Finally got some time to work on the bug

**fcastle** · 10-31-2008, 08:07 PM

I've had this Bug in my driveway for about a year or so and I finally got the time to do something. Money is a little scarce so I figured I'd at least try to get it broken down to something workable. Today was just cleaning it out and seeing what all really came with it. It looks like I did okay. I can't find ANY real rust problems. Some surface rust on the inside of the roof and where paint has worn off, but no real problem areas. The PO told me the battery tray had some issues so they put in a fiberglass replacement, but he threw in what looks like a metal replacement that can be welded in once I get the body off. I'm not sure that I even really need to take the body off the pan, but for the sake of safety and thoroughness I will. I've been looking at every how to I can find and bought a few books (Bentley, etc). Here's the pics:

**Euro** · 10-31-2008 08:07 PM

**fcastle** · 10-31-2008, 08:07 PM

Some more:

**mike** · 11-01-2008, 07:52 AM

Looks like it had an engine fire at one point. At least the padded dash holes have been filled. My 70 is SO far rotted out, I'm going to turn it into a 1/4 mile hoodride or a baja. It has rust in the inner fender, heater channels, luggage shelf, pans (whats left, one half has been fiberglassed) and the spot was starting by the rear glass. I could patch all of it, but meh.

What direction are you going to go in? Taking the body of the pan is a lot of work, if you are going to have it blasted, there will be ugliness buried I can almost guarantee. It does make working on the pan easier though if you have to do both halfs, then you can powder coat the pan, do the suspension and brakes, so you can just put the body back on a good base when it gets back from paint. Be prepared though, its gonna cost you twice what you can buy an already done 68- bug for, at least. Best part is, most parts are cheap for late models since they are all interchangeable with Mexican bugs, bumpers, lights, etc.

**fcastle** · 11-01-2008, 03:57 PM

I'm going for a look something like this

I won't have any of the chrome however. I'm having the side and hood stuff filled in. One piece windows

**mike** · 11-01-2008, 04:21 PM

German look, no chrome, big motor, Porsche late model wheels, carbon fiber. They usually have the suspension dialed in, and disc brakes and can actually steer and stop. Nice choice, this is the route I wanted to take my 70 before I realized its too rusty.

**fcastle** · 11-01-2008, 05:33 PM

It will be my brothers car for the most part. If I can fit in it and learn to drive a clutch I may give it a try. It's gotta be safe though and it has to move somewhat because we go up to hesperia so often.

**mike** · 11-01-2008, 10:13 PM

I just noticed, its an early 68 due to the hood release on the drivers side, mid year they moved it to the glove box, 68 was the only year (in the US) of a late model to have swing axle rear suspension, the IRS came out in 69 on all cars, but Autosticks in 68 had IRS too.

Yeah, safety is a HUGE concern, since you basically are the crumple zone with nothing infront of you but wiring and a steel gas tank, bad. Mine is not a daily, it sits in the garage between coffee shop runs and car meets. I will put a cage in it at some point, since my goal is sub 12 seconds in the 1/4. Its a great idea anyway. I put three point belts in mine, lap belts don't cut it. I'm not as big as you, but I'm comfy, if you run the Formuling France wheel in the pictures (kind of a desirable wheel, company went out of business in the 90's) you will be ok, stock wheel and your knees will hit it.

**David-jetta 1.8** · 11-01-2008, 10:17 PM

That bug looks like it need to get SANDBLSTED. LET ME know, I also do powdercoating

**Get_the_van** · 11-02-2008, 03:46 AM

You got alot of work ahead of you.

Should be dope if it turns out like the black one!

I like seeing other peoples projects

, it satisfies my urge to wrench.

**fcastle** · 11-03-2008, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by David-jetta 1.8

That bug looks like it need to get SANDBLSTED. LET ME know, I also do powdercoating

I will definitely be looking to do this. I have to get the pan done also. I have to build a dolly to hold the body once it's lifted off the pan. I'm sure there will be something that needs to be repaired once it's all blasted. I know the pan at least needs a new battery tray.

**fcastle** · 11-03-2008, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by mike

I just noticed, its an early 68 due to the hood release on the drivers side, mid year they moved it to the glove box, 68 was the only year (in the US) of a late model to have swing axle rear suspension, the IRS came out in 69 on all cars, but Autosticks in 68 had IRS too.

I wonder if it's an autostick, because it has an IRS? If I know my suspensions (I could be wrong, but if you look at the rear pics that's an IRS right?

**David-jetta 1.8** · 11-03-2008, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by fcastle

I will definitely be looking to do this. I have to get the pan done also. I have to build a dolly to hold the body once it's lifted off the pan. I'm sure there will be something that needs to be repaired once it's all blasted. I know the pan at least needs a new battery tray.

Sweetness. Yeah, you want my business number?

**fcastle** · 12-16-2008, 10:05 AM

Well, I have made some progress since the last post. I now the front fenders off and the rear seats cleaned up some. I work a lot so time is limited and it's been raining now. Gotta get the rear fenders off and the trunk (at the front).