1973 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic

Dual port 1600 cc

4 speed manual with New clutch

1532911352

Clear

Gasoline

I am offering for sale to the high bidder, over reserve of $5342, one of my last VW air cooled vehicles. During it's original 51 thousand mile life, the previous owner did not replace a cracked fuel hose leading from the fuel pump to the carb and the engine sustained a fire. I have seen this happen several time during the last 55 years I have owned and rebuilt VW air cooled vehicles. I purchased this "beatle" convertible, my second after a 1963 yellow one in 1978, to have something to rebuild while mending from a cancer operation. During the last year and a half I have replaced the engine and many other parts as listed below. Take a look for yourself as I attached many pictures. There is no intention to mislead any serious bidder and I trust the vehicle will sell for a fair price. This is not a rust bucket as previous owners, I understand there may have been 2, have kept up with winter rust control. Repairs and upgrades are as follows: Rebuilt engine including shop aligned bored case, all new bearings, re-ground lifters, balanced rods, new rings, shop re-manufactured dual port heads, rebuilt distributor with new points & condensor, new ignition wires and spark plugs, new EMPI 34 pict carb, new fuel pump, fuel hose and all gaskets/seals. All other engine parts, sheet metal, alternator, voltage regulator, manifolds, air cleaner and metal cover parts came from my used supply of parts. Each was tested, cleaned and painted as needed. New clutch disc and throw out bearing were mated with a good used flywheel. I exchanged the front drum brakes with a complete up-grade disc brake kit. This included rotors, calipers, pads and other required parts. (I learned 40 years ago to never install a rebuilt engine in a vehicle that could not stop). The transmission rear seal was replaced and the oil level was topped out, the fuel tank and lines were blow out, front wheel bearings greased, and all rear electrical, including the brake lights and wiring, were replaced. I added a starter relay and aux button control for easier full power starting. All door and glove compartment locks work with the supplied keys. Tires, as shown, are good, all 4 have about the same amount of rubber remaining. All glass is free from chips and cracks. Vent windows lock. The radio works too loud for me. A first for me, I rebuilt the top frame and installed a new "blue" top... (at our house we follow NCAA football so maybe an orange and blue Alburn, U of Illinois ILLINI, Orangeman from Syracuse or other NCAA fan might want this BUG to tailgate. I would put the looks of this convertible at about an 8 out of 10. At two feet, you can see flaws in the paint but at 10 feet, it looks fine. Could use wax or better yet, a clear coat application. The 1600cc engine has about 200 miles on it since installation and will require another valve adjustment in the next 2 to 3 hundred miles as the heads have all new three angle valve grinds. There is a clear Louisiana title, with plates and antique insurance. I drive it in our small town on nice days, but the plates and insurance cannot be transferred to the new owner. Winning bidder must make a deposit of $500 or more within 48 hours of the bidding close; PayPal is fine. The remainder must be paid in cash or certifed check before pick-up. The vehicle was trailered from Louisiana last year and is presently located in central Illinois. It is shown for sale locally and if sold for the BIN price I will close the auction. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me through EBAY or at 217-762-4069. Thank you and good bidding!On May-19-13 at 08:12:15 PDT, seller added the following information: Reserve is lowered...I will consider offers.