Hello all. I recently discovered this site and upon reading up on all the info and your threads, I've decided to build a Speedster of my own! I've been an enthusiast of the Speedster since I was very young (I'm 29 now) and dreamed of owning one. I've been into import cars but recently have been feeling how unoriginal trying to be "original" was (many people have the same cars and slap on the same parts), how expensive it is (cheaply made parts marketed to young kids), and how these cars attract kids/police/unwanted attention.
Last year, I purchased a new home with a comfortable 2 car garage. I've been working on filling it with tools in hope of someday, I will have a project to work on using these tools. I think the time has come and I am excited to start! I feel I am somewhat mechanically inclined having worked on imports for many years, but I am always up for a new challenge to learn as much as I can, especially in restoration, fabrication and building from the ground up.
I've always wanted a 80's 911 Cabriolet to fix up, but felt I could start more with the basics especially with my dream Speedster. Also, I'm a cheap guy so rather than spending $10K+ right off the bat for a kit, I figure I can start on restoring an old pan dropping small dough here and there to get it ready for one. I understand at the end, it'll amount to a similar cost, if not more, but I believe the experience will be priceless. I just hope I keep it safe and don't kill myself...hahaha.
Just yesterday, a friend referred me to a VW junkyard so drove by and found out that this is where I'm getting my pan/parts/knowledge. He had several dozen bugs lined up in various stages of salvage and thought this is my man. I've yet to talk to the owner of the place but I hope he will be helpful. I'll probably pick up a '69+ pan with stock engine to play around with. I'm still deciding on which brand kit to go with. I like the look of the flared Speedster a lot, though my friends like the sleek, classic look of the original.
I'm not really looking for an exact replica, nor an extreme custom but somewhere in between. I want to put it together fairly stock and in time, upgrade and appreciate each modification. I expect a driving Speedster within 3-4 years and keep it forever. Who knows, maybe I will complete it earlier, but I don't want to rush anything and go as my pace allows. And luckily, I have 100% support from my wife! We'll see about that when I start dropping indiscretionate amount of money/time away from home projects, family time and budget.
I admit only actually seeing a very few amount of Speedsters in my life and never sitting in one, but I have a gut feeling that I will love this car based on endless amounts of photos I've salivated over.
I promise to use the search button as much as possible, but expect some newbie stuff to come out my mouth. I know how annoying that could be, but you guys seem a ton more tolerate being slightly older and mature compared to the 'import tuner' demographic. With that being said, I'll be here to stay for a while.
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