Saturday 3 November 2007

The Surfbug!







Introducing ‘The Surf Bug’. A fully restored ‘body-off’ re-build. A 1971 super beetle. With a completely rebuilt 1600 engine. A unique one-off. Agreed valuation of £7,500.00

What has been replaced? All 4 wings, both doors, bonnet, boot lid, sills, heater channels, petrol tank and both floor pans, running boards.
 
New parts, front headlamp, rear indicators and rear pedestals, all window rubbers, petrol pipe, brake pipes, 4 new tyres, new brake pads and shoes, 4 new bleed nipples,2 new bumpers with over-riders. The exhaust was new but looks a bit tatty now but doesn’t ‘blow’ or leak. Engine, new bosch distributor, coil, plugs, plugs lead etc

Custom etched surf bug rear window and side window, with bespoke ‘palm tree’ motif’, Custom bespoke silversmith made 'surfbug' front vents.

Underside- whilst body was off, new floor pans were welded into place, chassis was ‘de-scaled’, underside was inverted and stoned–chipped’ then painted to match the bodywork, the central tunnel was painted with 'hammerite' in a contrasting red, see photos.. all internal body panel surfaces including underside was ‘Waxoyled’ for total weather proofing. This was especially relevant inside new heater channels as this is a vunerable hidden area. The heater channels WORK, they are connected –BOTh sides and the levers operate smoothly and efficiently. How many VW bugs can boast this?


A completed restoration that has all of the tricky welding, panel refitting and custom paintwork already done and with the amazing addition of custom, bespoke, professional airbrushed, wrap-around ‘surfer’ murals. This project has taken the guesswork out of it, fully taxed (tax exempt- historic status)) and used virtually daily.




Paintwork- See photos to truly appreciate the mastery. After a week of 2-pack priming and sanding, the custom mixed Blue metallic pearl was applied, this was then 2 –pack lacquered to seal it The artwork was then applied: a 5 day project. The house of kolor aquamarine metalflake was added to the bottom half of the bodyworld including the top the wings. Finally 16 coats of 2-pack lacquer was applied to give incredable depth and gloss. Remarkable.



Downside, you have to really love and understand the air-cooled VW mentality to truly appreciate these magnificent vehicles. The reason I’m reluctantly selling my baby is simply that I need a motorway vehicle, for when I have to go and paint a mural long distance. If you’ve ever owned a Bug (or camper) you’ll know the limitations of motorway driving, cruising at a strict 60 mph.

The few minor faults are I’ve never got around to outing decent seats in it, the original tatty ones are still in it, however as the floor pans are new, the slider rails are complete so you can slide a new pair straight in. The interior still needs to be finished, the dash is painted with a matching wave- and so is the back of the mirror.

Before the weirdo emails start, NO I don’t want to swap it for your old rustbucket and a balloon etc…serious bidders/ enthusiasts only..Enjoy…