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matthew henricks Samba Member

Joined: January 02, 2002 Posts: 1276 Location: So. Cal
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:44 am Post subject: Great Grandpa’s 1964 Sunroof Bug Full Stock Restoration |
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The details will be filled in as we go but over the weekend we dug out of storage my grandfathers 1964 sunroof beetle. Grandpa bought it new, my dad held on to it. I cut my teeth on it and now I am starting down the path to getting it running with my son. I hope this ride is a fun one.
2004. Me and my son in the Bug.
2018. Same kid this past weekend.
Lets hope i can find all those non-digital pictures to make the back story interesting...
Last edited by matthew henricks on Mon Aug 06, 2018 7:01 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Sharp64 Samba Member

Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:08 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Out of curiosity what color is that? Looks too dark for Sea Blue. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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matthew henricks Samba Member

Joined: January 02, 2002 Posts: 1276 Location: So. Cal
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:47 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Sea Blue. L360 i think.
Interior is all original including paint, carpet, door panels and seat covers. Even the original shredded 64 only seat material is still there. Just the headliner and seat covers were added when i re-painted it 30 years ago. (Had multiple Earl Sheib jobs before that)
It is VERY dirty right now and once washed will post better pictures. That is literally right out of a 10 year hibernation. More on that later too. |
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jwp67 Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2012 Posts: 661
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:54 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
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Sharp64 Samba Member

Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:57 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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jwp67 wrote: |
That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
Why not? He already said it’s not the original paint. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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jwp67 Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2012 Posts: 661
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:01 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
Why not? He already said it’s not the original paint. |
Because I think it looks good like that. I'm sorry, next time I'll pm you before I comment to get your approval. Heaven forbid I have an opinion of my own in the internet age.  |
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Sharp64 Samba Member

Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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jwp67 wrote: |
Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
Why not? He already said it’s not the original paint. |
Because I think it looks good like that. I'm sorry, next time I'll pm you before I comment to get your approval. Heaven forbid I have an opinion of my own in the internet age.  |
Maybe let the OP decide then? Guesse he should check with you before making any improvements? _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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jwp67 Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2012 Posts: 661
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:07 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
Why not? He already said it’s not the original paint. |
Because I think it looks good like that. I'm sorry, next time I'll pm you before I comment to get your approval. Heaven forbid I have an opinion of my own in the internet age.  |
Maybe let the OP decide then? Guesse he should check with you before making any improvements? |
And I'm sorry, you never gave your opinion on anything here. Look in the mirror.
Just wow dude. |
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matthew henricks Samba Member

Joined: January 02, 2002 Posts: 1276 Location: So. Cal
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:13 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Ha!. Opinions are welcomed gentlemen. I have thick skin.
When i was 16 i literally removed at least four blue paint jobs leading up to the current PPG Acrylic Enamel L360 paint job. Paint & Body was self taught trial & error style. Color sanded and all. It was a good launching board for the work i did on buses later which got me into a few books and magazines. Glory days...
What we do now really depend on how far my son wants to take it. The rules i have laid down are that he can do nothing i cannot undo and he cannot paint or alter the interior. He will get very strong guidance towards stock.
From my perspective since i know the car and know what I did to it she really needs a new front clip (accident), new hood (same accident) & a new rear decklid. (rust) I already have the clip and hood. The decklid is one year only and usually priced too high so never got that part.
My son is not me so i will see how far he wants to go. The car ran when parked and the engine has ~5000 miles on it. (40HP) Tranny ~30K. Nothing major there but we will likely find a scrap engine and re-build it for the lesson.
The must do list is brakes, oil, ignition, gas, tires and battery. From there it should be a runner.
The "if dad had his way" list is front clip, re-set the saggy suspension, running boards, fenders and paint job. But like i said, not my project. I am the mentor and guide on this one and i hope he catches "the bug".
It will probably be slow so i will fill in the back story as we go.
Hibernation 10+ years ago.
Eventually burred behind all that stuff.
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Sharp64 Samba Member

Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:16 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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jwp67 wrote: |
Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
Sharp64 wrote: |
jwp67 wrote: |
That is a very cool looking bug. It looks like it's future is going to be in good hands. Teach him well.
And don't paint it (again) ! |
Why not? He already said it’s not the original paint. |
Because I think it looks good like that. I'm sorry, next time I'll pm you before I comment to get your approval. Heaven forbid I have an opinion of my own in the internet age.  |
Maybe let the OP decide then? Guesse he should check with you before making any improvements? |
And I'm sorry, you never gave your opinion on anything here. Look in the mirror.
Just wow dude. |
Not sure why you’re getting your panties in a bunch. I simply asked why you were telling the OP not to repaint a car with admitted cheap resprays? I thought we were allowed to ask questions and discuss things? Seems pretty one sided.
To the OP, it would be interesting to see exactly if that’s the original color. Either way it’s a nice color, was just curious if it was actually the original one? I have a 64 as well that had the OG material under cheap black seat covers. Always cool to find that, it too bad I’ve yet to really see one that was useable.
Would be nice to see more pictures when you have them. Good luck in your rehab. What are the plans for it? _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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gt1953 Samba Member

Joined: May 08, 2002 Posts: 13907 Location: White Mountains Arizona
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:25 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Skip the paint. Just rubbing compound and wax it will look great. _________________ Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.
72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold}) |
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Zundfolge1432  Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 12542
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:44 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Doesn’t it seem a little odd for you guys to get all bogged down on someone else’s car that has already had multiple cheap re sprays and needs further body work with panel replacements. Maybe dad and son are leaning towards making the car straight with a proper paint job to mimic a factory look. Provenance is what makes this car special. I’m glad to hear it’s leaning towards all stock 😀 |
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rcroane  Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2013 Posts: 2012 Location: Springfield, Virginia
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:52 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
Doesn’t it seem a little odd for you guys to get all bogged down on someone else’s car that has already had multiple cheap re sprays and needs further body work with panel replacements. Maybe dad and son are leaning towards making the car straight with a proper paint job to mimic a factory look. Provenance is what makes this car special. I’m glad to hear it’s leaning towards all stock 😀 |
And the thread was barely an hour old before the jabs started flying!
Can't wait to hear more of the back story on this one! _________________ '65 Sunroof Bug |
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bird blaster Samba Member

Joined: June 04, 2018 Posts: 49 Location: Ontario, Canada
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:55 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Great story. Hope you dig up some more pics. Enjoy this project with your son! |
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Max Welton Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2003 Posts: 10844 Location: Black Forest, CO
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Bryan67 Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2003 Posts: 2959 Location: Fresno, Ca.
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 5:58 pm Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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There`s nothing wrong with nice, shiny new paint.
_________________ If you`re going to do something, do it right. |
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pilottangocharlie Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2017 Posts: 83 Location: Newcastle, OK
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:44 pm Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Great thread! I look forward to hearing about its history and seeing it come back to life.
I'm in the midst of a 64 bug restoration. I wish I was doing it as a teenager with dad. Instead I am texting pictures and videos to him weekly. Lots of the skills learned from him on other car projects in high school. Your boy will remember this the remainder of his life for sure. _________________ Tyler |
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matthew henricks Samba Member

Joined: January 02, 2002 Posts: 1276 Location: So. Cal
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Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 10:57 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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Nice picture there Bryan67. Yours??? Very inspiring and a memory flash back like 30 years ago.
The hard part about the back story is finding pictures. I know i have pictures from 1964 when G-pa bought the bug new but then we have to jump forward to when i was 15. Back then in the non-digital world pictures were far and few between but we will see what we can find. |
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Abscate  Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 23233 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 11:13 am Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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COngrats on the project,Matt, and a four generation story beats any trailer queen at any show.
Have fun with your young man and try to sneak in the stories about the earlier generations when you can.
It doesn't matter what paint you put on it. _________________ .ssS! |
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hitest Samba Member

Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10318 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: Great Grandfathers 1964 Bug. A four generation story. |
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I love '64 sunroof beetles- especially in Sea Blue. Great continuance to the car's story and look forward to more installments. _________________
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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