The Bug Resurrection

Our Beetle at 48

2016-02-21T21:19:00.004-08:00

Our dear Beetle is nearly forty-eight years old now! Few cars grow old as gracefully. He still gets a lot of compliments.

February 20, 2016 - nearly four years after his restoration

This car has totally altered the way I feel about old things, and the way I see them. I love this car.

Two Years and Counting

2014-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the beetle a little over two years after he was restored:

Sometimes I look at him and have to take a step back.

The never-fading appeal of the beetle demonstrates two things:

1) a classic never goes out of style

2) take care of a car and it will take care of you, no matter how old it is.

The "bug" has bitten my husband again, so stay tuned for more developments to this forty-six-year-old!

Tado's Ride

2014-02-18T22:09:00.001-08:00

This may be overdue, but I'll do it anyway.

We met Tado at the Petron station in SLEX. First thing we noticed was his cool ride, a Beetle in pristine condition. He said he was going to Enchanted Kingdom with his family.

Rest in peace, sir. See you in the next one.

Week 38---Voila!

2012-05-21T06:04:00.003-07:00

We dragged the Beetle, unocooperatively, to the shop July 2011. He was looking a little blue:

After almost ten months of arduous labor and controlled excitement, he reemerges practically unrecognizable (not least because this time he isn't being towed). Here's a look of him from different angles:

Taking him home was a dream. An attack of nerves hit my husband and I when we were told that we finally had to drive him home. According to my husband, whose first time it was to drive a Volkswagen, it was tricky at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to and now he loves it.

The goal was to make the Beetle live up to its potential and make it beautiful on the outside and the inside:

I chose the color of the interior. The idea was to make it as clean as possible without looking boring.

Here's the tidy trunk with the tidy wires:

An obvious difference between the original and this restored Beetle is the air conditioner. It may not be original, but it is necessary, and it doesn't look too shabby either. The radio too is not original, but it's a good match for the car. I didn't want it to have too many lights.

The backseat and the neatly mounted speakers:

For those who appreciate engines, here's a closer look:

Stay tuned: see just how far this revived Beetle will go!

Week 36---Finishing Touches

2012-05-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

This close to the finish line, the wait for the Beetle is becoming unbearable. But we've already waited this long, so why rush it now?

Slight problem with the carburetor and how it does not allow enough energy to keep the car running at the speed it is supposed to. It's not that easy to find a replacement, but we're willing to wait if it means a smoother driving experience.

The trunk looks great now too. I doubt we can fit a lot of things in there, but I can live with that.

The aircon has already been installed too. I'm curious as to how it will fare in the crazy hot temperatures Manila has been experiencing.

Soon as the finishing touches are done, watch out for this bug on the road.

Week 34---Come Together

2012-03-26T04:03:00.003-07:00

We've decided to call the car Nando, after Nando Parrado who survived the Andes plane crash in 1972. It's a good name for the guy I think. A strong and timeless name.

So here's Nando with his seats firmly set in front of the dash board.

Here's another view of the seat covers against the right hand side panel:

But the thing I am most excited about is this:

Nando is on his feet! I don't know if it's just me, but doesn't he look like a brand-new car? The classic design is of course dated, but just look how clean and fresh he is.

They're going to road test him in the next few weeks. Engage the battery!

Let's go, Nando!

Week 33---Guages Up!

2012-03-26T03:53:00.001-07:00

Steering wheel has been refurbished and the necessary guages have been installed.

We didn't get all the guages simply because we didn't need them, although they would be nice to have. It's just that there are so many other stuff we have to buy, like a radio that needs to be plugged into that gaping hole on the dash.

Here are the reupholstered seats. I wasn't too sure when I was picking out the colors for the seat covers, but I'm pretty satisfied.

One other thing I really want but don't have are these:

Chrome side mirrors. What we have are the stock black ones, which personally I think is not good enough for our Beetle. (After all it's been through!)

These chrome mirrors are attached to this baby:

Cute yellow bug it is. It also has this white steering wheel that's super cute.

But then black is stock for our model and so we went with that. Notice how this car is automatic? That is super cool.

PS. At second glance, it's probably not automatic after all.

Week 32---Roll Out!

2012-03-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

The engine should be ready and running within the month. Those twin shiny mufflers are there now too looking spick-and-span.

This beetle is just about ready to fly out of the shop. I can't get over how much I love the color.

But before it rolls out, it's going to need these:

It was finally time to get tires! I've been waiting for this because tires mean running! Can't wait to get on the bug, especially with the aircon to beat the Philippine heat:

As for the steering wheel, it's in the process of being refurbished. It knew it was going to look better, but I didn't expect it to look brand new!

If you can see it in person, you'll know what I mean.

Week 31---The Missing Pieces

2012-03-08T18:03:00.002-08:00

Mad scramble for the last remaining pieces that will complete the Beetle now. Lucky for us, there isn't much more. We've already found the perfect steering wheel:

And those rims that didn't look like much a few weeks back look like this now (that's my son crouched next to them):

Now we need hub caps to complete the look, and tires of course.

The back side panels are there now too. The seats aren't installed yet, but now at least you can see how it will look inside the car. They look quite at home, don't you think?

One other thing we need to get is a radio and speakers. We're not going for the classic look there. Audio quality is much too important. The other Beetle in the shop had audio to die for:

I like the sound of his speakers but I don't think I want that huge-as* screen on the dash. Too Back to the Future.

Finally, to show that we're really rolling out of the shop soon after all these weeks:

Hello, engine! I can't wait to hear you purr!

Week 29---Two Toned

2012-02-27T20:56:00.001-08:00

The exterior is almost done, as you can see:

Will just need to slap on the tail lights, but the headlights are already in place:

But what really got me excited this week was the progress in the interiors. The door panels are on! This one's on the passenger side:

While this one's on the driver side. It has a little pocket there, as in the original Beetle design.

On top of this, we also saw our custom-made seat covers for the first time. It's two-toned cream and gray with cream pipings. Now this is very different from the original seat covers. As much as we want to stay true to the original, basket weave in plain old black just does not appeal to my aesthetic sensibilities.

Haven't actually seen it sitting in the Beetle. From where it is now, though, it looks nice and neat.

Here below is the shell of the air conditioner.

It doesn't look like much slumped on the floor, but I have a feeling it's going to look great once painted.

Another interesting thing I want to share is this bus we saw while paying for parts:

Plate number: SAD 879. Sad is right. Combi needs a hug.

Week 28---Electric

2012-02-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

What was once a jumbled mess much resembling this:

Is now organized like upright little soldiers in a line like this:

It looks so neat and simple I can be fooled into thinking I can put it together myself, but that is way too risky.

So this is how the front part looks now. Notice the headlights have been installed as well. We also had the headlamp covers replaced with a generic brand. Hella was too expensive and ours was too tacky, so might as well go generic.

What else is new? Rims! We've finally found ours, but don't get too excited.

They're not much to look at yet. Wait till they're cleaned and painted and buffed!

Week 27---Chromed

2012-02-10T01:02:00.000-08:00

We are now at the tail end of body works. The windows and some other accessories have been installed.

Isn't it beautiful, with the light bouncing off of the chrome? The white and silver look so clean and classy.

The white ceiling inside is in danger of getting dirtied by the baby, but while unsullied it is quite wowing. The continuing whiteness is exactly what i was going for.

Of course our newly purchased vent wing locks are there now too looking quite at home in our '68.

I haven't posted a lot of pictures of the Beetle from the back, so here it is:

But what you should see more closely are the chrome trims in the rear-glass window. It has a few nicks and bruises here and there, but you wouldn't believe how much it costs to get a new set. It just didn't seem like it was worth it. Besides, ours doesn't look too bad, right?

We still have to look for a steering wheel for this bug, because that one you see in the picture isn't the original.

Just a few more weeks and you'll see this on the road. Watch out for us!

Week 26---Homestretch

2012-02-01T01:41:00.000-08:00

Now it really feels like we're nearing the finish line of this restoration project, and boy am I giddy.

The release door handles, vent wing, and roll-up window glass on the left side have been secured. Slight problem with the vent wing though as the glass on the left and on the right aren't a pair and the locks don't match the period the car was made.

The lock for the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle vent wing looks like this (right):

Ours look like this on the left.

So you see it's very different. Someone who isn't discerning of Beetles probably wouldn't recognize the incorrectness, but it still feels like cheating to not get the period-correct version, and there are those who know their Beetles who will know. Good thing we were able to score 1968-style vent wings for a relatively good price (I hope).

Remember the stick shift that we searched for and found? It's where it's supposed to be now too, and I am just so happy that we got it.

It would have been such a disappointment to have to settle for the old stick shift (there lying on the floor pan). It would have been like an itch you can't scratch. The old tachometer is back now too. Anything we get to salvage and reuse is much appreciated and makes me sigh with relief.

The engine makes its debut finally:

The crankshaft had to be replaced as it is third oversized. If that's going to make the engine run better, I'm all for it. Good thing the connecting rod and pistons are still new. An old car with a strong engine, that's the idea.

And lastly, the wheel and axle, reminding me that I have to find better rims soon:

Our rims are not in bad shape by any means; i just want something a little more glitzy. (Spoiled, spoiled car!)

If anyone wants to get our rims, give me a holler. I'll sell them for cheap.

So there, just a few more months from now, this old German Bug will once again roam the streets of Metro Manila, and maybe even farther. Restored to its former glory, it will again be proud to be a Volkswagen Beetle.

Week 25---Ready the Base

2012-01-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

After taking the Bug apart, we're now in the process of putting it back together.

Here's the base ready for painting. It looks great already, but there are parts that are still a dull black (like the floor pans). They are still to be painted over:

I'm no expert, but I'm guessing the wheels go here:

Which reminds me, we need to be getting rims soon. There are many in the market, but not many suit our taste, and even fewer suit our taste and our budget. Considering getting a brand new set just so we're not held hostage by what is available locally. It could be worth it in the long run since this car is for keeps.

If anyone is selling rims, let me know so we can check them out.

We saw rims like those of the red Beetle that follows:

Although they are nice---they're Porsche after all---they're not what I'm looking for. I want something more angular.

The Ford Laser in the shop is also getting prettier by the week. Then, a corroded hatch like tetanus-infested fangs of certain skeletal muscle complications:

And now:

A full restoration is worth the trouble if the car means something to you, that's really all that matters.

Week 24---Mind the Details

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

The base has been covered with a layer of paint. I was so fixated on the body that I forgot about this most important part.

Then:

Now:

So it looks clean now and definitely more of a match to its beautiful white shell (whose doors have again been removed perhaps because it is set to get another layer of paint).

The doors, removed, wait on the side.

along with the other removables like the dashboard cover and deck lid.

The lines that run down the sides of the Vox should be smooth and absolutely perfect. This is just one of the many reasons why not everybody can restore a Beetle.

From what I hear, this Beetle will be ready for the roads a few months from now. I won't say exactly when because I might jinx it, but it will be soon.

Week 23---Into the White

2012-01-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

The interior of the Vox has been layered with a coat of lotus white and is looking as clean and bright as hoped.

It's not yet finished and already I feel like this restoration will exceed my expectations. I knew that the car will look brand new once painted, but I didn't think it would look this beautiful from all angles.

We were also fortunate enough to find an original shifter for our '68 model, and in good condition too.

Finding parts isn't easy, especially if you're like me who always looks for the best price. Now we still have to look for the perfect rims and maybe a steering wheel.

At the shop, I was treated to something I had never seen before: a classic Ford Cobra.

I wouldn't mind driving this on an open road. Can't wait to see this when it's all cleaned up.

Another car in the shop that is of interest is an old beat-up Ford Laser that's set to undergo a full restoration. As you will see, it's all tattered.

We used to have a family car like this one, so I'm rooting for it. Seeing how dilapidated it is, the before-and-after pictures should be very interesting. (If it was my car, I'd paint it black.)

Restorations are the best. They breathe life to old, well-loved machines. It's always nice to see things regain their old beauty.

Week 22---Color Choices

2011-12-31T00:03:00.000-08:00

We considered many colors for the Beetle:

Bumblebee-style yellow, which is also the color of one of the bugs in Jason Motorworks

Metallic gray

And so many different shades of blue that I thought we would end up with blue

Now please don't comment and say we should have picked this color or that because we already have picked our color. I would have a Beetle in each of these colors if I could. Don't make me rethink our decision, please.

The 1968 Volkswagen Beetle comes in eight colors: Lotus White, Royal Red, Black, Delta Green, Savannah Beige, VW Blue, Zenith Blue, and Chinchilla Gray. (To see all colors of the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle models, click here.) Ours was originally Zenith Blue, but after much consideration, we decided that Lotus White was more our taste.

This is what a 1968 Lotus White Volkswagen Beetle looks like:

And this is how our Beetle looks after two coats of paint:

And this is how the inside looks as it's still being expertly smoothened:

Trivia: Not all whites are the same. Herbie's color was a 1963 VW color called Pearl White. Despite what the word connotes, the paint has no pearl effect.

No regrets with our kind of white. It's exactly what we wanted.

Happy New Year to all of you!

Week 21---Silky

2011-12-18T19:28:00.002-08:00

This is it! (I think.)

The body has been smoothened to a silky finish. I run my finger over the metal and it is smoother than a baby's bottom.

The hood looks brand new,

the fenders look like they just came out of a factory,

and the base is clean and ready.

How fantastic to end the year on this development, if this is indeed the last of the year since Christmas is fast approaching.

Week 19---Slowly but Surely

2011-12-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

The progress on the Beetle is slow, meticulous, and not very exciting, I must admit, but this is all in preparation for a flawless paint job and very much worth the patience it requires.

After the primer comes the putty to ensure that there are no kinks when the paint is finally applied. Even the tiniest pockmark is obvious when there is paint on, so best be fussy.

While patiently waiting for our Beetle experience to liven up, I dreamily admire this VW Bus.

And how its interiors look brand new.

And how it takes me back to my childhood years.

The German flag looks cute where it is, but I've got something better. Family from Germany were able to find us these perfectly old number plates that would look so great on our much awaited vehicle!

I know it says Toyota, but I'm not really trying to fool any of you into thinking these are our Beetle's original plates.

Week 18---Patches

2011-11-29T02:14:00.001-08:00

With the trunk primed, the bug is beginning to look really tidy and more clearly showing promise.

Putty is applied in patches where necessary. This smooths out the little nicks that do make a big difference once painting is finished.

The body of course is only one part of the restoration.

Here are the engines waiting for their turn to be reconditioned. The familiar high-pitched rolling-R sound of the Beetle is much awaited.

This VW Bus is looking like it's going to be of show quality.

This week we again see the Sun Bug. This is my first picture of it, but I've seen it before and am a fan. I especially like the sunroof that will be but a dream for our own Beetle.

Week 17---Subtle Curves

2011-11-21T21:56:00.001-08:00

The body of the Beetle has now been completely primed. Putty is being meticulously applied to make for the smoothest finish ever.

The little bug is beginning to shape up. I'm getting nostalgic thinking of how lonely the old car looked stuck in our garage, and now he's getting all the attention he deserves.

As most people probably already know, the trunk of the old Volkswagen Beetles are in front while the engine is located at the back. I think the new Beetle's engine is under the hood now, but I'm not sure.

The body has again been dismounted to get a full view of the floor pans and other elements at the base. No more rot spots!

Also spotted:

A bare canvass of a Karmann Ghia still to be designed by the owner's imagination. The look of this car is timeless. It can pass off as a new car if so desired. So beautiful.

Week 16---Green Means Go

2011-11-13T21:35:00.001-08:00

Thrilled to find that our Beetle has been primed. The paint job is officially underway.

I knew it would happen sooner or later, I just thought I would be ready when it does happen. Great great surprise.

Green primer does not mean we're painting the car green, of course.

Meanwhile, parts that have no primer yet look shiny enough to eat from.

Also spotted . . .

Bumblebee, the yellow Beetle, is going for modern interiors. Here you'll see the modern steering wheel, which I personally think will look strange and yet smashing inside a classic body.

Also found in the shop an old VW Bus. We just couldn't keep our hands off of that.

I took to the front seat and was convinced to one day restore one of these. It was amazing.

Complete with air conditioning at the back so passengers will be comfortable.

Classic rims have an undeniable charm. The mud flaps are sweet too, and useful (I presume). Will consider getting those.

At my mother's house, was pleased to find my father's old miniature model of the '67 Volkswagen Beetle. This will have its place in our house now.

Everything about this car makes me happy. (Well, everything but the restoration cost.)

Week 15 --- Battling the Elements

2011-11-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Arrived at the shop to this sight:

Hard to take pictures when I'm busy keeping myself dry, but I managed.

Our Beetle was being washed clean of rust with soap and sandpaper in preparation for painting. The result is the blinding silver spectacle on the right. It will take maybe a little over a month for painting to be over.

This is what makes full restorations and body lifts worth the money, time, and effort: seeing pristine bare metal before paint is applied. This way you know what's really under there.

Guess what else we found in the rain?

A jaw-dropping Karmann Ghia.

With a leather-covered dashboard.

And off-white seats with green lining. Another treatment option for our own seats.

Another beautifully restored old car, another classic that will turn heads on the road.

Week 14---Cool Change

2011-10-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Nice surprises when we visited the Beetle this week. To start:

The aircon has been installed (part of it, at least). We opted for two louvers in the middle.

The front seats are in place. (I'm so glad we got these seats. I have a feeling I would have regretted it if we'd passed them up.)

The rear bumper's been attached.

And most exciting of all . . .

After fourteen weeks, we see the engine again!

So this is how the inside looks now. Classic shmassic. The aircon is such a sweet addition!

Husband, most excited by the seats, checked to see how sturdy they are. (It's so cute to see all these Volkswagens in a row.)

As a bonus, we saw a cool peg for interiors:

Two-toned is the way to go! (Right now at least.) It looks like something straight out of the sixties.

All that said, the car is almost ready for painting. Really have to think of a color now.

Week 13---Under the Hood

2011-10-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Didn't have time to visit the Beetle this week, so my husband took pictures for me. (That's what I call romantic.)

Looking darned good under the hood. That shiny sheet of metal in the middle, I posted the old rotted one in my week 8 post. Quite an improvement.

These brackets that attached the bumper to the car were discarded and replaced as well.

Apart from the color of the body, we've also been consumed with ideas for the interior. So it's a good time to see the Beetle below.

Red interiors on a white body look pretty sweet. I don't know if I would go for red, but this opens up more options for the imagination to play with.

This auto's rocking the old school radio as well. I for one love radio and am particular about quality of sound, so I don't know if I'm willing to go this far to restore to original.

Overall, what a sweet ride. (There on the background with its hood wide open is our Beetle.)