Here is the Bug chassis of the '61 Ragtop. This is the start of the stripdown
I thought it would take a lot longer than it did, but stripping the chassis was the easiest part of this project so far.
Now that it is 100% bare of all parts I can safely say that not a single bolt, nut or screw has seized on this car - an absolute first for me!
In under a day I had everything off - front axle, engine, gearbox, pedals, brake system, rear spring plates... the lot!
I've even taken the top side back to metal and have started stripping the underside of under-seal and road grime.
At this rate I will be done in no time - fingers crossed that the weather holds out eh?
As far as the rebuild is concerned, well, there will be new additions such as beam, gearbox, engine and maybe wheels - you will just have to wait and see.
The pan itself is solid. As you may recall, I had to repair the rear corners of both pans but other than that the rest is all original. I'm not going to have time to get it all powder coated but seeing as this is not a show car it really doesn't bother me. Besides I rather like using POR15 and a top coat of high gloss chassis paint.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 01 15:40
Bee
it's been a long time coming but she's finally getting there. Look forward to seeing your beetle finished and on the road.
March 04 12:09
Billy Tate
G'day mate,
Looking good, I'm just away to strip down a 1968 VW Beetle in a few days. Any chance of emailing you with a few questions etc?
Thanks
Billy
auswa@live.com.au
December 30 15:56
carmine
hi iwant to by a ww with a bradley body on it the floor is rotton it is gone how strong is the main chassis
March 17 06:18
Kurt Littlewood
I am at a similar point on a 65 to 67 chassis for a bradley project. How do I determine the year of the chassis as this is important to obtaining correct brake parts and steering parts. seems there was a significant change around 66. How can I determine the generator output as I assume the electrical is 12 volt system but I wish to check re starter and generator. thanks