Thanks so much, Chris for sharing your story with 1967beetle.com. So many readers from all over the globe enjoy these unique tales of the one year only vintage VW Beetle. Did you know that you too can share? Simply contact us. – ES
“This all numbers matching, all original, one owner prior to me beetle came my way almost 2 years ago. I agree that the appearance is not what we might want to see on this page but there is a good reason she looks this way.
I was on the hunt shortly after my father passed away unexpectedly as he was the one who got me to the VW fan I am today starting with my first car, 71 Squareback he and I rebuilt together back before I got my license. I was in search of something a bit different in actuality looking for a 68-70 as that was his last year Beetle he had, 70 as a remembrance of him. Well, I came across this one. It was also a year dad had, and I do love the ’67 regardless.
This girl had been sitting in a yard since the original owner passed away 1991 here in Southern California. Those 25+ years of the California heat, the rain, after they had left the windows cracked enough for it to collect on the floor boards, and wind elements had pretty well deteriorated this poor thing. I was able to pick it up for a mere price of $1300 and then begin my first ever “rejuvenation” or “preservation” project ever.
Starting with the floor boards I cut out both sides using a donor to replace the floors and weld into place. Went through every electrical connection with contact cleaner, wire brush and emery paper taking me more than 80 hours, alone. (The only operating electrical part was the right front parking light which required a nice ‘thump’ on it to illuminate when I got her home). Totally replaced all brake lines to as OEM as possible, dealing out of Wolfsburg West, nearby. Picked up a numbers matching single port 1500 that was built at the time it would have and could have been built for this car. Replaced all the rubber including the old bias ply that were on her. Undercarriage, etc. to get her back to the shape she once was. I’ve still got to finish up with the seat covers and head liner but, at this point she is a happy driver for weekend errands.
The paint….
I’ve decided as a temporary situation to keep the body as I found her only because she is totally original. It’s got a small crease in the right front fender but otherwise has never been in an accident or repainted. I’ve still got the original identification ‘dog-tag’ on the rear bumper they used for identification at the factory.
She came with the original AM radio and dealer installed Air conditioning. I’ve stuck with the original plans per the VIN as for the rubber floors, black seats, black door panels, off white head liner, and all the accessories colors such as the grab handle.
She had 100,033 original miles when purchased.
My plans are to finish the interior and probably eventually paint the original Ruby Red body.
This is my first adventure as I’ve also picked up a couple more. 1970 Ghia, 70 Beetle/rat rod project, 68 beetle and a 64 Ghia turned Baja after an accident leaving her totaled.
I hope you can enjoy her as much as I enjoy talking about her.”
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Neat story and neat car. Glad it fell into good hands.
You have a good size herd to work on Chris and bring back to life! What a find on the ‘67! Enjoy Chris!-Dick
more pics please, luv the patina
Thank you a bunch all. I was uncertain it would be as appreciated being some consider it “incomplete”.
I will get more pics to Eric with some of the ‘before’s’ as well
Really like the patina, Leave it like it is and just clear coat it.
Wow, sir. Coming from you, I’ve been ‘flip flopping’ about it and I think I’ve finally decided to do so. Thank you for your input! A pleasure sir.
more pictures or the cat gets it….
I have still got to figure how to get more pics on here guys but I have fallen into a situation that I am in a point that I need to sell my baby.
Last November I was involved in a motorcycle accident at fault by the other driver making an illegal turn into my lane at 41MPH. I essentially face planted/supermanned into the side of an SUV causing me to total my Harley Davidson Electra Glide classic and causing damage to myself as well, obviously. Since the accident I had fallen behind in financial payments due to loss of work as a small contractor, at the time working solo.
I know that selling a car with this appearance it difficult as it doesn’t look like “much”. I’ve started the pricing at 6000, down to 5 and now at a desperate price at 4500. I know I should have completed the restoration with a situation like this but wanted the ‘originallity’ of the car kept.
I’m doing “better” today needing surgery for a rotor cup tears. Thank goodness it was only that as the reporting police officer told me, as he checked up on me at the hospital that evening (we knjow each other), he said “you are the luckiest son of a bi%^# I’ve seen in a long time”. Reassuring, to say the least.
It’s unfortunate to have to sell such a car as this with it’s story but priorities are what they are….