Test Fitting Chassis & Body | VW Beetle Restoration

[@jrlopez4585]

Well watching you work gives me the motivation to continue ... I just got a 1966 VW Beetle myself yesterday Nov 4/23 I took all the interior out, engine does not turns on and it has not been driven for 5 years, a customer of mine even gave me an engine with lots of extra parts, so this is going to be an experience cause I'm a tool man and not an active mechanic nor a body man as well. I'm almost retired and at 66 years young doing all this work together with my son it's going to be an adventure. Today I pressured washed the whole bug, inside and out and to my surprise the whole floor has been "Cannibalized" with just a plain thick metal floor so yes lots of rust and wrong welds all over on both sides, it's a big, big mess ... But hopefully I'll get it done , slowly and learning daily as I progress. Thanks for your videos and hoping to continue following and learning from experts on VW Beetle's Regards

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I had a '66 and got many books about Beetles and especially that year. I wish I still had those to gift them to you.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Fantastic job!! I remember watching you bring this Dub home!!! Have to say how much I admire your shop! Top notch space! ....

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! Yes, it's been just over a year. It's my brother's shop. It's a great space to work.

[@richardmethot1317]

Great job ……. Love the patina look ……. Matt black wud look good …..

[@elfenmagix8173]

I seen a lot of people use contact cement to tack down the rubber seal to the floor plan before putting the body on. Though it is an extra step, and it takes a day or so for the contact cement to set in, it seems to work for many out there. You did an excellent job with this bug.

[@williampropp1290]

I would clean up the fuel tank. Unless you can coat the rust to stop it from progressing any farther. I have a 1970 red convertible that needs some work but it runs great. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@davidcham1129]

Hello CT, Work in progress ! Amazing !! Bravo from France

[@brianw8963]

Glad You popped up as I am in a similar project . ( funny how that happens) Just recently rejoined the body and chassis on My 69 vert . Thought it went pretty well until I put the doors back on. Had to do some adjusting on the mounts but finally got it. Just part of process I guess. These convertibles are flex sensitive. Any way,have fun! 👍👍🇺🇸

[@vayabroder729]

Convertibles have some strengthening members in the heater channel area; maybe even the heater channels could be different on convertibles.

[@brianw8963]

@@vayabroder729 Yea, they have an extra support box rail outside of the heater channels, but still have significant flex with the top not secured.

[@abderrahim6954]

كل شيئ بالعمل والجد والمثابرة رائع مثل هذا العمل. يقول الله سبحانه وتعالى "اعملوا فسيرى الله عملكم ورسوله والمؤمنون" وفقكم الله واصلوا هذا مهم جدا تحياتي من مدينة الحسيمة المغرب

[@michelecrown2426]

Big day a long time coming. I bet you are thrilled.

[@CTmoog]

Yes, it's feeling pretty good.

[@GregsGarage]

Starting to look like a car again CT! I agree with you - headliner BEFORE windshield! Also, it helps to get the dash in place as well.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Greg!😎

[@ShrikantMasterKing]

Hi CT Its Looking Very Nice Wating For The Car Test Drive And The Fuel Tank Looks Great Condition Wating For The Next Video 👌👌👍

[@joerangel611]

CT Good morning This video is so wondetful, that I almost may feel the thrill with this stage. I just might Say "take it easy", and think about it again It is a Great video

[@dolf1010]

All is looking so good CT ! I like that off white /beige painting so much ! The side bars in beige looks elegant 👍 The only thing I 'd like is sanding the tank, because all looks so nice and clean inside But this is my persnal impression .

[@maverick4177]

Bonding the gasket to the floor pan is the easiest way, with something like evo stick or similar

[@PapiDoesIt]

Hot glue in a few key places works too.

[@steven.h0629]

Everything you touch brings back vivid memories, the tank hold downs, fuel level assy etc, made me feel young again 👍😎✊

[@CTmoog]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! =)

[@mikebroadhead9875]

I don't know if you have given any thought to the finish for the car yet, but if you have not and plan to keep the patina on the car, a product I have seen used on a few other channels is something called pappy's patina, its a wipe on clear that protects the original finish. Another one comes from vice grip garage called shine juice. Looking great and glad to see it all coming together!

[@leonardo57]

Yes CT , it looks like a real beetle again. Great work 👍👍

[@CTmoog]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@tomdale1313]

Texas, see what happens when you believe in yourself...txs for sharing

[@d-anger-noodle]

actually really like the almond color for a rattle can paint a spray adhesive would've helped with the rubber seals to keep them in place

[@worthmor5146]

Looks good the way it is. I wouldn't lower it. Just repaint the wheels, put some caps and you're good to go!

[@vayabroder729]

I would even leave the wheels with the patina.

[@andreasgraube4376]

Original wheels looks way better than anything else on a VW bug or bus. It looks either cheap or too fancy with other rims.

[@demRucks]

I agree. Keep the rims and I personally don’t get the lowering thing. Maybe I’m an old guy and value comfort over looks.

[@snowdogs59]

I agree, don’t lower. The original patina look will make this one stand out.

[@CTmoog]

Well it's going to stay this way for a while! =) It's stating to grow on me.

[@bentring333]

Nicely done. Me and my dad built a 68 Gaia, a 59 oval and a 62 slider back in the late 80s when you could afford to play with these

[@michaelpung4121]

Nice job in spite of all of the expert advice! Been fun watching you learn along with the rest of us.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Nicely done CT!! The seals a pain sometimes.

[@ronin1770]

This one is coming along great! Super work CT Appears you have learned a lot in last few years.!!!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@raycutts]

Great job CT, tank is very clean inside, to preserve, you should clean up and spray externally. Can’t wait to see the fender headlight replaced and repaired. Good work keep going and don’t be too mean with the paint !

[@CTmoog]

Thanks 👍

[@the63bug828]

Yay back to the vw

[@michaelhill2844]

I wouldn't leave the tank rusty. Rust never sleeps. It will spread to internals.

[@billymorrisonsr.1590]

Just said he was mocking it up and was going to take it back apart 😮

[@rasher1000]

All your hard work is paying off ct, she is starting to look like a beetle again, Nice, keep the vids coming. 👍👏🐞

[@lancenutter1067]

Love seeing it come together!

[@backyardkombi5466]

Looks good just like that. I’d be tempted to buff out what’s left of the paint and rub some boiled Lin seed oil or some other similar stuff into the rusted areas. Mike FN probably knows the best approach. Fun car

[@robj2704]

Maybe something more permanent for the exterior like sanding down the raised rust, treating the metal to make a flash-rust then clear coat it.

[@mistermoptser]

Loving it. Great work. I'd buy it from you if I lived in the USA.

[@robertvargas7617]

I love these videos, I'm rebuilding a 74 bug of my own and these videos are a tone of help... you should test that sending units float seeing as it's plastic and could have holes from age and the continuity of the sender to see if it's sending a signal...

[@CTmoog]

Great idea👍 good luck on your 74! Thank you😎

[@rogeriofernandes5315]

Ótimo trabalho, parabéns CT. Sou do Brasil e aqui tem muitos fusca. Observei que vcs chamam de besouro, aqui pra nois somente os anos de 74 e 75 saíram a série especial chamada besouro com motor 1.600 e alguns acessórios a mais que os comuns. Vc está de parabéns pelo conteúdo do vídeo e pelo seu trabalho

[@larryoren5928]

On your gas tank, I'd put rubber(weather stripping) around the edges of your tank to keep it from squeaking. And replace all rubber (if you can). And you should coat the bottom of it because of all 5he weather it's going to be put through.

[@CTmoog]

Good tips!😎

[@mohamedchik2690]

Memang sudah cantik sangat. Yang ada karat tu memang boleh di kikis dengan kertas pasir. Jika sudah tiada yang tidak rata boleh sahaja tutup dengan semen kereta. Tapi, saya nampak sudah cantik sangat. Bagus benar tukang membena semula kereta ini

[@robertclay1007]

I really like the almond color. You should let go of the patina and rattle can it in almond. The almond color looks very good next to the running board.

[@CTmoog]

Yes, it looks pretty sweet! =) Thank you!

[@abdlkrimaatoq6883]

انت معلم توزن بالذهب عن مهارتك لقد قمت باعمل المستحيل لايقدر عنه إلى الحرفيين تحية وتقدير لك ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CTmoog]

WOW~ Than you so much! =)

[@vayabroder729]

Looking and lining up fantastically! All your hard work in aligning things carefully has paid off. I hope you didn’t forget the two rubber bushings for the body on the rear shock towers. West Coast Metric has all the rubber doodads for good prices and great quality. Re the height it will settle lower once you install the motor and drive it a bit. I would keep the ride stock and the original wheels and hubcaps to stay with the patina theme. You can find a new headlight bucket just like the Duckman installed on a Super Beetle.

[@demRucks]

Loving this build. Coming along really nice. I would paint the dash and make the interior look perfect while maintaining the exterior patina. I’ve seen a few like that and personally they look really cool.

[@CTmoog]

I might do that! =) Thank you

[@adikaarda6939]

i cant believe you actually almost finished a restoration of 64 beetle after one year👍

[@RusThompson]

Looks great!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks 😎

[@e.mirach]

Loving this VW series

[@CTmoog]

😎😎😎

[@andersaxelsson2196]

I think that the wheels that you have on at the moment are nice

[@jeffbannon1345]

CT, you may want to paint the drums before they rust. Granted you may want them to blend with the patina…

[@77Slamvan]

Looking good!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks!👍😎👍

[@losebjughashvili8465]

That’s a beauty sir.

[@hardcorvancour]

You've come so far I love your videos 😊

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! =)

[@joemartino6976]

Great stuff!

[@tunerrestorations]

Last one I did we used windshield sealant to glue the seal onto the chassis in the right shape and place. You can also use a loop of dental floss though the hole in the seal lift it a tiny bit the pull on the floss to move the seal at each bolt hole until it lines up.

[@Intellivision78]

Damn it boy! You are amazing!! Greetings from Sweden!

[@CTmoog]

I appreciate that my friend! =)

[@Intellivision78]

No, the appreciate is all om my behalf.

[@everydayrenaissanceman2246]

Looking good CT. The front and rear will settle a bit once everything is in the car and you start moving it around. get everything in the car before you start adjusting the height.

[@julianroberts7116]

Hey mate you're doing so well, you should be so pleased with yourself. Well done! 1.You asked about the front - it is quite high at the moment, but will settle down when you get things like the tank fitted. Get the car going first and then thing about lowering it further. Isn't your front beam adjustable? 2.Yes there's a lot of play in the steering, it may need a new steering box. 3. In my humble personal opinion the perfect new running boards look quite odd next to the rusty patina panels. It's your car to play with, but I'd think about dirtying up that shiny chrome strip if it were mine. Likewise the fuel tank - a good coat of something like Hammerite on the bottom will protect it (nobody can see it anyway), and as for the top - inside your trunk is all new and painted, so I think a dirty old fuel tank would look wrong. If it were me, I'd give it a good sanding down to clean and smooth it then paint it satin black. 4. There's a big rectangular gasket to go between the fuel tank and the body. 5. You can get a headlight bowl (bucket?) as a separate item, new. Just weld it into your old fender.

[@surindersandhi3924]

Hi My Dear Friend Very Great Job ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gregmuon]

It's almost looking like a car! Well done. So much progress has been made since the days of Rusty. 👍 While I'm not expert, I did learn to drive in an old Beetle, and I'm pretty sure the chassis is sitting up way too high. IIRC they had around 2" clearance to the fender, maybe a bit more.

[@brettsfishingdiaries]

a spray adhesive that carpet fitters use would of been ideal to keep that body seal in place bud

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Hey CT, looking sweet! I kind of like how it looks with just the original patina, no need to over simulate with red paint, IMHO.

[@jeffschrandt-ku5eg]

Fantastic job looking forward to seeing the future videos.

[@dougrenner9859]

Love the videos of this restoration. You've done a fantastic job. I might be wrong but it looks like the split axel gaiter on the gearbox may be incorrectly fitted. I'm sure that you have to put the split on the side and not at the top. The seam of the gaiter prevents the gaiter from flexing as the suspension moves up and down so it has to be fitted on its side. In no way is this a criticism. I may well be wrong

[@gregoryraven3213]

I like the build but I would definitely fix the rest of rust n holes n paint it all new

[@jugoentuculo]

Daleee Carlos Torres saludos desde Parma Italia, vamos que este puede ser el primer auto que termines.

[@FoxMcCloud12000]

That restoration is surely going great! The front and rear suspension seem to be too high though. There should be a space of, at least, a couple inches between the fenders and the wheels. That's my experience with my 1970 bug, at least. However, after changing that steering box, fitting the gas tank and checking the shock absorbers, you can give it a look again and adjust the front suspension, if necessary. Way to go!

[@cstavrou58]

Great job so far! Use double face tape to hold the seals in place!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

You are doing great on this restoration.

[@davidmccormick1058]

You should clean the outside of the tank and spray rust converter on the outside of it to prevent any further rust on the gas tank!

[@CTmoog]

good idea!

[@szeglowskip2]

Everything is looking great! I’m hoping to start a big build myself here very soon

[@PapiDoesIt]

It's come a long way! Looking good. At this point I'd be really tempted to do the rest of the body work and paint it rather than leaving the patina. I might even go so far as to make a Herbie.

[@mikemuller4376]

I agree...paint it

[@joserivera6523]

Looks nice paint fenders under neat in white keep outside patina and crome Hudson caps and ready to hit the road

[@richardhill4862]

Before you take the body off, you might do the work to the doors and fenders to get a better match body and paint. I think you have something to be proud of and think it would be cool to drive it to the up coming car show.

[@vwfanatic2390]

The trick to getting that body chassis seal exact is upholstery glue. Sorry, couldn’t watch to the end so I haven’t seen if you got it or crimped it.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks man! I'll pick some up this week.

[@perfeicaodaantiguidade4710]

Parabéns o fusca muito top meu amigo

[@rickjackson3414]

I just found your channel, for years I been messing with 60’s gm cars and pickups…..restored 5/6 over last 20 years…..that’s frame off……after watching your videos im now wanting to get a vw beetle….i had a 63 back 50 years ago….thing went anywhere a Jeep could go, had no power though, I dated a girl in high school who go a new semi auto trans beetle for graduation……if you touched the lever it was like pushing in the clutch…..im wanting to restore one just for fun!

[@wellingtonrosa4157]

Eita está quase pronto, ficando muito lindo! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@CTmoog]

😎😎😎

[@kennypool]

Looking good 😊

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! 😊

[@fredsons]

Yeah….slo mo is killer. The acting there at the end….nice!

[@bhekumzijekwa803]

It's beautiful already I have no doubt that this be turning heads

[@mickg6480]

Looks great. Excellent series too. Wouldn't it be best to treat the rust on the gas tank exterior with rust stabilizer at the very least? Maybe coat the bottom with Por15 or the like and coat the interior too?

[@dezdog1]

Hey CT check ground clearance at 4 points on the pan , should be 152 mm or there abouts

[@CTmoog]

ok cool. I will try that.

[@laisvesgrin5231]

great videos, very interesting and instructive, thank you very much for your work, good luck, health and new ideas! well done, super!!!!!

[@Atomshamradio]

DAM CT. THAT LOOKS SWEET GREAT WORK👍

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Atom! 👍

[@alexisrodriguez3703]

Exelent restoration Job much blessings

[@CTmoog]

I appreciate it! =)

[@dreammaker730]

While you had the tub suspended above the floor pan lining up the rubber seal i had a thought. How the hell would do that with out a crane ? Stick the seal to the floor pan or body first ? . Hey the beetle is coming along so good.

[@CTmoog]

There’s a few different ways you can do it without a crane using Jacks and lifts 😎😎😎

[@DavidLinkletter-o4c]

Hi those nails look like carpet tacks to me. Yes looks great way to go keep it up . A magician could not have done their tricks any better than U did good job . If U want to leave the tank rusty try and sea if their is a clear rust protective spray so that it does not get any more rust , it's looking good . Latter

[@dvx216]

awesome work if you use the end grain when you using the hole cutter it will work better and not dull the arc punch.

[@ctech14367]

I would paint the bottom of the gas tank, are you putting sound deadening in the floor board and roof??

[@francoisbouchard602]

Good.job. cool car VW congratulations Nice job😄👍👍👏👏👏

[@georgeclements2742]

I don't know why you would leave the bottom of the fuel tank rusty even if you want to keep the patina look on the parts you can see. The bottom of the tank will not be visible and it would be only sensible to rustproof and paint it to retard further deterioration and potential leaks.

[@dgeo0392]

Geez. You make it look so easy!!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man she’s looking good CT.! I can believe how great that gas tank looks inside! I would say lower the front a few more inches. And boy she’s gonna look sweet!👌🥰👍 lol 😂 by the way! I was browsing on the video through your garage! And I noticed on top of that steel locker you have a 50-60s Nylint Michigan crane! I have one exactly like yours in my garage shelf!👌😂👍

[@rogershoffner4997]

it has come a long way

[@anthonywright774]

I wasn't expecting to wake up to Christmas morning, that thumb nail should pull in 10,000 views, Merry Christmas🎄and here's your gift Matt Armstrong 911 GT3🎁almost a quarter million views, good job.

[@franciscogalvez9241]

That's great my friend. Probably you got a job for me I would like to learn how to do that. That is amazing.

[@dougstaner1220]

weather stripping could be seam sealed (glued) in place on frame first or fastened with self-tapping screws with thin flat washers. So many ways to do place prior to joining to body.

[@johnc.fonseca8961]

Great job CT.very good

[@bradkay1210]

Looking great man awesome job

[@wolfgangschmidtke8023]

Hallo tolle Bilder aus USA und das von deutschen Autos VW Porsche 914 Karmann und so weiter und tschüss aus Düsseldorf 🇩🇪👍👍🤵🏻

[@carlostonini9093]

Muito bom, estou acompanhando desde o início da restauração, e torcendo pra ver ele todo pronto, tenho um ano 74.

[@handle690]

Hey CT, are you thinking about putting a finish on the patina to preserve it and stop rust spread? I love the look.

[@michaelpung4121]

I love the look also but it's not for everyone. I'd fix that fender dent and clear it. Patina to die for.

[@michaelcaradonna9347]

Looks great CT !

[@stephenhennessy2420]

Looking great, I would paint the tank personally

[@terrybotts2109]

can't wait to see this baby rolling down the road.