Yes, I really wanted that Beetle when I saw it the other night, in the glow of that sunset on Sunday evening. But in the light of day yesterday, I drove it, took a closer look at it, and debated the pros and cons. We had planned a hike on Labor Day, but all of that made it almost too late to go. Which was a portend of potential things to come. Do I want to spend my time dealing with rust and musty interiors, or be in the great outdoors? And when I finally slipped behind the wheel of my xB to head for the hike, I realized I already have a Beetle. Or two.
To me, my xB is the modern incarnation of the Volkswagen; a simple, rugged, reliable, thrifty, go-anywhere car that’s also fun to drive. And I said just that in the finale of my Auto-Biography series at TTAC. But it drives a hell of a lot better than the real thing, which my drive in the real thing made all-too obvious. And it’s a lot safer; If I eventually slide off a gravel forest road, or meet another car on a blind curve, I know which car I’d rather be in.
Yes, the VW’s 1600cc engine pulled pretty strongly, despite its flat spot. But the gearing is too low for that engine, and it would undoubtedly be painfully loud at speed. Which is a big problem, as my acute and severe tinnitus is not getting any better. It’s becoming a problem in any car, never mind a VW without any sound insulation.
And there were a whole raft of issues that I saw in just a fairly brief look at it. The rust, although not as aggressive as salt-induced, has been working on this car slowly but steadily, including the interior. Things like the driver’s seat being practically rusted in place. And the upholstery and headliner are musty and shot. The moisture here is insidious. The heater didn’t work, and I was in no position to properly evaluate it if the ducts and such were solid or not.
I also began to have a few niggling doubts about the owner, who is clearly just flipping this to help fund his 912 project. The front suspension was dry as a bone; you didn’t give it a few shots of lube before putting this car back on the road (he’s driving it every day to work)? Were the engine parts used in the rebuild of good quality? The brakes, despite being “new”, felt pretty bad.
I could go on and on. The more I looked, the more I saw that needed doing. The reality is this: although this car has some good qualities, like no collision damage, it’s a project car. And I have absolutely zero time to give to another project right now. I’m struggling to manage all of the deferred ones, along with trying to find more time to get out into nature and such.
The hike up Patterson Mountain cleared my head. I don’t need more “things” in my life; I’ve got more than enough. What I want is more experiences, and more time to enjoy the things I already have, like my Chinook. I’d rather take that on the road this fall than deal with a needy VW. My F100 badly needs some rust repair too. Piling on more things that need doing is not the solution.
At the top, I saw clearly that I’d rather be looking out over the hills and smelling the fragrant woods than seeing rust and smelling headliner glue. Yes, I’d fallen in love with that VW, but then that’s hardly the first time. I fall in love with just about every car I stop to shoot; some a bit more so. I’m also in love with spending time with the loved ones in my family doing the things we all enjoy doing together.
I found this crude Herbie under the front steps one of my rentals this summer. I put it in the dash cubbie of my xB, where it slides back and forth on its immobile wheels when I’m zipping up the curvy gravel roads to trailheads, to remind me both that I’m already driving a “Volkswagen” and that cars are a ultimately a vehicle to facilitate my other interests—which are many—and I simply don’t have room for an interloper.
I was trying to relive a moment of time from my youth, when I had few to no responsibilities, and I could readily and happily spend half a day laying under my VW messing with the brake adjustments, to get them just right. That was then; today is now. Time to plan a fall trip to Eastern Oregon in the Chinook, which I just remembered needs a new heater fan. And door seals. And…
It’s time to make new memories, not try to relive the old ones.
Thanks for all of your thoughts in the comments. I’m sorry if I disappointed some of you. But as I’ve said before, it’s either CC or a project vintage car; not both. You really shouldn’t encourage me. Or maybe you’re trying to tell me something.
It’s a pretty nice little VW, and I’m sure it will find a loving home. Just not mine.
I have been there, “Too Many Cars Too Little Time”. I have owned more cars than most used car dealerships,But I always see one I want to buy. My last new car purchase (for myself) was a 2012 Kia Optima Ex GD-I Turbo. One of the best cars I have ever owned. Since I bought it though , I have bought and sold a few cars including a 1957 Metropolitan. and a 1995 Montero. I currently own (including the Kia), a 99 GMC Safari (my bug out vehicle) a 2007 Honda CR-V (by brother in law gave me so I wouldn’t buy another Van for my other home out west), 2015 Nissan Frontier (my wife bought it) and a 2007 Toyota Camry (My wifes out west car) and I am constantly looking on Craigslist as well as prowling the streets for another car to buy. Why I do not know, I have more than I need, I just can’t help it. I have my eye on a 78 MGB that a used car lot has had for 4 months , it is sitting in the back of the lot. I want to rescue it. I wonder if the guy will take a grand for it.
Well, at least the midpoint for the great CC 1963 VW meetup has now shifted to Battle Creek, MI.
So when we do the Henry Ford next year both Ed and I can drive, and we’ll call it even.
Heh. (c:
Fair enough. I know I was more caught up in the vicarious enjoyment than the reality. A car is an appliance, one that you should own rather than something that owns you. And a walk helped you to see that. So, now you can have more walks, and fewer car repairs!
Good call. Why buy something you’ve already owned?
I bet most of us thought you had already closed the deal. But it’s easy to understand why you didn’t.
That said… Long live the kingdom of CC!
Always pays to take a second look. When you wrote the part about enjoying a gravel road in the VW, I knew you were dreaming. Any big old Chevy or Ford sedan was tremendously better than a VW on a gravel road.
I thought the XB might be too close in mission to share miles with a VW. It is still a wonderful mental exercise to contemplate the pros and cons of an old love and think where it could fit into your current life.
I’m with you, Paul. I am likewise at the point in my life where less is more. I really have to force myself to drive the Acura any more, and I’m trying to figure out how to get my money back out of it. I’ve been giving away or throwing away all sorts of items for which I have no real use, but keep moving from place to place anyhow.
I completely understand. You already have 4 cars and two of them are already CC material. I only have one kinda-sorta CC, and it is a relatively modern one from the 90s. Even it is not getting the attention it deserves (not to mention my daily rides or the many projects at home, or the . . . )
We all have to set our priorities. That’s the good thing about CC, is that it makes it easy to experience the heady rush of a new car for a couple of days without any of the expense or any of the effort of ownership. I briefly fall in love with and want almost everything I have ever written up, for one reason or another. But you raise a key point – much of my “car-time” was from when I was single or had no kids. Now, there are so many more ways to spend time.
Something about beetles puts owners off them, my English friend bought a 63 Beetle when they emigrated and were waiting for their Kombi to arrive, they still have the beetle and the Kombi and the beetle has been dismantled and beautifully restored it really looks nice but my friend refuses to reassemble the engine so it can be driven, the Kombi is undergoing rust repairs and they have an MPV as family transport and he has a very mint Subaru Ace as a runabout so the VWs remain imobile,
I have a model 3A Minx here in the lounge but I still enjoy driving the full size one in my carport
I’d love to have another Hillman.
Happy Motoring, Mark
With views and a path like those near your home, you definitely have better things to do than being under an old car you already have good memories of. Make new memories.
Sounds like the right call for you. You don’t just buy an old car … you buy a whole hobby.
There’s something to be said for knowing when to walk away from a lot of things, including but not limited to cars.
It’s only a shame the xB1 didn’t get a Beetle-style production run.
I picked up a ’87 Jetta GL for $700 last year. But only because the paint and interior are still almost perfect with no rust to be found. It needed a fuel pump relay to start, I told the owner that’s what I would pay if I could get it to run, and he agreed. Started right up with a new relay and drove it home. Same color as my owned 25 year ’86.
I knew it needed rear brakes and bearings. I didn’t see the bent wishbone and axle. But less than $300 later including 2 tires the car looks and runs great. It makes a big difference if body, paint, and interior don’t need any work. It wound up being a nice car for the money and needs no more work.
Starting off with a better example, even if you have to pay a little more is well worth it in the long run if you just want enjoy driving it and not spending a lot of time working on it.
Hear, hear. I looked at over a dozen Beetles (over as many years) before buying my ’64, which had a list of issues not dissimilar to Paul’s almost-VW. Took me a while to get it all sorted, but then used it as a DD for six years (in Atlanta, GA traffic, no less). Sorry he didn’t buy it, but given the added details both on the car and its intended use case, probably a wise decision.
According to The Samba.com VW made 838,000 Beetles in 1963. If you’re willing to consider a ’64, there were 948,000 of those.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/beetle_productionfigures.php
Somewhere out there is a better example with your name on the Pink Slip. In choosing VW’s, as with women, it pays not to fall in love too quickly – just hold out till it feels right.
Undoubtedly the smart move, but I’ll miss the posts you would have written while the Beetle was in your custody. I agree with you on the modern reincarnation. I bought a Honda Fit a couple of years ago that gives me the same sense I had owning a Beetle. Small, maneuverable, economical, practical, etc. Not nearly as adaptable to off-roading, though. And, at least in the South, the A/C isn’t much better than the heater was on the Beetle. OTOH, maybe it’s more a reincarnation of my R5 Le Car.
Can’t say I blame you. I do hope you find your dream 404 one of these days.
Good decision and lovely scenery
It’s the distinction between reliable and durable.
My 240 wagon was great fun to drive, had a kind of nordic soulfulness, and was full of fascinating and sometimes frustrating engineering solutions that I could delve into. But it was always work; just after I bought it I replaced the blower motor, then there were various relays that needed resoldering, an ECU that went south, motor mounts, exhaust, etc. I knew lots of junkyard proprietors on the east coast, which parts would cross over from other models and makes; part of owning it was being involved in the Volvo cult and doing the rites.
The Element that replaced it just works. Very little work to do, and it drives not much differently than it did 12 years and 200k miles ago, despite being used to its limits and having some scars to prove it.
I considered a Scion and drove one, but wanted more ground clearance, which I have needed many times in my explorations. Beyond that I think they’re a wonderful choice, had a ride in one through Vermont a while back and it was very civilised considering its footprint. The owners of that XB borrowed my E and pronounced it too large. :^)
This is the dirty truth that I learned when I bought my 86 Acura Integra – it had all the virtues of my 74 Alfa Spider: all aluminum high-winding DOHC engine with fuel injection; 5 speed; 4 wheel discs; great handling….but with the Alfa you were always chasing something and hunting parts. With the Integra, you just stuck the key in it and flew away.
When people say that Japanese vehicles lack personality, what they really mean is that they’re reliable.
Stacking up old cars like cordwood isn’t for everybody. The appeal is strong, but maintenance and repairs can turn into a full time job, as I well know. Good call for you.
I figured if anything were to stop you, it would be the realisation that this would be another project when you already have projects.
I know the feeling about returning to old cars. I idolised the first car I bought – granted, this was this decade and not many decades ago – and then when I considered buying one again, I remembered some of the niggling flaws it had that my memory had conveniently forgotten.
Besides, life is too short to own the same car twice!
It’s always nice to visit Nostalgia Lane.
But to live there, you need a quality product that can endure the ages. That’s hard as hell to find, even at the auctions where old and cheap go together like used car dealerships and colorful flags.
Sometime you get lucky and find a cheap ride with inner beauty; like your truck and my Cadillac.
Sometimes you buy a showcase property for top dollar and enjoy it maybe one or two days a month.
And sometimes… you’re paying for a rolling illusion that will spew pea soup out of its tailpipe after you finally realize that it’s possessed by the merciless demons of past owners and shoddy workmanship.
That Bug is probably a rolling version of the Exorcist. It will suck your savings and stress levels like a house with 47 hallways, 19th century plumbing, and a demonic ghost with an uncanny resemblance to Joan Crawford.
I would be tempted.
I suspect the Chinook will get replaced with a modern RV before Paul buys another classic, two is a reasonable number of old vehicles.
Besides, there’s other beetles available in Oregon. The fun factor would go up with one in better condition:
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/5765812161.html
The non-working heat might have something to do with the engine swap and ‘dune-buggy’ exhaust!
Happy Motoring, Mark
I have never really owned a CC; well, many cars that are certified CC’s now but were just cars at the time. Today I spent a few hours changing the oil and generally cleaning up my wife’s Beetle. Make that NEW Beetle. Almost 16 years old, and yet it’s looking tired, despite low mileage and always being garaged and in the Bay Area climate. Not really musty, and certainly not rusty, but 15 year old painted German (or Mexican) plastic trim may be be even worse than 50 year old painted German steel or leatherette. We’re down to two cars for the first time in decades, having collapsed my 4 door + RV + truck usage into a single, model year 2016 double cab truck with rooftop tent, so I am feeling the pull of a third vehicle, a toy and specifically and older (CC) toy, pretty strongly. And, interestingly, an air cooled VW is pretty near the top of the list (in my case a Thing). But then I realize that I too would rather hike, or bike, or take a road trip than work on a car. So even if Paul passed this Bug up, please keep on posting daily CC’s so I can enjoy them vicariously.
I’m still interested, please send the seller my E-Mail .
I have all the bits to make it a good daily driver , give me a chance before some kid grabs it and ruins it please .
I would expect to tinker it there then drive it home to So. Cal. , I’ve done it many times before .
-Nate
It’s funny how there is a regular refrain about “kids not being interested in cars anymore” on here, and yet you want to get this car before some “kid” gets it and “ruins” it. Maybe some kid might really appreciate it and have an amazing and fulfilling experience restoring and driving it, fuelling their passion for classic car restoration…
+1. I am what many here would consider “a kid” and would love that old VW.
I just e-mailed you his phone #.
Thank you Paul .
Spridget & Bill = the reason there are so few old Beetles left is directly because _kids_ DESTROY THEM .
I used to have a VW Shop and I watch them drop like flies .
I have contacted my Son as I’ve been yammering about one last Beet;le before I got too old to up fix and enjoy it ~ now all I have to do is find the other article so he can get a looksee….
Stay tuned .
EDIT: FOUND IT ! =8-) .
-Nate
I was actually thinking “tinnitus?” even as I urged you to go ahead with it yesterday. That alone is a great reason not to buy.
Just as well, really. 4 cars is plenty to deal with.
There’s always a better/cheaper/faster/perfect car out there. Takes lots of research they just don’t fall out of the sky. I understand about downsizing. Wondering why I have 5 cars for just me….
I have been toying with getting an old vw for the last couple of years since selling my vanagon. My last road trip took some of those feelings away when I passed a few westfalia’s with little to effort in my supercharged previa. Then I later passed one stalled out on the shoulder, and thought to myself that I had much better things to do on a hot summer day. As opposed to be under a van on the side of the highway trying to get it going again.
But who knows the right car and funds may come along some day…
I thought this article was going to be about choosing a Scion over a bug, or the illusions of old car ownership.
Instead, fortunately, it’s about dodging a project that your inner voice said ‘no’ to. Always a good call.
New cars are better, period, and I like them, but I don’t love them and probably never will (well, at least those I could afford).
It’s the old stuff, even cars before my time, that make me do stupid irrational things. It’s the smells, the DIY aspect, the challenge of sourcing parts, the history, the driving and handling, the looks and feels that bring out the love and passion.
Of course post a similar story later on after I get another rash of breakdown-itis in the fleet and I’ll be singing the virtues of a leased 2017 KIA, but that’s for another day.
It was late when I read yesterday’s post about the ’63 Beetle, so I didn’t comment, and I was going to advise passing on the car. I didn’t want to be negative, which is a habit of mine sometimes. Anyway, here I am late again.
There are a number of issues that are already known to require attention, and like anything old (car, house, even a bike), there are probably an equal number of unseen problems that will need to be attended to as well. It’s a matter of time and enthusiasm.
I’m more passionate about the Beetle than any other car, and would love to have another of my own. I get very nostalgic whenever I see one here on CC, but although I’m retired, there are so many other things I want or need to do now that a pet vintage car is just not realistic for me. So I come to CC instead and live vicariously through the posts.
kind of funny to hear of this Beetle in the dash cubbie in your vehicle as I had 2 in there for all of last winter and with one of the vehicles I had been trying to find it for at times through the winter. I found them in Spring this year one was a HW VW Beetle Herbie ok yes a newer model but still a Beetle and a Herbie. the one I was looking for though was a Corgi Reliant TW9 it was great to find them again they simply were under some papers in the dashbox. also sort of interesting I have 2 old beetles on my side desk one a white Majorette the other a sort of copper coloured Beetle by Tomica
Totally sensible decision. From what little you already noted I estimate at least 2 weeks solid, back-breaking work to put right and that’s before you swap the Alpenpassgetriebe for something which makes the vehicle usable. OK if you have the time and a fully equipped workshop but not otherwise.
Yeah, I understand the feeling. Already going thru a version of it, as the 1983 Yamaha Venture Royale I just got back on the road has easily become the most expensive “free” motorcycle I’ve ever owned. While deliberately NOT keeping detailed financial records on it (for obvious reasons), I figure I’ve gotten somewhere in between $22-2500.00 sunk into the bike.
And I’m still going to have the starter replaced this weekend with a new one from Rick’s, because the old one has me saying a prayer ever time I hit the starter button with a hot engine. In it’s defense, it’s never failed to start the bike and left me calling for a two, but there have been a couple of times . . . . . . .
On the good side, the rest of the bike is comfortable and seemingly reliable. And where am I going to get a fully functional bagger that’ll take me to Daytona for under $2500.00?
Just the same, this is the last project. The next motorcycle (two years from now once I’ve paid off the Abarth) is going to be new. With a warranty. And nationwide dealer service.
A very smart move, despite my having encouraged you previously. Owning a car of the same age, they love to be worked on and when time doesn’t permit, the car simply lingers. Plus other things crop up and you don’t drive it. Since getting back from Nashville I had put all of 23 miles on the old Ford until Monday. That’s not doing it any favors at all, which I suspect could have happened to the VW also as life happens.
That’s an impressive dog. His head is a full 33% larger than it has to be.
That’s because he’s 33% more intelligent. 🙂
I wish.
Wisdom, Paul, Wisdom. You are wise beyond your years.
I think the Beetle/Xb comparison is interesting. They both have an iconic shape and they’re both functional, frugal, and fun. But I’m not sure the Xb will ever be loved, maybe because it never got a long enough production run. I’m thinking I’ll hang on to my Xb after it stops being my daily driver (225k miles now) just to see if a cult following ever develops as with the Beetle.
Every time I dream about owning an old car, it’s thoughts like you have, Paul. It isn’t ever going to happen, but if I keep my 2012 Impala long enough, it’ll be a Curbside Classic all its own. Besides, I retire in a little over 6 months, and I’m trying to get rid of stuff as fast as possible, not get myself weighed down with more junk.
I’d still like a nice old Jeep, just the same…
Being able to walk away with a clear conscience, following the voice of reason and logic with no regrets can be better than the “What did I get myself into?” quandary. FWIW, I think you made the right choice based on that.
For anyone interested those “Herbies” are sold at pet stores for fish bowls, gotta love the “52” mark to dodge copyright troubles.
As for the real Bug in question, I would’ve dodged just based on what you said about the un-lubed suspension.
Well Paul I understand your reasons completely. You have a lot on your plate, especially being the owner of several rental properties. That alone can be reason enough to tear your hair out. And the realization that at your age, and mine, that there is only so much quality time left. How do you want to spend it? The point is to have vehicles that allow you to accomplish your goals as satisfyingly as possible. I mean if you wanted a sports car, camper, boat or motorcycle, why not buy one that is fairly new and that will allow to enjoy the experience right now? That being said, sometimes you can slow down a bit and take your time putting an old beater right, if you’ve got the space, time and extra money. I’d rather you keep up with CC instead… just being selfish!