powder coated tin, rebuilt generator and tested regulator, a cleaned out and pressure tested manifold, etc. My coil was returned with a chip and scratches. I should also add that my parts carb got rebuilt instead of my correct carb, so I need to get my actual carb rebuilt. Thank goodness for friends and family as I think I have a plan to get it finished.

I paid an extra $225 the day I picked it up for a total of $7384.

Ok. New subject.
I got my semaphores back and they look fantastic.

I finallly have all the pieces to put my headlights together only to realize I don't have enough clips to secure the ring to the bucket... but I had enough to do one. So I'm on the hunt for a few clips, I'll get those plated (does it ever end?) and then they will be done. I also need some tiny cotter pins as I didn't have any small enough on hand.

I got my wiper motor and assembly refinished and reassembled. It doesn't photograph well though, lol. I will bench it as soon as my battery is done charging today.

I've been bugging the body guy on a regular basis and he has been working on it. Hopefully I'll have photo updates this week.

Next up... finish the rear brakes, get them bled and operational, and get transmission fluid in the transmission. Then, I'll get the steering box on and ready and put the pitman arm, and tie rods on. It has been warm on the days I work and then cold on my days off so I just need to suck it up and spend some time outside and get it done.
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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

[txoval]

I'm sorry to hear about the engine, that's total BS. Matthew (Aircooled Research) or Joe (Mr. Okrasa) could have built your engine 10 times quicker and for less.

I honestly do not understand people like that.

Headlights and semaphores look good though!