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jjj5278 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Winona, MN
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:47 pm Post subject: Is this rust too far gone? |
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I was hoping to pick up a Bug to get work on in the winter and drive it in the spring but I’m worried about this rust. The car comes with new heater channels, but a lot of the rust is above that. The rest is behind the passenger side door. I’m just worried this rust is too bad and the car wouldn’t be safe to drive. I don’t have welding tools to replace the channels or the side metal either. Thoughts?
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Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76770 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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jjj5278 wrote: |
I don’t have welding tools to replace the channels or the side metal either. Thoughts? |
Take a pass.
It will cost way more to have someone fix that then to buy a solid car. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
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jjj5278 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Winona, MN
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Glenn wrote: |
jjj5278 wrote: |
I don’t have welding tools to replace the channels or the side metal either. Thoughts? |
Take a pass.
It will cost way more to have someone fix that then to buy a solid car. |
That’s what I was afraid of. Sucks Bc it’s tough to find a Bug in the Midwest at all, so shipping tends to eat into my budget way too much. (Probably why I’ve been looking off and on for 10 years.) I’m guessing it’ll be another 10 years before I find one. I can find plenty of classic American cars, but no Bugs.
Last edited by jjj5278 on Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:59 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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far rider Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2005 Posts: 770 Location: Rutland, VT
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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I agree with Glenn.
Speaking as a non-professional but someone who has tackled a few rusty cars, its always worse than it looks. Good luck. _________________ 67 zenith blue sunroof
Contentment; when what you have is what you want. |
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jjj5278 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Winona, MN
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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far rider wrote: |
I agree with Glenn.
Speaking as a non-professional but someone who has tackled a few rusty cars, its always worse than it looks. Good luck. |
Yeah, I figured. I was told there’s probably at least an inch of rust you can’t see when you can see some, haha. |
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67rustavenger Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 9669 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Oof! Yeah.
If you don't have the skills and the tools. Please pass on this car.
Grandpa Pete once wrote here. "Buy the best most rust free car you can afford and start from there." Or some shit like that.
I listened and found a great rust free car in the SW USA. Bought it and have never looked back.
Good Luck.
Glenn wrote: |
jjj5278 wrote: |
I don’t have welding tools to replace the channels or the side metal either. Thoughts? |
Take a pass.
It will cost way more to have someone fix that then to buy a solid car. |
_________________ I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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Pruneman99 Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2012 Posts: 5013 Location: Oceanside
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:03 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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I think you need to rethink.
You can't afford NOT to have a bug shipped from the Southwest.
Rust will eat your wallet way more than a shipping company. Unfortunately, rust also eats your time, excitement, and desire to drive and work on an old car.
The bug you have pictured here is roached. I wouldn't take it on as a project if it was given to me. |
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Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76770 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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I have to ask... what is your budget? _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
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supercub Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010 Posts: 358 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:13 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Wow that's pretty bad. Most people would say that body is done for but there are some threads on here documenting miraculous saves of cars as bad or even worse than that one, but that is not the norm. You say you don't have any welding equipment but do you have any welding experience? Most of those rotted sections are available aftermarket in various qualities and prices. You do say you were looking for a winter project to drive next spring. For a novice welder, that is a multi-year project in my opinion unless you are working on it full-time and your skills develop quickly. It would likely cost a small fortune to have a body/restoration shop do the work. Realistically unless the car is pretty much free and you really want a massive project, I'd keep looking.
Edit: Seems like in the time it took me to type this, a lot of others have already offered the same advice. |
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mukluk Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012 Posts: 6985 Location: Clyde, TX
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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I've seen worse, hell, I've driven worse.
The question I'd ask is what is your overall goal for your project car? If you're just looking for something to bomb around in with not much care for looks or longevity, then you could bodge that thing together well enough for such purpose even without a welder. If you're wanting something to hang on to for a while, then I'd echo the sentiment to find one in the best condition you can to start with -- but if you do, please take better care of it than the previous owners of the one pictured. _________________ 1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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jjj5278 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Winona, MN
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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My budget changes constantly, lol. But I can’t spend $5000 plus another $1500 in shipping for a car I can only use 3-4 months a year. But right now my budget isn’t as much as it used to be unfortunately. That’s why I was hoping to find one around me.
I have some welding experience but I don’t have access to the tools/welder anymore. I have a nice shop space on my property but I was hoping to only have to do engine work.
This particular Bug didn’t say too much about rust. When I went and looked at it I realized it was a lot worse, but wasn’t completely sure about how bad it was since I haven’t done a ton of work on rusty cars.
Thanks again everyone! I appreciate the extra sets of eyes. |
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jjj5278 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Winona, MN
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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mukluk wrote: |
I've seen worse, hell, I've driven worse.
The question I'd ask is what is your overall goal for your project car? If you're just looking for something to bomb around in with not much care for looks or longevity, then you could bodge that thing together well enough for such purpose even without a welder. If you're wanting something to hang on to for a while, then I'd echo the sentiment to find one in the best condition you can to start with -- but if you do, please take better care of it than the previous owners of the one pictured. |
Yeah, the goal is not for a show queen or anything. Just a fun car to drive around in the summer. Here in MN that gives me 3 months...maybe. That’s why I was hoping to not spend a bunch of money, so I’m guessing I’ll have to hold off again. |
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Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5305 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:35 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Unfortunately, the painful truth is with the budget you have, you will doubtfully find an early bug that you can afford that’s not roached out. You may want to look at 68+ cars as they tend to sell for less. Another consideration is looking into a dune buggy. You may be able to pick one up out of the Midwest for cheaper than a bug. Also, you can buy a tow bar and go pick it up. Seems like I see buggies out of Michigan a lot.
Good luck in your search. _________________ 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
Last edited by Sharp64 on Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jos.Hall Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2011 Posts: 336 Location: Sunny So Cal.
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:37 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Give us the details of what you're looking for.
year if it matters
mechanical status if it matters
body shape if it matters (which obviously it does
modifications or no?
budget....
It can't be that hard to find you a VW if you're serious about wanting one. Heck, I just sold a RUST FREE super beetle here in california a couple weeks ago for $300. It didn't have much for interior and it didn't have an engine but you can get a rust free running driver out here for $2000 and have it back there in minnesota for $3500 total |
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supercub Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010 Posts: 358 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Quote: |
Yeah, the goal is not for a show queen or anything. Just a fun car to drive around in the summer. Here in MN that gives me 3 months...maybe. That’s why I was hoping to not spend a bunch of money, so I’m guessing I’ll have to hold off again. |
I here you there. I'm next door in WI. I usually put my '66 away sometime in November and get it out mid March because I miss driving it. Usually by then the road salt is nearly gone and I'm not saving it for anyone else anyway. |
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Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76770 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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jjj5278 wrote: |
My budget changes constantly, lol. But I can’t spend $5000 plus another $5000 to make it safe to drive for a car I can only use 3-4 months a year. |
Here's your reality. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
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67ctbug Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016 Posts: 3619 Location: CT
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Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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If you could fix it yourself, I'd say go for it, but you can't so I'd pass. _________________ '67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'73 Dodge W200
'72 Dodge Wrecker
Go Cubs!
World Series Champions 2016
KentPS wrote: |
...or the PO envied the terrorists' bus in "Back to the Future". |
mukluk wrote: |
He's fine, just waiting for the dragon in winklepickers to move out of his lane. |
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Ceckert64 Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2015 Posts: 1934 Location: Manitowoc, WI
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Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 7:22 am Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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What year is it? That makes a difference. Since it’s a 67 or earlier I would save it. I had to replace all of the same metal you would have to. It’s hard to tell but the heater channels don’t look terrible, just the stuff around them. I would estimate no more than a $750 in sheet metal for decent stuff since it has new heater channels for it. For my 64 I had 22-23 replacement panels I bought for it and many other I made. The lower 6-8 inches of the body was almost completely replaced. But my Restoration is three years and coming, I had never welded before when I got it, now I’m a great welder lol. If it’s under a grand it might be worth it. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=684086
Here is its restoration thread, go through the gallery and you can see what it took to get all the repairs done. Look on Craigslist for a mig welder in your area. Also, you will probably have to repaint it all if you replace the metal it needs. You can do all of the work yourself, but it might go over 5k, but it will be completely restored. Save a VW from the crusher! _________________ 1964 sunroof Beetle Restoration "Herbie"
“Joann” 1970 Elm Green Squareback
1972 Sierra Yellow Tin Top Westfalia Camper
“Fitz” 1971 Westfalia Poptop |
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Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5305 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 7:43 am Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Let someone else drop $10-15k into the car and then buy it for a fraction of their investment. The metal may be not super expensive but the equipment investment along with time and materials will make this not a cheap fix. Add into it the question whether you have the motivation, room and local help? There are cars I have seen that I’m confident that if I had the space, I could complete most of the repairs. Like you, I have room for mechanical, but no room for a pan off resto. And I won’t in the foreseeable future. I also like to drive my cars, not sit and look at them in various states of disassembly. I’ve never seen the appeal of that. _________________ 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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tisius Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2011 Posts: 1570 Location: Rotterdam,NL (+Chicago,IL)
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Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 7:57 am Post subject: Re: Is this rust too far gone? |
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Ceckert64 wrote: |
the heater channels don’t look terrible |
Yes they do.
Especially if one can't use a welder like the original poster states
If you want to learn how to weld it could be a nice project, but make no mistake whatsoever, that car requires some serious welding work, it is not an easy task; really don't expect to be driving after a weekend....or 2 weekends . And that's only the welding, I bet that car needs much more than just welding. _________________ drive it like you just robbed the bank
you don't have to be crazy to be into VW's, but it sure helps!!
.... if it ain't dutch, it ain't much! |
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