My name is Mike. I'm from Janesville, WI. I'm kind of a fish out of water here. I'm currently a Nissan tech at a dealership here in town. I've been an ASE certified body tech for 10 years. I grew up around muscle cars. I've got an 81 Camaro Z28 with a Procharged small block that runs mid-9s. I've owned since high school. Last year, I finshed my "daily driver" 78 Impala 4-dr with a turbocharged LS1. I like my vehicles different, so I hope I don't offend any V-dub faithful. So......

I've always been a fan of the "classic" Beetle. A couple months ago, I purchased a solid but GUTTED 61 standard off E-bay. I just completed the install of a Subaru WRX 2.0L turbo 4-cyl in the back. I still have a long way to go on this project and was hoping to get more info on the car itself considering I know nothing about thegeneral "restoration" of these vehicles. Any feed back, positive or negative, is appreciated. The site looks great and hope to meet some new people.
Thanks

 

A rotary would be sweet. I never thought of that one. It sure wasn't easy to do the WRX swap. I'm crossing my fingers hoping it will turn some heads.

 

All I gotta sAy is I want all your cars...

 

Thanks. Just something I do on my free time. The Subie motor is a stock bottom end but I've added a PT45 turbo and a Precision wastegate and blowoff. I've adapted the motor to an early model (late 60s-early 70s) Porsche 5-spd. I have a friend that works as a C&C machinist so he's come in pretty handy on this project.

 

I grew up around cars and di all types of body work. You need any advice let me know. My uncle onws his own business and that's where I learned to do most of the stuff I know how to do. Just got done with a '67 chevelle won best in show during 2008 Detroit Autorama.

 

Thanks. I usually do my own work. I did 10 years at a GM dealership in the bodyshop and still do it on the side. However, I was thinking about taking some small items from a New Beetle and adapting them to my 61. Things like the taillights, door handles, and a few other odds and ends. If you have any ideas how I could do this w/o it looking all cobbed, I'd be interested.

 

The parts won't align straight. You'll prolly end up using lots of bondo and alot of fabricating.