My '66 Beetle (Newbie introduction)

Troy Hobbs · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 766

Do you mean steering lock? If so unless it was a Euro model, a Beetle wouldn't get a steering lock until 1968.

It probably isn't bondo over rust, it wasn't done right (obviouslly) and rust formed under the bondo.

Some time with a hammer, dolly and torch and the unispot should gwt it straight enough.

A ragtop clip would be out of place on a 66, you could do a 64 up steel rollback though.

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

I agree with Troy ...Rags just don't look right on anything later than 63'. I know people do it, but the rag clips are big $$$ now. I've been looking for one for mine, no luck so far. Yeah, I mentioned the Baja thing to Jessica, and she was all for it! Just need to track down some affordable fiberglass...
Keep us updated with your hammering skills Jordan!!
Scott

traderj · Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Posts: 24 Location: Hayden, ID

Well a mix up with the uni-spotter shipping kept me from getting started like I wanted. But finally got it. This is what I got done a week ago.

Then I decided that I'm tired of it raining and ruining my plans for working on her. So I purchased some shop lights for the garage. Should get a lot more done now.

Troy Hobbs · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 766

I don't think your car was rolled, unless one of the sides is completly full of filler too, its more likely something fell on the roof (or someone jumped up and down on it). Looks like it is coming out pretty easy, go slow and work from the outside in.

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

WOW! Great work Jordan! It's really starting to take shape....those wheels look freakin' sweet on your car!

Scott

traderj · Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Posts: 24 Location: Hayden, ID

Finally got some good shots of what I'm dealing with. As you can see here are a lot of what I would call "ping" dents. What really can't be seen is that first bump after the gutters is pushed out too far in some areas and pushed in too far towards the front. Also the body line between that bump and the main roof bubble is almost non-existent in three areas. The first picture you can see two of them. They look like lines running horizontal.

Then we have the area to the far right between the four studs vvvv. That also is a weird crease that runs across the body line.

The little round dents I don't have a problem with. Those are easy. But do you guys have any incite into how to deal with the body line?

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

I'm definately no "body man" Jordan, but it looks like you'll need to reshape that body line. Have you checked out Eastwood.com for an arsenal of tools, hammers, dollys, ect??? Probably find some videos on there too that might apply.

traderj · Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Posts: 24 Location: Hayden, ID

Life's moving at full speed here. I'm graduating with an associate degree from NIC next week. Time just flew past. It's looking like I may be moving out of the area soon, to vegas. Didn't expect that one when I bought the bug, but if that's the case I will probably be forced to sell the bug. As much as I don't want to. It might be a good thing though since I could probably find a less cancer ridden bug down there.

Troy Hobbs · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 766

Probly need a torch and some one to show you how to metal shrink.

hubcapt · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 666

Troy is right, shrinking is the way to go...

Or...

Viva la Gull Wings!!!!

Aircooledmark · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Spokane

I would have put a donor roof clip on that car a long time ago... No way I would waste my time trying to straighten that out.

Aircooledmark · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Spokane