Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 29 January 2009 00:20:29
Any ideas on numbers left?
I got this today..
Just missing wings, and some glass... the seats, lights etc are all with it..
oh, and it has a few rust issues...
its a Late september 1953 Standard Model RHD Beetle.. Been off the road since 1985 ... its got cable brakes!
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowrear.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowinside.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowrearqtr.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowfront.jpg[/img]
I'm going to squirel it away for a while.. then rebuild it.. once I've finished the other RHD '53! :roll:
Its been mentioned that there are very few standards in RHD form known?
Posted by: stu - 29 January 2009 03:51:47
you beat me to it!, i was due to look at this car tommorow!, the guy emailed me about it today through my wanted ad, how did you hear about it? i didnt see it advertised anywhere?
Posted by: Sunroof53 - 29 January 2009 07:25:37
i have browsed various forums for a few years and dont remember seeing any 53 standards,only deluxe models.i believe there were only 900 cars imported to the uk in 53 .yours looks in good shape .have you got the month of manufacturer?
Posted by: RoRoVw - 29 January 2009 08:13:01
Fantastic find. Well done for saving it and good luck with the restoration.
Cheers.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 29 January 2009 09:39:07
[quote=stu]you beat me to it!, i was due to look at this car tommorow!, the guy emailed me about it today through my wanted ad, how did you hear about it? i didnt see it advertised anywhere?[/quote]
he emailed me through my wanted ad... I only needed a wiper motor! :lol:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 29 January 2009 09:40:10
[quote=Sunroof53]i have browsed various forums for a few years and dont remember seeing any 53 standards,only deluxe models.i believe there were only 900 cars imported to the uk in 53 .yours looks in good shape .have you got the month of manufacturer?
[/quote]
I think its a mid / late September '53
Posted by: VW Stan - 29 January 2009 10:59:34
Hi Julian,
Not many UK Standards left full stop. I hope you're not going to lower that one!
Nicolas and I are thinking on starting a standard register here. so if anyone wants to send me details including chassis number, body number, colour, date of manufacture and any M Code options with a few photos, we'll start getting a list together.
I've started a list over here...
[url=https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=16548]British Standards...[/url]
:d
Malc
Posted by: 48REME - 29 January 2009 14:22:49
Great car, great find! Malcolm, we need to work on the standard project very soon I think.
I didn't know that 8778UB was sold. When did that happen?
Posted by: RoRoVw - 29 January 2009 15:59:06
Hi,
I bought 8778 UB from Richard in August last year. It hadn't been on the road since October 2004. I had known the car for a long time as I was slightly involved in its sale back in 1986 when the original owner died. He only lived about 5 miles from me at the time and a friend had already bought the black oval which this original owner had used prior to 1960 and his purchase of UB.
It will be seen out and about at many more meetings this year starting with Stanford Hall.
The planned Standard Register is a great idea.
Cheers, Rob. [ATTACH]2452[/Attach]
Posted by: Judson53 - 29 January 2009 17:01:01
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Any ideas on numbers left? [/quote]
Well you can make that 2 now,thought for a while i had the only one
mine was built on the 1st of september!
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0108.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0111.jpg[/IMG]
i know its got some delux parts on it but is beeing sorted soon :lol:
urs looks realy good
Posted by: vicpolky - 29 January 2009 18:25:42
[quote=Judson53]
Well you can make that 2 now,thought for a while i had the only one
mine was built on the 1st of september!
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0108.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0111.jpg[/IMG]
i know its got some delux parts on it but is beeing sorted soon :lol:
urs looks realy good
[/quote]
That is a lovely car. Enjoying the the fact you've got an abarth on there. Given your name, have you got a judson in there? :d 8)
Posted by: Judson53 - 29 January 2009 18:29:57
I did have but its gone now :cry:
Posted by: vicpolky - 29 January 2009 18:35:06
[quote=Judson53]I did have but its gone now :cry: [/quote]
:( still a lovely lovely car though, I'd love a standard 8)
Posted by: mrsherbie - 29 January 2009 19:01:18
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]I got this today.. [/quote]
Nice! :d :beer:
And about 100 million % better than that other scary beast! :shock: :lol:
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
I'm going to squirel it away for a while.. then rebuild it.. once I've finished the other RHD '53! :roll:
[/quote]
No wrong way round! bin the other one and do this one instead! (madman! :lol: :d )
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 29 January 2009 19:07:48
That number plate has got to b worth a bit of money!:wink: Especially to someone with a lowered 54, shouldnt be to hard to find!:lol:
Lovely find!:beer: What are your plans? Looks really solid and original, are those og channels?:wink: 8)
Will
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowrear.jpg[/img]
Posted by: 55Kab - 29 January 2009 20:17:08
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]I got this today.. Late september 1953 Standard Model RHD Beetle..[/quote]
Nice find Julian.
Love the numberplate and with a plate like that you should slam it on some earlies:wink:
Sure that type of RW and Vzi talk will upset Rob and Anna!:lol: :lol: :beer:
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 30 January 2009 20:51:10
Nice find Julian! Why didn't I find it first?!
Where did it come from?
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:18:29
it was in watford, the guy had had it for 5 years.. bought it complete.. stripped it.. left it...
... it was originaly from the south coast..
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:19:10
[quote=55Kab]
Nice find Julian.
Love the numberplate and with a plate like that you should slam it on some earlies:wink:
Sure that type of RW and Vzi talk will upset Rob and Anna!:lol: :lol: :beer: [/quote]
I think I will run it standard height.. I like the irony of the numberplate! :lol:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:21:52
[quote=54 Gertie]That number plate has got to b worth a bit of money!:wink: Especially to someone with a lowered 54, shouldnt be to hard to find!:lol:
Lovely find!:beer: What are your plans? Looks really solid and original, are those og channels?:wink: 8)
Will
[quote]
Its very original .. except for a whole load of brazed plates on the floor.. and a few dodgy repairs..
the chanels are good but presently need repairs to the outer edges..
Its going to be put away in the dry untill I can afford to repair it!
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:23:44
[quote=mrsherbie]
No wrong way round! bin the other one and do this one instead! (madman! :lol: :d )
[/quote]
Some of us love em all :wink:
I'll be saving both of the rhd '53s ..
Infact I'm saving a Jan '54 at the moment too...
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:26:39
[quote=VW Stan]Hi Julian,
Not many UK Standards left full stop. I hope you're not going to lower that one!
Nicolas and I are thinking on starting a standard register here. so if anyone wants to send me details including chassis number, body number, colour, date of manufacture and any M Code options with a few photos, we'll start getting a list together.
I've started a list over here...
[url=https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=16548]British Standards...[/url]
:d
Malc
[/quote]
hello!
I'll sort out some details soon... although I have loads of paperwork and original brown log book.. Its missing its ID plate in the spare wheel well.. which is a shame.. :(
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 January 2009 22:30:51
[quote=Judson53]
Well you can make that 2 now,thought for a while i had the only one
mine was built on the 1st of september!
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0108.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/andyw55split/DSC_0111.jpg[/IMG]
i know its got some delux parts on it but is beeing sorted soon :lol:
urs looks realy good
[/quote]
I'd rather have yours! :d
I think 2 known RHD '53 standards is still quite rare! :lol:
Mine was late september I think .. gonna have to check it properly soon.. other than VW is there a good way of narrowing it down?
Posted by: VW Stan - 30 January 2009 22:47:50
I don't think you'll narrow the exact dates down without a VW cert.
Worth looking at the month of the body number as well as chassis number.
The body number on my Aug 57 is from July which is odd!
:roll:
Posted by: Judson53 - 31 January 2009 11:31:24
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
I think 2 known RHD '53 standards is still quite rare! :lol: [/quote]
we should park next to each other at shows :lol:
have you got any plans for urs,what colour ect
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 31 January 2009 19:26:55
It will be its original colour... grey... whatever shade it is!
Think it might be a while before it makes it to a show.. but when it does.. :beer:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 31 January 2009 22:59:30
L21 pearl grey ???
Posted by: stu - 01 February 2009 01:02:08
i think its jupiter grey on standards
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 01 February 2009 11:18:15
I've done some quick Calcs...
My LHD 53 Was built on about 6th Sept 1953 - Came from Sweeden and prob some where else before that?
My RHD '53 STD was built on about 20th Sept 1953 and registered on 1/11/53
My CKD RHD chassis number is from First week in July 53, engine from last week in june '53, Beam from may '53 - Reg 4/9/53 in Southern ireland
My LHD 54 is from Early Jan '54 ... Aparantly reg in Germany 14/8/54
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 01 February 2009 11:20:34
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Any ideas on numbers left?
I got this today..
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/LOW%20514%20Oval/lowinside.jpg[/img]
[/quote]
[img]https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/paint/21_pearlgrey.jpg[/img] - Pearl
[img]https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/paint/255_jupitergrey.jpg[/img] - Jupiter
Posted by: VW Stan - 01 February 2009 11:58:56
This is L21 pearl grey...
Yours looks more like jupiter!
[ATTACH]2472[/Attach]
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 01 February 2009 12:28:32
Yeah I would take a guess at Jupiter to! It is the most common colour for a standard by far!
Do those pictures make the paint look washed out and is it OG paint? Im guessing t is Jupiter but with very faded paint!:wink:
Im sure a birth certificate would settle this once and for all!8)
Posted by: VW Stan - 01 February 2009 12:32:03
[quote=54 Gertie]
Im sure a birth certificate would settle this once and for all!8) [/quote]
I wouldn't count on it!
Mine is Diamond Grey according to VW!
:wink:
Original Jupiter grey looks very 'blue' in some lights...
I think the outside of mine's been repainted but the interior and under the front lid is still original.
I also have an original radio blanking plate from another 58 standard to match to if needed.
[ATTACH]2473[/Attach] [ATTACH]2474[/Attach] [ATTACH]2475[/Attach]
Posted by: RoRoVw - 01 February 2009 14:46:14
As far as I know, Jupiter Grey superseded Pearl Grey in March 1953 and continued until July 1963.
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 01 February 2009 16:31:23
[quote=VW Stan]
I wouldn't count on it!
Mine is Diamond Grey according to VW!
:wink:
[/quote]
Very true!:wink:
Posted by: stu - 07 February 2009 16:14:36
[quote=VW Stan]
I wouldn't count on it!
Mine is Diamond Grey according to VW!
:wink:
Original Jupiter grey looks very 'blue' in some lights...
I think the outside of mine's been repainted but the interior and under the front lid is still original.
I also have an original radio blanking plate from another 58 standard to match to if needed.
[/quote]
did you buy this car from andy ham?
Posted by: VW Stan - 16 April 2009 18:05:49
Just re-read the old thread on big window standards and read this posted by John M (Standard Split)...
[b]I had a 1953 RHD Standard back in the late '70s, the real thing, grey and VERY basic, like the 56 I have now. It was registered here from new and came in with the first batch of VWs for the UK that year (945 units - nearly all deluxes).
It even had the original (dated 1953!) log book. Registration LOW 514, which still checks out at the DVLA registration site. If it the car still exists, who has it now, I would love to know
I also know of a really nice '54 stored away.
The UK RHD Standard Oval is so rare, tops I would estimate that no more than half a dozen still exist. Even rarer the UK RHD rectangular window variety of the REAL Standard model.[/b]
Might be worth getting in touch Julian! :d
[url=https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=4499&p=2]https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=4499&p=2[/url]
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 19 April 2009 22:50:00
[quote=VW Stan]Just re-read the old thread on big window standards and read this posted by John M (Standard Split)...
[b]I had a 1953 RHD Standard back in the late '70s, the real thing, grey and VERY basic, like the 56 I have now. It was registered here from new and came in with the first batch of VWs for the UK that year (945 units - nearly all deluxes).
It even had the original (dated 1953!) log book. Registration LOW 514, which still checks out at the DVLA registration site. If it the car still exists, who has it now, I would love to know
I also know of a really nice '54 stored away.
The UK RHD Standard Oval is so rare, tops I would estimate that no more than half a dozen still exist. Even rarer the UK RHD rectangular window variety of the REAL Standard model.[/b]
Might be worth getting in touch Julian! :d
[url=https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=4499&p=2]https://forums.pre67vw.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=4499&p=2[/url][/quote]
wow!
Thanks Malc!
Thats amazing to find an old owner!
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 17 January 2010 21:45:33
UPDATE TIME...
Nope, nothing has happened. But it is stored in the dry. :lol:
Posted by: 55Kab - 18 January 2010 11:30:04
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]UPDATE TIME...
Nope, nothing has happened. But it is stored in the dry. :lol: [/quote]
Any news of those other 2 Oval's you went to look at?
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 18 January 2010 20:45:40
[quote=55Kab]
Any news of those other 2 Oval's you went to look at?
[/quote]
a friend of mine bought one.. the other he decided to keep.. and the third .. in his barn, I'm in discussions with the other owner of.. I've not been back to find out any more.. maybe one day?
Posted by: Standard split - 18 January 2010 21:06:09
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
a friend of mine bought one.. the other he decided to keep.. and the third .. in his barn, I'm in discussions with the other owner of.. I've not been back to find out any more.. maybe one day?[/quote]
Any news on my old RHD Standard Oval LOW 514 8)
Will she get to be restored soon :(
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 19 January 2010 22:07:34
[quote=Standard split]
Any news on my old RHD Standard Oval LOW 514 8)
Will she get to be restored soon :(
[/quote]
Yes!
Nothing has happened yet, its in the welders que.. was due to be welded in June! You cant rush perfection so I'm told :wink:
We will get it back on the road soon... I'm thinking about striping it down and powdercoating the chassis when its been welded... just to make it last forever!
Posted by: Standard split - 20 January 2010 09:18:23
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
Yes!
Nothing has happened yet, its in the welders que.. was due to be welded in June! You cant rush perfection so I'm told :wink:
We will get it back on the road soon... I'm thinking about striping it down and powdercoating the chassis when its been welded... just to make it last forever![/quote]
Good. I'll arrange for a transporter to deliver it to me when its all done :d
Posted by: GKL 7 - 20 January 2010 18:36:05
[quote=Standard split]
a transporter to deliver it
[/quote]
Yes,because you'll never drive it:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Posted by: Standard split - 20 January 2010 19:04:29
[quote='50 Karmann]
Yes,because you'll never drive it:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: [/quote]
You don't miss a chance do you '50 Karmann, not like your 'Hit' :evil:
Posted by: GKL 7 - 20 January 2010 19:22:45
:arrow: [ATTACH]3872[/Attach]
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 02 March 2010 19:58:10
LOW is now in the workshop.
The body bolts are out and tonight I'm going to brace the door gaps.
Then we can lift the shell off the 'pan.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 02 March 2010 20:06:55
I need a GOOD 4 Tab Bonnet and a set of good 53 Oval wings for this project.
I'm also after some repair panels.. I'll know more soon 8)
Let me know if you hear of anything. :beer:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 03 March 2010 20:02:19
This is the start of a very long "restoration"....
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/lowproject.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/lowrearend.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/low514before2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/low514before3.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/low514before.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-lowunder.jpg[/img]
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 03 March 2010 20:03:32
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 03 March 2010 20:05:02
I've welded in some bracing -
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-lowbracing.jpg[/img]
Started to make sure it will lift off the chassis..
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-lowbracing.jpg[/img]
Patiently waiting for strong people to give it a little lift..
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/lowparts.jpg[/img]
Posted by: Standard split - 04 March 2010 19:29:20
Very big thanks Julian for posting the detailed pictures of LOW :beer:
It's certainly in the best possible hands with you :wink:
Will you be keeping the inside as untouched as possible:?:
I don't want too many memories erased when I get LOW back :d :twisted:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 05 March 2010 18:06:00
You see, this is where I struggle...
I want to restore it... but then I dont want to over restore and loose its character... but then what good is a "shiny" outside with a tatty interior?
The drivers seat is very poorly.. so needs a retrim so the rest will need to be done to match... and then there is the steering wheel... lots of years of character built up... all to be ruined by a restoration...
What to do? :?
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 05 March 2010 18:30:31
Nice! Apart from the odd patch and the bonnet it is in great condition!
With regards to the interior/stering wheel, perhaps leave them until after the restoration is finished. You can always have it done afterards, but you cant have it 'undone', if you catch my drift?
Posted by: Standard split - 05 March 2010 18:34:46
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]You see, this is where I struggle...
I want to restore it... but then I dont want to over restore and loose its character... but then what good is a "shiny" outside with a tatty interior?
The drivers seat is very poorly.. so needs a retrim so the rest will need to be done to match... and then there is the steering wheel... lots of years of character built up... all to be ruined by a restoration...
What to do? :? [/quote]
Good sound metal and structural repair, with good rust proofing and pre-paint preparation and primers so the car will last forever. Then a not too glossy (semi-matt for me) finish would be the way to go with the unrestored interior looking not too out of keeping. Make the paint all shiny with modern 2 pack and you'll have to restore (and spoil) the interior, and the old LOW will be no more, just another shiny restored Beetle :wink:
As for the worn driver's seat, sooner or later a decent original will turn up.
Posted by: GKL 7 - 06 March 2010 12:32:48
[quote=Standard split]
Good sound metal and structural repair, with good rust proofing and pre-paint preparation and primers so the car will last forever. Then a not too glossy (semi-matt for me) finish would be the way to go with the unrestored interior looking not too out of keeping. Make the paint all shiny with modern 2 pack and you'll have to restore (and spoil) the interior, and the old LOW will be no more, just another shiny restored Beetle :wink:
As for the worn driver's seat, sooner or later a decent original will turn up.
[/quote]
Shame someone just left it rotting away in his back garden for so many years,could have saved a lot of effort.
Posted by: Standard split - 06 March 2010 16:41:28
[quote='50 Karmann]
Shame someone just left it rotting away in his back garden for so many years,could have saved a lot of effort.[/quote]
These things happen with people not bothering to care for their old cars, although I thought it was kept under cover, no window glass and all, but at least LOW is in good hands now :beer:
Posted by: GKL 7 - 06 March 2010 18:35:46
[quote=Standard split]
These things happen with people not bothering to care for their old cars
[/quote]
I give up:roll:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 11:12:08
[quote=54 Gertie]Nice! Apart from the odd patch and the bonnet it is in great condition!
With regards to the interior/stering wheel, perhaps leave them until after the restoration is finished. You can always have it done afterards, but you cant have it 'undone', if you catch my drift?
[/quote]
Its lots worse then it looks in the photos!
The floor has huge BRAISED plates on it..
The body has lots of holes.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 11:12:48
[quote='50 Karmann]
Shame someone just left it rotting away in his back garden for so many years,could have saved a lot of effort.[/quote]
Who said it was left outside? :?
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 11:16:08
[quote=Standard split]
Good sound metal and structural repair, with good rust proofing and pre-paint preparation and primers so the car will last forever. Then a not too glossy (semi-matt for me) finish would be the way to go with the unrestored interior looking not too out of keeping. Make the paint all shiny with modern 2 pack and you'll have to restore (and spoil) the interior, and the old LOW will be no more, just another shiny restored Beetle :wink:
As for the worn driver's seat, sooner or later a decent original will turn up.
[/quote]
I'm going to get the whole thing blasted... and see what comes back! :shock:
I think worrying about paint might be a long way down the line!
I think the chances of finging a decent front seat in grey for a 53 standard is going to be almost impossible...
Posted by: 48REME - 08 March 2010 17:56:25
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
I think the chances of finging a decent front seat in grey for a 53 standard is going to be almost impossible... [/quote]
It looks to me like you have all-vinyl/leatherette seats as was mostly the case for British Standards, unlike their continental equivalents which had the herringbone fabric cloth.
This can be sourced easily...but whether the colour will match, that is a different story.
I think you will find a standard seat frame without too much difficulty. In fact, if you're near London, you should contact Luke at Terrys Beetle Services in West London. He still has the remnants
of a 1958 RHD Standard from which he used to have all the interior with original vinyl. Unfortunately, the vinyl is cracked and hard because the car was left in the cold and wet weather for too long...
Posted by: Standard split - 08 March 2010 18:53:26
[quote=48REME]
It looks to me like you have all-vinyl/leatherette seats as was mostly the case for British Standards, unlike their continental equivalents which had the herringbone fabric cloth.
This can be sourced easily...but whether the colour will match, that is a different story.
I think you will find a standard seat frame without too much difficulty. In fact, if you're near London, you should contact Luke at Terrys Beetle Services in West London. He still has the remnants
of a 1958 RHD Standard from which he used to have all the interior with original vinyl. Unfortunately, the vinyl is cracked and hard because the car was left in the cold and wet weather for too long...
[/quote]
There you are Julian, words of wisdom, so you can save most of LOW's patina original interior if you really want to. You cannot replace it once you've deleted it. These leatherette interiors are so much harder wearing than the cloth, you'll be surprised how they will sometimes turn-up.:wink:
Posted by: Standard split - 08 March 2010 18:55:03
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
I'm going to get the whole thing blasted... and see what comes back! :shock:
[/quote]
Hell, I hope you don't:shock:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 21:10:23
[quote=Standard split]
Hell, I hope you don't:shock:
[/quote]
There is only one way to find out how bad it is.. gently blast it and remove any rust, its the only way to make sure all the rust is gone and any bad repairs are uncovered. The repairs that are done should be all hidden so it will look like its not been welded.. much better than the braised, rusty mess that I have at the moment.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 21:16:59
This was my last '53 pan
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/Barn%20Find%20Oval%201953/barepan.jpg[/img]
after a blast..
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/Barn%20Find%20Oval%201953/chassisunderblasted2.jpg[/img]
Some repairs by hayden at panel kraft -
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/Barn%20Find%20Oval%201953/zupanunderweldingdone.jpg[/img]
Blasted again -
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/Barn%20Find%20Oval%201953/beetlechassisfullyblastedreadyforpo.jpg[/img]
And powder coated..
[img]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/Barn%20Find%20Oval%201953/panpowdercoattop.jpg[/img]
should last for a very long time..
the pan for the Standard will be in satin finish.
Posted by: Standard split - 08 March 2010 21:50:03
[quote=Standard split]
Hell, I hope you don't:shock:
[/quote]
I was thinking more the body:(
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 March 2010 22:20:21
[quote=Standard split]
I was thinking more the body:(
[/quote]
Yep, the body is rusty too.. so will be blasted.
Posted by: Standard split - 09 March 2010 09:07:02
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
Yep, the body is rusty too.. so will be blasted. [/quote]
Goodbye LOW old friend:cry:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 09 March 2010 09:21:41
:roll:
Would you prefer it wansnt done properly and didnt last? or maybe I should just leave it to rot more?
:roll:
Posted by: Standard split - 09 March 2010 11:31:21
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]:roll:
Would you prefer it wansnt done properly and didnt last? or maybe I should just leave it to rot more?
:roll: [/quote]
I can understand blasting the exterior bodyshell, but preserve the paint and patina on the inside, cut some plyboard templates and put in the window openings:o
Posted by: 55Kab - 09 March 2010 12:01:25
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]There is only one way to find out how bad it is.. gently blast it and remove any rust, its the only way to make sure all the rust is gone and any bad repairs are uncovered. The repairs that are done should be all hidden so it will look like its not been welded.. much better than the braised, rusty mess that I have at the moment.[/quote]
Exactly Julian, don't settle for anything else. When I left the scene in early 90's the term patina was not associated with VW's and genuine patina should not (as many do) be confused with RUST :!:
From your photos the car is very RUSTY so blasting is the way I would go. If you had found her, running, complete and with some nice old patina and I don't mean the whole roof down to primer etc I would consider leaving be, but from what I can see it's a bit beyond that. :wink:
Posted by: pre67vw - 09 March 2010 14:20:55
[quote=Standard split]
I can understand blasting the exterior bodyshell, but preserve the paint and patina on the inside, cut some plyboard templates and put in the window openings:o
[/quote]
I know what you mean, but easier said than done. Door pillars are probably bad at the bottom - these are inside the car. Rear quarters wrap around into the door shuts which is also inside, plus the heater channels etc. A nice original dash with scuffs on it feels like an old friend, but this would look really odd against a freshly painted exterior.
Some cars lend themselves to sympathetic restorations, others are too far gone. Full credit to Julian for taking on the job in the first place, lets not give him a hard time for doing a thorough job :roll:
Posted by: JD - 09 March 2010 14:54:11
I also think it´s well past the point of "preserving". I´m sure Julian will do his usual thorough job and get it looking nice and shiney and factory fresh again. Personally I can´t wait.
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 March 2010 16:53:27
It must be great, stipulating every aspect of a restoration, without having to spend a single penny.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 09 March 2010 18:24:08
Today I've been raising the standard...
With a little help from my friends... well Hayden :D
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-raisingthestandard.jpg[/img]
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 09 March 2010 18:57:43
Today the chassis was stripped...
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardchassis.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardpan.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardchassiscorner.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardchassisfront.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardchassisrear.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardbrakesinside.jpg[/img]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardbrakerodfront.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-standardfrontbrakes.jpg[/IMG]
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 09 March 2010 18:58:14
Posted by: Standard split - 10 March 2010 18:59:04
Julian, if you intent to keep us all informed on LOW's progress through the restoration which would be great, why don't you start a thread for LOW :o
LOW 514 is one of my all-time favourite old Beetles and deserves its own space, and not mixed up with other stuff:d
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 10 March 2010 20:20:10
I've changed the title of this thread.. there is too much information on the thread to start again.
Posted by: Standard split - 10 March 2010 20:26:53
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]I've changed the title of this thread.. there is too much information on the thread to start again.[/quote]
Nice, certainly a long handle though – I'll be following LOW's progress8)
Posted by: Standard split - 13 March 2010 16:06:32
[quote=Standard split]
Nice, certainly a long handle though – I'll be following LOW's progress8)
[/quote]
.....LOW's progress, the long road to recovery, leading straight back to my garage :twisted:
Keep that original paint inside :wink:
Posted by: 48REME - 13 March 2010 18:15:12
[quote=Standard split]
leading straight back to my garage :twisted:
[/quote]
A little presumptuous isn't it? I get the impression Julian is one very happy owner of this car.:wink:
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 13 March 2010 19:15:29
[quote=48REME]
A little presumptuous isn't it? I get the impression Julian is one very happy owner of this car.:wink: [/quote]
Maybe he is just keeping it out of spite? :wink:
Posted by: Standard split - 15 March 2010 08:48:28
[quote=48REME]
A little presumptuous isn't it? I get the impression Julian is one very happy owner of this car.:wink: [/quote]
I'm not surprised, LOW is one very special Oval8)
Posted by: Standard split - 15 March 2010 08:48:59
[quote=54 Gertie]
Maybe he is just keeping it out of spite? :wink: [/quote]
Patience is my virtue :twisted:
I waited a very long time to acquire [i]Rattletrap[/i], the very special Split 8)
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 17 March 2010 19:36:06
The chassis went for blasting this week -
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowchassipreblasting.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowchassispreblast.jpg[/IMG]
It looks a bit cleaner and has more holes!
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowblastedchassis2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowblastedchassis.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowblastedchassiscorner.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/lowblastedchassis1.jpg[/IMG]
The chassis number is a bit wonkey!
[IMG]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/chassisnumber.jpg[/IMG]
Posted by: Standard split - 17 March 2010 20:16:28
Would it not have been a good idea to have covered the chassis number with a metal plate to protect it, it looks rather faint now:?
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 17 March 2010 20:37:18
Protect it from what?
Its not changed, it just not covered in paint any more... its always been faint and wonky..
I get the feeling that you think that blasting ruins things!
It only ruins stuff if you shoot the panels with rough grit at high pressure.
My guy can gently blast a whole body shell and not cause any damage / warping.
He goes slowly with the right grade of "grit" and at the right pressure...
www.absblasting.co.uk :wink:
Posted by: Standard split - 17 March 2010 20:43:01
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Protect it from what?
Its not changed, it just not covered in paint any more... its always been faint and wonky..
I get the feeling that you think that blasting ruins things!
[/quote]
Blast:!:
I'm just being over protective of LOW :wink:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 17 March 2010 21:40:00
Sent off for a Birth Certificate today too.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 23 April 2010 10:00:40
I sent off for a VW Birth Certificate last month - It just arrived.
Model: 11B, VW Sedan Standard, right hand Drive
Engine: 25DIN-PS, 1.1Liter
Colour: is not mentioned
Built on: 17th September 1953
Left Factory: on 23 September 1953
Country of destination: VW Motors Ltd, London / great Britain
Extras: M001 Chrome-plated bumpers, Hubcaps, Outletpipes, front indicator lights, tank Cap and door handles, in addition with trim strips and passenger sun visor
M020 Mph Speedo
M108 Custom model
M007, M008, M010, M063 cannot be identified
I got a sheet of paper from VW with colour codes for 1949 to 1955 and they have high lighted the fact that between 03.1953 and 12.1953 the only two colours for the Standard model were L21 Pearl Grey or L37 Middle Blue.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 23 April 2010 10:02:15
Anyone got any thoughts on the extra M codes or the chrome front indicators?
What about "M108 Custom model" ??
"Trim strips"?
"Passenger sun visor" ??
Posted by: Standard split - 23 April 2010 10:43:32
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Anyone got any thoughts on the extra M codes or the chrome front indicators?
What about "M108 Custom model" ??
"Trim strips"?
"Passenger sun visor" ??
[/quote]
I take it we are still talking about LOW here :?:
When I had the car years ago it was absolutely untouched original, albeit a little tatty and rusty – it had [b]NONE[/b] of those items. A real rock-bottom Standard model.
The list shows that VW's records are not as accurate as people believe. They even think Porsche created the Beetle from scratch when in fact he swiped revolutionary features from the Tatra T97 :shock:
[b]Makes Tony Levy's 1950 Zwitter pre-production prototype claim for [i]Rattletrap's[/i] unusual features seem more plausible for sure[/b] :wink:
[i] This last point continues on Rattletrap's thread – Rob's understandably redirected continuation to there[/i] :wink:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 12 July 2010 13:33:38
Think I might have found an engine...
Its the engine that came with my RHD CKD '53. Its in a 1000 bits and the appears to be a FEB '53 engine... with Factory rebuilt on it...
I dont think it is the original engine from the CKD as I think that it is a June '53 car and the original engine sit would have come with seems to have been a June '53 engine too... but that is missing...
I've ordered a birth cert for the CKD as it should confirm my suspicions...
and assuming it isnt the original engine then I have no problems using it for the Standard RHD '53
all i will have to do it build it :wink:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 29 July 2010 21:35:52
Just to make sure I've got an engine case..
I won one on ebay last night an August '53 case with barrels and heads... so still looking for tinwear etc.... but atleast I have something to re-build... and it was cheap! 8)
Posted by: vintagebug - 30 July 2010 01:09:25
Check your inbox Julian! :-)
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 July 2010 09:59:19
[quote=vintagebug]Check your inbox Julian! :-)[/quote]
Hello!
Sorry, the engine isnt for sale. Its the right age for this car. 8)
Posted by: 55Kab - 31 July 2010 10:06:49
Anymore updates on the bodywork side of things? We know you don't hang arond!
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 31 July 2010 10:50:53
Sadly nothing at all... its untouched.. :(
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 November 2010 21:14:47
I eventually bought an engine for the car, its a 25hp that needs a full rebuild... then yesterday I "found" the correct distributor in a drawer in the garage... :lol:
Today I started blasting the wheels...
I've bought rear cross members from wolf and a front valance... and the really thick grey floor pand from KK... no other progress.. just waiting for Mr welder to get to the chassis...
Posted by: 55Kab - 07 November 2010 06:32:15
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]I've bought rear cross members from wolf and a front valance... and the really thick grey floor pand from KK...[/quote]
Don't fit those pans Julian :!:
Gerson will soon have available correct pre Aug-55 pans. Worth waiting in order to fit the correct shaped items...I just wish they were available a year or so back. :(
The grey one's you'll be able to move on no problem.
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 07 November 2010 21:08:07
I know you've got an engine now, but is this one closer?
https://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?t=675925
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 10 November 2010 13:22:03
[quote=54 Gertie]I know you've got an engine now, but is this one closer?
https://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?t=675925
[/quote]
Hello
Thanks for the link -
Dont know if it is any closer (cant remember the engine number of the other one) but the more parts the better!
I've bought it anyway!
I must be able to make 1 from 2 surely? :?
Need an early fan shroud to go with it too... :shock:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 21 November 2010 21:52:12
I've got it home... its an April '53 engine so a bit early as mine has a September engine, but I also have a september engine too... so maybe I can make one from the pair?
This one was not sceized, but would only do 3/4 of a turn...
So i pulled off the offending head...
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw25hpenginewithholeinpistondroppedvalve.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw25hpenginewithholeinpistondroppedvalvebatteredhead.jpg[/IMG]
oops...
The weird thing is that the head has no markings...
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw25hpheadwithnomarkings.jpg[/IMG]
Repro? Aftermarket? :?
The one on the other side has this marking -
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw04025head.jpg[/IMG]
The september engine has "proper" marking son the heads -
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw25hpseptember53enginehead.jpg[/IMG]
Can anyone tell me why the april engine has longer sleves on the barrels than the september one?
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/vw25hpsbarrelsslevelength.jpg[/IMG]
(I also have a rebuilt march '53 engine with the longer sleves too from my Irish car)
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 December 2010 20:28:33
Progress...
Here are the floor pan halves that I bought from Karmann Konnection ... they are the wrong shape at the rear but are very good quality
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-panhalves.jpg[/img]
Hayden has been a little busy...
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-floorpanrepairsunder1953standardbeetle.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-floorpantop.jpg[/img]
It looks amazing. :mrgreen:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 30 December 2010 20:29:49
some close ups of some repairs...
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-floorpanrearchanges.jpg[/img]
Hayden had to cut, shut and remake the rears of the pans...
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-floorpanhalvesfront.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-frameheadrepairs.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-floorpanrearrepairs.jpg[/img]
amazing work going on.
here we were lining up the standard model seats to ensure they line up with the measurements we have for the wing nuts...
[img]https://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu40/JRVWJR2009/LOW514%201953%20RHD%20Standard%20Model%20Oval%20beetle/wwwvwbugcouk-liningupseats.jpg[/img]
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Posted by: Kids taxi - 10 January 2011 18:45:35
Any more updates Mr R ??
KT
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 11 January 2011 11:55:33
Chassis has been for a light blast and is now with the powder coaters .. 8)
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 02 February 2011 19:04:45
A Powder coated chassis
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/wwwvwbugcouk-standardbeetlechassispowdercoated.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/wwwvwbugcouk-standardchassistoppowdercoated.jpg[/IMG]
It has has had the seams sealed and coat of grey gravitex underneath
[IMG]https://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/jrvwjr20102/SCRAP%20BOOK/wwwvwbugcouk-standardbeetlechassisgravitexunder.jpg[/IMG]
It has now been painted black so should look good and keep the rust away.
:d
Posted by: pre67vw - 02 February 2011 19:15:18
Looks great! Did you paint over the powder coat? I'd always assumed that powder coating was the final finish.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 02 February 2011 22:15:18
Powder coat would often be the final coating, but with something like a chassis it is good to seal the joints, so after sealing them, we put on stone chip coat and paint on top of that (only on the underside of the chassis)
Some people don't like powder coat because if it chips water gets underneath, this way its very unlikely to chip..
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 03 February 2013 19:46:43
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Today I've been raising the standard...
With a little help from my friends... well Hayden :D
[img]https://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv174/jrvwjr2010/1953%20RHD%20Standard%20Oval%20Beetle%20Project/wwwvwbugcouk-raisingthestandard.jpg[/img]
[/quote]
I got a little bored of this sitting up on stands in the way in the garage.. so I've made a frame and it can now be wheeled around..
[IMG]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/F83F40F5-CE97-43D9-84CC-63011E021045-1535-0000019DB866FDF1_zpse215489d.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/jrvwjr/B5ADF75E-067D-40B8-8A12-8A641429D37D-1535-0000019DB126B7F4_zps58fec28f.jpg[/IMG]
Posted by: bobthebuggy - 04 February 2013 12:56:16
Hi there just seen this thread and thought I must contact you, it's good to know LOW is still around and is getting the attention it deserves. I realise that this maybe too late to help but I may still have the original? engine. I bought the car in 198? with the engine having seized ( crankshaft pulley had broken up ) and managed to get another early dirty air engine from a scrap yard. I was the brazing bodger but it did pass an MOT and I didn't want to further damage the floor pans. The old engine may be at my parents house with alot of other old VW stuff inc 59 beetle etc
Posted by: AW - 04 February 2013 13:02:13
Hi there bobthebuggy would love to see some photos of the 59 as i have a early one.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 04 February 2013 13:17:22
[quote=bobthebuggy]Hi there just seen this thread and thought I must contact you, it's good to know LOW is still around and is getting the attention it deserves. I realise that this maybe too late to help but I may still have the original? engine. I bought the car in 198? with the engine having seized ( crankshaft pulley had broken up ) and managed to get another early dirty air engine from a scrap yard. I was the brazing bodger but it did pass an MOT and I didn't want to further damage the floor pans. The old engine may be at my parents house with alot of other old VW stuff inc 59 beetle etc[/quote]
Hello!
Wow, thats 3 owners on the same thread!
I'd love to know if you have it.. it would be great to re-unite it with the car.. I would love to keep it original as possbile..
Have you got any old photos of the car?
Where did you buy it? Where did you sell it?
How much do you want for the '59 :D
Have you got a phone number?
Sorry for all the questions.
Julian
Posted by: bobthebuggy - 05 February 2013 10:29:52
Hi, sorry don't have photos and the memory is dim, I think I bought it in 1980-1 it was advertised in a sweet shop window in Old Coulsdon, Surrey about .25 mile from where I still live and as accurately as I can recall I paid £100 a replacement engine was got from G & GW Bridges breakers yard at Pease Pottage. In those days I worked for BT and 'borrowed' the oxy/ acetelene gear for a weekend and that was when the brazing bodges were done. At the time I had a beetle for trials/ rallying and a 'posh' car for work ( beetle, KG ) and I think my parents thought that 3 cars for 1 son was beeing a bit greedy and took up too much space so LOW had to go, it was sold to Mr Tony Higgins ( a relative of Simon Woodall of buggy fame) after about 4 Months.
The 59 was my fathers car bought when 18 months old and was taken of the road in 1975 due to a faulty gearbox and some minor rust issues with the rear body mounts unfortunately while it was being welded the headlining caught fire/ smoldered and was damaged and 'restoration' stopped, I have always intended to continue at some point but life seems to get in the way, but thats for another topic.
I have PMed my number please feel free to call for a chat.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 05 February 2013 10:48:20
I've actually got some letters from Tony Higgins to a Dave East from 1984 when it was sold on... :D
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 05 February 2013 11:29:02
[quote=bobthebuggy]Hi, sorry don't have photos and the memory is dim, I think I bought it in 1980-1 it was advertised in a sweet shop window in Old Coulsdon, Surrey about .25 mile from where I still live and as accurately as I can recall I paid £100 a replacement engine was got from G & GW Bridges breakers yard at Pease Pottage. In those days I worked for BT and 'borrowed' the oxy/ acetelene gear for a weekend and that was when the brazing bodges were done. At the time I had a beetle for trials/ rallying and a 'posh' car for work ( beetle, KG ) and I think my parents thought that 3 cars for 1 son was beeing a bit greedy and took up too much space so LOW had to go, it was sold to Mr Tony Higgins ( a relative of Simon Woodall of buggy fame) after about 4 Months.
The 59 was my fathers car bought when 18 months old and was taken of the road in 1975 due to a faulty gearbox and some minor rust issues with the rear body mounts unfortunately while it was being welded the headlining caught fire/ smoldered and was damaged and 'restoration' stopped, I have always intended to continue at some point but life seems to get in the way, but thats for another topic.
I have PMed my number please feel free to call for a chat.[/quote]
Good to speak to you this morning.
Hope to speak soon about digging out the old engine. (I'm happy to meet you there to help dig it out.)
Posted by: Mike Peckham - 05 February 2013 13:47:52
[quote=bobthebuggy]...I paid £100 a replacement engine was got from G & GW Bridges breakers yard at Pease Pottage...[/quote]
I used to go there in the 80s too, might have seen you there! I remember it being a proper old fashioned scrap yard where you could clamber over the cars that were stacked three high and use your own tools to strip out the parts you wanted. Then head up to the “office” to agree a price. I’m sure they used to charge me for the small parts I smuggled out in my tool box too…
There always seemed to be a lot of type 3s there, and at one point there were about three semi auto beetles, all in very sound condition but presumably had problems with the transmission and no one was prepared to take on the challenge of repairing them.
I don’t remember ever seeing any particularly early beetles there, though of course there were plenty of 60s sloping headlight models, which in those days didn’t seem properly old.
Mike
Posted by: Robb - 06 February 2013 08:37:06
whos the chap that did the pan? Hayden from panelkraft? think he did my mates car.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 February 2013 09:20:26
[quote=Robb]whos the chap that did the pan? Hayden from panelkraft? think he did my mates car.[/quote]
Yep, Hayden does all my metalwork. :thumbup:
Posted by: Robb - 06 February 2013 09:52:18
good feedback then?
does he use spot welders? and all welding ends up invisible?
want a factory looking job, and hes not that far from me.
Posted by: Old Blue - 06 February 2013 13:04:56
In 1977 I had passed my test and Dad and I were looking for a car. I remember a grey oval that was for sale in the same street as my sister's house, the reg was LOW, that I remember well. We took a drive in it and Dad thought it was awful, He didn't realise the double clutching needed, and the brakes were not good and it didn't have any proper indicators. Didn't know of Standard models then. Dad thought it was something from the war as it made Old Blue then his '68 seem really modern. Needless to say we didn't buy it, and thought it worth about £80! It did sell though to a Jeweller of all people according to my sister. That guy may have known about precious metal, but obviously knew nothing of sheet metal to buy that in those days. Of course, today attitudes to these old VWs are totally different, as is the values - even Old Blue is worth a lot more now.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 February 2013 13:33:09
[quote=Old Blue]In 1977 I had passed my test and Dad and I were looking for a car. I remember a grey oval that was for sale in the same street as my sister's house, the reg was LOW, that I remember well. We took a drive in it and Dad thought it was awful, He didn't realise the double clutching needed, and the brakes were not good and it didn't have any proper indicators. Didn't know of Standard models then. Dad thought it was something from the war as it made Old Blue then his '68 seem really modern. Needless to say we didn't buy it, and thought it worth about £80! It did sell though to a Jeweller of all people according to my sister. That guy may have known about precious metal, but obviously knew nothing of sheet metal to buy that in those days. Of course, today attitudes to these old VWs are totally different, as is the values - even Old Blue is worth a lot more now.[/quote]
The story of Low keeps growing!
What part of the country was he in at the time?
Thanks for the details. :beer:
Posted by: GKL 7 - 06 February 2013 14:52:20
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]
What part of the country was he in at the time?
[/quote]
Julian,i think the jeweller person may have been John Miller(Rattletrap) from the N.London area.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 February 2013 15:02:09
Oh, is he a Jeweller? You live and learn. :smile:
Posted by: GKL 7 - 06 February 2013 15:03:50
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]Oh, is he a Jeweller? You live and learn. :smile: [/quote]
Don't know about today,but he was in the trade all those years ago.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 February 2013 15:06:16
[quote=GKL 7]Julian,i think the jeweller person may have been John Miller(Rattletrap) from the N.London area.[/quote]
The dates make sense - as he said this on another thread...
"I had a 1953 RHD Standard back in the late '70s, the real thing, grey and VERY basic, like the 56 I have now. It was registered here from new and came in with the first batch of VWs for the UK that year (945 units - nearly all deluxes).
It even had the original (dated 1953!) log book. Registration LOW 514, which still checks out at the DVLA registration site. If it the car still exists, who has it now, I would love to know"
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 06 February 2013 16:02:20
I think John Miller used to live in Thetford in Norfolk at that time.
Posted by: AW - 06 February 2013 18:20:05
Theres a 49 standard on German ebay at the moment.
Andy W
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 06 February 2013 21:06:13
[quote=Robb]good feedback then?
does he use spot welders? and all welding ends up invisible?
want a factory looking job, and hes not that far from me.[/quote]
Yes, spot, mig, plug... he is very good.. there are some pics on my website www.vwoval.co.uk .. But please dont use him... I want this shell welded up! :p
Posted by: Robb - 07 February 2013 08:41:38
:d
thanks for the info :thumbup:
Posted by: Old Blue - 08 February 2013 12:10:34
[quote=GKL 7]Julian,i think the jeweller person may have been John Miller(Rattletrap) from the N.London area.[/quote]
That is also about the area where the oval LOW was. As said in earlier posts we were aware of the car Rattletrap as it also lived in NW London not far from where we lived then. However, that car did have an air of providence, if not for the mileage stories, but because it had a split window (pretty well unseen in the UK then), and looked attractive with its black and chrome adornment. But LOW being a basic dowdy looking car as I remember, wouldn't have had much value in 1977, particularly to a Jeweller you'd think, also there's that double de clutching and not existent cable operated brakes.
Today a RHD Standard Oval is still far rarer than its Deluxe sibling, but now also more valuable!
Posted by: Old Blue - 08 February 2013 12:15:48
[quote=Rich Oakley]I think John Miller used to live in Thetford in Norfolk at that time.[/quote]
I would't have thought someone would have driven all the way from there into London in 1977 when old Beetles were plenty available for a few hundred pounds and more useable than an ancient base Standard. It would be like chasing around the country for a tired and rusty £650 1993 Fiesta Popular today.
Now people travel across countries for a rare early Beetle, but there was no interest back then other than for a Split Window, early Karmann or Hebmuller (if you'd heard about them!), but even then prices for these cars were just in the hundreds of pounds.
Happy days:smile:
Posted by: six-o-one - 08 February 2013 13:14:04
[quote=Old Blue]I would't have thought someone would have driven all the way from there into London in 1977 when old Beetles were plenty available for a few hundred pounds and more useable than an ancient base Standard. It would be like chasing around the country for a tired and rusty £650 1993 Fiesta Popular today. [/quote]
John would!
:thumbup:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 08 February 2013 13:28:27
I purchased a 1991 VW T25 on the Island of Sandy (Orkneys) last summer and drove it home.. not particuarly rare... but I thought it was worth the 660+ mile mainland journey each way to collect it... I'm sure others wouldnt have ;)
Posted by: Old Blue - 13 February 2013 11:49:30
[quote=JULIANROBINSON]I purchased a 1991 VW T25 on the Island of Sandy (Orkneys) last summer and drove it home.. not particuarly rare... but I thought it was worth the 660+ mile mainland journey each way to collect it... I'm sure others wouldnt have ;)[/quote]
Yes, but today there is a VW collecting mania world-wide, in 1977 there was little interest.
Posted by: Old Blue - 13 February 2013 11:56:39
[quote=six-o-one]John would!
:thumbup:
[/quote]
You're right, the penny has dropped. From the Early UK VW Shows thread:
[quote=Old Blue]
Dad's list of VWs at VW Action back in the 1970s as said earlier;
1946 - LAL 23, D.Smith
1947 - JLT 420, Colbourne's Garages
1948 - 1948 VW, Jim Murray
1949 - TJJ 62, Rod Sleigh
1950 - 10 BXK, Tony Levy
1951 - SLH 16, D.Smith
1952 - MRT 308, J. Miller
Two other very interesting cars from Dad's listings;
1950 Hebmuller cabrio – Robin Arkle
1952 Papler Police car – Tom Dobson
The picture of the Papler he took looks to show that the car is on a later chassis though (has 4 bolt wheels)?
I've also found of Safer VW Motoring from the period, features MRT 308 on the cover, with a sign on the roof written 'First VW Built for the UK' In the write up, the 1952 RHD Beetle is owned by a John Miller who claims to also own the last Beetle built for the UK, a 1978 1200L, although its not silver?
Of all the 'original UK vintage VW enthusiasts' above, I wonder who if any today remain on the scene other than Jim Murray?[/quote]
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 13 February 2013 19:09:53
Of all the 'original UK vintage VW enthusiasts' above, I wonder who if any today remain on the scene other than Jim Murray?
D.Smith- Derek died quite a while back.
Colbourne's Garages- Peter is still around (son of John Colbourne Baber)
Jim Murray- Very alive indeed!
Rod Sleigh- Certainly alive and one day, he will restore that early car, honestly! :p
Tony Levy- Died about 10 years ago.
J. Miller- Alive, but in exile.
Robin Arkle- no idea about Robin.
Tom Dobson- Died about 15 years ago.
Posted by: Jollychuffy - 13 February 2013 22:01:00
How Many Are Left ? On The Scene ? How many of them still own the same cars today ?
I am but I've suffered the quite understandable "Fancy your car is still on the road !" when you know that really the sentiment was " I didn't know you were still alive "!
I was sad when speaking to Jim Murray long before Christmas that he no longer owns a VW and was even unsure of the fate of his Split with the 1948 VW registration sold in Ireland.
I have been given great help recently by Rod Sleigh in getting digital transfers of 35mm film negatives and slides and would be happy to forward copies of pictures I took when I owned the 1956 Oval I still have ( from 1964) and two splits.
I have images of five splits at a Historic meeting at Federated Garages in 1975 and several cars present at Action 76 ( ? ) in Stafford. I'll list a few registrations that I am sure will relate to known cars/owners. 42 BYA, SLH 16, MRT 308, TJJ 62, GT VW 53, 396 AKJ, KS-VW-42, OOR 554, VYX 41, LAL 23, 1948 VW, 1956 VW, GGL 543, 396 LKJ, PXF 630, DAR 977K, NYN 98E, SWJ 828L, RMY 827F, KET 691, 54 DRB, UAE 467T, 547 BTE, VBH 577 and a few more.
Next move hopefully will be transfer of 8mm cine onto DVD ! For now, though, I can cope with the technology of sending e-mails and attachments if anyone wishes.
John aka Jollychuffy
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 14 February 2013 08:54:49
[quote=Jollychuffy]How Many Are Left ? On The Scene ? How many of them still own the same cars today ?
I am but I've suffered the quite understandable "Fancy your car is still on the road !" when you know that really the sentiment was " I didn't know you were still alive "!
I was sad when speaking to Jim Murray long before Christmas that he no longer owns a VW and was even unsure of the fate of his Split with the 1948 VW registration sold in Ireland.
I have been given great help recently by Rod Sleigh in getting digital transfers of 35mm film negatives and slides and would be happy to forward copies of pictures I took when I owned the 1956 Oval I still have ( from 1964) and two splits.
I have images of five splits at a Historic meeting at Federated Garages in 1975 and several cars present at Action 76 ( ? ) in Stafford. I'll list a few registrations that I am sure will relate to known cars/owners. 42 BYA, SLH 16, MRT 308, TJJ 62, GT VW 53, 396 AKJ, KS-VW-42, OOR 554, VYX 41, LAL 23, 1948 VW, 1956 VW, GGL 543, 396 LKJ, PXF 630, DAR 977K, NYN 98E, SWJ 828L, RMY 827F, KET 691, 54 DRB, UAE 467T, 547 BTE, VBH 577 and a few more.
Next move hopefully will be transfer of 8mm cine onto DVD ! For now, though, I can cope with the technology of sending e-mails and attachments if anyone wishes.
John aka Jollychuffy[/quote]
Great post John. I am sure we would all love to see your recently scanned images.
Jim's old '48 is alive and well in Northern Ireland.
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 14 February 2013 09:17:30
[quote=Rich Oakley]Great post John. I am sure we would all love to see your recently scanned images.
.[/quote]
Yes please! :beer:
Posted by: pre67vw - 14 February 2013 11:14:58
[quote=Rich Oakley]Great post John. I am sure we would all love to see your recently scanned images.
[/quote]
I'd be happy to post up on a new thread if you email them over to me. :beer:
Posted by: AW - 14 February 2013 12:34:47
Jollychuffy if you need any help with the transfer of 8mm to dvd i know some one who dose it. If you want i can P/M you his details.
Andy W
Posted by: Old Blue - 15 February 2013 12:29:06
[quote=Rich Oakley]Of all the 'original UK vintage VW enthusiasts' above, I wonder who if any today remain on the scene other than Jim Murray?
D.Smith- Derek died quite a while back.
Colbourne's Garages- Peter is still around (son of John Colbourne Baber)
Jim Murray- Very alive indeed!
Rod Sleigh- Certainly alive and one day, he will restore that early car, honestly! :p
Tony Levy- Died about 10 years ago.
J. Miller- Alive, but in exile.
Robin Arkle- no idea about Robin.
Tom Dobson- Died about 15 years ago.
[/quote]
I think Robin Arkle was the guy that owned a blue Hebmuller. If correct, then I think he passed away many years ago at a reasonably young age.
Just three left, Jim Murray, John Miller and Rod Sleigh, makes you think. Their cars have more than doubled in age. Where's the VW buff Bob Shaill in all this, I think that he was also one of the UK Vintage VW Pioneers. He's certainly still active.
Posted by: pre67vw - 15 February 2013 13:33:22
A bit of a thread hijack going on here, lets keep this thread about LOW 514 and someone can start a new thread to talk about the old days.
Thanks. :beer:
Posted by: Old Blue - 16 February 2013 15:22:42
[quote=pre67vw]A bit of a thread hijack going on here, lets keep this thread about LOW 514 and someone can start a new thread to talk about the old days.
Thanks. :beer: [/quote]
Sorry boss, you're right, it should really be in the 'Those early UK VW shows' thread in General Chat.
Posted by: pre67vw - 23 February 2013 12:18:28
[quote=pre67vw]I'd be happy to post up on a new thread if you email them over to me. :beer:
[/quote]
[url=https://forums.pre67vw.com/yaf_postst19079_Some-old-VW-show-photos.aspx]Here's the new thread...[/url]
Posted by: Rattletrap - 17 March 2013 14:07:47
Its good to see such progress on LOW Julian, the car holds so many memories for me.
Try not to 'wipe the whole canvas blank'. Every scuff or scrape has a story behind it.:wink:
Posted by: JULIANROBINSON - 17 March 2013 14:29:06
So the story of the (original?) engine? Well, I couldn't wait to take a look... I know the engine was taken out in 1980 ish and had a broken front pulley, and the chances were that it wasn't the original one to the car as the car was already 27 years old by this stage... but what if it was? so I took a trip to Surrey to rummage in a shed with Andrew at his parents house... to find an engine that was put into storage 33 years ago!
This is the view inside the door of the shed...
[img]https://www.partsemporium.co.uk/vwovalpics/vw_standard_model_oval_beetle__Burried.JPG[/img]
But its not that engine.. its the one to the left of it...
[img]https://www.partsemporium.co.uk/vwovalpics/vw_standard_model_oval_beetle__burried_engine.JPG[/img]
This one...
[img]https://www.partsemporium.co.uk/vwovalpics/vw_standard_model_oval_beetle__burried_2_engines.JPG[/img]
Sadly... its from a 1955 I think we decided?... its a 30 hp engine... an obvious upgrade back in the day... 30 hp when you had 25 was a massive power increase...
[img]https://www.partsemporium.co.uk/vwovalpics/vw_standard_model_oval_beetle__burried_engine_out.JPG[/img]
Thank you Andrew for letting me come rummage in the sheds and grab it... it is disappointing that its not the original engine... but a great bit of history and another part of the cars "life" ... Thank you and nice to meet you properly.
