New rear valance - WK16 - 25/11/12

This week has been some good progress with getting the rear valance replaced.

First time using the angle grinder. I cut through the welds and then cut through the metal. The old rear valance came out in one piece. It came clear that this wasn't the original one but a replacement that has been put on, it had been replaced very well and a good job.

Old rear valance out

With the rear valance out it was time to clean off the old welds and clean up all the metal work. The metal work cleaned up well and there was only a couple of little patches of rust to clean up.

Me cleaning up the metal work

With all the metal work cleaned up it was time to fit the new valance. First I put back on the rear wings to line the valance up to. Then the rear valance was put in place and with a bit of work it fitted well. Rich wanted me to do the welding. I did a couple of practice spot welds but after 5 mins of welding i decided it was to soon to go on my car. Rich welded the rear valance in place for me.

New rear valance welded in place

 Although the new panel didn't weld great Rich did a great job on it and the welds are looking really good ready for me to grind them back and smooth them down.

Weld done ready for me to grind down

So it has been a really good day, I have learnt to cut and grind with the angle grinder. Old valance off and new valance on it a good days work. First panel complete

Cleaning up - wk 14 - 10/11/12

So with the beetle stripped down it is time to start to clear it up.

I spent the day scrapping off the under seal and hammerite from the passenger side front and rear wing. I didn't quite get it all done today but made a start and it is looking really good underneath.

On the rear inner wing there is definitely some repair work done so i might need to take this back a bit more to see what under the extra layer of paint.

I think that the later of hammerite that someone put on the inner arches at sometime has been it saviour to keep it so clean and rust free after 40 years

Looking good under the hammerite and underseal

Some filler and a coat of paint at the back of the rear wheel arch at sometime. Will need more investigation

Got a coat of smooth hammerite on wiper mechanism, you don't see it but it was a little rusty so worth giving it a coat for protections

Previous beetle - Boogie Bug

As my first car I also had a beetle. I loved it. It was a bright green beetle with boogie bug in big yellow letters on the back, used to advertise the local night club when they opened up. turns out it was a mis- match for parts wings and bumpers that didn't match the year. I think i learnt the most important thing about beetles from someone shortly after i got it. Make sure you have a cover on the battery or when someone sits on the back seat they might short the battery and the horse hair seat will catch alight

Looking back I must have been spoilt to have been allowed one as my first car bought for me. I know they weren't as expensive back in 2000 and they aren't exactly fast but its also doesn't make the most practical of cars for when you have just passed your test. Working nights having to try and drive it in the middle of winter when it was easiest to open the windows so the temperature inside the car was the same outside. But hey it was fun, and no-one else I know had one!

I ended up having to sell it in 2004 as I couldn't keep it as my daily car, it wasn't running well going to and from the station so it had to go. Now my new bug is the second car so I can drive it when the weather and journeys suits.

I had always wanted a purple bug with red flames, now I have the chance to do what I want to my project beetle I have out grown that thought. Now i want to go down the classic route with a twist, i please my new bug has standard wheel, standard running boards and the quarter light windows.

So here is my first bug,
 Cal look windows

Custom made door cards by Mum. Might be a hint to what to expect from my new bug

 Dressed up engine.

Few new parts - wk 13

This week I didn't do any work on the beetle as I went to a show instead to get a few bits and get some ideas.

Only picked up a few bits as it is still early days but I had a good look around to see what about and what show prices are like. Some pieces i need to pick up at auto jumble.

Bumper grommets, clips, handle seals and some wing nuts.

 Got some carpet, bargain price and really good quality BMW carpet none of the cheap stuff. Be good to make my own carpets out of, just need to work out how i'm going to edge it.

Carpet

Its been a long time since I have seen a lot of bugs together. I was a bit disappointed as there wasn't a lot there but I guess being end of season it was to be expected.

Still undecided on the colour. I like pale blue, cream and pale green still but all area colours that you need to find the right shade and if it is slightly off it could look really rubbish. I want to keep the outside true to the year (bumpers, wings, running boards etc) but with a few tweak such as clear indicator lenses. Inside, it is going to have a twist!