1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I found a '63 vert body on craigslist almost three years ago. It's super solid and straight but it was missing the frame, vin tag, and title. The story was that the owner's brother built a trike from the frame and running gear and stored the body in his shop for the last 30 years. The brother passed away so it was moved out to a farm shed, then listed on craigslist for only $700 bucks. I jumped on it as soon it was posted and luckily was able bring it home later that day. It was in pieces so I reassembled it, stuck it on a spare rolling frame, and put it away in the barn as a future project.

About a year and a half ago a friend was selling his blue '63 vert with a title that was mostly complete and matching numbers but very rough. I'll use the best parts from the two cars to make a solid driver.

At this point I'm not sure if I'll paint the car or not. I may just paint the one fender and shoot satin clear over it all. My other thought is to repaint the car in my favorite original VW color, "Anthracite Grey", which is also correct for a '63. Either way the frame/suspension/drivetrain will be completely rebuilt/restored, and it'll have all new interior.


The first one I bought, just a body.

As found:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_5655.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_5656.jpg


Back home and reassembled. Check out those fenderwells!!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_5867.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_5663.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_5664.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_6133.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_6137.jpg


Tucked away in the barn, waiting its turn alongside my first car, a '66 sedan.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_6527.jpg


The blue donor car. It's extremely rough and not worth restoring. I'll use it for the frame, running gear, and title.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_2310.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_2308.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Congratulations on finding that red convertible body in that beautiful condition. I'm glad you got it as I know it will be restored to better than new condition. I hope you will post some pics as you work on it.

What is it about Volkswagens that makes you want to get one and "fix it up"? I had a light blue 70 and a maroon 69 and they are really primitive vehicles yet seeing that 63 convertible body made me want another one.

Just day dreaming, but I wonder if a later chassis, 68 and newer, would fit that 63 convertible body. I don't like the ones where the rear wheels roll under and that was changed with the 67(?) models.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

My first car was a 70, dark blue. I drove the beejeebus out of that thing and it kept asking for more. Would like to get one again, there's something about their spartan functionality that's cool.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Mom and Dad had a red '68 vert when I was a kid so I think that's what started it all for me. I was super excited to find the red body, it needs almost nothing to be perfect.

A later pan with the IRS style double pivot rear suspension will fit under an early body but I'm wanting to keep this one matching numbers. The early swingaxle suspension isn't an issue if it's set up properly to keep the camber change under control. I'm eventually going to set up my '64 sunroof for autocross, and I'll use progressive rate bump stops, limiting straps, and sway bars to keep it under control.


My first was a '66 sedan, never got it finished though so my "real" first car was a matching numbers/original paint '64 sunroof. I put about 80k miles on it before I ever bought a second car, so it was a true daily driver and was super reliable even with me beating on it constantly. I had put in a dual carb'd 1679cc engine that made about 90 hp so it was fun to cruise around picking on the import kids in their ricers.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...79A355801D.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...68678315F1.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Cool beans. I am going to ride on this one.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I've got to stop reading this thread because I'm actually beginning to want another Beetle, LOL. Here is a pic of my 70. It had a lot of good upgrades, like flared fenders, widened original wheels, dual port heads with 88mm cylinders, a Hurst shifter, a high pressure oil pump with a spin-on filter, a Karmin Ghia front suspension with disk brakes, a Scat exhaust that gave it a good sound but not loud, and most anything else I could get for it. Was my wife's car and she drove it every day. We kept it ten years.

Please post some upgrades to the 39 Packard convertible to get my attention away from VW's before I do something crazy, LOL.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Very nice! There will be an update on the Packard soon.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I got the body off the frame this week, cut the old floor pans out, then started getting the flange ready for the new pans. Once I have the frame fully stripped I'll pull it outside and sandblast the flange to get it 100% clean. The new pans are suppose to be here Monday so I want to have them welded in and the frame/suspension parts sent to the powdercoat shop by the end of the week.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0448.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0450.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0490.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0494.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0499.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0502.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I pretty much finished taking the frame apart today.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0567.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

The first batch of parts came in on Monday. The floor pans are from Wolfsburg West and are the same thickness and quality as the original pans.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0598.jpg


Yesterday after work I blasted the spot where the rear cross braces weld to, and the flange that the floor pans weld to finish cleaning up the rust. Also mopped on a coat of epoxy.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0609.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0608.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0619.jpg


I found more rust in the edges of the pan head so I cut that open for repairs.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0614.jpg


Formed a piece out of 16 gauge and welded it in. I've ordered the top half of the pan head brace instead of trying to make those pieces myself, it should be in by Thursday.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0617.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0630.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0632.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I nailed down a color and wheel choice. It'll be painted Anthracite Grey with Brick Red interior and chromed/detailed Porsche Fuchs wheels. It'll sit a little lower than this car.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0604.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0602.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

You oughtta put independent suspension under it. My childhood friend Kevin makes the best out there.
http://www.coolrydescustoms.com/t-1-...uspension.html

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Nice project John!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I'm familiar with that setup and it would be nice but I'm not going for anything that crazy with this one. This one will just be a cruiser. I already have the Festiva that handles extremely well for when I go autocrossing. I need to start a build thread for it too... :lol:


Thanks Robert!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Following this as well!!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Definitely following along. I followed your other Beetle on thesamba when I had a beetle, but I haven't been over there much lately now that I sold it for a C10. I love your plan for it. Can't go wrong with Anthracite and Fuchs.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Got sick and didn't get to make any progress for awhile but I'm back at it now. Finished welding the pans in tonight. I'll get the other car loaded up tomorrow so I can bring it to the shop and start taking it apart. I need to get the front beam out from under it since the one in this car was bent. I'll narrow it 3" to tuck the tires under the fenders for more clearance.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0771.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Im in for another one .

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Pulled the donor body out of the barn last night. I've got a birthday party tonight but I'll try to get the front beam removed so I can start narrowing it this weekend.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0805.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0804.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Pulled the beam out, cut it in half, cleaned the grease out in the parts washer, and started adding the adjusters.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0863.jpg


The adjusters come as a 2" wide tube. I don't like having two welded joints, plus the tube they use is thinner than the original beam. So I cut the "cage" off and modify the beam itself.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0850.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0853.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0855.jpg


The outer surface of the inner piece is rough so I smoothed it with a flap wheel. I also smoothed the inside of the tubes so the parts can rotate freely.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0856.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0858.jpg


Everything assembled on the beam, ready for welding.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0862.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0866.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

never had a VW. almost bought one in 1967. looks like a cool build. good luck

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

The disc brake kit came in yesterday.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0903.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

i got a 71 super but always wanted a earlier model convertable. Maybe i will get one once this 68 shortbed is done

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I bought a meyers manx clone 20 years ago, needed floor pans, etc, and got every part needed from a fantastic supplier in michigan called "Appletree automotive" in mears michigan. I believe they go back to the early 70's selling parts. One phone call, one person to deal with, one shipment, great prices, can't get any better.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Got the beam nearly finished, just need to weld the two halves together, smooth the welds/grinding marks, weld on a couple of shock mounts, and cut off the other bump stop arm. I'll try to get it finished up tomorrow.

I cut off the inner half of the shock towers to make more clearance between the towers and the body, and also leaned them out 1.5" each to make more room. I used .5" x 1.5" C-channel to brace the towers.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0929.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0931.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

TheAstronaut, Nice project. Nice work as well. Pretty well rusted out, whew. You will have a nice VW when you are done.

I've wanted to do a Meyer's Manx dune buggy since 1966. Had two VW's in the meantime, a 1969 Karman Ghia and a 74 VW Thing. Both fun to mess with.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Awesome! Definitely following along. I remember you from TheSamba years back when I frequented the site. Anthracite is also my favorite color ever, and with a red interior you're lights out. Can't wait to see your progress!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Got a little bit done this week. I welded on the gas pedal mount, and battery hold down pieces, and welded the beam back together. Also drilled out and re-tapped one of the beam mounting bolt holes. It's all ready for powdercoat now. I'll drop it off Monday since I'll already have the trailer hooked up... suppose to be bringing home another project if everything works out... ;)

I blasted/painted the old spindle carriers and painted the new spindles and calipers last night so they'd be dry for today. I worked on assembling the spindles today but didn't get as far as I wanted... The new drop spindles are machined a little shorter so they needed a thicker thrust washer, which I didn't have. I called the local VW parts hoarder to see if he had any, he said: "yeah I have a box of them, come on over". So I go check his washers and none of them are thick enough. I ended up downsizing the OD of some old link pin shims I had to come up with the correct clearance.


The thrust washer.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0984.jpg


One spindle/brake assembly finished (minus the spindle nut, the new ones were made wrong). I'll try to get the other side put together tomorrow evening.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0988.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0990.jpg


Sneak peak.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_0973.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

The C10 deal fell through, the seller backed out when I called to see when I could pick it up. We had agreed on a price and verbally bought it last week but it was too muddy to get the truck and trailer in his yard to load it. I guess a handshake doesn't mean much anymore...

The guy I bought the blue parts car from is really interested in buying the 'vert when I'm finished with it, but he would rather have it with the current paint, so I decided to leave it "as-is" and just color match the one fender and fix/blend a few areas that need repairing. I started scuffing the paint today to prep it for clear, which I'll flatten 10-15%.


It'll look like this now.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s.../IMG_0994.jpeg


I first wetsanded and buffed a spot to be scanned for a color match.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1029.jpg


After washing all the dust off you can see how oxidized the paint was.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1036.jpg


Used a red scuff pad and dish detergent to clean off the dead paint and get to a good base to clear over.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1036.jpg


Quarter, fender, and hood scuffed.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1049.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1043.jpg


I also delivered the frame and suspension parts to the powdercoater yesterday. I probably should buy another truck... :lol: I also ordered a ton of parts and almost all of the interior yesterday.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1019.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Just happened on to this build and signed up for the tag along. Great find. Had a '68 red convertible and, for whatever reason, it keeps me coming back to these simple vehicles. Regrettably, about 5 years ago, I passed on a restored mid 60's red convertible that had been flooded in Hurricane Katrina. Just needed a little disassembly, rinse and reassembly. I'll get the next one. Keep the photos coming. dug

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Started fixing the driver side front fender. It had a badly repaired area that had cracked filler and the overall shape was way off.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1061.jpgu

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1063.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1064.jpgu


After stripping it, it was pretty crunched.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1071.jpg


Ran it through the planishing hammer, cut out a bad spot on the inner flange and made a new piece, did some hammer/dolly work, then skim coated it.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1082.jpg


Pulled just about everything from the trunk so I could clean it up. The old wiring was hacked up so I'll get a new harness.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1080.jpg


Picked up a decent pair of original German bumpers for $200 bucks.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1084.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I have been hitting craigslist daily looking at Festys since the picnic last month. You may have started something. ����

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Did you see the one with a full length sliding ragtop sunroof in Asheville? It's gone now but I was really tempted to go get it.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I scrubbed out the trunk, it cleaned up better than expected. I was planning on scuffing and clearing it to bring out the color but I don't think I'll need to now.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1106.jpg


Shot a couple coats of primer on the fender. I blocked it out tonight and will shoot it and the other fender again tomorrow.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1127.jpg


The interior and a ton of other parts arrived today. Went with grey and ivory since I'm not crazy about red/tan cars. Plus I was able to get matching grey floor mats instead of plain black so that should brighten up the interior a little. I cheaped out and bought the less expensive synthetic carpet... I didn't think the original style wool carpet was a good idea in a convertible with no top...

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1120.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1124.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1122.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I did but was concerned the rag top would be a problem.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

New parts! Nice!

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

I've seen one in person and it looked to be a well done conversion with no leaks. I texted him about it last week, he was on the fence about maybe keeping it so maybe that's why the ad is gone.


I'm not looking forward to this month's credit card statement... I'm used to using a customer's card instead of my own! :lol:

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

The front fenders are 64-66 style with the turn signals mounted farther back. I made a template from a spare earlier fender so I could move the signals to the correct location.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1138.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1133.jpg


The passenger side of the front apron had some old repairs that had failed so I stripped it, cut out the section between the bumper slots, welded in a new piece, then straightened it, skimmed it, and shot a couple coats of primer.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1134.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1135.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1140.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1153.jpg


The passenger fender needed some reworking to look more like the original German driver side fender. First thing was to reshape the too-round inside lip of the fender into a more square shape to look more like the original fender. On both fenders I folded the inside edge a little tighter than stock to give the tire a little more clearance and a smooth edge to rub up against, both fenders were done this way. I'm planning on running 195/50-15's up front which are much wider than the typical 135 or 145 tires that most guys run. Even with the narrowed beam I'll need all the room I can get.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1141.jpg


Another area I reworked was the shape on the outside of the headlight bucket. It wasn't stamped as deeply as an original fender so I used a hollow dolly and a convex-faced hammer to stretch the area deeper.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1143.jpg


I also brought the engine to the shop so I could start the teardown.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t/IMG_1157.jpg

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

Really enjoying your attention to detail.

Re: 1963 VW Convertible Build
 

nice progress and update(s) ....