Here is my 1963 VW Beetle Convertible. Some exterior details....... Heart Tail Lights Semaphores Rear End w/ Early Convertible W Decklid Bosch (Euro-Spec) Fluted Headlamps Parts of it hail from earlier models including the rear end with a "W" decklid, "H" apron, and heart tail lights. In addition, the US-Spec bumpers house a reverse light and extra tail lamp, not originally available in those years on the Beetle. It has grafted in (working) 12v semaphores in what would be the factory location for an early 50s US model. The headlamps are Bosch (Euro-Spec) fluted glass with the amber running lamp also functioning as the front turn signal. Porsche 911-inspired Interior The interior is dated, but was originally done to mimic the late 70s/early 80s Porsche 911s. It's got real Porsche Recaro front seats and a modified 911 back seat that nobody would really ever sit on. Initial Concept Sketches for Updated Door Panels Custom Aluminum Accent Pieces Completed (Updated) Door Panel We've since redone the door panels (design by Tom Miller at MusicarNW in Portland, OR) and eventually will revise the whole interior to follow the theme of the new door panels. Still with a Porsche influence, just a bit more modern in execution and materials. Engine is a 2332cc with dual Weber 48IDA carbs (the real Italian ones) and numerous internal goodies like Scat 84mm crank, Cima 94mm pistions, SuperFlo heads w/44x37mm valves, Scat 1.25:1 rocker arms and an Engle 130 cam. Very streetable and reliable. As you can see it's got the beautiful Porsche 911-style fan shroud. To keep the visible mechanical parts minimized, there's a pulley-style dual carb linkage to handle the accelerator duties and that was installed by Dan Lawson at Competition Engineering in Phoenix, AZ. There's also a deep oil sump on the case, remote-mount oil filter and separate oil cooler/fan assembly up underneath. Plenty of oil circulating to keep this running cool and reliable. Minimal Rear Camber (Saves the Tires!) IRS Rear Suspension Mods w/Adjustable Spring Plates You may notice the rear wheels don't camber in nearly as much as others of this vintage. That's because the rear suspension and pan was converted to IRS so that it could accept the Porsche 901 5-speed transmission. Front Fuchs Deep 6 Rear Fuchs Deep 7 Hand Painted Center Caps The wheels are all original Porsche Fuchs hearts alloys. Deep 7s in the rear (very rare) and deep 6s in the front. Fully polished. We have since added detailed, hand painted center caps. Disc Brakes with Porsche 5-Lug Pattern KYB Shocks on Adjustable Front Beam & Lowered Spindles Four-wheel disc brakes. Adjustable lowered front beam with drop spindles. KYB lowered gas shocks all around. It rides great and stops well, especially considering how low it is. Getting Gas! At Scottsdale Pavillions Saturday Cruise At Scottsdale Pavillions Saturday Cruise The best thing is it drives with the reliability of a much newer car. I've owned over 20 air cooled VWs since the age of 16 and this is the best one by far. We drive it to cars & coffee, car cruises (such as Scottsdale Pavillions) and car shows all the time. Many people share a great memory of their "VW Bug" experience with us - and nearly everybody has one.
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