Description
Introducing Helga, my 1964 Beetle which I’ve owned for the last 14 odd years. Last of the small window, flat screen, big chrome model.
As we all do, I had great intentions of restoring her to her former glory, however as with a lot of these cars I have barely scratched the surface.
Fundamentally she’s not in too bad a shape for a 62 year old car. I also had a great deal of paperwork dating back to 1971. I believe I’m the third owner.
Rust - there isn’t a great deal. The odd bit of surface rust here and there, there’s a bit around the bumper mounts and spare wheel well, but not horrendous by any means.
Mechanical - again, not bad. No end float in the crank, engine runs alright when it has fresh fuel in (not often) could do with someone servicing the carb and setting it back up. It has a new (10 years and about 300 miles ago) front beam, leaves, bushes.
Has the odd knock, but never worried me. Would benefit from all the bolts being re checked and tightened.
The bodywork - scrappy. Not much rust, but it’s been patched by the previous owner. All the usual panels. Lower quarter sections, a pillar bottoms, rear valance, both floor trays full length, and heater channels. So all the bits which rot have been sorted… just not very nicely. They clearly didn’t know how to set a welder properly, or how to stop panels warping / use a hammer and dolly. I don’t think it was properly braced when they took the shell off, so the left door frame is slightly too narrow at the bottom, and fowls the door a little. It was my plan to realign this when I took the body off. Not a big job if it’s all coming apart.
The rear quarter panels have warped a bit from having the lower panels replaced.
You should be able to see it in the photos.
Interior - it has seats. Mostly. Covers and horse hair not in the best of condition. Drivers seat has a hole in the bottom vinyl. Though the frames seem ok. Will need complete interior.
I don’t want to put it in a bad light, but I’m being honest about it.
I do have some new and used parts which will be included. This includes a complete wiring loom.
The older beetles are becoming rarer and rarer, and I would like to see this one go to someone who’s likely to get it back on the road properly.
If you would like any more photos or would like to view them give me a shout.
