Trial fit of one of the wings and to check suspension height and tuck on the Beetle
Time is ticking and I'm starting to panic a little bit! The 23rd August is not too far off and I'm still waiting for parts!
But hey, things are slowly coming together and I reckon my goal is still achievable.
I had a call today saying my doors are ready so I will be collecting them before the weekend so thats another step in the right direction.
I also placed an order today with Status VW Parts with a few essentials which will also push the project a bit further along.
Alas, the main package though is coming from the states (BFY Obsolete Parts) and that has the important bits in it like the headliner and window rubbers.
Still, that hasn't stopped me getting a few things done. For instance, I had great satisfaction putting the dash together. And after I had set up the steering I was able to pop the Grant steering wheel on too.
We had a little debate about that one actually. While I love the wheel I feel it is going to be a bit out of keeping with the car but I can't make up my mind. Mike likes it too but feels it should be bigger, James was with Mike and Steve simply said "It works, I like it". What do you think? Comments below.
As you can see I've also fitted the bonnet - it needs aligning but looks like it is going to work. I also trial fitted a wing to check the tuck on the narrowed beam and the height. I'm very happy with the tuck but feel the height can come down a tad - I'll wait 'till the car is fully built before adjusting it again.
I've also fitted up the ragtop properly too and am very happy with how it looks!
Oh, and before anyone says anything, I am going to be getting some new wheels on the front! I would also like to point out they came like that when I bought the car!
A full update on this project will be in VolksWorld Magazine very soon!
You can check out the photos of the work so far in the gallery. It's in two parts, just click below.
Jon's '61 Ragtop Project - Part one
Jon's '61 Ragtop Project - Part two
Have your say!
Latest comments
June 12 12:53
dean
keep the wheel it looks cool
June 30 09:13
Kieron Smith
Jon, Looking good. What you running on the front discs or drums? The reason I ask is that on my 64 I can get the centre caps to fit when my BRM's are bolted in place. I running with the standard drums, so any help would be good.
Kieron
June 30 14:21
Jon Gilbert
Thanks Kieron,
I'm running CSP discs on the front with no problems. However, I was running the same wheels with stock drums before and the caps fitted fine.
I guess it depends on the brand of BRM you're using and what offset. I think mine are MWS but not sure - they came with the car when I bought it.