The 1978 VW Beetle Cabrio


Disassembly begins
Restoration of the Chassis
Restoration of Suspension Components
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 1
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 2
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 3
Prepping the Body for Paint before mounting to the Chassis
Prepping for Paint
Assembly after Painting
Interior

We got the car VW Cabrio 1998 and I did some repairs and got in running. Since the fuel injection was more or less not functioning, I converted it to carburators. Claudia drove the car for a few years and when we moved to the new house in 2003 it was parked for a while, since it need some work again, and other things had priority. In 2012 we decided to bring it back on the road, when I found some major rust and we decided that it will need a complete retoration.

2012 Here we go, the disassembly begins

Starting with the fenders and deck lid.

Next, the interior

It is clear, the complete floor pans need to be replaced.

Next, the front

After the fenders were removed I found some bad areas

Next, the removal of the convertible top.

The outer skin is off, and I found some rotten wood.

Just the top frame is left to remove.

Next, the sound mats, with heat gun and scraper.

Doors off, they have some rust at the bottom, details later.

Engine is also out, a little easier as the 911.

The dash is gone, the wire harness from the fuse box to the rear end as well, and the windshield.

Removed the rest of the wire harness. Disassembled the doors etc. Here some pictures. What happen to this car ????

Why does it have a hole, and it looks like somebody cut it out with a chainsaw.

Anyway, I think I need to fix this, besides other holes.
Here is one door. It has some rust at the bottom.

Door Hardware Art

Drained and removed the gas tank.

Next, the front suspension

I made some braces for the upper part of the body, where the doors were. And then split to body from the chassis. Installed the braces

Separating the chassis and the upper part

I got the transmission and rear suspension removed

Disassembly begins
Restoration of the Chassis
Restoration of Suspension Components
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 1
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 2
Major Rust Repair of the Body - page 3
Prepping the Body for Paint before mounting to the Chassis
Prepping for Paint
Assembly after Painting
Interior