Is it a good deal

[68convert]

Hey all.

As some of you know I am in the process of restoring a 68 vert. There are some hard to find parts that we know are hard to locate. So what do we do we call the local bone yards to see what they got.
Here is where my delimma starts. I call the local bone yard and ask if he has any late 60's early 70's beetles.
Well he says I got 2 one is a 69 convertible body in good condition rag top in good condition and it is complete.
The reason it is hear is due to a engine fire.
Now I'm thinking that if it was a super blaze of a fire the top would be torched. I have never seen a beetle after a fire in the engine but what can be worst all rubber and wires gone they can be replaced a little body work and paint job.
My wife says you already have one your working on why get another?

I said bug fever I guess.

I'm going to look at it on saturday bringing my camera I take some pictures and if I dont get it I'll post the pics in case any of you are interested.

The asking price is 975 I'm sure we can talk him down a little.
Sorry cant reveal the location yet.

What do you think

68vert

[Bookwus]

Hiya 68,

While an engine fire can do some pretty terrible things to a Bug I've seen more than my share that could be rehabilitated.

Check for the following..........heat induced warping of panels, engine tin, and that sort of thing.  Take a very good look at the case and its fittings (like the pushrod tubes).  If everything seems to be pretty much in place, then it's likely the fire wasn't too bad.  Also you want to check on rust.  If this engine bay has seen any weather since the fire it will rust in a flash.

Expect the wiring, hosing, and rubber or plastic parts to be trash.  The carburetor and generator will need to be rebuilt if they are in acceptable condition.  Dizzy may be OK but will need a new vacuum can (if it isn't a 009).

Whether to buy or not will really depend on what you need from the car.  And the price?  Well, I have always been told and have always operated under the old axiom, "If it ain't running it ain't worth $500".

[68convert]

Thanks for the input
68vert

[68autobug]

Hi,
You may be lucky, as all the beetles I've seen burnt in Australia..
Fire has engulfed the complete car...
body and engine are usually worthless...

and as Mike said, A Car not going - is only worth $500.

the only thing that could have saved the car , is -
it had just run out of Gas....  so the fire went out...
or He drove into a fire station     

Usually  an air cooled VW will burn until all the fuel in the tank has gone...
once the fire gets going it's very difficult to put out...
I've seen where even firemen can't put the fire out with their extinguishers..

If You are buying the car for spares
then it sounds OK....  I wouldn't re use a burnt engine though...

cheers

LEE


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