1963 VW Convertible Build

[theastronaut]

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:






Back home and reassembled. Check out those fenderwells!!












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




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