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henry roberts
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2003
Posts: 1287
Location: australia
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 Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 4:24 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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Stock is nice but surely stock plus is nice-er.
Just picture it as if the first owner had hotted it up a bit when new. Maybe a Vanguard twin carb kit, Michelin X tyres, some Koni's, a swaybar and an original EMPI camber compensator. Perhaps even a period woodrim steering wheel so it felt sporty on the inside too...
Nothing over the top, stock height, no race inspired paint, no holes drilled, nothing hacked, just stock plus a little period correct performance gear to spice it up. If you feel really racey you could leave the hubcaps off. 😁 |
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Bugged Again
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2022
Posts: 162
Location: Virginia -Hampton Roads
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 6:54 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| Rome wrote: |
Congrat's on getting a 2nd chance on the '63 that got away from you years ago!
When you are stripping down the car, take extra, extra care to remove the engine compartment insulation panels. The one you see here- the factory original "knobby" type- is rare to find without tears. Repro panels are nowhere close to this design. I hope the right side panel, and the large one on the firewall are still usable. Once you have them off, you can gently clean them with a mist of SimpleGreen, let it run off, gentle mist of water, lay them down and let dry. I would first not scrub them; let the SG do its work.
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Thanks for sharing that tid-bit on the engine panels. My 63 has this too and I’ve never noticed this on any other bugs I’ve owned so I sensed it was rare. Mine looks okay for the age. No tears. Dirty though and it looks stiff. I plan on painting the engine compartment so I hope it comes out intact. |
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Bugged Again
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2022
Posts: 162
Location: Virginia -Hampton Roads
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 6:57 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| 67ctbug wrote: |
I don't do patina  Full stock is my thing, down to bias tires. I do have some leeway with things but rarely on body and paint. The wheels are more silver in my opinion, like they were painted in the past.
If you guys are interested in following along in video, I am covering this car on YouTube too.
Here's the newest video in the series.
Link
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Just call me Fan-Boy cause I already have your site saved. Very nice stuff. Thanks. |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2022 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| Pruneman99 wrote: |
| Dual relief engine case. I think that case is later than you think. |
Where do you see dual relief? I can't remember if it is or not but it is a true VW reman block with a number for a 1969 1200.
I don't think so Henry Roberts LOL at least not this car. If anything, dealer accessories. I've always wanted one of the early '70s Formula Vee cars with all of the woodgrain and stuff though.
Thanks Bugged Again!
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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henry roberts
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2003
Posts: 1287
Location: australia
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2022 12:12 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| 67ctbug wrote: |
I don't think so Henry Roberts LOL at least not this car. If anything, dealer accessories. I've always wanted one of the early '70s Formula Vee cars with all of the woodgrain and stuff though.
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Dealer fitted VW accessories... so just VW part number stamped Koni's, beam strengtheners, a LSD, a front bash plate, a sump guard, a long range fuel tank, harder gearbox mounts and I think radial tyres? 😁
That being said Economotors (the home of Engineered Motor Products Inc. [the original EMPI]) was a VW dealer and they fitted EMPI parts to new cars.
I know I won't change your mind but I like stiring. 😁😁😁
There were some lovely bits in the Formula Vee catalogue, I don't normally go for 12v era cars but one in Formula Vee dress would be nice. |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2022 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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Stirring the pot is fun sometimes
Got out today and got the car on a body dolly and removed those tar boards for safe keeping. No damage except for the drivers side triangle was stuck really well and a bit of it is stuck to the car still but you won’t be able to tell. Still has the pillows in the quarters.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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Pruneman99
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2012
Posts: 5013
Location: Oceanside
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| Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| 67ctbug wrote: |
| Pruneman99 wrote: |
| Dual relief engine case. I think that case is later than you think. |
Where do you see dual relief? I can't remember if it is or not but it is a true VW reman block with a number for a 1969 1200.
I don't think so Henry Roberts LOL at least not this car. If anything, dealer accessories. I've always wanted one of the early '70s Formula Vee cars with all of the woodgrain and stuff though.
Thanks Bugged Again! |
The horizontal lines cast into the case under the generator stand. Every case I've seen with those castings was a late dual relief case.
The original number was milled off, and the old engine case number was stamped in.
But you can confirm real quick by looking at the bottom of the case to see if it one, or two relief plungers. |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| Pruneman99 wrote: |
| 67ctbug wrote: |
| Pruneman99 wrote: |
| Dual relief engine case. I think that case is later than you think. |
Where do you see dual relief? I can't remember if it is or not but it is a true VW reman block with a number for a 1969 1200.
I don't think so Henry Roberts LOL at least not this car. If anything, dealer accessories. I've always wanted one of the early '70s Formula Vee cars with all of the woodgrain and stuff though.
Thanks Bugged Again! |
The horizontal lines cast into the case under the generator stand. Every case I've seen with those castings was a late dual relief case.
The original number was milled off, and the old engine case number was stamped in.
But you can confirm real quick by looking at the bottom of the case to see if it one, or two relief plungers. |
So if the number is a restamp it's not my original number, but who knows. It is a dual relief 1200 case though so that's cool. Number looks factory. VW Reman logo 347704X. The X is actually stamped on the case in line with the numbers.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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glutamodo 
The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 26445
Location: Douglas, WY
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:09 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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Yeah, a VW reman number. Also, for German production, model years 1970 to mid 78, the 1200 block was essentially the same as the 1300-1600, after they switched to different 1200 cylinders designed for that block. So "who knows" the origin. And the new number has very little meaning.
_________________
Andy T.
"What is Glutamodo, Horror of Toyko, besides total, fiendish, quality-a-you brain!" |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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Interesting, so would the "new" 1200 use standard 1200 P&Cs or are they different and unobtainable.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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glutamodo
The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 26445
Location: Douglas, WY
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 8:21 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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Thanks Andy, I'll have to see what it has when dissembled. Is the only thing that makes it a 1200 the case number then? I think it's pretty cool anyway.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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glutamodo
The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 26445
Location: Douglas, WY
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 9:03 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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1192cc is 77mm bore and 64mm stroke. So there needs to be a 64mm stroke crankshaft inside the case. The stroke of the crankshaft matches the placement of the pin on the cylinder and the shape of the cylinder it rides in.
So basically, you need to take it all apart and see exactly what bits you have in there. With so many years removed since build and rebuilds, who knows what is in there, you have to excavate and explore.
_________________
Andy T.
"What is Glutamodo, Horror of Toyko, besides total, fiendish, quality-a-you brain!" |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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1500 heads, they look brand new. Shame it's not a 40 horse though 
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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pastellgreen
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1095
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2022 3:26 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| I would get another nice 40 hp engine for this. Perhaps with a number near matching number. |
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pastellgreen
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1095
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2022 4:54 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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I had three examples but possibly chose one, that was too tan. I would first paint the car and then order the samples. The material is pinpoint vinyl made by Haartz corporation.
If you like to have a ragtop as stock, the german company is the only way for you. |
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MeeferMadness
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2004
Posts: 305
Location: Eugene Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2022 11:31 am Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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So from what I read you believe the sunroof top is original. I was looking at the photo of the sunroof bars and how they were connected to the inside headliner. Is that a vinyl strip that goes around the bar then sewn to the headliner? I have always wondered how the factory attached the inside headliner to the sunroof cover.
Thanks
Bruce Ebling |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| MeeferMadness wrote: |
So from what I read you believe the sunroof top is original. I was looking at the photo of the sunroof bars and how they were connected to the inside headliner. Is that a vinyl strip that goes around the bar then sewn to the headliner? I have always wondered how the factory attached the inside headliner to the sunroof cover.
Thanks
Bruce Ebling |
Sorry for missing your question Bruce! I have to go look to confirm, but yes I believe there are loops of headlining sewn around the bars. Almost like they had sewn them and then inserted the bars right through when assembling.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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wcfvw69
Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004
Posts: 13615
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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That's a great looking bug in good condition for where you live. You and Jason are amazing in how you find so many VW's in your area. Especially since most rusted away decades ago due to the salt.
Look forward to see your progress.
_________________
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40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
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**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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67ctbug
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2016
Posts: 3666
Location: CT
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| Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 11:37 pm Post subject: Re: 1963 Ragtop Restoration |
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| wcfvw69 wrote: |
That's a great looking bug in good condition for where you live. You and Jason are amazing in how you find so many VW's in your area. Especially since most rusted away decades ago due to the salt.
Look forward to see your progress. |
Thanks, it really is in great condition! To be fair, most of the ones we do find did rust away decades ago, luckily, we can register just about anything here  The ol' ragtop is going to be moving to my home garage probably this week or next. I really have zero motivation to work on my bus right now so I punted it in the backyard and made a spot to get the rag cracking. Do have to buy a daily driver though...
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'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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