Restoring a classic with a great story

[taimurmalik]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking to restore a 1966 VW Beetle for my dad and am a fanatic when it comes to originality--I would like to put it back in its original shape as far as is possible.
I was wondering whether anyone with any knowledge or experience on the matter could help with with the following queries:

1. Are most parts available in Pakistan? What might I want to consider getting from abroad?
2. Can anyone recommend a reliable mechanic in Pakistan who can handle the restoration? A good paint shop?

The great story: I was looking for a 1966 Beetle to restore for my father (it was his first car and he's spoken about it very fondly for as far back as I can remember), and came to PakWheels to see if I could find anything within my budget. Not only did I find an unrestored Beetle, but in fact the very one that he and his family bought brand new back in 1966 (I recognized the license plate number immediately from his stories). When we called the current owner to finalize the deal, he mentioned both my grandfather's and grandmother's names as the original owners of the car, bringing tears to my father's eyes. Needless to say, it has a lot of sentimental value for him and if anyone believes in karma, this car is screaming at me to restore it for him.

Thanks for reading!

[AsadIshaque]

A BIG congratulations to you and family for getting the bug back!!!

Yes I do believe in karma esp when it comes to VWs.

 PW members from Lahore can guide you with the local shops I hope.

 What you may need to get from abroad for a 66 are:

--Bumpers esp if it has the US spec 'Towel rail' kind. Not available new here and second hand ones in good shape are very very hard, if not impossible to find.

--Wheelcaps. 66-67 are very rare even second hand here. You would need a set from abroad if you want to achieve a clean look.

--The broad type pre 66 body trim. No longer available. Repros of cheap quality may be made but get the original thing from abroad.

Rest of the things can be sourced locally with a little luck.

Do post pics here of the car and keep us updated on the progress. Would be most happy if I could help/guide in some way.

[AsadIshaque]

BTW,

Are you the Taimur Malik whos on Orkut too???

If so what happened to the bug you had??

[taimurmalik]

Asad Sahib,

I was on Orkut briefly many years ago, but I don't think I'm the same person you're thinking of. I don't have a VW but am a very proud owner of a 1970 MG Midget that is my hear and soul.
Thanks for your response. It's most unfortunate that I'm not exactly based in Pakistan yet, so the dedication that is required to procure parts is beyond my capacity at the moment. (My family is in Delhi and I study in Chicago and only get a chance to come back to Lahore briefly over my winter and summer breaks). I'll be there for a few days next week, though, and will look around for whatever I can find.
I will most definitely contact you once I actually see the Bug firsthand. At the moment it is in Peshawar, and the only way I've seen it myself is through PakWheels' pictures.
Thanks once again!

Taimur

[portage1]

talk to @storm and @spitfire they will help you...

[MSKhan18]

Karma certainly works with VWs - they even have a car named after it ...... Karmann-Ghia (I know thats stretching it - but let it be).

Best of Luck with ur Bug!

MSKHAN

[taimurmalik]

Thanks a lot, guys. Will need all the luck I can get.

Asad Sahib, a brief question: what exactly do you mean by 'body trim'? The lights and badges, perhaps?

[Storm]

@taimurmalik
congrats ont getting your old car back, that's great news. if there is anythign i can help you out with feel free to ask at any time. but as of right now you are dealing with the perfect guy, asad is a true enthusiast and knws his beetle's for sure. i did a 66 this year for a friend, most parts wern't available at the time but somehow we restored it. now almost all the parts we needed are availale in PK (till stocks last)

[taimurmalik]

Thanks for your response, Storm. Do you know where exactly I can get these parts you speak of, and what I should pick up as soon as possible (i.e. what would be difficult to come by at a later date)?

[Storm]

not sure about exactly where to go in lahore but i do know where in ISB. saifi would probably know who the right guys in Lahore are as he used to have aridsouls 1302 (now with THE_KHUBAIB).

stocks keep coming, ut sometimes they can take so long to arrive that your restoration job can take much longer than expected (like in the case of my 1303). but right now PK is flooded with parts so you shoudl be ok for a few months.

[taimurmalik]

Thanks, Storm. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with saifi?

[AkbarGr8]

@taimur

congrats on getting your dads old car back--i can imagine the sentimental value associated with it. how about posting the link of the original ad posted here on PW?

[wasifali89]

a person working in islamabad has a genuine 66 beetle
he works in NTC islamabad

if ud like to talk to him ill try to get his number as well

[AsadIshaque]

@ taimur

Any updates??

By the body trim I meant the metal chrome strips on the sides of the car and the front bonnet. The wide type which were on 66 and earlier models is unavailable locally at the moment. I too am in need of a set but have the options of either importing one thru some close acquantaince who'd be willing to carry fragile items like a baby all the way or having a set fabricated locally.

I think you are lucky that you are in the US. You can collect some parts from there too. But first you must know what to get from there or your budget would go thru the roof.

Lots of pics of the 66 will help to judge what is required. I suggest you start collecting parts as that would save you from a lot of headaches when you come down to the actual resto. Its frustrating to note you badly need a part which had been available off the shelf a few months ago.

Please do post the link of the advert. I think I have located it but not sure.

Best regards.