www.vwoval.co.uk

 

Name - William

881FXE

1962 RHD Belgian VW Beetle 

Parked in 1980 and buried in a Garage beside a house.

Not really a barn Find, but a garage find...

Its had one owner from new.

I went to look at it on the Sunday of Volksworld Show 2012 as it was just up the road - Someone had asked on our local VW forum for a valuation, no one responded so I said I would help. 

Turned out the car was in Surrey so visiting whilst at Volksworld show made sense. 

I couldn't help but buy it.   

The guy worked for BP in Belgium and so it was purchased in Belgium and then brought back here a year later. its got its original Purchase receipt, all docs, import paperwork and tax discs, MOT paperwork and handbooks - in perfect condition.

FXE Papers  (4) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (231369 bytes) FXE Papers  (6) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (326319 bytes) FXE Papers  (7) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (267350 bytes) FXE Papers  (10) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (122814 bytes) FXE Papers  (11) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (140270 bytes) FXE Papers  (12) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (132192 bytes) FXE Papers  (13) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (195428 bytes) FXE Papers  (14) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (356750 bytes) FXE Papers  (16) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (355678 bytes) FXE Papers  (17) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (294667 bytes) FXE Papers  (18) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (169754 bytes) FXE Papers  (19) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (206335 bytes) FXE Papers  (20) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (137931 bytes) FXE Papers  (21) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (127165 bytes) FXE Papers  (23) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (315719 bytes) FXE Papers  www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (234356 bytes)

The under side is covered in surface rust - but i couldn't see any holes - although, its hard to see it all as its on flat tyres and the garage is a bit full..

I was told that it broke down and was limped into the garage in 1980...

FXE Storage (3) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (105260 bytes)

FXE Storage (4) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (300342 bytes) FXE Storage (5) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (301711 bytes) FXE Storage (6) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (183745 bytes) FXE Storage (7) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (144748 bytes) FXE Storage www.vwoval.co.uk.jpg (201615 bytes) FXE 881  (4) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (229594 bytes) FXE 881  (2) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (163388 bytes)

It had been covered in "stuff" which was all cleared out before we got there...

I collected it later that week... .

FXE 881  (3) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (230719 bytes) FXE 881  (6) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (243801 bytes) FXE Storage (2) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (266667 bytes)

 

On removing it from the dark garage it became obvious that it was originally white.

The lady who was selling on behalf of her late husband had no Idea it had been painted when I asked her about the paint the other day... but it appears it was done before they met.

Also in the paperwork it says it was white from new. .. oh and then I found a receipt for about £50 in 1972 for the full inside and out respray that tells the story too... sadly the paint is Horrible...

It appears to have its original purchase receipt, all UK MOTs, all UK Tax Discs, Original Disc from Belgium. All the hand books and more...

The car is surprisingly solid - But battered.

The brakes even work as do the lights and wipers...

I've poured diesel in the bores to see if it will un-seize, but don't hold out much hope.

Turns out the mileage is actually 70,000 kms... so about 43500 miles!

His only owner was called William... so That is now the cars name.

 

The car was ordered in RHD form for import to the UK at a later date... Strangely no one thought to order a MPH speedo!

The first UK insurance i can find is from July 1963...

Here are a few more photos ...

FXE 881  (17) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (195061 bytes) FXE 881  (5) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (195811 bytes) FXE 881  (9) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (172480 bytes) FXE 881  (10) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (298438 bytes) FXE 881  (11) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (156299 bytes) FXE 881  (12) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (145184 bytes) FXE 881  (13) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (201427 bytes) FXE 881  (14) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (314246 bytes) FXE 881  (15) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (175500 bytes) FXE 881  (18) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (203319 bytes) FXE 881  (19) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (180362 bytes)

Lovely Speedwell Cruiser Battery 

FXE 881  (7) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (183761 bytes)FXE 881  (8) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (235204 bytes)

Engine out time - 

FXE 881  (20) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (199847 bytes) FXE 881  (21) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (284613 bytes) FXE 881  (22) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (286315 bytes)

I've started paint removal...

its a long process...

FXE 881  (16) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (218598 bytes)

 

Paint_removal_1.jpg (500923 bytes) Paint_removal_2.jpg (361135 bytes)

 

 

Engine strip - Still seized 

FXE 881  (23) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (471965 bytes) FXE 881  (24) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (252786 bytes) FXE 881  (25) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (247177 bytes) FXE 881  (26) www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (259762 bytes) FXE 881  www.vwoval.co.uk.JPG (253547 bytes)

 

The engine has had plenty of diesel own the bores but wont budge...

 

So after the LA GODs Meet the other day, Team "blow-Torch" arrived one by one.. showing their tool at the door as they arrived.

We drank tea.

Then headed for the garage. We heated the cylinders, Hit it. Coaxed it. Hit it again. drank more tea. More heat, more hitting.... and after a lot of laughing and hitting we eventually started to get it to move...

We left it with the barrels about an inch or so up the pistons... none of them have released... but they are slowly moving.

They are doused in more diesel to see if they will release...

Thanks to team "blow - torch" - Dave, Richard and Adrian

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_diesel_in_bores.jpg (387115 bytes)

 

They have come apart at last..

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_Seized.jpg (330584 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE__113_101_311A.jpg (323582 bytes)

I think its just time that had made them stick... they are mucky.. but not rotten... hopefully they will clean up ok.

There is surface rust on the rods so will take it all apart and see how bad it is..

We will see.

 

August 2012 

The engine parts that we had removed have been sitting in diesel till last night

After selling my life long '64 bug....its time to concentrate on this one...

So I took the bits out of diesel and cleaned em... and started splitting the case...

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_case_split.jpg (411299 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_gunge_rust.jpg (455804 bytes)

Its not very nice in there..

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_rebuild_time.jpg (350924 bytes)1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_gunk.jpg (331359 bytes)

Crank bare and cleaned... theres no scoring... but there are a few marks / stains - surface is smooth on bearing faces

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_original_crank.jpg (264756 bytes)

The engine was low mileage before parking up and then seizing over the 38 years..

New Bearings and rods attached... Cap Bolts glued and peened

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_crank_shaft.jpg (246846 bytes)

(all oiled to stop any further surface corrosion)

Had a bit of a play with the rods as one seemed tight and another loose- so I swapped them and the are now all about the same with similar "fall rates"

Case half cleaned - and all oil ways blown through... I was covered in spatter! :?

Crank, followers and Cam installed...

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_new_bearings.jpg (382781 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_cam_timimg_marks.jpg (220250 bytes)

Oil pump cover looked worse than it was..

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_score_marks.jpg (308289 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_oil_pump_cover.jpg (268303 bytes)

Most parts are not appearing very worn, just corroded after 38 years standing..

I've fitted the rings too..

Honed the original Barrels. 

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_cylinder_hone.jpg (321665 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_vw_paper_gasket.jpg (358105 bytes)

Time to start cleaning the heads... 

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_mess.jpg (408548 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_heads_carbon_build_up.jpg (286010 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_genuine_vw_parts.jpg (281979 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_valve_carbon.jpg (438247 bytes)

Dishwasher? ok then.. 

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE.jpg (242973 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_clean_bare_heads_2.jpg (412729 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_Clean_bare_heads.jpg (347135 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE__owl.jpg (434065 bytes)

Measuring to check for stretch in the valves... 

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_measure_valve_length.jpg (290597 bytes)

Heads back together .. all the original parts

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_heads_rebuilt.jpg (304583 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_heads_together.jpg (295575 bytes)

Put case together and heads on, measured endfloat and fitted clutch. 

 

1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_built.jpg (385459 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_heads_on.jpg (481529 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_clutch.jpg (446258 bytes) 1962_VW_beetle_1200cc_engine_rebuild_881FXE_end_play_float_measure.jpg (344365 bytes)

September 2012

Meanwhile, the seats have been to Pete from Delux interiors. He usually does full re-trims, but has stripped and replaced the beading on these. They look amazing - THANK YOU PETE! - http://www.deluxvwinteriors.co.uk/

I've given them a clean too... with pruple clean obviously...

 

Found this at VW Sweetcorn 2013  - Its a genuine VW Exhaust - Marked 

Hersteller volkswagenwerk AG Typ 1/251 herstelldat 10/78 Typzeichen KBA 20144 

It is a 1200 exhaust stamped with The VW logo and is heavy. With good looking (possibly genuine) tail pipes - It is egg Shape 

I need to investigate a bit further and work out which of my Early 60's cars it will suit the most...  

Hersteller volkswagenwerk AG Typ 1 251 herstelldat 10 78 Typzeichen KBA 20144 genuine VW 1200 exhaust egg shape vw oval  .JPG (318044 bytes) Hersteller volkswagenwerk AG Typ 1 251 herstelldat 1078 Typzeichen KBA 20144 vw oval  .JPG (227851 bytes)

 


A slight delay and it is November 2015...  stripped and more bodywork time.. 

 

1962_RHD_Beetle_Heater_channel.jpg (431039 bytes) Ashtray.jpg (294923 bytes) box_of_bits_for_paint.jpg (182382 bytes) 

 Original door cards - green paint and dirt.. 

dirty_door_card_red_white_1962_beetle.jpg (262683 bytes) Door_card_green_paint.jpg (172423 bytes)

 

VW_beetle_1962_under_rear_seat_detail.jpg (469586 bytes)  vw_beetle_1962_behind_the_dashboard_speedo_and_fuse_box.jpg (400041 bytes)

This message was found by the fuel tank Nur Ruhig Blut! Written by some one in the VW factory in 1962... Keep your hair on? Calm down?

nur_ruhig_blut_VW_Beetle_Calm_down_keep_your_hair_on.jpg (342883 bytes)

Time to wrap it up and take it outside...  

its_a_wrap.jpg (329779 bytes)

Dent removal ...

rear_wing_straighten.jpg (137041 bytes)

Replacement door... 

1962_beetle_replacement_drivers_door.jpg (243715 bytes)

December 2015 - Wings are all off - Its good!

1962_VW_Beetle_FXE_Near_side_front_inner_wing.jpg (252608 bytes) 1962_VW_Beetle__FXE_near_side_rear_inner_wing_body_mount_original.jpg (280212 bytes) 1962_VW_Beetle__FXE_near_side_rear_inner_wing_original_paint.jpg (149362 bytes) vw_beetle_front_inner_wing.jpg (314712 bytes) 1962_VW_Beetle_FXE_off_side_rear_inner_wing_body_mount_original.jpg (288397 bytes) 1962_VW_Beetle_FXE_off_side_rear_inner_wing_original_paint.jpg (264559 bytes) 

The worst rust on the car so far... 

1962_VW_Beetle__FXE_near_side_rear_inner_bumper_mount_rust_outer.jpg (366384 bytes) 1962_VW_Beetle__FXE_near_side_rear_inner_bumper_mount_rust.jpg (391636 bytes)

 

 

 

More info soon!

 

Website Sponsor -