Just another 1303s

[SebastienPeek]

Alright, spent a little bit more time on Gretl today. Got the front seats out and started cleaning out the interior.


IMG_0109 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Got the front fenders off and checked out the front strut setup.


IMG_0110 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Being a 1974 model it is a two bolt strut setup which makes it perfect to make some custom coilovers for the front.


IMG_0111 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0112 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Went around and removed all the seals from the car. Under the front bonnet is usually the worst. I then removed what seats the seal around the bonnet bit and found a bit of surface rust. Nothing I can't deal with.


IMG_0113 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0114 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0115 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

There is some rust around the front valance too. Luckily I already have a brand new front valance that I was going to use on Zelda. A few spot welds drilled out and she should be good to be replaced.


IMG_0117 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Now the biggest difference between a 1303 and a normal bug is the curved windscreen and the strut front end setup. It's what makes them more aerodynamic and unique in my eyes. The one thing that most people **** though, is the dreaded padded dash.


IMG_0116 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

I finally was able to get the drivers side door off. It was bugging me so much in regards to getting it off as the bottom bolts that hold it in were so tight. It came to me in the shower to use a breaker bar.

Anyway, I cleaned up under the bonnet as well and removed all the pieces of interior that cover up the fuel tank and spare wheel. It all went in the bin, it's quite tidy under there but I will take a better look once the fuel tank is out and the spare wheel is also removed.


IMG_0118 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

I'm quite happy with the overall shape of Gretl. The roof is in perfect condition and there is no rust in the A pillars anywhere. There is a tiny amount in the B pillars as well as the C pillars, but it is all workable.


IMG_0119 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Hopefully tomorrow night I will get the rest of the interior out.

[SebastienPeek]

That is some pretty gnarly rust. Keen to see what you do with her.

Rust is definitely not an issue

great start dude i love seeing people dive right in like this:

that rear window leaning against the fender on the floor makes me nervous

No time like the present to start!
The rear window glass has been stacked against the wall until I get the next two shelves built and what not.

[yat325]

awsome start man...luv thissss

[TrailerTrash]

great start dude i love seeing people dive right in like this:

that rear window leaning against the fender on the floor makes me nervous

[floatingdino]

That is some pretty gnarly rust. Keen to see what you do with her.

[Spados.]

Sub'd 😎

[Smeeeb]

I am so keen for this, you go glen coco

[SebastienPeek]

It was only a matter of time before I got another late bug. There is something about that curved windscreen that just gets me excited.

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the activity in the lead up of purchasing a new 1303s. Today, I took delivery of said vehicle. She is engineless, gearboxless and is in dire need of some TLC.

Her name is Gretl. She is a 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle. Commonly known as a 1303s, a Super Beetle or a Volkswagen L. The other, most common name for them, is a fat chick.

I present, Gretl.


IMG_0089 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

A quick run down of what the damage was when I grabbed some photos while she was still out on the road.


IMG_0091 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0094 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0095 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0096 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

After what wasn't very long at all, she was pushed into the garage and the stripping started straight away. In about six hours she went from being complete to the following.


IMG_0099 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

I then went around the car and looking at all the problem spots that were discovered on the road. The C pillars are the worst. This is because of the dreaded foam of death that Volkswagen decided was a good idea for sound deadening. What they didn't realise was that it just held moisture in a very structural part of the vehicle.


IMG_0101 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0102 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr


IMG_0100 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

They're only small holes thankfully and easily fixed. Got digging at where the bog was out on the road, once again, just needs a quick clean up, some welding and then some body work. Not difficult at all.


IMG_0103 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Then came the fun part. Taking all the windows out. There was a huge nest of ants in the rear window seal. Guess that is what happens when it is out in a garden for a while. Even growing moss in some places!


IMG_0106 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Front window came out a lot easier then expected. Actually, all the windows came out quite easily.


IMG_0105 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

Here's the pile of parts that have taken up the space where the second pair of shelves will be built. Just need to wait till next pay day before I can get them and set them up.


IMG_0108 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

And this is where I left her before calling it a night.


IMG_0107 by sebastienpeek, on Flickr

It has begun. Finally getting my hands dirty with another fat chick.