Re: Real Opinions

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm2.hf.intel.com>]

Uhm, hmmm...you will get as many different answers as there are owners.  I 
say go with what you think (your last paragraph) because only you can 
satisfy yourself.

My opinion?  Pan off paint job to take care of ALL RUST (i.e. you end up 
with a body like a brand new one).  Do all the work you're going to do at 
once so you can enjoy it continuously afterwards, not in spurts, because in 
the long run it will save you more time.  Some fixings can be done 
together, like while the engine is being (re)built have the body prepped 
and painted.

My best advice:  No matter what engine you put in it, unless you want to go 
with a *totally pure* restoration, put in an oil filter (full flow system). 
 Work closely with your engine builder and don't go for cheap parts -- 
it'll be the death of your engine and wallet later on.  Since you're going 
with GB I don't think this will be an issue.  Balance the engine to 
increase life and make sure the gearing on the 5-speed will still allow the 
engine to keep itself cool (I'm speaking from experience here).
     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
     '75 Porsche 914 1.8L for sale
     Portland, Oregon
     http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Real Opinions
Author:  type-3-errors@umich.edu at SMTPGATE
Date:    7/18/97 10:37 AM


I would like as many thoughts on this as I can.

I am looking for some opinions that will help me on my decision on how
to rebuild my sqaureback.  The car is in good shape, there is no rust( i
know there is always rust somewhere) original paint on the top half of
the car.  There are several bondo repair spots on the lower half(i have
new fenders for the four corners).  The interior is original and very
clean, dash is shot and front seats have cracks, headliner is yellowed.

I have saved my pennies and can restore the car from top to bottom in
one fell stroke of pen in my checkbook.  I want to know what you would
do, or what you would do differently.  Would you really do it all at
once(make a show car)or restore pieces at a time and enjoy daily
driving.  Do you get bored after a couple of months and not drive it
much if you do it all at once.

My plans are to paint(no off pan resto)the car, new twead interior, berg
5 speed, berg motor 84x88(2046cc).  But I am learning very fast that
most of you are having much more fun on a smaller budgets(saving pennies
and using them to go play in your type3).

Ron..
1st vw 69 squareback