Thread: 1964 VW Beetle - WIP

Credit where credit is due Steve you have done a great job on this build, I for one can't wait to see the finished car. And the start of your next one

Originally Posted by Dalboy

Credit where credit is due Steve you have done a great job on this build, I for one can't wait to see the finished car. And the start of your next one

Thank you Derek. Looking forward to seeing your's when finished, too. You'll just beat me, by the sound of it.

I decided to put a couple of coats of finish on the front bumper while it's nice and clean, but can't until the number plate is attached, so I'm making the number plates before continuing with the rear bumper.
I don't have a font that exactly matches our number plates, but it's not too bad.
I thought I'd have a problem with the inkjet ink running during gluing, too, but a quick test (below) shows that there are no worries in that department. The Roadster plates were B&W, so I used the laser printer for them. It's waterproof.
I'll use some aerosol poly to seal the top - a dry coat followed by a couple of wet ones.

Test Number Plate.JPG

Is it finished yet, Steve??
Looking forward to seeing the photos.....Cheers, crowie

Originally Posted by crowie

Is it finished yet, Steve??
Looking forward to seeing the photos.....Cheers, crowie

Hello mate. Yeah, I've been a bit slack, haven't I?
Just about there - I haven't posted any pics because the finishing is boring. Also to leave something to the imagination.

I put a coat of Danish oil on it the other day but immediately wished I hadn't - the Merbau end-grain went much darker than anticipated.
(I know - should have tested it on a scrap first.)

Not to worry, it'll still look OK.
All being well, it'll be done in about another week or so. I'm letting the DO dry out thoroughly, then I'll coat it with some aerosol spray Estapol and glue on the wheels and bumpers. Already fitted the door handles, hinges etc.

I've been waylaid by my lathe. Bought a Sorby Turnmaster carbide set last week, so have finally been able to get down to some serious turning. Love it. Maybe too much.
Bret, you, _fly_, Derek and the others that encouraged me to buy the lathe might have created a monster.
(Thank you though.)

is coming through here next week on his travels, (very generous of him, too, I might add), so I'll be able to get some expert tuition for an afternoon. Hopefully my new Sorby bowl gouge will be here by then.

Originally Posted by Hermit

Bret, you, _fly_, Derek and the others that encouraged me to buy the lathe might have created a monster.
(Thank you though.)

is coming through here next week on his travels, (very generous of him, too, I might add), so I'll be able to get some expert tuition for an afternoon. Hopefully my new Sorby bowl gouge will be here by then.

OH yes forgot to say the lathe can sometimes be a long and slippery slope. Good to see you have some expert help on the way.

Also look forward to the finished car

Yes sometimes you can stand at the lathe for hours and not even realize it... Plus all the cool stuff you can buy for it.

Bret

A long, slippery, but enjoyable slope Derek.

Yeah Bret, every time I glance up another hour has passed. It's keeping me out of trouble, though.
And as for the lathe toys - I've got a shopping list as long as my arm.

All finished. Sort of an anti-climax - I'd much rather be making a model than looking at a finished one.

Anyway, as mentioned in a previous post, the Danish oil darkened the Merbau more than I would have liked, but overall it doesn't look too bad. Still not quite like a real '64 Beetle, but at least it's a little closer than the original Gatto plans.

a. Right Front.jpg b. LHS.jpg c. Right Rear.jpg

d. RHS.jpg e. Front.jpg

Now to start thinking about my '58 FC. Don't hold your breath, though, because it will be a while before I actually start building. I have to draw up some plans first.....

The pics aren't the best, just a 20W table lamp for lighting so the flash got in the way. I'll try for a couple of better ones in daylight tomorrow, I think.

Originally Posted by Hermit

All finished. Sort of an anti-climax - I'd much rather be making a model than looking at a finished one.

Anyway, as mentioned in a previous post, the Danish oil darkened the Merbau more than I would have liked, but overall it doesn't look too bad. Still not quite like a real '64 Beetle, but at least it's a little closer than the original Gatto plans.

a. Right Front.jpg b. LHS.jpg c. Right Rear.jpg

d. RHS.jpg e. Front.jpg

Now to start thinking about my '58 FC. Don't hold your breath, though, because it will be a while before I actually start building. I have to draw up some plans first.....

The pics aren't the best, just a 20W table lamp for lighting so the flash got in the way. I'll try for a couple of better ones in daylight tomorrow, I think.

Does look too bad... ..Looks bloody fantastic!!!
The shaping, the details, the finish are superb Steve..... VERY WELL DONE!!!
I wish I had half the skill and patience to build a scratch built vehicle.
Maybe a few photos tomorrow outside in the daylight will show it off even more....
Cheers, crowie

Steve,

What crowie said

Jim

Originally Posted by crowie

Does look too bad... ..Looks bloody fantastic!!!
The shaping, the details, the finish are superb Steve..... VERY WELL DONE!!!
I wish I had half the skill and patience to build a scratch built vehicle.
Maybe a few photos tomorrow outside in the daylight will show it off even more....
Cheers, crowie

Thanks Pete. I'm glad you like it.
It turned out OK, but not really as well as I'd hoped. Still, I've learned a few more valuable lessons.
Into the collection it goes, to gather dust. I've filled the bookcase I use as a project gallery. Have to buy another one.

Originally Posted by Script

Steve,

What crowie said

Jim

Hello Jim. You posted while I was typing. Thanks for the good feedback, it's much appreciated.
How's the Camel coming along?

O my god what an amazing result.

Originally Posted by Christos

O my god what an amazing result.

Thanks mate. You all must be seeing something that I can't, or maybe I'm just seeing my mistakes and nothing else.
I'm still trying to convince myself that I like it.

Gotta switch to my woodturning cap now and get organised for 's visit in the morning. He's due in Nowra at 9 or 10 am, at chuck1's place, just up the road.
I could really do with some good turning tips - so far I know nothing. Can only get better at least.