My 1966 Kabriolett 5 week restoration

Here's the spot to show off your 1966 Beetle Restoration projects
rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

My 1966 Kabriolett 5 week restoration

Post by rareair »

I bought this Kabrioleet back in Aug 2009. You can see myoriginal thread here- http://1966vwbeetle.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=851 Anyway, my wife gave me an ultimatum to either see the project through, or sell it off. I told her that I would finish it within 3 years of our initial purchase. Well that leaves me only 5 weeks to get it done.

Here's a few photos of the interior prior to complete disassembly-

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Here's the first thing I tackled (July 21st, 2012) to get the restoration started, the Right-side rear bumper mount as the previous owner welded the bumper brackets to the mount. 1966-67 bumper mounts are specific to these years, so no repro's available. I had to source a good donor
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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

And here's what got done today, minor rust repair to the rear cowl area just above the decklid area.

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Continued the rust repair with the parcel tray behind the rear seat area. I can't believe the previous owner tried hiding this rot by using fiberglass matting & lots of resin :shock:

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Continued the rust repair by tackling the rear body mount
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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Continued rust repair, today knocked out the lower corners of the rear qtr panels

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Finished off week #1 by removing the damaged rear apron & began stripping of the paint
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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Rested over the weekend, but continued the restoration today. This week I'll focus on blocking the body. Started today by finding all the low spots with an 18" sanding block

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Very busy past 5 days. Had to remove & replace the rear apron due to previous damage. While working the rear end, I finished stripping off the paint
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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Finished up the initial body blocking by weeks end

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Decided to install some access panels for ease of carburetor adjustment. Got this kit from Danny Gabbard @ Gab Fab

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

Just 2 weeks into my restoration & it's ready for paint!

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

PPG Deltron Sealer applied. Paint in a few hours.....
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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

All painted up using PPG DBC series paints. Now comes some polishing & assembly

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rareair
Senior Member
Posts: 100
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:16 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Post by rareair »

While the paint cures, I decided to install the TMI seat covers. I also decided to install some seat heaters for a modern touch of luxury
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