Author Topic: '59 Beetle Project  (Read 17455 times)

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Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #30 on: February 15, 2011, 05:25:41 PM »
Slow but steady progress. Lots of small stuff. Wiring is done. Windows are in. (except the broken windshield) Brakes are bled. I bought a 1200cc motor a while ago and will get that running to cruise around in for now. Degreased it and painted the tin and shroud. Rebuilding the carb right now. I made a test stand so I can try and start it before I install it. I had to rebuild a 6volt starter to work with the 40hp flywheel so while I had it apart I machined the pinion shaft to fit the 12volt starter bushing instead of running the thin adapter bushing. Also rebuild the 12volt generator. Just need a battery and run some fuel lines and it should be ready to go. I'll try and post some pics.
'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #31 on: March 21, 2011, 06:14:14 PM »
Just wrapping up some loose ends but the POS is just about ready roll. Test run the 1200 the other day. It ran alright. Probably could use some fine tuning but I could get it to start right up after it warmed up. Installed it. Fixed a pin hole in the gas tank. Ran the fuel lines. Adjusted the clutch. Installed the starter. Just need to put the hood on, try again with the windshield (fingers crossed) and bolt the wheels and tires back on. Maybe I'm counting my chickens a little early but hopefully I can drive around the block in the next couple days.

Here's some short video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS-_ezp94M


'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #32 on: March 22, 2011, 01:02:11 AM »
It's alive. I still can't quite believe it but I just got in from taking a test drive around the block. That's the first time it's moved under it's own power in close to 20 years. It's not perfect but it is solid again and driving. We couldn't get the windshield in quite right so we left that as is for now. Primed the fuel system and put the tires on. Dropped it down, turned the key and it fired right up. The oil pressure and gen lights went out, pushed the clutch in, found first gear and it was off to the races. Shifting needs a little tweek but I could find all the gears and it shifted pretty good. Brakes work good and even all the lights work. Man, I still can't quite believe after all the work I put into this thing it actually drives again and I did all of it in the garage. I'm pretty stoked. Feel like hoping in it and driving into the sunset.....if it wasn't aready dark out.

Here's some cel phone video. Not the best footage but you get the idea. Just ignore my buddy's commentary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_x6oUmcEvA


'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Stephan Schmidt

Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #33 on: March 22, 2011, 01:31:00 AM »
Nice work!  You must have such a sense of pride knowing that you built it all on your own.  Enjoy driving it!

Stephan

Offline Chris E.

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #34 on: March 22, 2011, 02:40:44 AM »
Wow! That's great! Congrats. She purrs like a kitten.

Offline buddy boy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #35 on: March 22, 2011, 06:21:49 AM »
 You_Rock_Emoticon PDT_Armataz_01_37

can't wait to see her!!

"only dead fish swim with the stream"

Offline bwaz

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #36 on: March 22, 2011, 08:23:18 AM »
you're not going to drive it in the rain are you? ;)    PDT_Armataz_01_37
brian waz

Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #37 on: March 23, 2011, 09:08:15 AM »
Thanks guys. Like I say it's not perfect but it will do.
'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline somevwguy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #38 on: March 23, 2011, 10:41:16 AM »
Wow watching your vid has motivated me to get off the couch and go work on my car today!!!  You_Rock_Emoticon You_Rock_Emoticon Its not that its not perfect it just has character!!!

Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #39 on: March 23, 2011, 11:18:28 AM »
Its not that its not perfect it just has character!!!

Funny. That's just what I was thinking.

Getting off the couch can be hard sometimes, especially in the winter. Lots of late cold nights in the garage in the last couple months.
'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline Jeremy

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #40 on: April 22, 2011, 01:55:38 PM »
Aircared and insured. Soon to be leaking oil in a neighborhood near you.  ;D
'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline Outlaw

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Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #41 on: October 09, 2011, 08:21:50 AM »
Awesome build Jeremy! After 12yrs it is a driver....enoy the hell out of it PDT_Armataz_01_37

Jodasa

Re: '59 Beetle Project
« Reply #42 on: October 09, 2011, 09:07:07 AM »
Way to go Jeremy, Sounds great.