Restoration
Shop
This
Classic Volkswagen Bug, a true classic car, received a "pan off"
and "ground up" full restoration in 1991 by Stephen's V-Dub
Restorations in Washington. No expense was spared, and the
work took about 3 months. At the end of the work, the car was shipped,
by truck, to Southern California. This classic VW Bug was then
"smogged," (no longer required), and registered in California.
At that point in
time, 1991, if you HAD
a Bug in restorable condition, the cost for a professional restoration
was about $10,000. If you did NOT already own a restrorable Bug, you
had to find one in restorable condition, not
an easy thing to do, especially in areas with snow in the winter. Since
that time I've added about $4000 more
in "detail" parts for a total investment of about $16,500.
Call
about in your area and see what the prices are nowadays at a
professional auto restoration shop!
During the restoration, everything mechanical that showed wear was
replaced, and a rebuilt 1600 cc engine was installed in place of the
1500 cc that had been removed by the original owner. The body, and
interior, were fully renovated. Extra effort went in to detail. The
1967 Bug was a "one year only" model; this contributes to its vintage
value. Also, certain body and trim parts are harder to find, making
those already on the car all that more valuable. A pair of door handles
for this year model, assuming you can FIND a set, can go for about
$150. Don't worry tho - a spare set comes with the car! Detail items
re-installed included an original "12 Volt" sticker, placed by the
factory on the inside drivers door frame, (this was the FIRST year Bugs
were 12 volt), engine dual spout air cleaner, glove box and valve
adjustment decals, etc.
Certain changes, none irreversible, other than the
engine, were incorporated during the restoration process. This was done
to improve overall drivability on fast 70+ California freeways during
hot 100+ summer heat. A Bosch alternator was added, replacing the
original "wimpy" generator for more "juice," along with a Gene Berg 5
1/2 quart "drop" oil pan; this bigger pan lets the engine run cooler
and will make it last longer. The front end was also lowered slightly,
using "dropped spindles." Older Bugs, at high speed, say 70+, tend to
"float" around; a slight front end lowering, if done RIGHT, and I
repeat, RIGHT, (using dropped spindles and NOT by
pulling out torsion rods) or worse, capitalizes on the aerodynamic egg
shape of the body, and improves handling substantially.
Its now as if you were driving down railroad tracks! Believe
it - its true.
"Wilt the Stilt" & his new Bug ===>
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