A few months ago my wife Diane and I decided I should start looking for a “retirement” project, which is a couple of years away. We discussed several ideas, but finally decided on a Volkswagen.
During my younger days in California, I owned a 1960 and a 1968. My wife, Diane owned a 1971 and in 1972 I bought a new flat windshield Super Beetle ($2,552.00), which we kept for 14 years. My brother Mark, who still lives in California has been restoring beetles and Porsche for years and his expertise came in very handy. He looked at some potential cars, but all fit into the “project” category. I am not a mechanic, I only break things and can’t fix them!
Since I did not want a project car, I started looking for a solid car that would also be a good daily commuter. I wanted something that I could get into and fix as my time and expertise improved. We were very fortunate to come across this car, which was exactly what we were looking for. We purchased the car in Mesa, Arizona.
The VIN is 117300262 and was first registered in September 1967 (New was $2,167). Ironic, since that was the same month I entered boot camp with the Marines. The history of the car is unknown, but most of its life was in Arizona. There is no rust, the pans are good and everything operates except the heat and defrost. Not a big deal here in Arizona. All the parts are there, though the cables are long gone. They are good examples of something to do when time allows. I have had the car up to 70 mph, and it runs straight and true. No smoke, the clutch is good, but the brakes are going to need some loving care this summer. I’ll start with the fronts and then tackle the rear.
The interior of the car is spot on. The only issue is the “chrome” trim on the drivers arm rest is missing. It also came with the original seat belt modules, which were in pieces. I was able to rebuild the driver side, but the passenger unit is missing the return guide for the spring. So in the interim I have installed a set of lap belts from Wolfsburg. I really appreciate the original dash, even though a previous owner had installed an under-dash Kenwood radio. It sounds good, but I could have cared less. I prefer to hear that distinctive 1967 rumble!
During the first week I had the car, the hand break came out in my hand! That little experience brought back many memories. In the six weeks I’ve had the car I rebuilt the wiper motor, replaced the wiper shafts, changed the flasher solenoid and fixed a minor oil leak. My mechanical skills are looking up! I have to thank Michael Mittl at German Autowerks in Mesa, who has been a big help and very patient with my questions.
If I look closely I can always find something that I would like to do. Then I remind myself the car is only 47 years young. I can only find one picture of one of our beetles. It was the 1968 and my wife and I will still dating. The picture was taken in the spring of 1972 in Newport Beach, California. In the original photo there are four other VW’s in the picture, including the bus right behind it. I had to “recreate” the original and had fun doing that. By the way, I bought that 1972 right before my wife and I got married. It is long gone, but my wife and I are still going strong!
Ron & Diane Waller
Thanks, Ron & Diane, for sharing your ’67 with 1967beetle.com.
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What a great post! Thanks for sharing with us.
Looks like East Balboa Blvd. out on Balboa Peninsula, somewhere around 11th Street. Very fun place to live if you are 20 something and like to party. VERY sweet looking Lotus White Beetle !
I agree, Mike. The Wallers are doing only good things to their ’67 Beetle. And, the area, as you say, is great for Beetle-watching! LOL If only I were younger, too. jay
Enjoy. My husband and I also bought our first VW nearly 43 years ago just before we were married although he drove a ’60 Bug while we were dating! These, too, is long gone but we’re happy to be enjoying our ’67 now.
Donna…It’s a “disease”! Once “infected” we cannot escape it. Thanks for reading and commenting. You readers make our day! jay
Thanks to you, Jay, and Eric, too! This has quickly become one of our favorite sites and, although we’re not “restoring” our convertible, it’s nice to have some guidance from the experts! Keep it coming; we read it all!
Donna…Are you telling us that you and your husband own a Convertible ’67 Beetle? Is it a running, driving vehicle–and, do you drive it? If so, did you know that you own a rare piece of VW history! Few were the Convertibles produced Worldwide and even fewer that came to the USA. Even much more rare are restored ’67 Convertibles! Maybe you’d like to do a feature story of your car. Talk to us. jay
Yes, Jay … “Wally2” is a rare piece of automotive history and we’re glad to have him in our family. We’re the 3rd Owners and it still has the original engine as confirmed by the folks at Stiftung Automuseum with a little over 95k miles showing. There is an interesting backstory on this convertible’s past life but can’t say he’s ever been “restored” … in fact probably owners of true “restored” vehicles would be offended if we used the term. But he’s a good fair-weather driver and, in a pinch the original top could handle anything the liquid Pacific NW has to offer. We’ve owned him a little over five months we’re getting to know him better each day.
Yes! Featured article. Let’s do this One by one, I’ll document every ’67 Beetle in the world. All of the roached ones have seemed to find my inbox.
Oh, my! I find myself coveting! What fun it must be for you to be the conservators of Wally2.
jay
Shucks.. Thanks! I sure have fun doing it. Now, it seems like the whole world is watching.
Semper Fi.Ron & Diane.
Awesome retirement project.
I’ve got the twin to your car here in SC.
Enjoy it. Actually Semper Fi would be the perfect name. (For all the non Marines, Semper Fi means Always Faithful)
Beautiful bug!!!!!
Sam…you hit the hammer with the nail! You have an excellent name there. With thousands of others, our family has found the 1967 Beetles to be just that–faithful to a fault despite rain, snow, or any other distractions. Talk to Eric about your Beetle–maybe you’d like to do a featured article on your car? jay
Sam,
I have a license plate frame that reads, “Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine.” Semper Fi
Very nice story :), and beautiful “vocho” as say in Mexico.
Si Senor. Es un Vocho de primero. Y usted, Eliud–tiene usted un Vocho tambien? Dejenos verlo–mande unas fotos, porfavor. Yes..the Beetle has many endearing names around the World. In Mexico the name “Vocho” has stuck.
Send us your photos, please, so that we can enjoy your car with you. Thanks for participating in 1967Beetle.com! jay (jaime)
Thanks everyone for the nice comments. I have added the gear shift knob because it was a present from my son. But still have the original.
Very nice story, thank you!
I am in the exact same situation as you, Ron – minus the brother with the knowledge. I am hoping to find a 1962 to 1972 “perfect” ßeetle in the Vancouver, BC, (Canada) Area.
Thanks for sharing, great story and more. Something to look forward and enjoy every day.
Good luck! If you are willing look into a bug show or get Eric’s advice!