Dave's 1966 Volkswagen

1966 Model 117 (LHD Sedan with Sunroof) VIN: 116 440 474 Date of Manufacture: Early December, 1965 Engine: Stock 1285cc SN F0412643 Obtained September 1999; Completed September 2004 Mileage when obtained - x22859

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When I found this car it looked fairly solid with the exception of the floor. I soon found out, after purchasing it, that it not only needed new floors but also new heater channels, a right rear body mount, lower rear quarter panels, front wheelwell repairs and new rear bumper mounts. In addition, the motor was weak and needed major attention.

The first order of business was to remove the engine and completely rebuild it to stock specifications. Then the body and chassis were completely gutted of everything that could be removed and were taken to the media strippers where all paint and previous filler was removed from the body and suspension. After stripping, it was painted with an etching primer and the car was taken to the shop where all the metalwork and welding was done.

After return from the shop, the body was removed from the chassis and the weld filling and minor bodywork on the various small dents, scrapes and bruises was completed, followed by a coat of urethane primer.

When the engine was returned, all accessories and tin work were repaired, restored and detailed. The same detailing was done to the chassis, suspension and transmission and the engine was reattached. The engine started up on the first try and, to date, has run flawlessly without any problems.

After a second coat of primer, the entire car was block sanded with 240 grit paper. A third coat of primer was applied and block-sanded, this time with 400 grit paper. It was then painted with two coats of L41 black acrylic urethane, sanded again with 400 paper and recoated with two more coats of L41.

The entire car was then wet sanded with 1500 grit paper followed with 2000 grit paper. Then it was power buffed with rubbing compound followed with a polishing buff.

The body and pan/engine were then united and the new wiring harness was installed. The interior is finished to original specifications and everything under the front hood is done to original configuration.

Every piece and part that was taken off of the car was refurbished, restored or replaced; many of the replacement parts are NOS. There is all new wiring and all new body rubber. Just about everything that could be has been bead blasted and painted, polished or parkerized.

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Replaced and Restored Parts: (these pages are currently being revised)

• Full list

Photo pages:

• The beginning

• Major bodywork done, heater channels and floor pans installed

• Media stripped and primed

• Finishing detail bodywork and first coat of primer

• Chassis and engine from start to finish

• Second coat of primer and ready to paint

• Applying paint, underside first

• Finish work on doors, fenders and hoods; prime and paint

• Interior

• Installing the bits and pieces

• Done at last

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