Restored my first VW (1973 Super Beetle) in 1991. I got it for nothing - found it in a pasture. The property owner said if I could get it out of the pasture, I could have it for nothing. A tree had grown thru the front right side floor and out the right side window. I literally had to take a chain saw and cut the tree out of it. Winched it onto a trailer, stopped at the property owner's home and picked up the title. In 3 months me and a friend of mine working mornings after work restored it and had it running great. We rebuilt the engine to 1850 CC with dual Weber carbs and a remote oil filter. We painted the car on a Friday and was driving it on Sunday. I drove the car for 6 weeks and a deer jumped out of a tree line next to the highway and killed my Super Beetle ! What did I do after that? I found another '73 Super Beetle of course ! lol
Thanks for sharing, and dang the heart break! Question, did you use a kit for the rebuild and if so do you have one to recommend? I’m working on a 74 Baja style I got in a similar situation but without the free tree. 👍
I just bought a newly painted, new engine, new interior bug in pieces. God help me put it together! What have i DONE??!! Been awake since 2am w/ major cold feet. I have my dad's model A to restore, what am I doing?! I just wanted a convertible manual cute car....Oh, Lordy... May UA-cam help me! Heavy sigh...
So all in >8k for a 5k car? Sounds like all of my projects! The amount of money you spend doesn’t matter, money is made to be spent, The skills you learn, the sense of achievement you get when you look at it and the smile on you face everytime you drive it are priceless.
If you're in this hobby to make a buck , might as well leave. I have no problem dumping buckets of money into junk cars , it makes the time pass and idle hands are the work of the devil.
No clue on why people are so rude. Their egos are definitely shining. This is your baby and I bet you learned a lot and got tons of enjoyment and satisfaction out of the project. That’s all that matters in this life. Enjoy Brother✌️
this is also the best example of people saying you can't afford a cheap project car. I made the mistake of buying a project car for $900. my parts bill is currently 12k and counting. this is without doing any body work either on an american car with most parts readily available.
The 8.3K total is actually not too bad. In the US a clean and nice running 60s Beetle will go for $10k on the low end. In my area it's closer to 15-20K for a clean restore that is ready for the road. Much more if you've got a convertible or other non standard model.
it doesn't matter about the cost,if your heart is in it,just look at the end result,beautiful,well done,it must make you proud to drive it knowing you restored it,great job
Just watched one go locally for $2900 that already had a lot done to it. This was on Vancouver Island where the prices are usually higher then on the mainland. A Beetle is still one of the cheapest cars to restore.
If it had no rust, I'd say it's fair. Of course I'm in a rust belt state, so you can buy a bug for 1500 if you're willing to spend weeks welding scrap metal to it.
03:13, that fuel cut off solanoid valve switch could have been one possible thing that prevented it from starting. Could have failed internally or no power going to it at ignition turn (latter typically bad wire continuity).
The love for the bug its priceless. I got mine so far i lost the amount i put into it. All i can say it is that money comes and goes but my bug is my love.
Your Bug looks and sounds amazing..the money you put into it pays for every second you drive and enjoy it..true value for money i say...1k to restore it or 10k to restore it the result is the same...companion for life😊🙏...
This is why when you see an "overpriced" bug for $16,000 in PERFECT restored and rebuilt condition, you should BUY it. That car was probably passed around by 3 owners with $28,000 total spent before it ended up the way it is.
I had a New 1955 Bug and it cost me $ 1980 .00 with a1947 4 door Chevrolet as a trade in. Great little car. Wish I had one now. Liked your video very much. Thank you. Al from Ingleside Canada.
My bug cost $1500 to purchase. Has cost about another $1000 to fix up mechanicals plus my own bodywork (weld and fabricate). Market value $7000 minimum (NZ).
@Fok Yu Patched the pans with new steel. Hand fabricated one heater panel section and fenderwell from stainless as well as several rusted areas throughout the body. Running boards hand fabricated from steel. Guards widened all round to accommodate the 7inch wide rims that came with the car (with 4 new tires!). My motor was removed and checked, replaced all gaskets and oil seal, cleaned up the heads, replaced the dizzy, rocker tips, spark plugs, coil and exhaust system. New fuel pump and hoses. New swing axle gaiters, rear brake cylinders and shoes. Two new inner steering joints. Good condition front seats forty dollars from a swap meet, Empi shifter five bucks from swapmeet, rear lamp lenses ten bucks from swapmeet, rear gas shocks unused $19 swapmeet. Doing stuff yourself, especially body, fabrication and paint, saves a lot of cash. The rest depends on exactly how much needs doing with your particular car and how far you want to go. I just wanted a safe legal fun car that looks and goes well. You can see before and after pics of the bug in this blog: uncensored.co.nz/2018/04/23/you-dont-own-me-evs-internal-combustion-and-freedom/ $7000 for a "good" engine and drivetrain? Define "good"? I run a stock single carb/single port1500 that came in the car and just needed gaskets and a tune up. It goes well, always starts first time and doesn't leak oil. I'd expect $7000 to get me a serious hot rod motor!
That was a fun video and you did a great job. So many "arm chair" comments about "what you should have done" or "it's not restored"...pretty sad that the VW community isn't just embracing a very nice job.
the only problems i have with anything he did is the fiberglass floor, and trusting market price which is usually informed by what a dealer will buy it for rather than what actual people will buy for
Great video. first: when someone go into a proyect like this, you can't wait for money back.People are complaint in the comments that they have found cheaper beetles. It depends on the area. You have purchased this one for about 3.490 €. Is not bad. Here in Spain, average cost of one in this condition go arround this, from this year. A restoration is a matter of satisfaction, It's a great job you had done. If i had money to buy one car to restore, it would be perfect, eventhough i know you are going to spend more money than the market value. In Spain a fully restored bug cost arround 8.000 to 12.000 € . Full disarmed , coated, painted , engine rebuilt, etc... They are used to rent for weddings, films, advertising, and so on.
You can still find a good solid Beetle for around 2 to 3K here in the states. How much you put into it is irrelevant...it's the satisfaction of doing it. To those of us who have had a love affair over the years with this amazing car cost is no barrier. Nice job on this one!
@@draxthedestroyer1685 that's a good price here in California it's at least $1,000 for one that just rolls no motor no interior just rolls and depends upon the tech mechanic you're dealing with or the person you're buying it from I personally think they're not worth more than 500 as is now if you the motor itself is worth about a thousand out here hell if I had the money and the truck which we need a big truck strapped to the back of it and you can haul it out here 700 I can make some money not my
Very true video for people without experience and understanding. BTW, rusted holes in the bottom should be welded... not fiberglass... unless u re going to sell it soon
That’s sort of a rare car. It’s very “transitional” as a 1968 it still retains a swing axle, small rear lights, non padded dash, short headliner much like its predissors. I like these later 60s car because of the availability of parts, and the up grades....like a gas gage, heat boxes,12 volt and the like. This is definitely a 68 it has a gas flap. Great restoration job. Thank you for your video
I got a 1970 Bug for 3.5k USD. It runs and all of the engine parts are practically brand new. The only thing is the wiring needs work and the body has a few rust spots😔. But with patience and time I think it’ll turn out great :)
Getting emotionally involved with a car is like getting emotionally involved with a woman: it's going to cost you half of everything you make over the course of your life, plus your sanity.
This car put me through college in Florida. Used to be one at the beginning of each semester restore it and sell it at the end of each semester to pay for tuition and buy another one to start a new round. Six in total. Last one after graduation gave me the most trouble and I eventually sold it as is. I love these cars. Each has its own personality
That's why you #1 plan the costs BEFORE starting a project, #2 start with a good platform on a good deal rather than buying literally the first one you see, and (optional, but ideal) #3 buy as well a cheap parts car (folks wanting to get rid of the old car taking up space in the backyard may easily sell it for a bargain because it doesn't run and/or the chassis is rotten, but it pays off for spares).
++ André Fontes.. That's kinda the way my 64 Corvair van project started off, although I didn't have a grand total in mind at the beginning. My premise was that I was starting a hobby and that budget was $100 per month. (for parts) Labor didn't count and that was "as available" in my spare time. (hobby, remember?) I also run a fleet repair shop so misc and certain materials are always available. At the end of a year I was way ahead of budget and it was running so I spent the next hunk of budget on insurance / registration, driving it between various tasks. It wasn't pretty yet but I was having fun. I have had it for around 4 years and spent $200 in body supplies last year, but that a Rustoleum spray can job, which will keep me looking good from a distance till I can swing $5k for real paint. In the next year or so I plan to do the suspension, shocks, and some smaller stuff as time / budget allows. I do plan to hold the budget at whatever the total appraised value might be in a few years. That will likely be in the $7,500 range. OTOH, by then I will have had 10 years of fun driving it.... and maybe still sell it for the same money. BTW, insurance and registration is a bargain in most states. Here in CT they cap the appraised value on antiques so taxes are almost nothing. ($15 annually?) Insurance bill just came and that's another $120 for the year, with full coverage on glass and collision.
#1 if we did that we would never start #2 the good plat form is the correct model/year you want from the start, not the good deal of the car that is close but not what you actually want#3 solid advice
I'm at 4.5 years and $7500, all new pans, luggage tray, front disc brakes (Ghia), 1641cc, dual Empi carbs, yada, yada, yada. Hopefully a debut this Sept. Id have paid twice that too. All the work myself (except welding and some muscle). At 75 yo it's one of things that keeps me sane and healthy.
This bug is quite a hybrid of many models. The engine cover is the type that went out in 1963, the light lights lasted until 1967, and the headlights look like the old 6 volt models. The 12 volt electrical system though is from 67 or 68 (depending on the country) onward.
No bad, I spend already over 15k in my oval window with 1776cc, pro street transmission, front and rear disc conversion, foose wheels over $1500, almost complete restore everything new and much more..... 😁✨ to be happy with the car you want, no have price 😁✨
I have a 74 MGB I have been working on and driving some, about 1K miles a year, that I bought in 2010. All new suspension, brakes, floor pans, wiring, interior, engine rebuild, OD trans rebuild, on and on. Easily have 10K in the car now, closer to 12K, and it still needs paint, (paint is not terrible so not in a rush). Probably be lucky to get 6 - 8K. And I don't really care. I love working on it, and I love driving it. It's not about the money to me.
Bought a std 71 in los angeles for 2000. Spent 500 to tow it to san diego. It’s my daily driver but lost track how much I spend on it. Still needs work cosmetic wise but mechanical is pretty good. I love my v dub and it always makes my day when people slug bug one another;)
AU$10K in parts and paint supplies. Only $800 spent on Central headliner install, window install and conrod reconditioning. All labour done by me including sandblasting, welding, painting, wiring, upholstery. If you had to pay for labour then add somewhere between $50k - $80K
Bug bought $1700, All new suspension, disc brakes all around, drive axles, tie rods, parts to rebuild engine with dual carbs and electronic ignition, paint, interior, floor pans, and pretty much everything you can think of that might need work $5400 Total $7100 with much learned and an awesome vehicle to drive
It's going to cost a lot more when you have to fix up all the rusted parts. When it was already apart it would have been worth taking it totally down and getting a used sand blaster station to clean it up and repaint.
Short answer, it costs more than the bug is worth when you are done. I know because I own a restored vw beetle. Nobody pays much more than 6 grand for a restored VW beetle in my area. You'll be out easily 10 grand restoring one, or 20 grand doing it to perfection and you'll never get the money back.
We have a 1947 Beetle in a museum very close to me (the first ever Beetle in Denmark) in a subtle grey, almost primer-like colour! People would probably fetch out mad money for something like that.
++ Jeff Zekas.. Some good points. Along the same lines it's only worth that kind of money based on supply and demand. Locally I have noticed a BIG decline in "brass era" cars at shows in the last 10 years. I'm sure the cars are out there but the owners are now in their 80s or 90s and can no longer drive them, which means everyone who really wanted one is also beyond the age of shopping for another. OK, I'm only in my 60s and would love to have a car from that period, but last I heard they are a dime a dozen and even the trusty old Ford model T or model A can be had for a few grand, in stock condition. We're back to supply and demand, regardless of what it costs to execute the restoration. In another 20 years there will be a glut of these older VWs out there to be had at fire sale prices because the next generation will be wanting a 50 year old car from the 80s.
Like the previous comment said. It’s the journey not the destination. Plus you adore and care for your car more now than if you just bought it already fixed.
I know someone that just bought the wife a 1975 type A w/ an 1835 fuel injection motor that was completely restored, new belly pan , rubber , interior, body-off paint, rebuilt motor &trans, every factory part possible to make as new for 18,500. But the bug was like new. They go for 15-20k now perfect.
After all this work it will still be freezing in the winter and it’s de-misting capability is shite. I loved my ‘73 1300, converted to a 1600 with 60’s deck lid, but it’s a young mans fun car as far as Im concerned, I’m a tad older now and enjoy the comforts and reliability of my Skoda. But I wouldn’t mind a 50’s rear split window vintage bug if I could keep a second car and money was no object. Seriously cool .
I would not recommend you to use the fiberglass as a permanent fix for the floorplans. Since that part is mostly suffering under weight when sitting in the car and because of all the vibrations a car has, it'll break of just in time. Reather weld a new piece of metal in. Also do not put a fuel filter in the room where the engine itself is, if it breaks, pops or the tubes will loose tightness your car is about to be on fire very quickly since the heater can reach a heat above 150 degrees Celsius
Most of the clowns that are commenting have 0 clue what any VW under 1970 is worth. 4k is average, not a bad price, but the amount of work you did, i would have offered the owner no more than 2850, It's def not a cali bug.
Wicked good job! Beautiful little bug! That ain’t a 68 beetle though, looks more like a 62-63 unless it’s been heavily modified! Definitely worth more than 5k! Lol I’ve some of these go for 10k-20k restored! Heck even seen a couple sell for 30k! Lol
When I have a project car I can always count on someone saying “You know your never going to get you money back out of it” I’m like dude if I wanted my money more then the car I’d just keep the money. That and I couldn’t care less because I don’t ever sell my vehicles so meh. Good video, sweet beetle.
sometimes you restore somethig because you want yo learn a new skill... or get better in somethig that you already kwow... Not always Is about the money . really good restoration... thanks for sharing.
At the end off the day, I enjoy the video. Yes you may have pay more on parts or the car, but looks like you had fun doing it and you show the ones that are thinking of doing the same, what we can be in for and what to look for when we get our next project. Good job on the video and the end result with your car. For all those that gave him a hard comments on price of chipper parts, instead share your information of places to get good deals. After all, we all are just trying to keep alive a cool car. The VW BUG.
I bought my 74 beetle to learn, get it restored and pass it down to my future kids along with everything I learned and buy more bugs of course. The money to me is worth the memories.
This was a fun watch dude. Nice bug too. Being in Canada, you’ll get your $$ back at least. Worth more than 5k for sure. Good job and thanks for the work you put into the video.
I ran a VW shop for years in NH. worked on hundreds of daily drivers, never restored a car because people around my area never had the money to do something like that. Did build some awesome motors though.
I bought a 71 super beetle for 1500 bucks, non-running, sketchy wiring, dead trans, and a motor that won't start. is it practical as my first vehicle? god no. was it a horrible mistake? absolutely! would I change it for the world? not a chance. I love this car, and I will invest years of time and effort into it, simply because it's my dream to.
The value of the joy of driving it and sharing it with so many who get to see it on the road? Immeasurable. You got a good year. They are constantly increasing in value. Not that its about value, unless you restore them as a business. The scene where you see the value is less than what you spent so far, and then go all out on the engine says it all. It aint about a stupid number! Old beetles transcend that bs! Cool cant be bought
Love for the bug, lots of tears and sweat and testing and tuning driving with a smile and all eyes on you until you hear something shaking and or rattling then the cycle goes on .
Yea it cost more than you expected ... but ... what a cool car ... nice thorough job ... it's certainly worth a lot more than 5000 - that's the price of an unrestored one. The bumpers seems to be a 1963-4 or after market I believe - not 68.
It also depends on where you live. In Canada it's really bad and parts can sometime cost three to six times higher than in US thanks to sparsity of competition and uber greedy importers. I remember having to buy brake hardware for a VW Transporter in the mid nineties. It cost $360 from VW Canada. I also saw it selling for $60 in the US. A VW Transporter muffler for from VW Canada cost $1600! The gouging that goes on due to lack of competition is notorious up here. They will sometimes double the price when they think it's time for another price increase.
Knowledge and skills learned along the way... priceless
Touche
Stick you'll get off your mates for buying a beetle, unlimited.
James H indeed sir
more like $3500 and a lot of time doing it
They're not free.
Restored my first VW (1973 Super Beetle) in 1991. I got it for nothing - found it in a pasture. The property owner said if I could get it out of the pasture, I could have it for nothing. A tree had grown thru the front right side floor and out the right side window. I literally had to take a chain saw and cut the tree out of it. Winched it onto a trailer, stopped at the property owner's home and picked up the title. In 3 months me and a friend of mine working mornings after work restored it and had it running great. We rebuilt the engine to 1850 CC with dual Weber carbs and a remote oil filter. We painted the car on a Friday and was driving it on Sunday. I drove the car for 6 weeks and a deer jumped out of a tree line next to the highway and killed my Super Beetle ! What did I do after that? I found another '73 Super Beetle of course ! lol
Thanks for sharing, and dang the heart break! Question, did you use a kit for the rebuild and if so do you have one to recommend? I’m working on a 74 Baja style I got in a similar situation but without the free tree. 👍
Wow that’s impressive when a deer jumps out of a tree! And the bug build is awesome!!!
I just bought a newly painted, new engine, new interior bug in pieces. God help me put it together! What have i DONE??!! Been awake since 2am w/ major cold feet. I have my dad's model A to restore, what am I doing?! I just wanted a convertible manual cute car....Oh, Lordy... May UA-cam help me! Heavy sigh...
Curious- what was the cost?
@@lynn2774so..how'd it go
So all in >8k for a 5k car?
Sounds like all of my projects!
The amount of money you spend doesn’t matter, money is made to be spent,
The skills you learn, the sense of achievement you get when you look at it and the smile on you face everytime you drive it are priceless.
Yup thats right. The memories with it are priceless
@Gappie Al Kebabi ... That depends on how many miles are on her.
@@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059 ...and how many drivers
Ey!
If you're in this hobby to make a buck , might as well leave.
I have no problem dumping buckets of money into junk cars , it makes the time pass and idle hands are the work of the devil.
No clue on why people are so rude. Their egos are definitely shining. This is your baby and I bet you learned a lot and got tons of enjoyment and satisfaction out of the project. That’s all that matters in this life. Enjoy Brother✌️
Did you see how happy he was when it started up. That made me smile 😊
It is a labor of love no matter how much it costs. To restore a piece of history like that is very fulfilling.
Now imagine how much it would have been had he paid someone for the labor ;) Great video!
this is also the best example of people saying you can't afford a cheap project car. I made the mistake of buying a project car for $900. my parts bill is currently 12k and counting. this is without doing any body work either on an american car with most parts readily available.
The 8.3K total is actually not too bad. In the US a clean and nice running 60s Beetle will go for $10k on the low end. In my area it's closer to 15-20K for a clean restore that is ready for the road. Much more if you've got a convertible or other non standard model.
took me like 3 minutes to notice the counting tab in the corner random parts announcement makes much more sense now
regardless of what you have spent...you will smile every mile and know you are still sitting in the most Iconic vehicle ever made..
You are a genius! I wish I knew half of all this that you've done. So many parts and functions!
I mean how thorough can one be? Very! You sir are a testament to "sticktoitiveness" and never settling. Great, great job!
He is spot on. One of the best VW videos I have ever seen. AWESOME
it doesn't matter about the cost,if your heart is in it,just look at the end result,beautiful,well done,it must make you proud to drive it knowing you restored it,great job
and it's a bug
Hearts Of Adolf Hitler in the car its like you remember a war in Poland
Except for the bug being lowered, it is a great job.
Forgot the blinker fluid!
And the muffler bearings
There's also the Chrome domnoptional
Piston return springs?
And the muffler bearings...what was he thinking?
No new radiator??
The amount of money is nothing compared to the experience and knowledge. I'm going to do this and I can't wait! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Just watched one go locally for $2900 that already had a lot done to it. This was on Vancouver Island where the prices are usually higher then on the mainland. A Beetle is still one of the cheapest cars to restore.
If your bug actually required all the parts you replaced ....you got ripped off on the purchase.
If it had no rust, I'd say it's fair. Of course I'm in a rust belt state, so you can buy a bug for 1500 if you're willing to spend weeks welding scrap metal to it.
The price will be different everywhere.
The title said “restore” not “make the car drivable”
Those parts were new I'm guessing. Could probably have reconned things yourself too for a bit cheaper.
@@mynameleaf7019 "The price will be different everywhere.
"
how is that an excuse... are you 5 years old?
This video is great. Right to the point. Well-done, and thank you.
All part of it ....went through the samething with mine .....drive it every day ...never lets me down love it .....smiles for miles .....
A thing of beauty when completed and running. Many years and memories to make with it. ✌🏼
03:13, that fuel cut off solanoid valve switch could have been one possible thing that prevented it from starting. Could have failed internally or no power going to it at ignition turn (latter typically bad wire continuity).
It will cost you your sanity, but you will meet a lot of friendly people who love old VDubs.
The love for the bug its priceless. I got mine so far i lost the amount i put into it. All i can say it is that money comes and goes but my bug is my love.
👍
Wicked cool way of making a video! Love the rolling total like this. Also, from a fellow collector to another... sweet wall of games!
Your Bug looks and sounds amazing..the money you put into it pays for every second you drive and enjoy it..true value for money i say...1k to restore it or 10k to restore it the result is the same...companion for life😊🙏...
This is why when you see an "overpriced" bug for $16,000 in PERFECT restored and rebuilt condition, you should BUY it. That car was probably passed around by 3 owners with $28,000 total spent before it ended up the way it is.
Exactly.
or some old newspapers , filler and paint..
yup best way to get a car is an older restoration. I've seen some cars that had restorations 15 years ago that sold for around 10-12k
I had a New 1955 Bug and it cost me $ 1980 .00 with a1947 4 door Chevrolet as a trade in. Great little car. Wish I had one now. Liked your video very much. Thank you. Al from Ingleside Canada.
My bug cost $1500 to purchase. Has cost about another $1000 to fix up mechanicals plus my own bodywork (weld and fabricate). Market value $7000 minimum (NZ).
Where did you steal the needed parts from?
@Fok Yu
Patched the pans with new steel. Hand fabricated one heater panel section and fenderwell from stainless as well as several rusted areas throughout the body. Running boards hand fabricated from steel. Guards widened all round to accommodate the 7inch wide rims that came with the car (with 4 new tires!). My motor was removed and checked, replaced all gaskets and oil seal, cleaned up the heads, replaced the dizzy, rocker tips, spark plugs, coil and exhaust system. New fuel pump and hoses. New swing axle gaiters, rear brake cylinders and shoes. Two new inner steering joints. Good condition front seats forty dollars from a swap meet, Empi shifter five bucks from swapmeet, rear lamp lenses ten bucks from swapmeet, rear gas shocks unused $19 swapmeet.
Doing stuff yourself, especially body, fabrication and paint, saves a lot of cash.
The rest depends on exactly how much needs doing with your particular car and how far you want to go. I just wanted a safe legal fun car that looks and goes well.
You can see before and after pics of the bug in this blog:
uncensored.co.nz/2018/04/23/you-dont-own-me-evs-internal-combustion-and-freedom/
$7000 for a "good" engine and drivetrain? Define "good"? I run a stock single carb/single port1500 that came in the car and just needed gaskets and a tune up. It goes well, always starts first time and doesn't leak oil.
I'd expect $7000 to get me a serious hot rod motor!
@Kurt L: yeeaaahhh maaan.;)
Good luck! Parts hunting is my favourite pastime!
Enjoy your project mate.
@Dragomir Ronilac Erm.."dreamer"..? My bug is up and running and road legal. Which means I stopped dreaming and started doing. Successfully!
That was a fun video and you did a great job. So many "arm chair" comments about "what you should have done" or "it's not restored"...pretty sad that the VW community isn't just embracing a very nice job.
Michael Stambook
It’s extremely sad that only lambo’s and Ferrari’s count on the tube. What ever happened to the small guy?
the only problems i have with anything he did is the fiberglass floor, and trusting market price which is usually informed by what a dealer will buy it for rather than what actual people will buy for
I love my Bug. We will never part.
Very enjoyable and informative video. Thank you for sharing your experience🎖
Great video. first: when someone go into a proyect like this, you can't wait for money back.People are complaint in the comments that they have found cheaper beetles. It depends on the area. You have purchased this one for about 3.490 €. Is not bad. Here in Spain, average cost of one in this condition go arround this, from this year. A restoration is a matter of satisfaction, It's a great job you had done. If i had money to buy one car to restore, it would be perfect, eventhough i know you are going to spend more money than the market value. In Spain a fully restored bug cost arround 8.000 to 12.000 € . Full disarmed , coated, painted , engine rebuilt, etc... They are used to rent for weddings, films, advertising, and so on.
Jokes aside. Well done. Dont look at the cost at all. Those cars bring more smiles per mile than any other car on the market.
What a superb video. I love the way you showed the costs. Thanks
I like how you did this instead of just talking the whole time
You can still find a good solid Beetle for around 2 to 3K here in the states. How much you put into it is irrelevant...it's the satisfaction of doing it.
To those of us who have had a love affair over the years with this amazing car cost is no barrier. Nice job on this one!
Your mistake was buying the beetle for 4k.
They are about 700 dollars here in Virginia and that’s for a alright condition beetle
@@draxthedestroyer1685 here in mexico you could buy one in 400 dlls (6/10 condition), a non rusted one 650 dlls, and the cool one its the super beetle
@@draxthedestroyer1685 that's a good price here in California it's at least $1,000 for one that just rolls no motor no interior just rolls and depends upon the tech mechanic you're dealing with or the person you're buying it from I personally think they're not worth more than 500 as is now if you the motor itself is worth about a thousand out here hell if I had the money and the truck which we need a big truck strapped to the back of it and you can haul it out here 700 I can make some money not my
I agree. Here in the philippines you can get a beetle for 300$ running
@@draxthedestroyer1685 I wish I could buy a bug for that much. Here in Australia the average price is $10k upwards
Best DIY film I have ever seen! I have 3 of them now and this is so true! I think I am just gonna flog them straight away!
Very true video for people without experience and understanding.
BTW, rusted holes in the bottom should be welded... not fiberglass... unless u re going to sell it soon
That’s sort of a rare car. It’s very “transitional” as a 1968 it still retains a swing axle, small rear lights, non padded dash, short headliner much like its predissors.
I like these later 60s car because of the availability of parts, and the up grades....like a gas gage, heat boxes,12 volt and the like.
This is definitely a 68 it has a gas flap.
Great restoration job. Thank you for your video
Rare? No not even close. The 52 Zwitter is rare. The half year 59 with oval parts is rare. 68 I'd leave it right where I found it.
Only a complete idiot would spend a single cent on a post ‘67 VW of any kind.
@@socaljarhead7670 What an ugly thing to say...How about a 1974 super beetle with a curved windshield?
I got a 1970 Bug for 3.5k USD. It runs and all of the engine parts are practically brand new. The only thing is the wiring needs work and the body has a few rust spots😔. But with patience and time I think it’ll turn out great :)
I had a 64 in 1985, dumped and same color. Brings back memories. To me it’s priceless.
Great job, a life lesson, when you love your hobby. Money doesn’t matter, on with the next one!!
Getting emotionally involved with a car is like getting emotionally involved with a woman: it's going to cost you half of everything you make over the course of your life, plus your sanity.
This car put me through college in Florida. Used to be one at the beginning of each semester restore it and sell it at the end of each semester to pay for tuition and buy another one to start a new round. Six in total. Last one after graduation gave me the most trouble and I eventually sold it as is. I love these cars. Each has its own personality
That's why you #1 plan the costs BEFORE starting a project, #2 start with a good platform on a good deal rather than buying literally the first one you see, and (optional, but ideal) #3 buy as well a cheap parts car (folks wanting to get rid of the old car taking up space in the backyard may easily sell it for a bargain because it doesn't run and/or the chassis is rotten, but it pays off for spares).
++ André Fontes.. That's kinda the way my 64 Corvair van project started off, although I didn't have a grand total in mind at the beginning. My premise was that I was starting a hobby and that budget was $100 per month. (for parts) Labor didn't count and that was "as available" in my spare time. (hobby, remember?) I also run a fleet repair shop so misc and certain materials are always available. At the end of a year I was way ahead of budget and it was running so I spent the next hunk of budget on insurance / registration, driving it between various tasks. It wasn't pretty yet but I was having fun. I have had it for around 4 years and spent $200 in body supplies last year, but that a Rustoleum spray can job, which will keep me looking good from a distance till I can swing $5k for real paint. In the next year or so I plan to do the suspension, shocks, and some smaller stuff as time / budget allows. I do plan to hold the budget at whatever the total appraised value might be in a few years. That will likely be in the $7,500 range. OTOH, by then I will have had 10 years of fun driving it.... and maybe still sell it for the same money. BTW, insurance and registration is a bargain in most states. Here in CT they cap the appraised value on antiques so taxes are almost nothing. ($15 annually?) Insurance bill just came and that's another $120 for the year, with full coverage on glass and collision.
#1 if we did that we would never start #2 the good plat form is the correct model/year you want from the start, not the good deal of the car that is close but not what you actually want#3 solid advice
I'm at 4.5 years and $7500, all new pans, luggage tray, front disc brakes (Ghia), 1641cc, dual Empi carbs, yada, yada, yada. Hopefully a debut this Sept. Id have paid twice that too. All the work myself (except welding and some muscle). At 75 yo it's one of things that keeps me sane and healthy.
If I HAD to buy one, I'd buy a 25 yr old Mex Beetle in great condition for $6000 and legally import it...
eyy you know your stuff man
Mine is a 1973 mex beetle bought it for 2700
This bug is quite a hybrid of many models. The engine cover is the type that went out in 1963, the light lights lasted until 1967, and the headlights look like the old 6 volt models. The 12 volt electrical system though is from 67 or 68 (depending on the country) onward.
No bad, I spend already over 15k in my oval window with 1776cc, pro street transmission, front and rear disc conversion, foose wheels over $1500, almost complete restore everything new and much more..... 😁✨ to be happy with the car you want, no have price 😁✨
I have a 74 MGB I have been working on and driving some, about 1K miles a year, that I bought in 2010. All new suspension, brakes, floor pans, wiring, interior, engine rebuild, OD trans rebuild, on and on. Easily have 10K in the car now, closer to 12K, and it still needs paint, (paint is not terrible so not in a rush). Probably be lucky to get 6 - 8K. And I don't really care. I love working on it, and I love driving it. It's not about the money to me.
Bought a std 71 in los angeles for 2000. Spent 500 to tow it to san diego. It’s my daily driver but lost track how much I spend on it. Still needs work cosmetic wise but mechanical is pretty good. I love my v dub and it always makes my day when people slug bug one another;)
AU$10K in parts and paint supplies. Only $800 spent on Central headliner install, window install and conrod reconditioning. All labour done by me including sandblasting, welding, painting, wiring, upholstery.
If you had to pay for labour then add somewhere between $50k - $80K
The running tally was great. Excellent video. 👍🏽
Bug bought $1700,
All new suspension, disc brakes all around, drive axles, tie rods, parts to rebuild engine with dual carbs and electronic ignition, paint, interior, floor pans, and pretty much everything you can think of that might need work
$5400
Total $7100 with much learned and an awesome vehicle to drive
You are talented and industrious! Great job!
It's going to cost a lot more when you have to fix up all the rusted parts. When it was already apart it would have been worth taking it totally down and getting a used sand blaster station to clean it up and repaint.
Short answer, it costs more than the bug is worth when you are done. I know because I own a restored vw beetle. Nobody pays much more than 6 grand for a restored VW beetle in my area. You'll be out easily 10 grand restoring one, or 20 grand doing it to perfection and you'll never get the money back.
We have a 1947 Beetle in a museum very close to me (the first ever Beetle in Denmark) in a subtle grey, almost primer-like colour! People would probably fetch out mad money for something like that.
What you will get from restoring one is a fun vehicle that will wear completely out again in 65,000 miles so you get to do it all over! yea!
Dennis S it’s not about the money
It’s about conquering a challenge
Restoring a bug,.. x amount of dollars
Accomplishing a goal , priceless
++ Jeff Zekas.. Some good points. Along the same lines it's only worth that kind of money based on supply and demand. Locally I have noticed a BIG decline in "brass era" cars at shows in the last 10 years. I'm sure the cars are out there but the owners are now in their 80s or 90s and can no longer drive them, which means everyone who really wanted one is also beyond the age of shopping for another. OK, I'm only in my 60s and would love to have a car from that period, but last I heard they are a dime a dozen and even the trusty old Ford model T or model A can be had for a few grand, in stock condition. We're back to supply and demand, regardless of what it costs to execute the restoration. In another 20 years there will be a glut of these older VWs out there to be had at fire sale prices because the next generation will be wanting a 50 year old car from the 80s.
not as bad as driving a new car off the lot
Just a little advice to all IF your building. NEVER put the filter above the distributor, unless you want a possible barbecue on the Frwy.
Like the previous comment said. It’s the journey not the destination. Plus you adore and care for your car more now than if you just bought it already fixed.
I know someone that just bought the wife a 1975 type A w/ an 1835 fuel injection motor that was completely restored, new belly pan , rubber , interior, body-off paint, rebuilt motor &trans, every factory part possible to make as new for 18,500. But the bug was like new. They go for 15-20k now perfect.
That stuff really adds up and they are not cheap cars to rebuild anymore.
Wow awesome video. I love old Bugs. I am sure everyone is checking it out on the road
I'm so happy for you!! You didn't have to get into the engine or transmission...yet.
After all this work it will still be freezing in the winter and it’s de-misting capability is shite. I loved my ‘73 1300, converted to a 1600 with 60’s deck lid, but it’s a young mans fun car as far as Im concerned, I’m a tad older now and enjoy the comforts and reliability of my Skoda. But I wouldn’t mind a 50’s rear split window vintage bug if I could keep a second car and money was no object. Seriously cool .
I would not recommend you to use the fiberglass as a permanent fix for the floorplans. Since that part is mostly suffering under weight when sitting in the car and because of all the vibrations a car has, it'll break of just in time. Reather weld a new piece of metal in.
Also do not put a fuel filter in the room where the engine itself is, if it breaks, pops or the tubes will loose tightness your car is about to be on fire very quickly since the heater can reach a heat above 150 degrees Celsius
Worth every penny!
How in the hell do you not have 1 million subscribers. Your videos are high-quality and you're pretty funny too. Let's spread the word.
It's crazy isn't it? I just found this video and it was like "oh I remember that guy" from years ago.
Hard work surely paid off Bro.
That was beautiful.
Most of the clowns that are commenting have 0 clue what any VW under 1970 is worth. 4k is average, not a bad price, but the amount of work you did, i would have offered the owner no more than 2850, It's def not a cali bug.
Wicked good job! Beautiful little bug! That ain’t a 68 beetle though, looks more like a 62-63 unless it’s been heavily modified! Definitely worth more than 5k! Lol I’ve some of these go for 10k-20k restored! Heck even seen a couple sell for 30k! Lol
The smile at 2:36: Priceless
When I have a project car I can always count on someone saying “You know your never going to get you money back out of it”
I’m like dude if I wanted my money more then the car I’d just keep the money. That and I couldn’t care less because I don’t ever sell my vehicles so meh. Good video, sweet beetle.
To be fair one doesn't usually restore a classic car as an alternative to a mutual fund but rather for love of the machine.
Yes but look at that baby! Love it and use it for many years.......who cares about the cost of love!
sometimes you restore somethig because you want yo learn a new skill... or get better in somethig that you already kwow... Not always Is about the money . really good restoration... thanks for sharing.
I'm somewhat convinced you don't get this quality for the listed price :) beautiful work!
I'm doing this to a convertible now... he's pretty spot on with pricing
At the end off the day, I enjoy the video. Yes you may have pay more on parts or the car, but looks like you had fun doing it and you show the ones that are thinking of doing the same, what we can be in for and what to look for when we get our next project. Good job on the video and the end result with your car. For all those that gave him a hard comments on price of chipper parts, instead share your information of places to get good deals. After all, we all are just trying to keep alive a cool car. The VW BUG.
I was wondering how much autotech experience you had before starting the project? Awesome video!
I bought my 74 beetle to learn, get it restored and pass it down to my future kids along with everything I learned and buy more bugs of course. The money to me is worth the memories.
This seems more accurately described as a complete rebuild than a restoration. Great video though 😄💗 very entertaining. 👍🏼
This was a fun watch dude. Nice bug too. Being in Canada, you’ll get your $$ back at least. Worth more than 5k for sure. Good job and thanks for the work you put into the video.
The tire roll was awesome.
You Did a good job . You should have put the fire wall sound mat in . crazy loud with OUT it . drive the new out it and thats your profit.
Right now, I have a little more than 14k in my 73 SB. The knowledge I've acquired is priceless! German engineering sucks, but it's brilliant!
Same color as my 69, this thing is beautiful at any price. It's a bug thing, not everybody gets it, or is meant to.
I ran a VW shop for years in NH. worked on hundreds of daily drivers, never restored a car because people around my area never had the money to do something like that. Did build some awesome motors though.
I love how he did this video, Primo!
God bless a good list. Well done. Better you than me. Cheers and hats off to you.
I bought a 71 super beetle for 1500 bucks, non-running, sketchy wiring, dead trans, and a motor that won't start. is it practical as my first vehicle? god no. was it a horrible mistake? absolutely! would I change it for the world? not a chance. I love this car, and I will invest years of time and effort into it, simply because it's my dream to.
The value of the joy of driving it and sharing it with so many who get to see it on the road? Immeasurable.
You got a good year. They are constantly increasing in value.
Not that its about value, unless you restore them as a business.
The scene where you see the value is less than what you spent so far, and then go all out on the engine says it all. It aint about a stupid number! Old beetles transcend that bs! Cool cant be bought
Great video! Less than than cost of a trade school and cheap entertainment!
Nothing can satisfy someone other than using your money and savings in restoring a car and hear its engine roar for the first time.
Only one word applies … fascinating!
When you were done you got the fun of driving a great little car that got a whole lot of attention.
Love for the bug, lots of tears and sweat and testing and tuning driving with a smile and all eyes on you until you hear something shaking and or rattling then the cycle goes on .
Yea it cost more than you expected ... but ... what a cool car ... nice thorough job ... it's certainly worth a lot more than 5000 - that's the price of an unrestored one. The bumpers seems to be a 1963-4 or after market I believe - not 68.
Goes to show.... we do this hobby by passion, cause it makes no sense $$$ wise.
It also depends on where you live. In Canada it's really bad and parts can sometime cost three to six times higher than in US thanks to sparsity of competition and uber greedy importers. I remember having to buy brake hardware for a VW Transporter in the mid nineties. It cost $360 from VW Canada. I also saw it selling for $60 in the US. A VW Transporter muffler for from VW Canada cost $1600! The gouging that goes on due to lack of competition is notorious up here. They will sometimes double the price when they think it's time for another price increase.
Knowing what needs replacing goes a long way in the final cost. You do not want to replace everything.