Getting Started - My First Post!
 

Well - I thought that I should jump right in at some point and tonight looks about right. My first car was a 1974 bright orange VW Dasher and hince the handle! I live in Fincastle, VA - a little town near Roanoke.
I have owned numerous VWs - all water cooled - but the Beetle always had an appeal to me. I have finally started my GL Beetle! I managed to get a suitable workplace and I have ripped into my 1972 RUST BUCKET std beetle. Monday was my first real session with the car - I took the interor out (what the hell is that suff they used for sound damping - it looks and acts just like dried clay) and stripped the fenders off. Tuesday I unbolted the body and preped it for removal. New heater channels, floor board and now it looks like a new frame head assembly all have to be installed. I have quite a project ahead of me but, belive it or not, I am having a ton of fun taking this thing apart!
I look forward to chatting with all of you during this process!

Thanks, Mike

Sounds like fun. I'm near the end of a very similar project. I have the engine out at the moment for a quick look see.

Careful, it gets expensive quick!

Welcome VW-Dasher. Sounds like you are diving right in. Before you start into the pan, look at some swap meets in your area and see if you can find a late Beetle pan that is already done. I saw one (rolling) at BP7 that was already done right down to a good coat of POR15 on both sides that could have been had for $500 without engine and trans. It would take some of the fun out of it but would save lots of time and $$$$$.

Well - It is a little too late for looking for a good pan - although If I came across one I might bite! I already have the channels and floorboards in hand - I might need to only replace the chassis support panel on the frame head the way it looks right now - I'll let you know. I don't know of a swap meet in my area coming up soon - I am just now hitting all the junk yards in my spare time looking for some pre-68 front fenders and a passenger side door. The bugs around here have been pretty well picked through already. I should have started this project 5 years ago! Later - Mike

I know the felling when it comes to looking for body parts. I know of some folks around hear that have some stuff. I'm looking for some Ghia stuff myself.

Good luck finding the parts....I am about to embark on finding pieces for a Type 34!!!!!

Nigel?
 

When did you get that? :eek: Good choice. :cool:

Also, answer my pm. ;)

Is anyone going to Bug Out #57 in Manassas VA? www.bugouts.com I think I will go up for the day if I can talk someone into going with me - it just seems like it is more fun that way.

Later - Mike

I may be going, but I'll be coming from the other direction. If I go, we could meet up when there.