Denn:


Bros...do you really need to replace the stock engine?

I would have preferred to continue with the stock engine, but at the same time, I wouldn't mind having some extra horses.
Actually, putting a new engine would require a lot of fabrications but then if there comes a time when I feel like going back to originality, I could probably put my stock engine back in.
But firstly bro I'm restoring the car to as close to original as possible for now.

Screwface:


Sorry sir. I wasn't really referring to you with the update. It was an update for the man spending the money.

I understand where you're coming from man, but you see Denn is right. It's not just about any car, it's really more than that. I already have a more somewhat up to date ride you see. It's not just about any car, there's a lot more attached to the beetle.

Denn:
I am thinking of a full delete of the rear bumper...

Whilst I want as near factory as possible within the available resources, the vehicle looks better without the rear bumper...IMHO.

yea your right, looks cool without them.
E be like say I go do as you do for that one.

Denn:
Was able to remove most of the unwanted potty...

Did some correction on some misaligned fabrications on the fenders...

Next stage would be to complete the body work then correct some wiring errors caused by the former panel. For example, the turn signals now work for brake etc.

I alos need to fix a new headlamp...one looks like it has 'apollo'

hahaha @ Apollo .
Very good work sir

Siena:
I would not waste time and money boosting the existing engine.

It'll need a rebuild first, then add the cost of fabricating an exhaust manifold and crossover pipe to take a Garret T3 turbo, bigger fuel pump, blow-through carburettor. Expensive for a street car in a country like Nigeria with minimal support. Boost it in stock form, and it will grenade. Especially with Nigeria's rubbish gasoline.

Then consider a custom deck lid to accommodate a turbo, it gets even more expensive.

I would go with a flat 4 Porsche engine, from a Porsche 356 or 912. Or push the boat further and install a Boxer 4 from an Alfa 33. Expect up to 130hp. Then there's the 2.0 Boxer 4 from Subaru. Non-turbo could net 140hp with the correct fuelling.

The VW Beetle 1500/1600 made 30-45hp when it was new. Fast forward 30+ years, most of those horses have escaped into the surrounding countryside.

haha countryside eh.
I think I might go for the Subaru sti engine, but yet to make my mind up on that though. Still comparing the best and less complicated fit.
Siena I think I'll need your help on this one. Which most reliable engine would fit with minimum work force and little or no structural change and probably almost as economical as the stock beetle engine.

And more body work.
I did not get to take a picture of the floor boards before the car was dropped, but I had the entire floor board sprayed with anti rust paint/coat.

More

Work so far,

Here's the panel beater working the floor boards.
Would have loved to replace the floor boards though but then they were not to bad, just the battery bay area due to some acid spillage from the battery in the past and some little rusts here and there.

Some kind friends

And the new old ones I just got

Here are pictures of the old fenders, they are all weak

So I made a few calls to onitsha, Aba, and owerri with respect to the needed fenders. I got a call back from owerri and so I had to schedule for inspection by a know mechanic there. After he was done inspecting, he said it was still going to require some work but that it was the best he could see around.
So I had to take a cab from portharcourt to owerri to pick them up but was taken aback by the price the fenders were being sold. After all negotiations, the fenders were loaded and we headed back to portharcourt immediately to drop them off at the panel beaters workshop.

Screwface:


Sir, just curious, do you intend to change any part of the engine?

In as much as I like classic cars, I also like them fast. So yes man, I intend to either super charge or turbocharge it, just to get a little more hp.
I don't really like it when these cars are tuned way too much like they do for drag races, I hope to do something a little bit conspicuous you know, if I don't tell you. .. you won't know. Not too much of a hot rod.

GAZZUZZ:
I think you should consider cleaning out your fuel tank and replacing fuel filters.

That to I will do sir

ibro2much:



let me start by asking you,is the numberplate on the vehicle same as the one we use now?cos of the year you said the paper expired
and on getting numberplate,you can only get the new numberplate now,cos the old one is no more issued out.
will be waiting for yor reply

It's the old ordinary white and blue plate number.
so if I'm going to get the new one, how's it going to be done.
Just to give you an idea, the car is the old Volkswagen beetle

samir101ng:
Wow!!! Nice one op.

I will encourage the op to splurge some cool cash on some areas to make this car stand out.

1. Interior
A very nice looking interior with all the dials and knobs working will impress any passenger in that car. Getting a good upholstery tailor to sew and fit some nice fabric for the car is a must.

2. Paint
The first thing to notice on a car is the paint. Get a very cool colour tone and get the car professionally sprayed.

3. Wheels
The tires and rims are also a good area to spend on. Some decent rims will add more swag to the car more than it already is.

4. Sound System
Some nice jams will go a long way in announcing your presence.

5. Headlights
Kindly make sure you use some LED lights for some of the bulbs in the car.

I know your working on a budget and this is a dream list but I tell you your bug will be turning heads more than your average car on the street.

All the best.

Thanks man, you just mentioned pretty much everything I intend to do to the bug, the only regret I have is that I don't have a big enough garage or required tools and equipments, I'm sure even though I don't have previous experiences tuning or fixing cars, I sure do know how to get stuff like this done in a decent enough way.
So the basic challenge now is getting some professionals to get the job done, though the panel beater seems to be doing a nice job so far.

Airtight man, thanks.
I'm in need of some beetle parts right now.

Mr vio, Pls could you write me through the process of renewing the papers of a car I just bought, it's papers expired since 1994 and I also wish to change the owners name to mine (change of ownership ). And possibly get a tinted permit.
I'll be happy if you could include the cost of whatever it is I need to do.
And probably the difference(cost and otherwise) between getting a new or an old plate number.

Bro, please could you by any chance know the owner of the beetle behind your first picture.
Or maybe have his contact

Interior is striped down to reveal more rusts

I think I'll be needing four new fenders

Work starts almost immediately

lomomike:
Sorry about the stress, wishing you success in this project.

Thanks man

More

Inspection things

So i got to the panel beaters workshop and boy......no see admiration coming from everyone, soon I started to wonder if I just rolled in with a flying car.

Did I forget to mention that I automatically became an attraction to a vast majority of road users, from the pure water hawkers to the police men at the various checkpoints. I couldn't stop smiling except for the trouble the carburetor gave me.

Alright people, after some carburetor caused breakdowns, I finally got to ph. My mechanic actually adviced me to service the carb before the journey but I guess I was in a hurry and I paid for it later on during the course of the travel.

lonelydora:


Ok. I have a good upholstery worker there in Elekahia mechanic village. I don't know if you have gotten one. I can send his number in case you need one.

yes bro, I'd appreciate that. I'm not sure if I should do the upholstery before the painting.

Elekahia mechanic village, that's where the body work Will be done.

Fixing the light incase I ran into the night.
The small boy you see in the picture asked where my engine was.