What to ask and look for when buying an oval window

[MarieChantale]

Hi my experts )

I would like to know what questions to ask and what to look for when you are buying an oval window 1955.
I have owned several and done a lot of work on 1973 and 1979. So I am not as familiar with the older models.
I have my eye on one and would love to have your experts views.
Thank you in advance

[nlorntson]

[Kjell Roar]

The 56 year model starts 4. August 1955, so a 55 is produced before that date. Some refer 56' to as a late 55. It is a lot of small parts that are different, the body is "new", a lot of effort was put down to produce the cars faster.
_________________
I got a historic car, every scratch got a history...

My car, Aug. 4th, 1955 / an early 56: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=610438

[Yustrn]

Go take a bunch of pictures of it and post them here...it will be picked apart like a chicken bone on the 27th of the month.

[billb]

[MarieChantale]

The add is on the Samba
Add 2149002
It is advertised as 20k
Want to know if worth it according to you my experts (thank god I got you to ask questions to)

[MarieChantale]

This time is like one I would not need to restore.
No work really.
My budget is small though: 15K US dollars

[cvallone]

I have videos on what to look out for before buying a bug. I even did a video on 53 Oval Features. All on youtube if need be.

Chris
_________________
My restos www.classicvwbugs.com
Restoring Beetles back to their historical beauty.

[jcannon]

I don't want to trash the seller and can only speak for what I'd be looking for.
I'll tell you what I think, but I can only answer the question for myself.

First, all we have is the pictures and the video. I've had a lot of these old VWs over 40 years and there are a few things I look for. I only consider the price after deciding if a car is for me. Keep in mind if a car is overpriced it generally won't sell, so there is no need to jump on it if I think it is too expensive. In time the price will likely get more negotiable.

I noticed the door striker on the driver's side appears painted. It looks like there is paint on the wiring harness in the engine compartment. Look at where the carpet is mounted along the door jamb -- something is not right. The hood seal appears missing, so does the decklid seal. While the overall look is the bug has a nice shiny paint job, the things I'm pointing out don't support attention to detail. That may come off as irrational and unfair to the seller, but that is what I see and for me it is unsettling. Since it is my money, I'd just say nah and look for another.

Thus I've already decided no I don't want that one but note that I did that while assuming the price is fair.

There is risk in buying a car you can't see. If I wanted an oval (Bias warning, I don't want an oval, I have a split sedan and 2 early convertibles) I would certainly look at that one if it were local. Then I ask, do I want this one? Next, I ask myself how much is it worth to me?

To answer the worth question I go through a list similar to the one with the Crazy Vw Lady gave. That tells me how much I need to spend to be happy, and only I can decide what is right for me.

On that car, for me, that door latch would drive me crazy. I'd need the correct door panels and the correct upholstery. Next I'd need a 36er and the split case tranny if that is gone. The roof rack is nice, but I'd take it off. I see one piece windows. That is something else to fix. But that is me, you may love all the things I'd want to change.

That's why it is so hard to answer the "how much is it worth" question.

Example: Last fall my wife saw a '58 vert for sale. I have a weak spot for convertibles and begrudgingly went to look at it. I assumed it would have a myriad of issues but was shocked that it was unrusted, had never been hit, had all the original fenders, etc. I could see it needed a new top, the upholstery was fine except black not the red it should be, The carpet was OK but not square weave. Did some numbers in my head and ended paying the asking price. Yes, I tried to beat the price down but there was another interested party. Then a 3rd someone came along and told me I paid 2X what I should have. I said OK but he was wrong. If he wanted to lower it and do mods he could find a cheaper one. I want a more or less original driver and for me it is the perfect car. It's worth every cent I paid because it is very hard to find a car like this one. What I didn't tell you, is that is needs a top is a selling point. I love to do the work myself and redoing the top including sewing my own headliner is a lot of fun. That what a hobby is about.

The bottom line is that I would have passed on it had I only seen the pictures. If I were forced to make an offer based on the pictures it would have been 60% of what I paid. In this case I got to see it and was quite surprised. Most of the time it goes the other way, where seeing it devalues it.

Since you are in Denver, go to the VWs on the Green show in May and give a hard look at anything 65 or older. Check 'em like you are going to buy them. Take pictures and when you get home look the pictures over and compare them to the real car as you saw it.

That's a bit verbose but its the best I can do on a question that I think is hard to answer.

[René R.]

[nlorntson]

This is one of my favorite colors. I'ts not correct for 1955 but maybe you don't care.

It sounds like you just want an oval window to drive and not worry about fixing it. I see multiple questionable things and shortcuts taken on this car which may or may not allude to the overall quality of the restoration or reliability of the car.

One giant red flag is the strange trunk lining WTF is that hiding?

I also see a light staying on when the engine is running. I'm not sure if it is oil or generator.

Missing seals, decklid spring, painted door wedges and wiring, other wrong parts, horrible interior, wrong seats, headlights, taillights, ...

No pictures of the bottom either.

I think I'd keep looking.

[finster]

this looks a better car to me at a price nearer your budget...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2165046

[billb]

[MarieChantale]

Thank you so much!
I really really appreciate your answers.
You have saved me from a lot of future disappointments I am sure.

I would not have known as much as you what to look for. You really impress me a lot.

If you see one that’s better, within 20K (I can stretch a little the bidget).
Please let me know. I trust your judgement.

Thank you again

Marie

[Kjell Roar]

[MarieChantale]

You have gorgeous cars. Thank you for looking st that add.
I appreciate your feedbacks

[djfordmanjack]

That orange oval is not a good buy at that price. look for a better one !
It might sound totally stupid to mention, but take into consideration that the rear window of anoval is very small and it's hard to see out in traffic or backing up. an original 36hp is barely strong enough to keep up with modern traffic.
Taillights are very small and barely visible on an early Oval. brakes need lots of foot pressure and might fade after lots of downhill driving.

so a 100% original car might not be so much fun to drive for somebody used to 1970s beetles like you mentioned.
That said you might be lucky to purchase an updated oval with a 1600 motor, modern brakes aso.
with your budget of 15k, take into consideration that pre 67 non oval bugs might buy you much more or better car for your money. they have the old looks as well and a 66 or 67 has nice brakes and engine.

If you are totally hooked to Ovals, like I am, after owning about 10 or so, go on and look for a decent one. they are so gorgeous ! I love them.
Good luck with your search!
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52 Barndoor DLX Coachbuild project
55 Wolfsburg panel project, og paint Taubenblau L31
62 Dickholmer, custom color Seeblau L360
63 1500 Notch, og paint Rubin Rot L456
67 1500 Käfer, og paint Lotus weiß L282 w/red interior

[MarieChantale]

Thank you.
After talking to many experts.
I will not get a perfectly original one. I am looking for something I will drive. Not tow.
So I will look for one that has the looks but the motor and brakes of a newer one.
Thank you so much for your comments
I’m looking at one on The Samba but we are in gridlock on the price.

[MarieChantale]

Add 216590
Gridlocked on price

[MarieChantale]

Happy ending
Meet Mademoiselle C
She is not perfectly original but will be a great driver.
Very very happy