| Author |
Message |
mikeonthebike
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2012
Posts: 952
Location: Sacramento, CA
|
 Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2022 9:04 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
 |
|
| gt1953 wrote: |
| You should make the deal as it seems like a decent one. |
He did. He's waiting for delivery |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Semper Gumby
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2022
Posts: 99
Location: Southwest Florida
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (updated) |
|
|
After getting shafted by the car carrier, I drove from sunny southwest Florida to Tellico Plains, Tennessee the day after Christmas and through a snow storm to trailer it back.
With not one person willing to suffer the drive with me, I convinced the Chesapeake Bay Retriever to co-pilot the ride.
We found the Beetle sitting in a field with not a living person within miles of it.
He wasn't much help when we couldn't keep the VW running to load on the trailer. Luckily, my learnings on recovering disabled military vehicles came in handy - we got the VW trailers despite 25 degree weather and only Florida clothing on.
1,500 miles and 30 hours driving later, the 1968 VW Beetle is home.
It's better than expected as the former owner (now deceased) took care of it until his health went. From the conversations with the son, it hasn't run/driven in five (5) years and was owned for 36 years.
The former owner swapped out the 1968 engine and replaced it with a 1971 "AE" type as well as exchanging the seats for 1967 and the speedometer is likely 1976.
Some surface but no deep rust / rot issues.
Now the dog and I are trying to get it running -
_________________
"If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" - John Wooten |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
67rustavenger 
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 9755
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
Those Chesapeake Retrievers are terrible mechanics.
But they do make great traveling companions.
I miss mine, he was poisoned by a meth head neighbor.
I take it Mrs. Gumby, wasn't too upset at your diversion from your shitty golf game!
The AE engine case may be a replacement from the original engine to the car. It's still a single port, and those things are work horses.
Drain the fuel tank, install new rubber fuel lines, add some fresh fuel and give it a try.
It couldn't hurt to clean the carb too. Check the points, if it has any.
Adjust the valve lash with the engine cold.
The car looks great and you made a nice choice. Have fun with it!
_________________
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! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4407
Location: Stuck in Ohio
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vamram
Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2012
Posts: 7300
Location: NOVA
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
Wow, that was brave to make the drive north during the worst couple of weeks of winter yet this year. Just on the pictures, looks like you made a good choice. Great road trip companion too. Have one of those myself, just sized more for long trips in the Bug!
_________________
Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!
'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Semper Gumby
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2022
Posts: 99
Location: Southwest Florida
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
Yes, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are horrible mechanics but excel using the critique tool.
_________________
"If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" - John Wooten |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
radstude
Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2005
Posts: 397
Location: Lynchburg Va.
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 7:21 am Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
Nice find, Great starting point!
_________________
1967 VW Fastback (Past)
1971 VW Bug (Past)
1975 VW Bus (Past)
2002 VW Mexican Bug 1600i |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bugged Again
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2022
Posts: 162
Location: Virginia -Hampton Roads
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:30 am Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
It’s nice when we stumble upon a solid car like yours. It’ll be fun when you can say “it’s alive”.
Those old Land Crushers (sic) have to be the best off road machine ever built. Nice color too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Semper Gumby
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2022
Posts: 99
Location: Southwest Florida
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
| Bugged Again wrote: |
It’s nice when we stumble upon a solid car like yours. It’ll be fun when you can say “it’s alive”.
Those old Land Crushers (sic) have to be the best off road machine ever built. Nice color too. |
Willy Wonka once said
| Quote: |
| “So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.” |
It's almost 40+ years since I stared at an ACVW engine and wonder how to find the money to fix it. Today, it's the opposite with the "now" challenge of finding original parts for it.
Unlike the FJ40, Toyota's part system still carries a fair number of items for the 2F engine and chassis AND that system allows you to search it.
Surprised the VW parts system is dry / non existent. I tried the local VW dealer (a long shot try) and you thought I had a third eye ball.
_________________
"If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" - John Wooten |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 9755
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
| Semper Gumby wrote: |
Surprised the VW parts system is dry / non existent. I tried the local VW dealer (a long shot try) and you thought I had a third eye ball. |
Sad but true!
The only dealer part I found for my 67. Was the chassis drain rubber plug.
At that I had, to source it from the local Porsche dealer. 
For the most accurate replacement parts.
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/
For replacement seats. Start digging through the classifieds here. I guess the FB market place could work for ya too.
Craigslist sometimes has guy's selling parts locally.
Be aware, most parts these days, new or used will need a little work to get fit. Or cleanup/paint before installation.
_________________
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! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vamram
Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2012
Posts: 7300
Location: NOVA
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
I have to plug https://westcoastmetric.com. I believe WW gets the rubber seals and other bits they sell from WCM.
_________________
Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!
'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 9950
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
Very nice find! I will be dropping in now and then to see what transpires!
Yep, the parts chasing is fun stuff! Keep your eyes open on all of the major selling sites! It is determination and persistence that pays off!
_________________
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 |
|
|
Semper Gumby
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2022
Posts: 99
Location: Southwest Florida
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| Be aware, most parts these days, new or used will need a little work to get fit. Or cleanup/paint before installation. |
True words have never been spoken
The PO was fond on mixing parts - another example:
This front light lenses assembly is not from 1968 unless I missed something. I finally cleaned it up enough to get the light to work.
The wife thinks I've loss my mind debating on the lenses -
While I must add new front and rear lenses covers, would you install the correct year front light assembly?
_________________
"If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" - John Wooten |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Franklinstower
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006
Posts: 1895
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
love the '68 bug. I drove one through out college for like 6 years, plus another 2 or three years later. Then the trans blew when my reverse lock out failed and I went from 3rd to reverse! I had built a 1641 with a counter weighted crank; Engle 110 with Kadrons and it ran so well. Loved that car. Although the IRS from '69 is pretty nice...
Nice Bug and Purchase!
Take me to Ponte Verda, PGA Sawgrass, and I will help you with your swing!
_________________
'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
OldSchoolVW's
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2020
Posts: 690
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
| Semper Gumby wrote: |
The PO was fond on mixing parts - another example:
This front light lenses assembly is not from 1968 unless I missed something. I finally cleaned it up enough to get the light to work.
The wife thinks I've loss my mind debating on the lenses -
While I must add new front and rear lenses covers, would you install the correct year front light assembly? |
First, let me join the chorus of congrats on this great find!  Looks like it will be well worth the road trip you and the shop foreman took to bring it home.
My wife has also questioned my sanity over various VW related issues ... but hasn't filed papers to pursue conservatorship ... yet.
One advantage to going with "correct-for-year" assemblies/parts is that it takes the guesswork out of what replacement parts to purchase if needed in the future. Somewhere along the line the PO of my '69 bug replaced the front spindles with '66 - early '68 spindles which to the casual eye look the same as '69 spindles. I didn't discover this until I went to replace the inner and outer wheel bearings and found the spindle diameter to be too small for the '69 bearings that I had already purchased and packed. Needless to say I had to undo my work and order another set of bearings. 
One exception to going with "correct-for-year" would be safety upgrades, like a dual circuit master cylinder and disc brakes on earlier VWs.
Looking forward to following your work on this project!
_________________
Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4407
Location: Stuck in Ohio
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fredybear
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2004
Posts: 694
Location: Ca
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (updated) |
|
|
| Semper Gumby wrote: |
/img] |
The Black Glove Box and Grills. Is the body a 68? My 68 is original color. anyone else?
Does The body match the vin? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4407
Location: Stuck in Ohio
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
viiking
Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2013
Posts: 2667
Location: Sydney Australia
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:47 pm Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (appreciated) |
|
|
I’ve always found it useful to get the correct VW part number from here and start searching
http://oacdp.org/type1part.html
Some parts are still available from VW but you have to have someone in Europe to ship it to you or be a reselling dealer.
https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.com/en_global/
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Q-Dog
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010
Posts: 8699
Location: Sunset, Louisiana
|
| Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2022 8:44 am Post subject: Re: Your thoughts on this 1968 Beetle (updated) |
|
|
| fredybear wrote: |
| Semper Gumby wrote: |
/img] |
The Black Glove Box and Grills. Is the body a 68? My 68 is original color. anyone else?
Does The body match the vin? |
My guess is whatever car donated the front turn signals also donated a few other parts. 1968 did not come with silver wheels either.
After all, the larger lights and black dashboard were considered "improvements" by VW. It is possible a previous owner felt the same way.
_________________
Brian
'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
