might be buying a convertible bug...

So, one of my girlfriend's dream cars is a classic convertible Bug, in red. While I can't match the color, I can match the car. There's a yellow convertible for sale in a town nearby that I'm planning on checking out sometime this week to possibly pick up if the price is right. I'm not sure what year the car is yet, though.

Past the usual car stuff that I'd typically check out (body rust/rot, general condition of the car as a whole, suspension, hubs, steering, etc), is there anything specific to this platform I should be looking out for? I have an entire engine (still) sitting in my garage from Dad's Speedster project that should still run (I think?) just to get the car going if the current motor in it needs work.

But, as with all cars, there are usually some popular points to look for. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Chris

P.S. Already started thinking about dropping a 2110 in it, and I haven't even looked at the car yet. Knew I should have stayed away from Carlisle, so I wouldn't get addicted to these things... ;)

Chris,
I restore beetle verts for resale for something to do in my retire-
ment. When I look at a car to restore I check the condition of the
pan, and the convertable support rails. Also check the front
bulkhead.Look for hidden rust behind running boards,door bottoms,
and in all four wheelwells.Check the beam,or if it's a super,check
the front strut mounts.These are all high rust areas.
Battery tray,fender bottoms,and quarter bottoms are also problem areas. Look at the condition of the top folding irons for rust or
broken rails. If you can't do it yourself,and they are not easy, a new
top and headliner is about a grand installed, so look for a good top!!
Sounds as if you are planning an engine change so I won't go into
the mechanics as they are an easy fix. The structural integrety of the
car is the most important thing.I have sold three this year alone,
all for over $10,000 and all came from dry states, and made great cars.I Have a flat windshield 72, all origional,documented 2 owner,
60000mi. convert almost done, one of the best Ive ever seen, if any-
one is interested.
Jim

Hey, hey Chris. One of your girlfriends????

.....whazzaap plaaaayyyyer? Go for it!

Jim - thanks!! That's exactly what I'm looking for.

Mike - I made sure I had the apostrophes in the proper place, but it's never bad to leave options open, right? :)

Chris,

Just buy the damn thing!!! If the rear end is in good shape it will make a nice donor car for a Streetbeast build!

Jerome

Jerome, you are referring to the rear end of the car? Correct? Or both?

I've oned quite a few early VW Beetle Convertibles in the past, & currently have a 1952 & 1956 vert in my stable. Besides the usual things & the areas mentioned above, be clear that ALL the "vert-only" parts are intact/included. Pieces like the rear window, rear view mirror, side glass frames & rear seat are all exclusive to convertibles.
You didn't mention what year your potential car is, but the earlier the better. Cars built before 1957 are a sure bet for an investment, but any year vert will always command more dollars than their bretheren.

Don't forget to make sure it has the correct Decklid. An early "W" vert lid can set you back some big dollars, if you are lucky enuf to find one. Enuf is enuf! But it, the points will pay off later.