Offer I can't refuse?

[airehead]

I was just offered a 71 convertible beetle project for $500. Story goes, the guy bought it 10 years ago to restore. He claims it ran when he parked it 10 years ago, when he tarpped it until he could get around to restoring it. Obviously he never got a "round tuit" (we've all been there). He says it needs top skin, and probably seats by now, but other than that, it is complete. I have no idea what the pans look like, but I could imagine they aren't in the best shape if it's been sitting on earth rather than concrete. That's unknown yet. But, it sounds like a pretty good deal sight unseen so far. I plan to take a closer look, but anyway, a complete 71 vert for $500 doesn't sound too bad do ya think?

[67type1]

'71 convertible in decent shape for $500 is a steal. Good luck.

[airehead]

I'm in the process of closing this deal. The pans need some repair, but not a total loss. Gonna get it for $300 believe it or not.

Were all the convertibles Karmans? It has Karman badges on the side body lower cowl.

[vdubdriver]

Sept 9, 2012 13:55:56 GMT -5 airehead said:

I'm in the process of closing this deal. The pans need some repair, but not a total loss. Gonna get it for $300 believe it or not.

Were all the convertibles Karmans? It has Karman badges on the side body lower cowl.

Yes

[airehead]

Here are some pictures of it. It needs complete new top kit (frame all there though), and the interior is completely shot, but springs and frames all there. But this is it. It actually doesn't look too bad.

[Dustin]

Looks like it's been out in the weeds a while. Hopefully the channels are good in it. $300 is a great price

[yankeyspeed]

nice, I think it will make a nice cruiser.

[airehead]

Well.. Looks like I now am a proud owner of a 71 Bug karman Convertible. We agreed on $400 for the project. Now, looks like I need to dust off and oil up the air tools, welders and body tools. Next question is, anybody know the best place to get a good deal on a top kit? This think is going to need a new top, and complete interior.

Next question is what to do with it?

Stocker?
OR
SoCal style Roadster VDubRod?

[VDub63 ( Steven )]

Sept 11, 2012 7:41:24 GMT -5 airehead said:

Stocker?
OR
SoCal style Roadster VDubRod?

In my opinion it is your car do with it what you want to. A VolksRod would be cool.

[airehead]

Certainly, and believe me, at my age, and stuborness, it will be done the way I want to do it. But at this point I am undecided, and even though I will do my own thang, still like opinions of other VW Volks.. I love them all to be honest, but being an old Classic Hot Rod guy, really do love the Volksrod idea. If it was for me, odds are, it would be a VolksRod. But, to be fair, this build is going to be for the wife. She likes stockers, and also the SoCal style, so it will be one of those most likely.

[VDub63 ( Steven )]

SoCal would be cool too. Like I said it is "your" car.

[Dustin]

I'd shave the trim, run t-bars or euro blades with knock offs, low back seats, Porsche Fuch wheels with black detail, drop the front, 135's up from 165's out back, keep the yellow.

[Ruffuss]

I agree keep the yellow and do it "Your way" what ever that might be.

[dansam]

looks like a good base then again,,,,, what do the floors and rockers look like???

[airehead]

I am expecting some work down under. I haven't personally seen the car, other than some good pictures he sent. I am going down with a trailer to get it this weekend. We made a deal (virtual handshake), and it's a done deal, but I did make it clear that it is a certain deal with the contingency of how bad underside is. He knows I expect some damage with it sitting so long, but if the damage is beyond the pans and into the actual backbone and structure, I reserve the right to walk away. He agreed to that with the contingency. So, yes, it's a done deal, and I do expect some work down there up to pan/rocker/heater channel replacement. But beyond that, it will stay there. But, even still I might take it, just for the body, motor and other misc parts. I got it for $400, and just as a parts car it is a bargain. It is a complete car. I believe the convertible body alone is worth at least that to someone that wants a convertible to put on their pan.