Part Quid
Part Quid
Well, I've been busy as a beaver working on the bug. I've almost got all the body work done, and soon she'll be ready for paint. I decided to stay with original fenders. After I got to sanding out the chips, I discovered it wouldn't be that much trouble at all. They are all in really good shape, and will probably last longer than aftermarket stuff anyway. My Step-Dad had a front bumper left over from a dub he redid a few years ago. He had no use for it, so I got it from him at a good price.(free) The old bumper brackets were bent so I picked up a new set.
At least one of the sections is nearly finished. I got a new trunkliner from Wolfsburg West and a wiring cover. I also got just about all the new rubber. It's hard not to install all the new rubbers, gaskets, and the like, but I'm going to wait until I get it painted, so I won't have to tear it out again. I was able to find a guy with an old junker '69 in his back yard. He gave me the cables that operate the front heater vents in the door channels. They were a lifesaver, 'cause I couldn't find them at any of the parts places. Now if I could find a source for the hoses that go up to the defroster I'd be all set.
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In the latest (Jan) issue of VW Trends, there was an article and review about a new product. It's an oil filter to replace the little tea-strainer mesh that comes stock. It mounts where the regular plate goes on the bottom of the engine and is finned for additional cooling. It also gains about 1/2 quart in oil volume. Since the summers are above 110 degrees here, the gain in oil quantity and volume will help keep the engine from frying. It costs less than 40 bucks, and is easier and safer than installing a remote oil filter and cooler. They are available from CB Performance out of Farmersville, Ca. |
| The carpet kit's been installed, and as you can see I picked up a cool set of blue pads for the pedals ($6). I think it sets off the interior real nice. I'll get blue shifter and emergency brake boots to match. So I wouldn't have to drive around in silence, I installed a CD Player in the dash. Right now it's hooked up to some speakers that were in the door panels. After I get new door panels, I'll put new speakers in a cover for the rear luggage compartment. I picked up some nickle dime stuff to replace broken parts. The ring on the gas flap release cable, the little rubber nipples that go in them and the glove box, the new ABS plastic glove box, etc. I'm spending a lot of time on eBay* lately. I picked up a set of pop-out windows to install after the paint's on. ($30) Anything I can do to increase ventilation in the summer will be money well invested. Speaking of ventilation, I need to replace the fresh air vents above the dash, but I'll do that once I get the new dash. | 
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*HINT - If you are doing a job like this, or are looking for a Bug, Ghia, Bus, or whatever to fix up, (and don't want to spend your life savings) make eBay a part of your "favorites" (bookmark) file. Anything, and everything you need will be for sale by somone, somewhere. I picked up an original replacement (NOS) inside rear view mirror (the cover on mine was cracked) for the amazing price of $1. They are offered at the parts houses for anywhere from $59 to $100. You can buy completely restored VW vehicles for up to $20,000.00 (A cherry, all original '78 convertible with 16,000 miles) or a project Bug, Ghia or Bus for as little as $200. In one search I found over 10,000 items for VW's. From New Old Stock (NOS) to after market, to used, to.performance. You could probably get everything you need for a VW and not even have to leave the keyboard. I also picked up an original 1969 VW Owner's Manual, and the full horn ring and Wolfsburg Crest horn button. The ring goes for $60 and the button for up to $25 retail. I got them both for $20. Try it out. (but don't bid aginst me, OK?)
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Updated 1/06/2002
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