A VW Thunderbird? Is it a Rometsch? Nope! Its a Veebird!

[@rattslive1255]

*Love the video Brother~I'm a Ford guy and have not worked on too many VWs over the years~And you knolage of them makes me think~Can you import them from Mexico??~I think they make them there still to today~What would it take to get a non rusted Beatle ~The only reason I ask is because I live just South of Chicago where they season the roads with tons of salt if they even think there is going to be snow or ice in 2 weeks from not kinda thing~Not too good for our cars here and I would not like to start with a rusted one to make a kit car with~But loved the '57 Bird~The differnce was the fins between those 3 years~Great video Buddy :))*

[@DuckmanCycles]

Thanks so much!! Unfortunately classic Volkswagen Beetles have been out of production for a very long time. Brazil stopped making beetles in 1996 and Mexico in 2004, there is not been a new one since! You can import any car the United States as long as it's at least 25 years old is the current law... so in the next few months you can bring a 2000 year model here. But putting all that effort aside you can probably find a nice rust-free car over there in the Southwest. Theres still lots of cars around Arizona and California and not too expensive, and you don't have to do with any of the crazy import fees and duties taxes and paperwork! Heck I even find some nice recipe once here in Florida, but not as common!

[@rattslive1255]

@@DuckmanCycles *Thank you so much for taking the time my freind I knew you would know~I have been the custom painter body man in 10 bodyshops over the years and the last one 7 years ago specialized in restoring antique beatles and it would have been fun getting to learn about them :))*

[@davidwilker4795]

Right now (Monday evening, 9 Jun 2018), there are exactly three sale items on eBay pertaining to Veebirds, all literature.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yep! Its only ever the literature that I see for sale.. . I've been looking, heh! Thanks for the comment! 😀😀😀😀

[@Geoff_G]

Looks like a Vee Bird kit car manufactured in the 70's and early 80's by Vee Birds of Colorado Springs. It was common of kit cars to install the steering rag joint in that fashion. Fiberfab Avenger also did it as did many of the near lay down driving position cars. I commented before watching all the way, LOL.

[@DuckmanCycles]

I'd NEVER use a steering coupler in that fashion, I'd have to put a proper flex joint or even a universal joint from a Super Beetle which is almost a direct bolt-in. :-D Thanks for your comments, even if made before finishing the video, haha! Thanks man, appreciate it, keep the comments up! :-D

[@Auggies1956]

One of these glass t birds was for sale on eBay last year, It was powered by the ford 4cyl pinto engine. It was relisted several times before it disappeared.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Pinto beans! That was the name for the kit to put that engine to the VW transaxle. Those things have a lot of aftermarket performance options, too! Thanks for the comment!

[@alynicholls3230]

@@DuckmanCycles yes duckman if a yank pinto fits then so will a uk cosworth twincam turbo!!.

[@shawnstrode3825]

Molding the lid would be easy, just determine the outer dimensions then in plywood make the shape. Apply the release agent and fill and shape. It's basically a rectangle with a air vent.

[@DuckmanCycles]

A flat lid over the hole may make a good band-aid to keep the rain out, but the lid actually has compound bends and an internal structure, its not just flat... a flat lid over the sealing flange also won't clear the engine. Heh! Here's wishing, but its too bad, the shop owner probably crushed the car, he's notorious for asking to much money then just crushing things when nobody will buy.

[@shawnstrode3825]

@@DuckmanCycles I apologize for being brief and yes it is similar to the bottom of a boat in complexity. I just thought that someone with your skill and artistry with metal might find the process a good challenge. Thank you for quick response sorry I commented.

[@DuckmanCycles]

You don't have to be sorry, LOL it's all good! I did wonder if a factory Thunderbird lid would have fit on the veebird though!

[@tracyjamestavares3255]

Quite a Hens Tooth find . Just found a 73 Bug w/ a rotary Engine in front of a garage w/ 2 Tbirds in it , that's about as close as I can get

[@DuckmanCycles]

Go get that Beetle! I would, lol! :-D Thanks for the comment!

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

Nice find!🎉

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yeah, that was a surprise find back then! I dunno what's happened to it since, never saw it around, and nobody talked about it. Ive been told the owner of that shop will crush things if he doesn't get what he wants out of them. I don't want to assume that's true.... sad story if it is.

[@papachubby1951]

Just found this video. This is one from the way-back machine.

[@DuckmanCycles]

😱😱😱🤪🤪🤪

[@transmetalworks]

It's an amalgamation of both my project cars. Kinda cool.

[@DuckmanCycles]

I visited your channel! Love to see some more stuff that you're working on! Especially the Beetle! Share! :-D

[@lancpudn]

That is a cool old school custom car kit, I've never seen those kits before. Looking at the jobs that need doing on it suggests you're right! the price would have to be low otherwise it would soon turn into a money pit trying to get non standard parts to finish it off. Still cool as heck though.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yep, needs to be cheap or no deal. That missing decklid is what really kills me... Maybe an OEM or replica one will fit... not sure, no parts on hand to compare and try. I guess we'll see what happens, probably going to be no deal. Thanks for the comment!

[@Volkswagenplanet]

I'm looking for a set of door handles with locks and matching ignition switch. Trying to keep it simple with one key. If you have a set and would like to sell let me know. Can't find any new ones or none on samba nor eBay. Thank you again for all the great vw videos. This is my next step getting super beetle on the road

[@DuckmanCycles]

I can't find them either, but I took my handles and ignition to my 1973 Beetle to a locksmith and had them made to match! Any competent locksmith can do the work for you, at the same time mine rebuilt all the little mechanisms. They work good as new with new keys, too. If you already have an original VW key they can make it match on all, also. Hope that helps! 😀

[@Volkswagenplanet]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage good idea, asked about 10 years ago to a few and got run around. I have time. Like the old saying " let my fingers do some walking or dialing "to find a old school locksmith.

[@Throwawrenchrestorations]

Get it! It would be a good car for shows

[@DuckmanCycles]

You should get it! I'll have them save it for you! :-D

[@Throwawrenchrestorations]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage i can't have another car. How much are they asking for it?

[@DuckmanCycles]

$2000..... LoLoLoLoLoLoLoLoLoLoLoLoL!

[@Throwawrenchrestorations]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage is it worth $2000

[@bobbyschrinerschriner7084]

Do you have the info for the veebrid? I'm interested in it

[@pgrayrk]

That is a awesome find would be fun to see fixed up

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yep! But I'd need to find more parts, and need more space. I guess we'll see what happens. Thanks man! :-D

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Think you made right choice. I'm thinking the decklid would be a nightmare to find. I was hoping it was a romestch. That would be a score of a life time. That would be a keeper. I can't find your website or link to duckshit.net. I had a few questions to ask you. Soooooo close on a great project. Never stop looking. Thumbs up till the next video I go

[@DuckmanCycles]

You just made your own link to duckshit.net right there! :-D Why can't you find it? Type it in the address bar of your favorite browser. It was harder for your to say you couldn't find it than to do that, lol. Sorry, I had to say it. Hahaha! Its also always in my video description. :-D I hope hat helps! Pick your favorite social media from my video description and you can ask your questions to me directly! :)

[@RichardJeffries]

The more I look at it the more I like it

[@DuckmanCycles]

I'm kinda on the fence about it. Its still there as far as I know. I'll be passing that way this morning, I'll have a look.

[@MrDemonchild71]

That does look really cool. But alot of work. That would be a nightmare in the wet with a v8. I want to get a vw after watching you work on elanor but there aren't many cheap ones in Australia. Id love a karmann ghia. Your videos are really good and very inspiring. Can't wait to see Eleanor on the road and driving

[@DuckmanCycles]

Thanks so much for your comment! Yeah a lot of work, especially when trying to find the missing parts (or fabricating them, UGH!) Thank you for the kind words! I am really glad you appreciate my videos! Lots more to come!

[@ranchero302me]

Size difference and different engines sizes and options for t birds and convertibles

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you.

[@DuckmanCycles]

And thank YOU for the comment! 😀👍

[@raymondcline8194]

I have a kit car with a VW chassie, its a 1980 Bradley GT II I bought it maybe 15 years ago, it was in really bad shape, after replacing many glass parts and a cheap paintjob, I had a pretty nice head turner... I am 64 years old so I no longer drive it, But thanks for the memories

[@DuckmanCycles]

Funny you should mention this, Bradley actually bought out all of Veebirds when they went under. Thanks for the comment and reminiscing! :-D

[@tootall5559]

of course, this is one of the reasons there are few original bugs still around, they were too handy for kit cars, dune buggies and such.

[@tootall5559]

yeah, back in the day they didn't get any respect. Ever seen a bug with a factory automatic transmission? Had one come into the body shop where I worked many many years ago. Also found a van with an automatic, I wanted it, but wife said no because it didn't have power steering, and it was her money buying it... so we wound up with a crap car that looked nice that didn't last a month.

[@DuckmanCycles]

I had a VW automatic transmission here at one point. They don't fit in the Beetle, as only Type-3 and 4, and baywindow Buses got them. However I almost cut up my Karmann Ghia some years ago to make one fit. Here's the discussion video I put up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWHcm5uQeJmUZpY

[@tootall5559]

this one was in a beetle. and hit had factory made "automatic" badges on it. A conversion perhaps where they stole the badges and put them on too? Looked factory to me.

[@kayrobertekis8098]

I owned a 69 autostick VW. Very neat how the thing operated.

[@tootall5559]

I wonder... with all the aftermarket suppliers, given the insane amount of funds it might take, could a "new" old VW bug be built entirely from aftermarket parts? I know it's been done with a vintage era Mustang and a 57 Chevy.

[@gazp2194]

I remember ads for them in american car mags back in the late 70,s . a decent fabricator may be able to make a mould for a boot lid for it .oops deck lid .I'm UK 😂

[@DuckmanCycles]

Maybe even a stock Ford or aftermarket piece will work, but too much uncertainty here, don't have parts to try it, and don't have anyone to ask... this kit is pretty rare! :-D Thanks for the comment!

[@gazp2194]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage talking to a mate earlier . he reckons if you can make a boot template out of wood , then get a mould off that to mould a new glass fibre lid. Sounds easy 😂. ..if you say it quick 😂

[@vw64manyrd]

Cool car.Thanks for sharing.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it! Whats going on over on your channel today? I've been poking around some of your videos recently. :-D

[@tootall5559]

Ran across a 57 T bird at a car show. Thought the guy ruined it by putting in a steering column and other parts that weren't original. turns out, it was a kit car, not a VW base, that he managed to get titled and plated as an original 57 and got the antique plates that back then were lifetime plates, no need to buy or register again, back then, now they've changed that.

[@DuckmanCycles]

LoL! You really are a stock nazi, eh? I say to each their own. If thats what he wants, and its his car, let him do it his way. But thats rather interesting that he managed to slip it through the DMV as an original... that doesn't happen often!

[@tootall5559]

well, classics are classic for a reason, besides change even one thing, the value drops substantially. I also like hotrods, but you don't make hotrods from classics, unless of course it's just a piece of a classic like a model A body, or the like. I suppose you would cut up a perfect 32 Ford to make a hot rod? Worse yet a rat rod where it is purposely designed to look like crap? Real rat rods where a guy pieced it together from this and that to get a car that works, well that's cool, but ruining good classics to do so is BS. I also hate the rusty crusty look, especially when it's faked. I don't like fake, plain and simple. An old beat up pickup truck is cool, if it earned it's looks, but when people beat one up and rust it on purpose, that's BS. My current ride is beart up and a tad rusty, but it's honest age and miles. you want crusty and rusty, there are usually plenty around, why take good and make it look like crap... find one that already looks like crap and leave it be. I'm not a stock Nazi, but a purist. I also hate when they put a damn Chevy motor in a Ford. Keep it Ford if you're going to badge it as a ford. I think guys that put Chevy motors in Fords are pussies. They don't have the smarts to hotrod a Ford.

[@DuckmanCycles]

😂😀😂😀😂😀😂😀😂😀😂

[@TjAitkenArtSongs]

I ran the shop that built the Vee Bird Kits in Colorado Springs back in 78-79. I retooled the car for production that year and we only made about a dozen before it was shut down and the tooling sold to Bradly GT in Minneapolis. They were in receivership at thew time and i don't know if they ever produced them. A friend of mine from Germany sent me the link to your clip. What town was this filmed in? thanks, Tj [e-mail]

[@DuckmanCycles]

Hi! Thanks for commenting! I am in Pensacola, FL. Thank you for sharing! Always nice to meet someone that lived a tidbit of the history that nobody else documented! Thank you so much!

[@DuckmanCycles]

Not sure about this one, I kinda want it but haven't found any parts for it AT ALL. I don't need another project sitting around missing rare or unusual things. Its still there... but I won't buy unless its a killer deal!

[@thatbuelldude189]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage buy it

[@area85restorations75]

Make a deck lid man, its fiberglass after all

[@DuckmanCycles]

Who says I want to do that? LoL! Might be easier to make an OEM one fit by cutting and welding... but still, not sure I want to get into all that.

[@area85restorations75]

Fair enough lol, Sorry if my comment sounded rude. I love your channel!!! However, I would have to disagree, it would be much easier to make a fiberglass one. Get a giant block of styrofoam put it in place of the trunk lid. Carve it down to shape. Cover it with fiberglass matt cloth and build it up layer by layer. As far as making it the correct shape I think i thought of a way to do that. Get a CAD file of the actual car. Cut the trunk lid part of the CAD into cross sections oriented front to back. Convert them to 2d images and have kinkos print them out to use as templates. I can do this part for you if you like!!! Anyway, sorry, not trying to tell you what to do, just shooting you ideas

[@gilliland426]

too bad it wasn't in my area... i would love to build it up!

[@DuckmanCycles]

Where are you located? :-D Thanks for the comment!

[@gilliland426]

Salem, IN.

[@smiffy1071]

Actually, I’ve been thinking, If you were to put a bigger engine in that car, how about a Chevrolet corvair?

[@DuckmanCycles]

That'd be a good one, but I have an AMC 304 in the garage with a fresh rebuild that currently has no purpose. Guess we'll see if I even get this car, hehe!

[@terryfleming7084]

Well, how much was he asking? I live close to you. About three weeks ago we had Alberto come thought.

[@DuckmanCycles]

$2500 as it sits, no title. A bit much! 😮😦😢 So where you located? Thanks for the comment!

[@terryfleming7084]

I live in Mobile. I was an active member of LAVA. I attended the Trip to the Ship meets and the Rare Air P’cola shows. I’m presently getting back to working on my 72 bus. I have to get it back to my house so I can start working on it. I might do a you tube or at least a blog.

[@richardpowell5369]

Got to get it!! You can fabricate a new "boot lid" as we call it in the civilised world ever so easily out of fibreglass, would be great fun with the top off.

[@DuckmanCycles]

But if its not a "boot" can you still call it a "boot lid?" Or would it more correctly called a rear bonnet? :-D

[@waynecreech]

that was a pretty cool car, did you try and sit in it? it looked like it was pretty small in there...

[@DuckmanCycles]

There was too much junk scattered about, and it was dirty. Nope, didn't try, but in hindsight with that big bulk hard fiberglass seat in there, I don't think I would fit too well, I'm just too big. :-D Thanks for commenting!

[@butchc7650]

Maybe an original aftermarket trunk lid would fit if it was made true to size

[@DuckmanCycles]

I was considering that option, not really sure. I'd need to know for certain before I would commit to purchase, and people have little to no experience with these cars... everyone's answers are only guesses. :(

[@butchc7650]

DuckmanCycles and VW Garage for sure you would need to know the dimensions of the rear trunk and then also the dimensions of that car maybe some Thunderbird Classic Parts websites maybe they would have the dimensions or could Supply them

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yes, but there is a lot more than just the length and width, the contours may be all wrong. It could be a complete disaster of a fit despite matching length and width!

[@steveballard1463]

Very cool

[@DuckmanCycles]

Thank you! Thanks for the comment, too! :-D

[@eliasvanloon]

How many veebirds are still out there? I just found my second dream car!

[@DuckmanCycles]

I don't think anybody really knows the answer to that question, but I don't believe it was but a few thousand of them made... maybe... could have been made into a could have been made into a pretty good ride! I wonder where it's at now.

[@eliasvanloon]

@@DuckmanCycles really wish I could pick it up.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Its gone now, I don't know what happened to it. I'm betting the shop owner scrapped it. He is known for that. he asks too much money, it doesn't sell, then he scraps it.

[@eliasvanloon]

@@DuckmanCycles That's too bad :( I live in Belgium so i think it's not likely that i'll ever own one. I just like quirky cars. My dream car is a Volkswagen T1. I sell classic brazilian vw's. T1, T2, Beetle, SP2, Karmann Ghia, Brasilia, Type 3, kit cars, etc..

[@DuckmanCycles]

Very interesting! Make some videos!

[@unicron24]

Did it have a gas tank?

[@DuckmanCycles]

Nope! But it looks like a standard Beetle one fits in there.

[@area85restorations75]

Are you in houston???

[@DuckmanCycles]

Pensacola, FL. Quite a drive... whatcha got in mind? :)

[@francograpelli3060]

There is enough space to fit a small Porsche engine.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Or even a big american engine, lol!

[@beardedg500]

Hey duck, did you got it??

[@DuckmanCycles]

No, I don't know what happened to this car

[@triariicat8448]

where can i find a schwimmwagen?

[@DuckmanCycles]

Every once in a while one turns up somewhere... but your best place to start looking is Germany. LoL! :-D

[@francisdebattista7745]

Is the car still for sale ?

[@DuckmanCycles]

I'm not the seller, and this video was almost 2 years ago. I don't see the car around anymore. Rumor has it, it got crushed by the owner, because it didn't sell because he wanted too much.

[@MidwestMotoRider]

That is just cool as all get out, probably makes Thunderbird fan boys mad as all heck but dang! GL hope it works out! I do always cringe when I see someone record when they drive!!! Tisk tisk!!!

[@DuckmanCycles]

Whats the difference if I am talking to a passenger? I'm safe. 😀😀

[@MidwestMotoRider]

Big Difference, look at any study about it. Also just from what I see every day most of the cars that almost hit me are distracted drivers on the phone. You should be driving not making a video. Just my opinion so take it for what its worth.

[@DuckmanCycles]

But I'm not on the phone... AND ESPECIALLY NOT reading a text message. Those are where the real crash statistics come from, not just talking on the phone... or in my case talking to a device sitting on the dashboard. 😀

[@MidwestMotoRider]

I suppose you are correct, however most of the crashes and or near misses are always someone talking on the phone. That is around here perhaps its different else were however if your talking to a device on your dash you can not be focused on your driving. Do what your going to do I just thought I would point it out. True fact, Men especially can't multi task no matter how much they try.

[@olik136]

up to 10,000$ are you kidding me?- A barely running beetle goes for that kind of money here (Germany- it is sad how unobtainable old VWs are getting)

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yep, I'm kidding you... lol. There are a lot more VWs in the south and on the West coast of the US because of warmer weather and no salt... so prices are usually somewhat reasonable! Very different story in the EU! I saw one of my Buses get sold to someone in the UK.... and he paid WAY TO MUCH for it! Wish I sold it to him directly! :)

[@olik136]

well just for laughs- look at this madness- you could make a years living from restoring ONE VW T1 bus (sorry for long link.... the equivalent of cartrader.com) suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/search.html?damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&isSearchRequest=true&makeModelVariant1.makeId=25200&makeModelVariant1.modelId=42&pageNumber=12&scopeId=C

[@DuckmanCycles]

I guess you just found me my retirement project. I have an early Bus here that I plan to start on after the oval gets on the road. 😀

[@barryphillips7327]

Engine looks a bit small and lonely back there, haha.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yeah, but sooooooo much room to upgrade to something big! I have an AMC 304 in the garage that needs a home. Who knows? :-D thanks for the comment!

[@barryphillips7327]

Maybe you would a Fwd V8 to put in the back rather than try to fit a V8 in front.

[@barryphillips7327]

Had an idea if you keen?? Instead of just making the thunderbird a V8 like all the others and it VW running gear, consider joining say two VW 1600 twin port engines or you REALLY too stand out you perhaps join three and make a flat 12, that would a lot of work but boy it would be amazing if done right, with some chrome and polished intakes etc, food for thought.

[@thatbuelldude189]

If It has the deck lid get it

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yep, that and the final price are the two largest factors here. Thanks for the suggestion! Always appreciate your comments! :)

[@ranchero302me]

I had a cop run us off the road the other day cause he was texting. I could get car number or anything cause he was so close.

[@jameswatts8137]

I would have taken the car. It’s not hard to fab a fiberglass deck lid.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Been a little while since I've been over there but I think it's still available. I'm not interested in making a decklid no matter how easy. 😁😁😁

[@michaelbouley2294]

Yup I would not go for it either!

[@DuckmanCycles]

Still kicking it around, but deal has to be awesome, or no! :-D Thanks for your feelings on the issue!

[@smiffy1071]

Of course, the thunderbird was a triumph motorcycle, well before ford used the name on one of their cars....

[@smiffy1071]

Triumph was 1949, ford was 1955

[@DuckmanCycles]

That is correct! Thanks for the history! 😀

[@KristofferFaltin-mc3ns]

Buy it and put a buick aluminium v8 in it

[@DuckmanCycles]

Oh man, that was a long time ago. I have no idea where this car is anymore.

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

Whatever happened to this car? I can totally see that be a willy car with Jamar bars to steer the wheels 😂 283 in the back

[@DuckmanCycles]

It was there for about a month, guy was asking too much money. I think he had it crushed. Very uncertain.... but he's all about the money.

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

@@DuckmanCycles dang!😳

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yeah that's the story I get about anything that he doesn't sell, so that's probably what happened. 😕

[@lukastrukelj6794]

Wtf!? Thunderbird with vw engine!? Wtf...

[@DuckmanCycles]

Yeah, pretty much.... hahaha!

[@timwhite8878]

No I would pass on it.vw better looking.

[@DuckmanCycles]

I agree! Thanks for the comment! :-D

[@leonardburns1780]

cover it up and run far far away ehhh

[@DuckmanCycles]

LoL! After thinking about it, you may be right! Haha! Thanks for the comment! :-D

[@ranchero302me]

You don’t do V8 lol

[@DuckmanCycles]

I've had a V8 in the garage for the past few years. Not sure what to do with it

[@richardmikoley7234]

Are you out of your mind? Why would you butcher a part of automotive history?

[@DuckmanCycles]

LOL WTF did I miss? Some pretty strong words there!