What should I do with my 1976 beetle?

[DGR]

Hi

I have a 1300, 1976 beetle. We have no idea of the mileage because the odometer has turned over completely at least twice. She was once my uncles car at university, then he sold it to his father in law who didn't use it for years but kept it in running condition. In 2008 he gave it to me and I have used it as a student car for five years. I'm now leaving the country and want to pass her on to my sister in law. Beetles run in families.

Apparently most parts are still original. The only changes so far have been a new radio antenna, new window winders, new chrome tail pipes, one second hand headlight and a mirror fitted to the left hand side. I'm hoping this makes her desirable to a beetle fundi so before I mess with her and start fixing the paint job or anything I want to know If I would be ruining something.

There is rust on the bonnet and worse rust on the bottoms of the doors. The paint is very thin and needs re doing in my humble opinion. There is a slight oil leak. The upholstery needs fixing. My mechanic says the exhaust pipe is almost rusted through and needs replacing too.

The question is " Do I pay to get her fixed up by my local beetle mechanic or do I sell her to a beetle / old car lover who will do a better job?" I was warned that if I try to get her fixed myself I might reduce her value from the untouched but rusty version at present.

Please take some time to look at my photos and suggest what to do.?

https://plus.google.com/photos/10961479 ... LSekIW_4AE

[Merlin]

Hi DGR,

The short answer to your question is that your bug is not a considered a 'Collectors' Car'. It's too late and too common.

It's an Enthusiast's car to some and, sadly, 'cheap transport' to most.

It's a good car for a Weekend Warrior or a new enthusiast, but you're unlikely to make back what you'll spend on it with a decent restoration.

Have someone suitable carry out the requisite work for you and leave your SIL a fun runabout for many years to come.

[Sambabus]

I have to agree with Merlin,...nice bug though. Fix her up.

[Stütz]

I agree too. You'll get nothing for it if you sell it but you'll have a ton of fun keeping and driving the car.

[DGR]

Thanks folks that's what I needed to know. The plan then is to fix her up, stop the rust, fix those seats and then keep her in the family for another poor student without a car.

Cheers
D