Author |
Message |
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:28 pm Post subject: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Evening y‘all!
A couple weekends ago I picked up my very first VW, a 1970 Bug thats been sitting for at least 20-25 years, 15 or so have been with the most recent previous owner. So far I have gotten the sunroof cables moving again after soaking in PB blaster and evaporust, though it needs adjusting as it doesn’t close properly. It has no title, but I did get the paperwork started and paid fee’s to get one, next up is vin verification. Thats about where the good stuff ends. I bought site unseen in Pioneer, CA, and after getting it home and ripping out the carpet, the inevitable was exposed. I got a better look last night when vacuuming out all the rust and plunged a hole in the rear luggage tray. So now comes my request for feedback. What parts can I cut corners to keep my initial budget low while I just get it up an running, and what should I just spend the upfront money on? End goal is a street legal baja bug, just something fun I can take to work on Friday’s and hit some sand Saturday. Currently I’ve settled on Wolfsburg floor pans, while possibly saving money by using a fiberglass luggage tray panel urethane’d and riveted in as I’ll be doing a rear seat delete anyways. Be honest, tell me how much I’ve gotten myself into. For reference, asking was $1k I paid $500. My goal is to hit as many swap meets as I can, and currently I have a lead on two separate stashes of new and used parts to help save costs.
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
VW_Jimbo Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 9969 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Find a Baja for sale and buy IT! Sell this one to someone who wants a 70 Bug, which is NOT A BAJA.
There are several Bajas for sale. To repair what is there and turn it into a Baja makes no sense. Spend 4 grand and get something completed already.
Okay, that was what everyone will say. From me, who like cutting and pasting steel for fun, I say go for it! But know you will be spending5 grand on the body repairs! Plus all that time! _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
TDCTDI wrote: |
Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 699 Location: Texas
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 11:51 pm Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Howdy ... & welcome
Agree with VW_Jimbo
Not too hard to find a Baja project in CA.
Besides, even with floorpan replacement that thing will fold like a Death Taco if hit,
especially if a large rear portion is just fiberglass.
Also we have no pics of heater channels, frame head, fender wells, etc.
It probably needs the whole bottom 6 inches PLUS mechanicals.
Ambitious to say the least - price was decent, tho.
Best to you ... stay safe
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference
You can't push a rope
VALVES (cold)
POINTS
TIMING
CARB (fully warmed engine)
SCRAPE ALL GROUNDS
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igpoe Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2019 Posts: 853 Location: South Boston, VA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 4:45 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
I too agree with Jimbo. That little car has greater ambitions than to be a baja. _________________ '73 super. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:05 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
I appreciate everyone’s feedback so far, thank you!
Jimbo, I can see both aides of your comment. To me I have all the time in the world, and being a body man and fabricator by trade since I got out of trade school almost 7 years ago I’m not afraid of a all the welding and fab work. I don’t think I wan’t to swap fenders, or chop the nose and tail off this one for all the real-deal baja kits, just a little lift and some tires.
Jinx, is there a reason you say it it will fold like a death taco? I agree I didn’t get photos of the rest of those parts and will upload some later this week. Knowing I probably won’t chop the nose and tail off this one, does that make it useless as a weekend baja? As in if I don’t put a baja kit on here, is it going to struggle out in the dunes? Are those wide fender kits just to fit larger tires if you want to, and shopping the tail is really just a looks kind of thing? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OldSchoolVW's Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2020 Posts: 701 Location: San Diego
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:26 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
The substantial rust you can see suggests plenty more that you can't ... and that can compromise structural integrity. Something to consider on any vehicle, but especially one that would have to cope with the stresses of any off-rode driving. Hate to see you put tons of time and effort into it and have it fold on the first outing.
Just a thought ... this can be a donor car to help you complete a more solid bug, or you can part it out. I suspect you can harvest and sell enough usable parts from it to turn a fair profit ... especially living in the Bay Area where there are more buyers available. _________________ Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
|
Back to top |
|
|
slayer61 Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2021 Posts: 1018 Location: CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:44 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Ya, but you're gonna be a really good welder by the time you're done! _________________
Cusser wrote: |
... Most folks are idiots when it deals with electrical !!! |
67rustavenger wrote: |
3/4 race cam? What's missing, one of the lobes? |
Paul
'68 Manx clone... Sears??
2276 built on AS21 case
W-125 w/ GB 1.25:1 rockers
Mahle forged pistons
CB 4340 crank
CB H beam rods
deep sump
44 HPMX
EMPI GTV 2 STG II wedge ports
CB Magna spark
1 5/8 merged collector w/ hater stinger |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igpoe Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2019 Posts: 853 Location: South Boston, VA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:37 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
...........you must be one with the beetle _________________ '73 super. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OTTO 1303 Samba Member
Joined: March 17, 2020 Posts: 637 Location: Louisiana
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 8:33 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
You have embarked on and adventure that can be large cans of worms and the deepest rabbit holes.
Good thing is, there is plenty of knowledge, resources, and paths for the journey. Ask questions, consider all advice, then proceed.
Good Luck _________________ 74 Super Sun Bug - OTTO
74 Super - DANZIG
74 Super - HERZOG
Last edited by OTTO 1303 on Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:00 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:15 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Thank you everyone for the input so far. I will be taking it all into account, currently I’m still a bit hell bent on a budget baja bug, but keeping it stock as possible. Meaning no chopping the front or rear off, no tubular chassis, no insane modifications. However I am open to the idea of going the other direction and making it a street bug. Above all that though, knowing there could be more compromised structure besides the pans, should I just start looking for a different pan? This is the original though so I’m more willing to fix it and reinforce what needs it in order to keep it with its original body. _________________ Phil “Deluxe”
1970 VW Bug "Derby" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igpoe Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2019 Posts: 853 Location: South Boston, VA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:32 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
If you work on and fix your beetle into a respectable Volkswagen you will be very happy with it and it with you _________________ '73 super. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bomberbob Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2015 Posts: 688 Location: Iowa
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:50 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Something let a lot of water in, was the sunroof left open, or the pop out windows left open, or just leaked? That luggage tray area is really bad. You can either cut parts out of an organ donor car, or fabricate your own pieces.
If you can weld, you can probably fix this vehicle. Parts will cost you, but you will save on the labor obviously if you do it yourself. _________________ 1968 Beetle (storage)
1990 Jetta GLI megasquirted, burning E85 (currently in heavy maintenance)
2004 Jetta turbo GLI
Marion, Iowa |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Q-Dog Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010 Posts: 8700 Location: Sunset, Louisiana
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:00 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
My 1970 had a lot of the same rust in the rear ... probably because all of the original window seals were dried up, shrunken and leaking. _________________ Brian
'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle |
|
Back to top |
|
|
TDCTDI Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013 Posts: 12861 Location: North Carolina
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:00 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Here ya go…. Damn near a step by step.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=766263&highlight=wildebeest _________________ Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:33 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
bomberbob wrote: |
Something let a lot of water in, was the sunroof left open, or the pop out windows left open, or just leaked? That luggage tray area is really bad. You can either cut parts out of an organ donor car, or fabricate your own pieces. |
The sunroof wasn’t left open, but the seals are all gone, and most of the window seals including the pop-outs are trashed. I can weld as I do auto body, so I am not afraid of fabricating patches and buying new or used panels as needed.
Thank you TDCTDI for that link, I must have missed it in my last few late night rabbit hole searches lol _________________ Phil “Deluxe”
1970 VW Bug "Derby" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:35 am Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
OTTO 1303 wrote: |
You have embarked on and adventure that can be large cans of worms and the deepest rabbit holes.
Good thing is, there is plenty of knowledge, resources, and paths for the journey. Ask questions, consider all advice, then proceed.
Good Luck |
Thank you, currently I am in the ask and consider advice stage. Hopefully formulation and execution of a game plan will start this fall or winter! _________________ Phil “Deluxe”
1970 VW Bug "Derby" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31380 Location: Hot Arizona
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 699 Location: Texas
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
What I'm saying is your plan to use fiberglass and rivets is not the safest choice ... at all. MAYBE if you incorporate a roll cage with added supports & it's tied into the pan front and back.
These cars sit so low to the ground you mite stand a chance if you go up against a Camry. There are no crumple zones in a 52yr old vehicle.
Last Dec the Pres of my car club was hit while delivering X_mas presents. He was going thru an intersection & they were at about 40+ mph. It was a complete loss, he had to be cut out, & he now has a bionic hip with about 4 surgeries. We had a police escort to boot.
The pan of a bug has the VIN stamped into it. This is the only one that counts with state agencies concerning a title. You could save a lot of time by getting a body that is in good nick.
You keep saying you want a Baja but stock & keep the front & rear. (HUH ... ?) That is known as a Class 11 style look.
These can be very capable in off roading. Done right these can have 11 to 14 inches of ground clearance & I think they're UberKool.
The further you modify from stock the more you have to over engineer to keep it functional.
I use my '71 Standard as a pleasure car so NOT daily but I also treat it as a 4wheel motorcycle. I was forced to go off the highway across the median to the access road to avoid a jack knifed tanker in 2017. Both the Mustang & BMW behind me got stuck. Hee hee.
Build it how you want, learn as you go, have MUCH fun when you get to drive it.
Get it safe, make it stop, get it running, THEN drive the snot out of it all the while smiling from rear to ear.
Tons of info on here with lots of knowledgeable people willing to help. Start a thread in the Off Road section so we can follow your journey.
We want you to succeed ! ... safely ! !
Best to you ... stay safe
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference
You can't push a rope
VALVES (cold)
POINTS
TIMING
CARB (fully warmed engine)
SCRAPE ALL GROUNDS
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
|
Back to top |
|
|
70’DerpyDerby Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2023 Posts: 14 Location: San Leandro, CA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
jinx758 wrote: |
You keep saying you want a Baja but stock & keep the front & rear. (HUH ... ?) That is known as a Class 11 style look.
These can be very capable in off roading. Done right these can have 11 to 14 inches of ground clearance & I think they're UberKool.
Get it safe, make it stop, get it running, THEN drive the snot out of it all the while smiling from rear to ear.
Tons of info on here with lots of knowledgeable people willing to help. Start a thread in the Off Road section so we can follow your journey.
We want you to succeed ! ... safely ! !
Best to you ... stay safe
jinx |
So whats what they’re called! Yes haha I am going for a Class 11 kind of look. I can say everyone has been very helpful so far and I am really looking forward to diving into this journey.
Thank you for the well wishes, hopefully I can make this forum and myself proud by the end of the project! _________________ Phil “Deluxe”
1970 VW Bug "Derby" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
TDCTDI Samba Advocatus Diaboli
Joined: August 31, 2013 Posts: 12861 Location: North Carolina
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 5:15 pm Post subject: Re: First VW, a 1970 Bug. What did I get myself into? |
|
|
Then if it’s the class11 look that you’re after, definitely peruse through my thread.
_________________ Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.
GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!
An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.
Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|