Ron's 1962 Beetle
You
would think that anyone who lives
in a colder climate part of the world
where winter sets in for at least
5 months each year would drive something
other than a 43 year old VW Beetle.
Well the truth is that my pride and
joy has been in my garage under its
car cover since the first hint of
snow. My name is Ron and I live in
Saskatchewan, Canada - a great part
of a great country. We are celebrated
our 100th anniversary year in 2005.
I
have always had a soft spot for the
VW Beetle and when the chance to buy
one came along 4 years ago and the car
was generally really solid I couldn't
resist the temptation. The first year
I had the car I put some new wheels
and tires on it and had the front end
lowered so that it was at least back
to level again - no more sagging in
the back end. The rest of that first
year was just enjoying driving it around.The
car always ran well and I was lucky
with the last owner to have a complete
history of what they had done to the
car while they owned it - rebuilt motor
and transmission - a couple of major
pieces I didn't have to worry about.
Year
two was another year of driving enjoyment
without much being done besides proper
maintenance. I did start planning what
I wanted to do with the car in terms
of restoration - I wasn't looking to
develop a show car but a really nice
driver I could be proud of.Over
the winter of 2003-2004 I had the car
completely restored, except for the
pans which were largely rust free. We
took the car apart, took it back to
the bare metal, fixed whatever rust
issues that were found, and painted
it a cool two tone base/clear coat.
The
windshield was replaced, all of the
rubber seals throughout the entire car
were replaced and the rear windows were
tinted. Throughout the winter I searched
the internet, became an eBay convert
and visited Samba.com almost everyday
looking for NOS or good used parts and
accessories. It was a fun experience
as I found NOS drivers and passengers
mirrors as well as door handle guards
from a fellow in Lichtenstien, NOS front
blinkers from Germany, NOS front bonnet
handle from the US, a refurbished vintage
roof rack from the west coast of Canada
and a front bumper that was in mint
shape right here in Saskatchewan.
This
past spring I replaced the stock carb
with a Webber that was on a wrecked
62 Beetle - runs great and gives me
that sweet Webber sound.The
interior of the car is in OK shape -
but not good enough for me - I will
be completing that work this coming
spring with new carpet, headliner and
seat covers.
This
past summer I was fortunate enough to
win the People's Choice Award at our
local show and shine with this great
little car. It's fun to drive and gets
looks wherever I go. If it wasn't for
our Canadian winters I wouldn't drive
anything else.
-Ron
W.
Saskatchewan,
Canada
