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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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 Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:10 pm Post subject: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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I have wanted a Beetle for a long time, occasionally looked on Craigslist, but have always put it off. About a month ago, I started reading build threads on the Samba and various YouTube videos and really caught the bug. So, after a month of looking, I found a 1961 ragtop. I did a recovery mission on Friday, 280 miles round trip. Now, finding anything rust free in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota is next to impossible, this one is not too bad.
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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This previous owner had bought this as a project 4 years ago, but life got in the way and he was not able to find the time to get started on it. It did come with most of the parts in boxes. Recovered seats, a new ragtop, bumpers with overriders in nice shape. It was originally sold in California.
Has a bit of rust in the passenger side B pillar.
And the driver side by heater channel.
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mukluk
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 7023
Location: Clyde, TX
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Welcome to the forum! Looks like a pretty solid car; have you made any plans for what direction you want to go with it?
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Cool tail lights
Put the seats in. Car appears to be Beryl Green. Body and pan numbers match. Engine is a 66 1300
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:41 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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| Current plans are to get it to "lot drive" as I have been promising my wife to get her 52 Dodge truck on the road. The engine runs, but has leaky pushrods seals. Need some minor brake work and the wiring needs sorting out. If I can get the time, I may drive it a bit this summer, and start a body off restore next winter. |
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flyboy161
Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2009
Posts: 2091
Location: Perry, GA
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hitest
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 10296
Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 9:53 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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One of my all-time favorite square window-era cars- the 1961 beryl green ragtop! Congratulations!
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| EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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57BLITZ
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2012
Posts: 2385
Location: DEEK - U.S.A.
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| Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:26 am Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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| hitest wrote: |
| One of my all-time favorite square window-era cars- the 1961 beryl green ragtop! Congratulations! |
X2! Congratulations!
The dash looks great . . . be cool if you could clean it up on the inside and re-spray just the exterior Beryl Green! 
We will be rootin' for ya 'cause we love ragtops!
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Jesucristo es mi Seņor y Salvador! |
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vwuberalles
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2003
Posts: 1357
Location: Richmond, VA
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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| The white is primer, I will try taking it off. I have heard of using oven cleaner, maybe someone has a suggestion on if that works |
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vwuberalles
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2003
Posts: 1357
Location: Richmond, VA
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hitest
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 10296
Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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| Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Sometimes primer can be "shot off" using a hot water pressure washer.
_________________
| EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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flyboat
Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2010
Posts: 2752
Location: Bath NC
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| Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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That's a nice find anywhere, but especially that far up north Good Luck with the build.
_________________
79 super Vert
62 Ragtop Bug
66 tintop Westy
Porsche 914
09 Z06 Vette track car |
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Project update:
I have decided to start on the restoration instead of trying to drive it this summer. I did get it running and drove it up and down the block. It will need some transmission work, as second gear is a bit crunchy. I pulled the engine, literally took an hour. It did not look too bad inside, original size bearings, heads in decent shape. I am sending parts out to a machine shop. The hardest part of the engine rebuild will be finding 1300cc pistons and cylinders.
Removed the fenders and windows.
The only rust spot in the window openings was a small spot on the lower rear window, all the other openings are real clean.
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bluebus86
Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010
Posts: 11075
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Thats a nice looking Bug, Attractive color also. Bit of elbow grease and she will be looking spiffy again.
I have had my 61 hardtop for almost 40 years now Dad bought it new.
Keep use updated on the progress.
Thanks for sharing
Bug On 61!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information
Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022 |
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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The front end needs a bit of attention.
The rear needs some work, but the apron is in nice shape.
Both rear quarters have rust, along with rust in the heater channels. The passenger side had a nasty repair that included fiberglass cloth.
So it appears that I do have some work to do. But I knew that going into it. On the plus side , the pans look real good, there is no rust in the A pillars, and I was able to find all of the sunroof parts. |
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HippyTom
Samba Member
Joined: December 18, 2013
Posts: 676
Location: Florida, West Pasco
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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| Nice Bug!!! Solid starting point. Keep us updated as I'd like to see the progress. |
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Project update:
I have decided to start on the restoration instead of trying to drive it this summer. I did get it running and drove it up and down the block. It will need some transmission work, as second gear is a bit crunchy. I pulled the engine, literally took an hour. It did not look too bad inside, original size bearings, heads in decent shape. I am sending parts out to a machine shop. The hardest part of the engine rebuild will be finding 1300cc pistons and cylinders.
Removed the fenders and windows.
The only rust spot in the window openings was a small spot on the lower rear window, all the other openings are real clean.
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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| Oops, double post! |
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Vstromed715
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2017
Posts: 53
Location: Northern Wisconsin
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| Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2018 9:04 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 Rag top, first Beetle |
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Making a little progress on the Bug. The crankshaft is back from the machine shop, the connecting rods are off to get rebuilt. And I recieved this beauty from Tim at Volkzbitz. The correct 30PICT-1 carb for a 1966 1300.
Found some NOS made in Germany Kolbenschmidt pistons and rings.
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