Aircooled VW South Africa

Hey guys,

I have recently acquired a 1965 Beetle. I am the 3rd owner of the car. The previous owner completely stripped it down, resprayed and assembled. There are a few things to do to the car to have it in mint condition, but I have accepted this challenge and plan on doing this over the next year or two.
I am super excited at the potential this little bug has.

It is currently in the shop being converted from the 6V system to a 12V system as it has been struggling to run for the past 2 weeks, and I have burnt out my second coil already due to being fooled by the first mechanic I got help from.

Please see the attached pics and let me know what you think.



The following are planned to be changed\fixed on the car:

• New rubbers all round the bug

• Interior carpets

• Re-Chrome the bumpers

• Disc brake conversion

• Change the Mags to something that suits my taste

• Possible Engine upgrade as this is still a 1300

• Decent sound system, seeing as the previous owner built the interior with sound in mind. It has a sub-woofer enclosure in the back and custom door panels.

I am hoping to learn a lot from this forum as I go on this restoration adventure.
Hopefully when the car is running more reliably, I will be able to attend some events and meet a few of you guys.

Cheers for now.

Cool looking Bug!
Congrats on your purchase

Doesnt look like a 65 bug to me........more like a 68/69.

But im no expert

I wasn't sure either, but I've got the papers and original service book. The car was purchased in 65

It is a '65.

Nice ride! I agree with you tho' those rims looks quite hideous.
Actually spoils more than enhancess

Yip, I'll convert to disc brakes and then get some nice rs4 style rims. Something nice and open to show off the detail of the body and enhance the flared arches

I think the rims suit the car. I dont like them but the chrome of the car is enhanced by them

Be careful of the open style rims. If you want a complete look, you need discs on all 4 corners and not small discs either... otherwise it ust doesnt look right
well, thats my opinion anyway. 19" rims with 11" discs just doesnt do it for me

nice bug BTW!!!

Nice ride, I like the wheels I think they suit the car, I would roll them no problem, but it's not my ride.

hitlers revenge wrote:Nice ride! I agree with you tho' those rims looks quite hideous.
Actually spoils more than enhancess

I agree, they would look better on your Ghia...

I doubt I could even sell these mags

before changing too many cosmetic things on your Bug drive her as you got her for a while.
You might just decide to keep some of the things as is.

Thanks retrobug,

I plan on doing just that.. getting a feel for her and what she would like to look like.. as well as what my budget can afford.
I bought her without a battery.. popped a 12V battery into her.. drove her for half a day and then she died.. turns out, she is still on the 6V system.. I sent her in, they replaced the coil and plugs etc.. drover her for another day, and then "pop" goes the coil again. I have finally sent her to VeeMotors in Jules street for the 12V upgrade... alternator system.. not sure what its going to cost, but hopefully it will turn her into an every day runner.. yay...