Metalblau L35

[piet&som]

Now this car surprizes me some more! I was vacuum cleaning the inside and look what was under the carpet...The spare keys!

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Oval 54 Light Beige, Oval 53 Metalblue.

[earlywesty]

Are the wipers wire or flat? Do you think those are the original semaphores? I have an august 53 and there does not seem to be a definitive answer on those two items. Do you have history on the car? Is it original paint?

Beautiful find.

[Zwitterkafer]

According to Progressive Refinements, the wire wipers ended on 21 Dec 1953. It would be remarkable if they are still present on this car though, and not since replaced with the '54 - '57 narrow flat arm version.
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"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[piet&som]

[earlywesty]

Thanks to both of you. I dont always trust progressive refinements accuracy. However that is definitive on the semaphore. Sigh, something else to look for.

[piet&som]

[BulliBill]

Wow! Another vote here to keep it mechanically sound, replace any deteriorated weatherstrips where needed, a new + & - battery straps, give the brakes a good look over and service (new master and wheel cylinders, rubber hoses, fluid flush), and a thorough cleaning and that's about it! Yeah, what awaits under those covers? Have you fired up the engine yet?

Bill B
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[piet&som]

Thanks for the kind reactions.
It's exactly what I'm doing now BulliBill. Last week I fired it up after a major check-up meaning valve job, carburator ultrasound clean, new points, ignition timed, fuel pump revision, cleaning the oil pick up sieve, swapped the fueltap, cleaned the tank, new belt, new oil and a general lubrication on moving parts.. After a couple times it fired right up!!
The old oil that I drained was crystal clear and a tiny little water came out. Same with the valve cover. It must have had a major maintanance right before it was put away for all those years.
Only minor point is a dry generator bearing and a funny starter bendix but it's getting better now.
Lots of cleaning to do now indeed!
But it's all the fun.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6KZZoLyatjuzjeP0MwSksw

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Oval 54 Light Beige, Oval 53 Metalblue.

[earlywesty]

Does that mean the seats are not original to the car? They look like they could be in nice condition regardless. Look forward to seeing the progress on this car.

[RUNKLE]

.

[djfordmanjack]

is this a late 53 ? Since it also has 2 bolt hood hinges, I wouldn't be surprised really if it came herringbone/cord from factory. considering the originality of this car, and the seat covers obviously being period correct factory or dealer installed, and the neat cord underneath.... just guessing, but it all seems og to me. Maybe they used up the interior too fast and somebody got a factory replacement incl covers in the late 50s ? anyways, period correct and og to the car. Nice to see the immaculate cord, but personally I'd even put the covers back on. the red is just funky 1950s. Everybody today thinks 1950s were boring and conservative. They were not, necessarily. You could have your 1950s as bright as you wanted, back then. I love this sensational metallic blue 1953 !
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Hotrods, Fords, Veedubs and Triumph Twins !

52 Barndoor DLX Coachbuild project
55 Wolfsburg panel project, og paint Taubenblau L31
62 Dickholmer, custom color Seeblau L360
63 1500 Notch, og paint Rubin Rot L456
67 1500 Käfer, og paint Lotus weiß L282 w/red interior

[kafer53]

I'm really enjoying this thread so far
Motor sounds really good
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1953 Zwitter 11C (L73)

[Busstom]

Absolutely love that color, this is the first time I've ever seen it. 🤩
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My name's Steve and it's pronounced "Bust 'em" (cuz people think I'm Tom) 😏

[piet&som]

Who knows what happened with the upholstery, we'll never know. The first owner has long passed away. But it seems a professional job regarding the covers. Could well be installed by the dealer. Anyway, I like it this way. Btw, it's a september made.Rainy day today so I took off the doorpanel...

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Oval 54 Light Beige, Oval 53 Metalblue.

[VWGlassee]

Wauw, what a timecapsule. Great find

[piet&som]

For the ones who are into extreme originality, There's a small difference in the armature of the heart tail lights. Mmm, interesting they were familiar with the problems in 54 already because the weak point of 53 is made more rugged in 54.. bulb socket broken..
53 to the left.

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Oval 54 Light Beige, Oval 53 Metalblue.

[earlywesty]