My 15 year 'Model Car' project finally completed!

[Joe Lange]

Greetings All,

It has been a long summer.  Visiting aging parents in Florida and aging in-laws in Arizona have taken its toll.  (All are in Memory Care.)  As most of you know, it is a sad reminder that time is nobody's friend.  My one bright spot this summer is that I have finally completed my 'biggest model car project' ever.  (My wife's words, not mine.) 

I've had this '73 beetle since 1985 and used it as a daily driver for many years.  15 years in Florida and about 6 here in Alabama.  Took it partially apart to do some 'minor work' and wound up taking it totally apart because I wanted to build it back 'My Way'.  Work, family life, and everything else got in the way, so........there it sat, in a 'million pieces'.  After 15 years of on and off work it's finally done! 

Oh-yea...........it WILL be my daily ride again.  However, since I'm retired now, I don't have that much 'daily driving' anymore!     

[Mittagskind]

1 hour ago, Joe Lange said:

Greetings All,

It has been a long summer.  Visiting aging parents in Florida and aging in-laws in Arizona have taken its toll.  (All are in Memory Care.)  As most of you know, it is a sad reminder that time is nobody's friend.  My one bright spot this summer is that I have finally completed my 'biggest model car project' ever.  (My wife's words, not mine.) 

I've had this '73 beetle since 1985 and used it as a daily driver for many years.  15 years in Florida and about 6 here in Alabama.  Took it partially apart to do some 'minor work' and wound up taking it totally apart because I wanted to build it back 'My Way'.  Work, family life, and everything else got in the way, so........there it sat, in a 'million pieces'.  After 15 years of on and off work it's finally done! 

Oh-yea...........it WILL be my daily ride again.  However, since I'm retired now, I don't have that much 'daily driving' anymore!     

Wow, very clean work. Looks like new. And grey/red is always a good combination.

[Earl Marischal]

That is a fine bit of work.

Now you have the time to enjoy it!

steve

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

I own a 1966 1300 and a 1969 1302.

[Ulf]

It is extremely tasteful, you have very subtly added and enhanced the car's DNA, it feels little like a modern KDF.
I really like the stance of the car.

[afx]

Very nice.

[RocketFoot]

That's one clean bug!  I grew up with Volkswagen's...my Dad was a independent VW mechanic and worked on all the Bugs, Ghias, wagons & buses in the area!  There was always a VW of some type at our shop!  Lots of memories!

I see Revell has a 68 Bug model kit out...You should try to build a replica!

[Reegs]

"However, since I'm retired now, I don't have that much 'daily driving' anymore!"

Ain't that the truth!     

[Slotto]

Aw, man that's cool. I'm jealous. Great colors

[Street Rod]

You did an excellent job on your Bug! The colors, wheels and stance all work together to give it a cool look. You’ll enjoy it a lot!

[iamsuperdan]

What a great looking build!

Again, grey with dark red is a classic choice. It just goes so perfectly together.

 

[Racephoto1]

Nice Bug. You did a great job on it.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Congrats on finishing a long-term project. Fine looking little car, engine looks strong too.  

I love flat-windshield Bugs. Last one I had was a '71, and I kick myself daily for letting it go.

[Bugatti Fan]

That looks a very nice restoration and mild customising job you have done there Joe.

Those old VW Beetles have something about them so it is not surprising that they have such a dedicated following. They are a bit of a fun car to drive and the old beetles also have a large following over here in the UK.

It was well worth the wait in your case to do it when you were ready to tackle it.

[Lunajammer]

15 hours ago, Joe Lange said:

However, since I'm retired now, I don't have that much 'daily driving' anymore!

That's good, because now with more discretionary driving you can keep it looking mint the rest of your life. ?

[Bruce Scully]

It took some time but it was worth it , this is real nice , it looks so right .

[Oldriginal86]

Well done. It’s a labor of love for a project like this. Now you can enjoy the drive no matter the destination.

[TransAmMike]

Now that's a great looking Bug ya there Joe.   The wheels really look nice on it.  Congrats on finally getting it done?

[THarrison351]

Very Nice! I grew up in Beetles and a Ghia and then outgrew them, but I still like to look!

[milo1303s]

Nice color looks like my 73 Superbeetle !

My dad gave it to me when I was 18 (48 now) and he owned it for 10 years prior so in the family 40 yrs 

went over the hole lego set in 2003 floors pans, channels , the works 1776 ,44 IDF webers more in the motor then the cars worth lol 

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by milo1303s

[Joe Lange]

Thank you guys, for the good words!

[ea0863]

Joe, shoot down to your local Costco and grab the Maisto VW Beetle for $16.99. It's in virtually the same color as your beautiful ride!  

[Joe Lange]

On 10/25/2023 at 10:15 PM, ea0863 said:

Joe, shoot down to your local Costco and grab the Maisto VW Beetle for $16.99. It's in virtually the same color as your beautiful ride!  

Thanks EMRE, but I'm afraid if I bring home one more VW toy or model, my wife will put them, (and me), on Ebay. 

Yea, I've accumulated a 'few' over the years along with my other model car kits.   

[Bill Eh?]

Your refreshed daily driver is a work of art.

[stavanzer]

What a Great story, and what a great looking Daily Driver. I hope it is still bringing you much pleasure.

As others have mentioned, the Grey/Red Colours are perfect for the car.