1965 Volkswagen Beetle - Classic

Baja Coupe

1600

Manual 4-Speed

115855890

Clear

Gasoline

Bitter-sweetly saying farewell to this 1965 VW Baja Bug. I'm re-listing, as the first came run came close to the "hoped for," but didn't quite hit the reserve. Everyone is asking about the reserve: I'll say it's a good chunk less than the "Buy it Now." Which it always has been. I just love that buy it now feature for those "gotta have it types." If you're familiar with the classic beetles, you'll notice the body is post-1965. It is a 1972. The chassis is a 1965, and the car is registered as such. The VIN is based as an ORV identification. It took me forever to figure that out when I was working through the registration process after this ride came to be in my hands. I'll be as forthcoming and honest in detailing what you're looking at. I have a 100% positive feedback, and aim to keep it that way, so please feel free to ask any questions you have. I've done a lot to this car, but there is plenty left to do, depending on what you'd want it for. It has its good, its bad and its OK. Because of that, I'm setting the reserve at less than what I would if I put another 20 hours into working with it. To briefly state it: I'm selling it because I don't have space to work on it at my current residence. When I purchased it a year ago, I planned to take it to the next level. Not a month later, a huge career project began to take shape and grow some wings, and my Baja project just became a fun car to tool around in. So, it's time to clear some space, and offer this bug to a new owner. This is a street legal bug with a clear CA Title. The valid CA registration is good for another 11 months, through 2013. I kept wrestling with selling it, so I have kept the registration current. The benefit of owning a 1972 or earlier model year car in CA is that it's SMOG EXEMPT under current law. The car is a bit of a rat-rod, but a fun drive. No bells and whistles...No horn. (Seriously, the horn is disconnected.) For moms and pops looking for a great first car for their 16 year old...? This is probably not it. For those who know the air-cooled beetles, and love them cut to baja style, this little bug has wonderful potential. The Good This car is a strong runner. I've put a measly 3,000 miles on it over the past 12 month period. Before I purchased it, a complete tune-up was offered. New plugs, distributor, etc. It could use a good valve adjustment. I had them adjusted with an oil changes 100 miles back, but it's popping/backfiring a bit on throttle deceleration...it could be that it's running a little rich, too. I wanted a little more low end power zipping around the streets, so adjusted the carb. These are all minor, routine maintenance things that I'd suggest when buying any car. 95% of the body is in solid shape. Very workable. The nose was backed into by a not-so-friendly neighbor. I patched the fiberglass with 3 layers on the inside, so it is solid, but it could use another couple on the outside, and a sand-down. (Pictured) A new fiberglass nose would cost around $80. Interior: As shown, headliner is in good shape. The same perforated material was used in the rear storage area, and it's a little rough. Needs to be re-glued. (Pictured) Seats are in great shape. Front two, and rear bench are without tears and comfortable. (Pictured)Floor pans: The pans have some spots of surface rust, but no big holes or significant weaknesses. They're solid, even near the battery box. The passenger side was cut and replaced beneath the seat before I purchased the car (most likely due to old battery corrosion). It was riveted, and sealed. It's not beautiful, but it's functional, and has presented no issues. Kenwood, Detchable Face CD Player and Four Kenwood speakers. I've been running good ole, 87 octane, 20/50 oil, with Lucas-Oil oil conditioner and stop leak. It's the best stuff out there, and I find that this bug leaks less oil, and runs with better compression than any other air-cooled, push-rod operated vehicle I've ever driven/ridden...even on cold (for California) mornings. 8x15s in the front, 10" wide in the rear - running good rubber. Lots of miles to be enjoyed on the tires. Full size spare. (Pictured)Glass is good. Front pop-out windows are awesome for air-circulation. Parts are CHEAP and ACCESSIBLE. Working on this car has been fun and therapeutic -- though an interesting introduction to the air-cooled VW. If you're unaware, I can provide you with some great parts suppliers. Added new rear drums/brakes: less than 700 miles. Changed clutch cable: less than 1,000 milesDon't know the actual mileage, though the odometer just rolled over. Obviously, this car being a cut of two different cars, I don't know what to guesstimate for the mileage. I know that I took it to a mechanic, who I didn't think wanted to give it back. He drove it around the block four or five times. Said what I've felt and feel to be true. It runs strong. It's fun. It is painted white...this kind of falls in the so-so category. The paint ins't good. There are chips, mismatch spray jobs, etc. What you'd expect on something that was used for outdoor fun. I'm including a tire iron with the car. The Bad (which isn't so bad) The wiring is a bit sketchy. It's there. It works. But it's temperamental. (I've noticed humidity and temp have a lot to do with it.) One thing I planned to do was rewire the entire vehicle, and install a new fuse box. Unfortunately, no time. I've got all of the front lights, signals, etc. working (Pictured), and the rear turn signals are working; however, I've only got one taillight working on one side, and the brake light working on the opposite. I WILL continue to fiddle with this, as I've made some progress over the last couple of days, but I believe it to be a bad relay or wire, so please bid knowing they may not work without your own effort. Subsequently, the stereo stopped pumping out sound. I checked all fuses--they're good. The receiver is getting power, but somewhere in the mix, no signal is being pushed to the speakers. I'm not a car stereo guy, but I'm looking into it. Again, please bid with this understanding. I just don't have time to deal with these issues, and that will be reflected in the reserve price. Needs a front bumper. These range in size, scope and price. A good steel tube bumper can be found for less than $70. Or you could drive it around without, as I have. Just know that the front end will very much appreciate some protection. . Very slow leak (I believe it's a valve leak, never goes flat) on a front tire. I add air every couple of weeks. Trim pieces/seals could use some TLC. E.g. Fender beads for the front. Door seal foam is worn. Window seals. Driver side window/door handle works rolling window up and down, but is working toward its final days -- I've got it set with some JB Weld, and I help the window up with my hand. Rolls down rapidly and with no issues. Passenger side sun visor is missing its clip. Windshield wipers are operated by a toggle switch. And original is probably available somewhere. At present I have the wipers disconnected, while working on some of the other electrical. Can be reconnected. They do work...frenetically, I might add.Needs some bolts tightened here and there, on the rear bumper, motor mounts, etc. Simple stuff. If you're familiar with these cars, a good once over would have her running the way you prefer. She's no show car, but she does get up and go. If you're looking for a great foundation to get off the pavement and onto trails, this may be the right option for you. Best wishes in the bid. On Feb-02-13 at 13:49:28 PST, seller added the following information: 02.01.21013 - One thing I forgot. I never really notice it because of the way I drive. When the clutch and throttle are disengaged in second gear, the stick will pop into neutral if you don't hang on to it. This is not an issue when the throttle or clutch are engaged... e.g., when you're driving/accelerating, etc. it's not an issue, just when using the engine to brake. I am one of those people who generally drive with my hand on the shifter at all times, so I never notice it. I did want to make a note of that, before this pushes toward the reserve price.