Monday, July 03, 2006

Upcoming Posts

I think of more that I want to put up here than I have time to put up, so I'm going to list some upcoming posts that I plan on making:

  • Information about the 200MPH speedometer from Herbie Fully Loaded. (done)

  • Information about Herbie graphics and decals.

  • Information and pictures of the second batch of parts that I have yet to unpack.

  • Laundry list of items (either feature/comfort/perfomance) that I will allow myself to deviate from an original restoration.

  • Information about Herbie wheels and tire sizes.

  • Information about a 1963 period accurate tachometer.

  • Information on possible suspension changes from a stock Beetle.

  • Information on disc brakes.

  • Information on modern air conditioning.

  • Information on exhaust and turbo.

  • Information on transmissions and possible 5 speed.

  • Information on interior coverings (from TMI and Sewfine.)



I'm listing these as much for your information as a reminder to myself to write articles about these topics.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

What Radio Did Herbie Have?

Ah, this is a good question. And unfortunately there is no right answer. In general the Sapphire 1 (or Sapphire I) seems to have appeared most often, but you'll find many different radios appeared in Herbie even in the same movie. It just wasn't a detail they were very careful with.

There are two great pages setup with information about the radios. First, Brian, setup this web page showing clips from all the classic movies:

Radios from Older Herbie Movies

Then for a pic of the radio from the latest Herbie Fully Loaded movie we can see this:


Which BTW I got from a great site that has detailed screen caps (screen shots, screen captures, whatever you want to call them) from all the movie DVDs. You can see all of that here: Herbie Movies This has been a great resource for checking on parts and colors to make sure my Herbie will be an accurate replica. BTW if you go to his site (lobousland) and click on Resto you can see his pictures of his Herbie restoration.

When looking through the movies for Herbie details, there's enough variations in Herbie between the movies you can kind of pick and choose what features you want yours to have. I'm trying mostly to stick with the way Herbie looked in the very first movie although may end up including a 200MPH speedometer as seen in Herbie Fully Loaded, simply because that sounds so cool.

BTW since we are talking about radios, I haven't dealt with this person before, but I've had multiple recommendations that if you are looking for a rebuilt VW radio, this is the place.

Monday, June 26, 2006

More parts to look at.

Ok it's been a while since my last post.

I decided it was time to start cataloging my extra parts. This covers the majority of extra parts that I have. Some of these are missing from my current vehicles and some of the items are duplicate parts. Many of them are not in very good shape.



Here we have two different sets of wipers. I'm still researching which ones are actually 1963 models since they look quite a bit different. I've actually read differing information about which ones are 1963 parts.




Wiper motor assembly.




Rubber seals for windows.




Side window glass.




Cut up section just in front of the passenger door. The previous owner was probably going to use this to repair some damage to the body. Not sure how usable it is. It does give me a chrome antenna mount.




Left rear fender, is a newer 1968 to 1972 part, so not too useful to us.



Right rear fender is also a newer 1968 to 1972 part.



Rear decklid with some annoying air vents punched in it.




Rear apron. This is a '65-'66 part for a decklid with a pushbutton catch. It can be made to work on a 1963 with the proper steel catch for the T-handle latch welded on.



Radio looks good. I wish it was a Sapphire I by Motorola.




Assorted parts. That mirror is actually in good shape, but I believe Herbie needs the circular one to be accurate.




Extra mirror and visor assembly. The mirror is ok on this one, but has lost a bit of chrome.




Left front fender.




Ok, that speedo has problems. How do you break a needle on a sealed gauge? Also, a 1963 should have a 90MPH speedometer. I have two extras shown below that go to 90.




Horn, most likely does NOT work, considering the looks.




Extra decklid hinges and springs.




Headlights. These are two different types of headlights, earlier and later. The earlier type have adjustment screws at 5 and 7 o'clock, and the later have them at 8 and 1 o'clock. The 1963 still used the older style, and it changed in 1964. This is something that shouldn't cause too much trouble and will look ok if installed.




Front apron. Note that it is missing all of the compression (press fit) bolts the fenders need to mount to. Somewhat annoying.




Bumper.




Another bumper.




Brand new box of rubber window seal for a Calif. style window. I won't be doing Calif. style windows.




More misc. parts here. I see some dash grills. Door handles. Ooo, plastic runners for the sunroof.




3 extra gas gauges. The round one perplexes me.




Two extra speedometers, which is nice to have. Notice the one still attached to the wiring harness looks pretty good. The other one has a broken needle. Again, how does a needle break off inside a sealed gauge? These two speedos go up to 90MPH which is correct for a 1963. The other speedo I have (which was shown in the car above) only goes up to 80MPH which means it is pre 1963. Those wipers are the same ones from above.


BTW thanks for all the input. I'm continuing to update this page as I get more information on the parts shown in the pictures. Thanks to Greg Carr (aka Dr. Herbie) who gave me a lot of the info. I've added. I'll talk more about Greg in another posting when we discuss Herbie graphics (for authentic stripes and numbers you'll need a set of Herbie Decals from Dr. Herbie.)

Monday, April 10, 2006

Inspection of my new 1964 Beetle

Hello all.  Well it's been a while since I had an update so I figured it was time again.



Now you may remember last time I had my old '63 sunroof shell and was waiting to get some opinions from Dan at Competition Engineering in Phoenix.  Unfortunately he told me that I was looking at more money to restore that Beetle due to its condition than if I was to start with something a little better.  Dan showed me a lot of areas of problems that I hadn't seen before (see the images from my previous post) and taught me some additional things to look for.



I didn't post an update about that because I was pretty disappointed.  Basically, while I had invested in a good parts car (and especially had the 63 sunroof and all parts) but I was still back to square 0, needing to find the right vehicle for the right price.  Well after a few months of checking out local Beetles, and watching The Samba I found a deal on a Beetle that had been prepped for paint (remember I want to do a full off body restoration, and build/spec out my engine from scratch) that looked promising.



It was about 400 miles away from Phoenix on the other side of L.A.  Got a babysitter for the kid, took the pregnant wife, and had an adventure.  The car looked good so we hitched it to our SUV and towed it 400 miles back home.  That was an adventure but while we had some problems locating safety chains at the last minute, everything worked out in the end.



So here are some pictures of my new 1964 Beetle.  I'll use the roof section and anything else I can from the 63 I already have to make sure it is an authentic 1963 vehicle.





Drivers side rear.  Not much to say.





Under from the rear.  I took a couple of these with the flash so this is actually  a clearer look then when I just bend down with a flashlight.







You can see a half pan replacement had been made.  May or may not be helpful as I was planning on replacing the full pans anyway.





Doesn't look too bad.  Some rust, not too much.  I'm sure the pan that was replaced had some holes in it.







Front suspension, you can see I still have the tow bar attached for easy moving.  That's the black tubular steel piece.





Another shot from under the front.  No the Beetle isn't leaking, those pans are for when I park my Jeep in the garage which does leak...a LOT.  You can see the driver side pan is the original.







Another front suspension shot, not sure what I was going for here.  The exterior was freshly primered and you can see lots of overspray on the suspension components.  Of course, hiding any rust or odd wear.





Left side front, not much to say.







I'm very happy with the condition of the front apron and hood.  Items that are unusable off of my '63 Beetle.







The previous owner says before the tear down for the paint the engine ran.  I have no reason to doubt it.  I hopefully can use the core, but I plan on speccing out my own 1776 size engine with fuel injection and a turbo if possible.  I noticed the odd upright oil cooler.  I hadn't seen that before. 







The only problem area.  This bug has been hit once.  Passenger side just behind the door (rear quarter panel).  This is an interior shot showing some of the effort to repair and still existing damage.







Here's another view of the damaged area.







The dash looks pretty good.  Unfortunately that isn't' a Sapphire I radio in there which you need for a really accurate Herbie replica.  I'll have to find one of those elsewhere.  I don't need a working one, as I'll stealth install a real modern stereo.  You can also see that except for the dash, the interior has been painted with a thick black glossy paint.  This of course covers hidden problem areas.  I noticed that the heater channel in the right rear area (same area that had been hit) has been rusted through.  My guess is there are other areas of concern covered by the black paint.  We'll find out as we prep the car more.





Exterior view.  Most of the trim items, etc. are missing, however, I have a lot of parts from my other Beetle so we'll see what we can put together and what we have to purchase.





Last view.  Looks good to me.  I'm pretty excited to get working on this.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Brief History of VW Beetle changes, chronologically.

This is a work in progress. If you find any mistakes or additions needed, let me know. I got the majority of this from the now defunct VWPlaypen.com. I've been told they got it mostly from an old Volkswagen of America brochure, What Year Is It?

1949 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 91,922 - 138 554
Changes:

• License plate indentation on rear deck dropped.
• Inside pull cable release for front hood; no lock on hood handle.
• Solex carburetor introduced as standard equipment.
• Starting crank hole dropped on Deluxe model.
• Hubcaps featured small "VW" logo.
• Grooved bumper with flared guards introduced.
• Deluxe interior features ivory dash panels and knobs, 8-day clock, two-spoke steering wheel, rear bolster pillows.

1950 VW
Chassis Numbers 138,555 - 220,471
Changes:

• Hydraulic brakes replace mechanical brakes on Deluxe model.
• Sunroof introduced.
• Noise mufflers for heating ducts added.
• Automatic air cooling by thermostatically controlled throttle ring.
• Fuel mixture heating device (heat riser) introduced.
• "T"-style heater knob with ninety-degree rotation to lock in place.
• Inside ventilation controlled by "cut out" pattern at top of windows.
• Front and rear ashtrays become standard equipment on Deluxe model.

1951 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 220,472 - 313,829
Changes:

• Chrome garnish molding added to windshield.
• Wolfsburg crest to front hood above hood handle.
• Vent flaps added to front-quarter body panels

1952 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 313,830 - 428,156
Changes:

• Glass vent windows added; formerly vent wings in front-quarter body panels.
• Heating control by rotary knob; formerly pull-knob.
• "T" type rear hood handle introduced; formerly loop-type.
• Twin brake and taillights replace single versions.
• Window crank makes 3 1/2 turns; formerly 10 1/2 turns.
• Glove compartment gets door; formerly open bin.
• Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard.
• Interior light moved to center pillar by driver's door.
• 5.50 x 15 inch tires replace 5.00 x 16 tires.
• Top three gears synchronized.
• Bumpers and guards strengthened and enlarged.
• Accelerator pump added to carburetor.
• New rear license plate light housing.
• self-canceling windshield wipers.

1953 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 428,157 - 575,414
Changes:

• Oval one-piece rear window replaces split window on March 10, 1953.
• Lock button added to vent window handles.
• Brake fluid reservoir relocated behind spare tire in October 1953; formerly at master cylinder.
• Exterior trim improved with anti-corrosive alloy.
• Handle added to dash ashtray.

1954-55 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 575,415 - 722,934 (1954)
• 722,935 - 929,745 (1955)
Changes:

• Starter now incorporated with ignition switch; formerly separate button on dashboard.
• Horsepower increased from 30 to 36 and displacement enlarged to 1192 cc.
• Oil bath air cleaner replaces felt element filter.
• Break-in driving requirements for engine dropped.
• Automatic three-way interior light added.

1956-57 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 929,746 - 1,246,618 (1956)
• 1,246,619 - 1,600,439 (1957)
Changes:

• Chromed dual tail pipes replace single pipe.
• Semaphores replaced with "bullet" signals at front, taillights at rear.
• Taillight housing moved two inches higher.
• Bumper overrider "bows" added.
• Sunroof made of plastic fabric; formerly cloth.
• Steering wheel spoke (horizontal) moved lower, off center.
• Heater knob moved forward.
• Adjustable front seat backs and wider seats.
• Redesigned gas tank yields larger luggage space.
• Tubeless tires added in July 1956.
• Front floor heater outlets moved rearward in January 1957.

1958-59 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• 1,600,440 - 2,007,615 (1958)
• 2,007,616 - 2,528,667 (1959)
Changes:

• Brake drums and shoes widened for faster, surer stops.
• Rear window and windshield enlarged.
• Front turn signal lights moved to tops of fenders.
• Radio grille moved left, in front of driver.
• Rear deck lid redesigned.
• Horizontal air inlets replace vertical inlets on convertible.
• Flat accelerator pedal replaces roller type.

1960 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 2,528,668 - 3,192,506
Changes:

• Steering wheel "dished."
• Pushbutton door handles replace pull-out lever type.
• Padded sunvisor; formerly transparent plastic.
• Steering damper added for improved handling.
• Wolfsburg crest on front hood less colorful.
• Change from worm and peg to worm and roller steering.

1961 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 3,192,507 - 4,010,994
Changes:

• Sunvisor and grab-handle provided for passenger's side.
• Horsepower increased from 36 to 40.
• Automatic choke introduced.
• Transmission synchronized in all forward gears.
• Flatter gas tank yields increased luggage space.
• "Quick-check" transparent brake fluid reservoir.
• Pump-type windshield washer.
• Non-repeat starter switch.

1962 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 4,010,995 - 4,846,835)
Changes:

• Spring-loaded front hood.
• Larger taillights added.
• Windshield washer use spare tire for air pressure.
• Gas gauge replaces reserve fuel tap.

1963 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 4,846,836 - 5,677,118
Changes:

• Leatherette headliner introduced.
• Wolfsburg hood crest dropped.
• Folding handle for sunroof.
• Foam insulated floor.
• Fresh air heating.
• Nylon window guides.

1964 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 5,677,119 - 6,502,399
Changes:

• Crank-operated sliding steel sunroof replaces the fabric sunroof.
• Horn actuated by two thumb buttons; formerly by half-ring.
• Larger license plate light.
• Aerated vinyl material replaces nonporous leatherette seat upholstery.
• Larger front turn signal lights on fenders.

1965 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 115 000 001 - 115 979 202
Changes:

• Windows enlarged; slimmer door and windshield posts.
• Heat control levers mounted on tunnel; heater efficiency improved.
• Rear seatback converts to platform.
• Push-button catch on engine lid.

1966 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 116 000 001 - 116 1021 298
Changes:

• Horsepower increased to 50 and displacement enlarged to 1300 cc; "1300" designation added to engine lid.
• Ventilating wheel slots; flat hub caps.
• Emergency blinker switch.
• Headlight dimmer switch mounted on turn signal.
• Center-dash defroster outlet.
• Semi-circular horn ring.
• Suspension improved with better torsion bars/shocks.

1967 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 117 000 001 - 117 844 892
Changes:

• Horsepower increased to 53 and displacement boosted to 1500 cc.
• Single-unit headlights with chrome rim; fender indented.
• Dual brake system; front/rear operate independently.
• Auxiliary rear spring added.
• Parking lights incorporated into front turn signals.
• Locking buttons on doors.
• 12-volt electrical system (36-amp battery).
• "Volkswagen" nameplate replaces "1300" designation on engine lid.
• Two-speed windshield wipers.
• Left outside mirror becomes standard.

1968 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 118 000 000 - 118 1016 098
Changes:

• One-piece bumpers; bows an overriders eliminated (bumper height raised)
• Head restraints added to front seat backrests.
• Automatic Stick Shift option introduced.
• External gas tank filler, spring-loaded flap.
• Front hood air intakes louver; push-button front hood catch.
• Fresh air ventilating system.
• Collapsible steering column.
• Exhaust emission control system.
• Flattened door handles with built-in trigger release.
• Back-up/brake lights and rear turn signals in single housing.
• Federal certification sticker added to door post.
• Tail lights changed.

1969 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 119 000 001 - 119 1093 704
Changes:

• Rear window defogger and defroster; electric heating wires on inner surface of glass.
• Double-jointed rear axle for improved ride and handling.
• Warning lights in speedometer identified by letters or symbols.
• Anti-theft ignition switch installed on steering column.
• Gas tank filler neck flap has lock which has a release under the right side of the dash panel.
• Front hood release relocated to glove compartment.
• Day/night rear-view mirror.
• Warm air outlets at base of doors moved rearward; remote control knobs on door columns.

1970 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 110 2000 001 - 110 3096 945
Changes:

• Air intake slots on engine lid
• Horsepower increased to 57, displacement enlarged to 1600 cc.
• Enlarged front turn signals (combined with side marker lights).
• Reflectors mounted on rear bumper.
• Side reflectors built into taillight housing.
• Tenths of mile indicator on odometer (also appears on late '69 modes).
• Head restraints reduced in size.
• Buzzer sounds when door is opened and key is left in igntion.
• Remote control knobs for warm air outlets discontinued.
• Lock in glove compartment door.
• Formula Vee Beetle introduced.

1971 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 111 2000 001 - 111 3143 118
Changes:

• Super Beetle introduced, features MacPherson strut front suspension, increased luggage space in front compartment, larger gas tank, rear side ventilation exit slots, larger taillights.
• Increased horsepower, from 57 to 60.
• Flow-through ventilation with exhaust ports behind rear side windows.
• Headlights automatically go off and parking lights stay on when ignition is turned off.
• Larger taillights.

1972 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers 112 2000 001 - 112 2961 362
Changes:

• Super Beetle receives larger rear window, collapsible steering wheel hub, increased air slots on rear deck, column mounted lever for windshield wiper and washer, cover over rear luggage area behind seat and new easier-to-read speedometer.
• VW Computer Analysis socket added.
• Special Baja Bug introduced.

1973 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 113 2000 001 - 113 3021 954
• Super Beetle: 133 2000 001 - 133 3021 860
Changes:

• Super Beetle receives new curved windshield.
• Large, circular taillight complex combines stop light, turn signal, tail and backup lights.
• Stronger bumper add an inch to overall length.
• Front seats adjustable to any of 77 different positions.
• More durable, easier-to-operate clutch; softer transmission mounting.
• Improved intake air pre-heating for faster cold weather starts.
• Windshield wiper arms have black finish.
• Inertia-reel safety belts.
• 6.00 x 15L tires with 4-1/2 inch wide wheels.
• Horsepower decreased to 46.
• Sport Bug introduced.

1974 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan:114 2000 001 - 114 2818 456
• Super Beetle: 134 2000 001 - 134 2798 165
Changes:

• Self-restoring energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers.
• Seat belt ignition interlock added.
• New cylinder head alloy for better heat dissipation.
• Additional Computer Analysis sensor reads ignition timing and top dead center.
• Front seat headrests redesigned and made slightly smaller.
• Steering wheel made more elastic to "give" more in the event of an accident.
• "Park" position for Automatic Stick Shift.
• Warning light for hand brake.
• Love Bug and Sun Bug introduced.

1975 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 115 2000 001 - 115 2267 815
• Super Beetle: 135 2000 001 - 135 2267 815
Changes:

• Electronic fuel injection introduced, with "fuel injection" insignia on rear deck lid.
• Single tailpipe.
• Increased horsepower; 48 hp, up from 46 (SAE net).
• Clutch pedal pressure eased.
• Larger exhaust valve stems for better heat transfer.
• New heat exchangers for greater heat output.
• Installation of battery ground cable with diagnosis contact for more accurate Computer Analysis readings.
• Odometer triggers red warning light "EGR" in speedometer to notify drivers of service requirements.
• California models with catalytic converter require lead-free gasoline; filler neck has smaller opening for nozzle.
• Maintenance intervals extended to 15,000 miles.
• "La Grande Bug" introduced.

1976 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 116 2000 001 - 116 2176 287
• Convertible: 156 2000 001 - 156 2175 675
Changes:

• Standard Beetle sedan re-introduced, Super Beetle discontinued.
• Beetle has plush appearance with many luxury "extras" as standard equipment: Two-coat metallic paint (Silver Metallic, Lime Green, Topaz Metallic); full carpeting; sports-style wheel rims; rear window defogger.
• New speedometer with outer scale in miles per hour and inner scale in kilometers per hour (on most '76 models).
• Redesigned front seats with improved back adjustments, for added comfort and body support.
• Two-speed fresh air blower.
• All trim components chrome-plated.
• Automatic Stick Shift option discontinued..

1977 VW sedan
Chassis Numbers
• Sedan: 117 2000 001 - 117 2101
• Convertible: 157 2000 001 - 157 2101 292
Changes:

• Last year for Beetle Sedan.
• Adjustable headrest replaces integrated headrest.
• Plush velour upholstery replaces houndstooth check.
• Electrically-heated rear window (Beetle convertible).
• Bahama Blue Metallic paint replaces Topaz Metallic.
• Convertible features "Champagne Edition" with white exterior, sand colored top.

1978 VW
Chassis Numbers 158 2000 001 - 158 2028 542
Changes:

• Champagne Edition II available in red or ancona blue metallic.

1979 VW
Chassis Numbers 159 2000 001 - 159 2043 634
Changes:

• Cigarette lighter becomes standard.
• German-built Beetles discontinued.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Close inspection of my new '63 Beetle

Meet
my future Herbie.




Ok, I purchased this 1963 Beetle with original ragtop for $800.  I
got it back in November.  I'll be honest that I purchased it over
the internet, and was dissapointed with the condition when I got my
hands on it.  I've had several people convince me a full
restoration is possible and am feeling better about my acquisition now.







Ok, I show more detail later, but you can see with the missing fender
that there previously has been some frontal collision.  The
fenders and deck lid and front hood are obviously not original to this
vehicle, although I do believe they are all '63 (or equivalent) shaped
parts.







I know I know, cut apron.  I do have another section of apron that
I believe I can use to rebuild the rear end with original sheet
metal.  I was considering using sheet metal from Mid America,
however, recently learned it tends to be a lot thinner than original
sheet metal, and not always part accurate, so I'm trying to use real
original parts when possible.









Just another view.  I do have all of the fenders, although only
the right front is on the car right now.  You can also see the
right side door isn't the original one.  I have the original right
side door as well though.  Most of the extra parts are being
stored inside the vehicle for easy transport at this time.







Another view.  I've already ordered new custom wheels from
Bolton's Classic Wheels to original Herbie specs.  15x6 with zero
negative offset.  I should get those in a couple weeks, then I'll
put some new rubber on them.  I'll be running 195/65R15 FRONT and
205/65R15 REAR.  Thinking about getting BF Goodrich Precept
Touring which are speed rated at TR, although I may just get the
cheapest thing I can find initially, since he won't be doing anything
but getting towed for a while, and the alignment can't be correct.













Close up of the right rear.  You can see I am missing a lot of the
rear suspension components.  Towable, but not at high speeds.





Top view of right rear tire.







Left rear suspension close up. 







Top view of the left rear tire.  I know, lot's of missing pieces.







While the rear is missing a lot, I'm worried more about the
front.  This is the area that is in worse condition than I
originally expected (remember, purchased over the internet based on
pictures.)  It's obvious the front was crumpled a bit
originally.  Looks to me like it was hammered back into
shape.  It would explain why the fenders and hood are not original
to this vehicle as well.







You can see here that the sheet metal doesn't match up straight to the
gas tank, so the damage was further back originally than I would've
liked.  There's a good chance I'll have to replace the whole front
apron assembly.  I circled in red the area of concern.







Another view of the front area.  You can see the speedometer
sitting loose in the bonnet area.  Since this was taken, I've
cleaned it up.  It actually looks pretty good, with little fading,
but I have no idea if it is functional.  There is also a small
amount of dust beneath the glass (I thought these were sealed so that
wouldn't happen.)









One more view of the front.  Don't know much about the
headlights.  Haven't checked to see if they are 1963 parts
yet.  At this stage I'm not too concerned with minor details like
lights which can be picked up later.







Well, we knew not to expect much of the interior.  What is that
inside the door?  Old insulation.  I didn't think they put
insulation in these doors.  Is that something someone threw in
years ago when driving the car around in the cold, or was there really
factory installed insulation?  Weird.











The bumpers don't look right either.  Luckily there are great new
after market bumpers available these days.  Shouldn't cost too
much to replace.















Another view of inside.  I haven't pulled a lot of the larger
parts out yet, as it is sitting in a temporary storage area and I wont'
be doing any work on it at that location.  Mostly you can see I
have rear fenders here.  They look like 63's to me.









Ah the deck lid.  Yes, it's the bane of my existence right
now.  It is a correct 1963 deck lid, only look at the custom
louvers someone has stamped into the right side?  Grrr, now I have
to find another deck lid.  Off the The Samba I guess.







Here's a better view of the deck lid.  Grumble grumble grumble.







There are decent after market seats for 1963 Beetles, however, most
purists have told me I have to restore the original ones.  These
look beyond restoration to me, so I'm not too thrilled about my current
seat situation.







Hmm, I wonder if I can restore those visors or if I just have to get
new ones.  Everyone says the current new visors are not nearly as
good as originals, but I could see me compromising on this one. 
It's nice to see the original sunroof handle is there.











More shots of the back inside roof.  You can see the blue rear
apron in the lower right corner.  I haven't verified enough of
that sheet metal is there to replace the missing parts that were cut
off of the rear yet.







Left side again.  Being born and raised in Phoenix Arizona, it's
weird to think that cars might rust.  Just like it's weird to
think that water sometimes falls from the sky.











Right side.  Tried to use the flash to get some under views, but
still didn't have the camera low enough.









Right front.  The suspension components look pretty salvageable to
me.









Left front.  Not much to say.  Lot's of work ahead of me.









Ok, it was really important to me to find a 1963 Beetle with an
original sunroof.  Unfortunately due to the rust, this is the area
that appears to be in the worst shape.













Lost of metal work and welding (that is beyond my abilities) will need
to be done to resurface this roof into original condition.











Ok, let's look at what I'm missing on the rear again.  The missing
fenders make things easy to see.  This is the right rear wheel
from the top.







This is the left rear wheel from the top.









Another shot of the rear.  That tar paper that insulated the
engine compartment looks pretty weak.  I wonder what better
material I could use in the restored version?









Another view from the top.







And the driver door closed.  At least the handle is operational,
although I have no keys for the vehicle.