Give Me Some Advice

I am a 16 year old who would kill for a beetle... I have enough money and there is one just up the road from me sitting in someones yard that probably hasnt been used in 20 years or so... How much do you think it would cost to refurbish this car ... and do you think it would be practical for me.. I really love cars and would like to do some hands on learning... I am in Automotive class in high school but they don't teach me much... I want to approach its owner and make him a deal... my father says the guy would probably give it to me to get it off his lawn because it's probably a piece of junk... i figure even if i buy it and find out that it is to much of a big job then i can sell it to another VW enthusiast

The rust factor is the biggest cost area.Rusted floorpans,heater channels,front and rear aprons,front wheel wells,spare tire well....etc will not only cost a bunch for parts but add in the labor involved if you're not skilled as a metal worker and without welder,plasma cutter,and all the other tools needed to do the job properly,its a task better left to someone else.It can be done,and has been done thousands of times before,but it takes skill,time,and money.And after the body is repaired,then you need to move onto the engine,transaxle,wiring,suspension,brakes,cosmetic s,tires.....etc..... it aint gonna be cheap or easy.

you dont nessasarily need a plasma cutter, just an electric cutting wheel device.


i too want to get a beetle, but i want to baja it. anybody know how?

A baja kit requires a bunch of work.Most of the front bodywork forward of the beam is removed and replaced with fiberglass bits,the rear engine lid and apron are removed and a smaller fiberglass lid is used,fenders changed with shorter fiberglass,and a body lift is installed between pan and body.An adjustable beam and re set rear torsion bars lift the car further.Add a roll bar,a roof rack (to carry a spare tire as there is no trunk anymore),more aggressive tires and there it is.You ruined a stock Beetle to the point of no return,but you have a "Baja".

Buy a baja bug, dont build one. Youll be destroying more perfectly good beetles!!!

there are plenty of bajas out there... there's not really any sense in busting your hump and your wallet