I have been involved in classic British cars for over 30 years. I have owned and restored 1962 Austin Healey Sprite Mk2, Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 (Bugeye) and currently have a 1960 Austin Mini and a 1974 Mini Estate. When I was I was in High School (early 70), my first car was a '58 Bug which was purchsed for $250 bucks (running, no rust, and pretty much complete). JC Whitney and I became very good friends - in fact they still send me a catalog every once in a while. I replace the complete interior, including the headliner. Painted the outside with paint from a rattle can, which I think came out pretty good. Sold the car when the engine started to go "knock-a, knock-a".

Now the current project. My daughter who has been involed in the British car scene decided when she was 7 years old that she didn't want a new'ish car, or a British car when she started to drive. What she wanted was a classic Bug. She has been collecting all the diecast models, which has equaled my Mini collection and we have gone to the Bug-In in Ennis. The one thing that drove it over the edge was one of my best buds who was into bugs dug through his closet and donated all his Bug stuff to her.

Well now she is 15 soon to get her driver's permit and start looking for a car. At first we were looking at a newer used cars and then I saw this 61 for sale which I thought would be a perfect car. If she wants a classic then she'll need to bust a couple knuckles, get dirty, and sweat, this way she'll appreciate what she's got when it is finished. I bought the car and surprized her with it and so far the plans working. She has been there right with me stripping this car down to get it ready for the body shop.

She ready stated that "Eugene's" trophies will go along side my Mini's trophies

awesome man I love it when the kids get excited about the hobby

Awesome man! Post lots of pics!

FYI, there's another father-daughter project on here --> viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3245

Here are the links to PhotoBucket

This one is the pics before I purchased the car;
http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z39 ... Kbug%2061/

This one is when we started to tear Eugene apart
http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z39 ... ar%20Down/

This is after we removed the fenders
http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z39 ... 20removed/

This is after we received the panels in. The PO had already purchsed the floor sections.
http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z39 ... %20Panels/

You guys said you wanted pictures .....

Nice pics!!!

great pic's

So what are your plans before it goes to the body shop? Are you going to source correct parts for it? I may have a few things if you do. I am sure I have the correct steering wheel which is a one year only. Tail lights will be easy to find. The correct fuel tank and hood are a different story though. It took me a year or so to source the correct fuel tank for my 61 and I found it by accident when I did.

I am looking for the correct 61 steering wheel and horn ring assembly. As far as the the fuel tank and rear lamps, we'll be keep them the same and the hood is a will be fixed and utilize the shorter bright trim with the Wolsburg crest.

My daughter will be using this car a daily and having the larger tail lamps with separate blinkers and a gas gauge will be a plus. What I gleened off the net was the larger tail lamp were an option in 61. Has anyone seen the led conversions?

Other than that, it will be pretty much stock.

Yep the larger taillights where an option in late 61 but not for the US market. I have not seen the LED ones in person yet but I am planning to get a set for my snowflakes. PM me your phone number and we can talk about that steering wheel. I may have some other parts let me know what you are looking for. adding the shorter trim and the crest is cool as well, maybe you could get your bodyman to cut the raised area out around the VW emblem and that would almost make it appear to be a 61 hood. looks like you and your daughter have a lot of fun ahead of you.