Hey Chris. I really appreciate the content that you have been providing all these years, especially this commentary video. I feel that it gives viewers valuable insight on what goes into restoring project. I would definitely like to see more commentary videos from you in future. I truly appreciate the time you put into your videos. Once again thank you for your personal time and the great content you put out.👏👏👏 Take care.
Hi Chris, I work for the VW factory in Puebla, but sadly, when they did the project, I wasn't working there. From what I had asked, for the restoration, they used what most general VW parts stores have available in Mexico (Different Mexi-spec Beetles), rather than search for specific parts in US or Europe shops, and to make the car as usable for a daily driver. Anyway, I thought the same about keeping 100% original, but that wasn't the approach of VWMX or VWNA, again, they wanted to give a reliable daily driver for the lady. Great video! Greetings from Mexico!
Cool review... you got the balance right. Respect for what was done and just pointing out the inconsistencies. But I think it all falls away in the face of her reaction. Got me in the feels. Such a great thing. And respect you for managing to bring that to people👍
I'm a 14 year old restoring a 67 beetle which is my first car. And I love all the one year features. Which should have not been changed on the ladies car.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I am the proud owner of a 67 that was bought new by my Grandma. All original paperwork and only an outside respray about 15 years ago. My car actually spent a year in the main exhibit at the LeMay Automotive Museum in Tacoma, Wa. I love the 67’s for their uniqueness and was disappointed in the switching of certain parts but if she loves it and can keep driving safely for the rest of her years, win win.
Having restored a 67 it was hard to watch them change the front fenders. The headlight bumper combination is one of the things that make a 67 unique. The front fenders were one of the hardest thing to get right. It took me 3 tries to find a half decent left fender to do that. That said I do have non original seats, Sewfine, and my engine has bigger pistons. I still have the stock air cleaner, gray running boards, and white fender beads. Id say that in the end the lady got a very nice car that she can be proud of, and I don’t think it cost her anything!
Very interesting to hear your commentary and get your reaction to this restoration. You’re the real expert and I like how respectful you were even though you clearly would have done some things differently. I also like your added tips on window rubber etc.... Please do more of this!
I definitely agree. Original owner's heirloom should have been restored to original. Whitewalls should be 1 inch, NOT wide like the 50's vintage. Headlight assembly s take away from the uniqueness of a 1967 bug.
Thanks Chris, it was of course a lovely job. More than a restoration it was a major overhaul. My first was also a 67, but not the US version so the headlights were like these, the old style. One thing that threw me off, is that beginning in 65, the windshield wipers rest to the left, and it can be seen in the pre-work videos. After, somehow they rest to the right, as on the the 64 and prior models. The arms and blades look the right length, but maybe the motor was replaced with the type in use at the Puebla factory. Thanks!
I was waiting for the big bag at the end with all of her OEM parts!? I think we can bank on that she was given a few options by VW. Those highways out there are not what they were in 60-s-70's. Think if you were her age, with that car as her daily...It's not like she has a collection or lives in a palace...Also, it's hard to gauge her intimate knowledge of VW intimacies, but it is certain she loves her car...and it is still her car. Some of us would have done the same thing, some of us would have nickel and dime-d it all ORIGINAL. We love our 67' here, and I only miss the design of the Porsche headlights look of the previous year (USA). Chris, your a gentleman and diplomat as always! ))
I think what happened was they restored it closer to a 67 Mexican beetle instead of a US bound German built beetle. I think they used early fenders up to 72 in Mexico. Also the lady could of preferred early headlights to later uprights. Personally I prefer the uprights my brother Ike’s early style. I even put 67 fenders on my 65 to make it look like a 67!!
The change from the original '67 look is what at odds with when I first watched this. I'd say it's the fenders and the wheels I would change if I owned this one. How cool is that? She's owned and driven this car for so long.
100per cent agree with you that it's a shame to lose some unique 67 only features. I can understand the lady might appreciate a more low maintenance distributor but that's about the only change I approve of in the engine bay. No tar boards and fat tailpipes are gonna make a noisy bug and I don't think that lady needs that but we are all happy for her. Happy Christmas from a cold,wet West Coast of Ireland!
Oh...I remember seeing that video. Was a lovely thing to do for that lady who was highly appreciative and deserving of her bug being totally restored! My mum has had her 1303S Beetle for about 30 yrs now- been restored TWICE under her ownership. (Last resto was to say thanks for the service it had done for getting her to work reliably just before my mum retired....the 1303S is still in mostly pristine condition.)
I must be mad, but having grown up in the 70s and seeing bugs aged and deteriorating, I like the matt ruby red with body colour wing beading and original features. Reconditioning and repairing (well) would have preserved the car's soul.
I agree. It’s always disappointing to see a classic car not restored to its original state. There is a finite number of these left. It’s nice when they are preserved in their original condition.
Lil 67’ went in with a right lean and came out with ... a right lean. You’d think they would have fixed that “issue”. Appears to just be the front bumper but hey, a lean is a lean is a lean
I had previously watched that video and felt the same way about it not being true to it’s’67 roots, but cool for the owner nonetheless. I received the floor mats, they’re great! Thanks Chris and Merry Christmas! - Dennis (VeeDubDen).
It is not a restoration, it is a customization. I think it was better before. The camber on rear wheels is not correct after rebuild. It is a nice story. Merry Christmas!
I remember that one; they screwed it up even at the factory. They put on a bunch of EMPI aftermarket stuff even when it was totally complete. Starting with the headlights! Then the ride height made it look like a Baja Bug...🙄🙄🙄. They should’ve sent it to you, Chris!
@@classicvwbugs sure I agree with you; the bodywork and paint came out beautifully but what kills me is that the car was complete; motor and everything. Then to see all the Chinese bling put into it was unnecessary when they could’ve refurbished the fan housing and engine tin, oil bath air cleaner, etc. I hated the painted block and the belt tensioner and all the unnecessary aftermarket stuff. The chrome valve covers made me puke. Same with changing the fenders and the headlights!!! For a ‘67!!! Stuff like chrome torsion bar covers were totally unnecessary if you had the originals!! Nothing beats German OEM quality. Same with the axle boots; I’ve used OEM type German Febi/Bilstein and even new VW/Audi/Skoda replacements with great results. Like you said the chrome 356 style rims and the moon hubcaps I would’ve done away with sourcing ‘67 style rims and hubcaps. The Volkswagen script on the front hood as you know was used on some early models but not ‘67’s. Also agree with you on the interior. I am pretty sure she didn’t have much say on what was done to it. The car came out really nice but the owner would’ve been even more delighted if the car looked just like when she picked it up at the showroom floor back in ‘67. Still, though, the story was nice and I also teared up by her reaction when she got it back. It was a beautiful resto; just a shame that with a little more effort it would’ve been perfect. Btw; when you mentioned some sort of a plastic around the fender area; upon closer inspection maybe it was the front fender beading and fasteners that could be seen from underneath. Maybe the angle of the photo made it look like something else?
@@classicvwbugs the good news is some local club guys in San Diego stepped in after the video and helped her correct some issues with this car. I am surprised none of them commented here.
I was contacted by Herman Cook VW Encinitas to help her. I agreed and made a long list of things that she wanted changed & things that were easily changed. Brought it to my workshop for a few weeks & did all the work pro-bono. Annie is a proud, strong, & persistent owner who loves her Beetle.
I saw a video of this work being done and it was amazing. I'm waiting for a knock on my door to have them do my '66 Bug. Hey, it would be a Publisher Clearing House moment LOL
If it was mine, I would want the earlier headlights. Maybe she fell in love with beetles before ‘67 and when she finally could buy one, they changed it on her. I would prefer the two tone wheels and no white wall. Still a beautiful job much like your beetles
Im finishing a 71 bug now. I’ve always wanted a 67. Overall they did a nice job. Given this was restored to be a driver and not a show car the modifications they made to me were acceptable. Drive and enjoy!👍
Chris my man, isaw the video of a 1967 Vw restoration and to the lady who owned it all that time, what can I say keeping such a vehicle period correct is a challenge when you whant to make better car better than new how ever Volkswagen beetles are my favorite even though I my self wouldn't mind upgrading it a little but yes what a car you go Chris
I watched this video when VW (I suppose it was them) posted it awhile back. Ditto on period "incorrect" although beautiful. I own a '67 (vin is April of '67) and seeing the fender/headlight change was kinda painful. The light and wiper knobs, no rationale for that. Again interesting to watch them work and I doubt the lady would specify such changes. I'm figuring "poetic license" was used since it was a PR gesture. Beautiful work none the less.
I really enjoyed watching her video the first time, enjoyed watching your recap even more. My son's and I are going to restore our 1972 Super Beetle. I think they took 11 months (almost a year), and she got a real nice gift for the price she paid (free). (not to be funny) Do you ever plan on doing a benefit restoration? (I mean you get a car with real family history)
The quality of work notwithstanding, I'm surprised the factory in Mexico would do this type of restoration. Should have been put back to original. I enjoy your channel.
Love your channel Chris. Thank you for the content. My buddy in high school had a burgundy bug that we putted around in. Then about a year ago at my family reunion my cousin showed me his ‘67 and ‘70 bugs. That inspired me to get my own ‘67, I love it. From the Coker whitewalls to the VW mudflaps, your channel has inspired me to outfit mine beautifully. Happy holidays and take care.
I saw this a while ago and I agree with you 100%. Especially with the headlights. True VW enthusiasts know better and they should’ve known better. Any other year would’ve been okay to customize but not a ‘67 with one owner.
I loved the story of Annie and I cried when I saw the original film. such a great idea for VW marketinf department and for Annie too. like you I would think Annie will miss original patina, original fenders, seats, rubber mats etc that's cool for sure and for her but I would have loved to see it back to factory
Hello, Chris, i think that they changed the front lights because in Mexico that years 67 , 68 and 69 was selling with that big lights, like looks in the restoration , I have 67 in Mexico with the big front lights.. in USA from 67 changed like we see in the video, maybe for that reason they changed.
I'm like you, in that I am an originalist. This was obviously done in SoCal, my home State and they do things different down there. Not that it's a bad thing. But, I can see the SoCal flare in the VW. Nice resto overall though.
Restoration not, customization yes. Wrong front fenders and lights is important for 67. They make the 67 almost instantly recognizable. Look at the front view at ocean pic and notice the front bumper on passenger side is jacked up when compared to lights. Details make the car what it is. Great work Chris. Merry Christmas and a happy 2021.
The resto was superb. Job well done. Sourcing of the replacement pieces does not really matter because they are still genuine VW parts . I just hope it is not like those TV reality shows on home restorations that 1. It is a promo/ totally free-of-charge otherwise it would cut her pension funds. 2. The IRS will not tax for the VW value appreciation.
Chris ... in your opinion, would it be good to acid/chemical dip the body and pan ? If so, which type ? And if ok to do, what about the VIN tags - would they be destroyed ? Would we have to go the route of having the Sheriff’s department verify VIN upgrade to newer riveted plate from a third party vendor ? I bought my ‘67 back when i was in high school (first car) and have customized it since - I am not into having the “original” looking type of bug (too many out there as it is LOL) - more into the CAL look so i will be making more radical custom work to it, but i do appreciate the originals. Sad to see they butchered this woman’s bug.
Actually, there are more Cal look bugs then there are originals these days. Hence the reason why the originals are worth more. But no I do not acid dip either. Not worth it in my opinion.
I agree, beautiful work but I think they missed the mark on the uniqueness of the 67 US model year beetle by using inconsistent and period incorrect parts. The ride height is also too high and it looks like they used the short swing axles. Great job covering this.
I seen this video also and what you felt happened to me. Not at all amazed. Nice restoration but lacked to many 67 one year only items. To the lovely women if you come across this call Chris get ahold of him we all would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks Chris Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
I had a ‘67 and the side mirror should be teardrop not round like this one. That and the reverse lights were two of the one year features I loved about the car. This revision appears to be a partially Mexican version.
I have spent some time in Puebla and those guys did a great job of giving the local touch to that car. For a drivers car I think that car is perfect. I know there are plenty of good examples of 67s around and the next person could convert it back if they wished. Please don't spoil her fun by suggesting she did something wrong by having it customized. Peace.
I wondered about this restoration also . I've come to the conclusion and by looking at different videos , that in Mexico and in South America the models where not the same as in Europe or USA. They seemed to be behind and some of the changes where different . I wonder since the restoration was done in Mexico , the 1967 model in Mexico and South America actually had the 66 fenders. My parents had 1968 beetle , we lived in Mexico and it had the over rider bumpers when in the USA and Europe they had those new bumpers. We emigrated to Canada in 1976 and people where curious about my parents beetle since it was different than the ones in Canada.
Euro spec 67s in the UK did have the early sloping headlight if I'm lucky to find one I will like American spec would upgrade to the upright headlights as the look so much better and the American spec bumpers with the bars and overriders would turn head hear in the UK
remember they do all this restoration on Mexico's plant (Puebla mexico de biggest VW plant in Mexico) for them early front end still using on 68 too my brother and me have a 68 and is the same as that one, just the front end and interior, because the shell is not, in Mexico the body with small windows (windshield, side window, door windows and rear window) stops on the models 1969 or 1970 start coming up with big windows and here in USA start coming up not sure but I think on 66
I have to agree. They add a performance serpentine belt to a presumably tuned engine but then fit period crossply tires. It seemed a bit haphazard for what was otherwise a top notch restoration.
I had a rare 67. I was young at the time and wish I hadn't "undone it" it was a 6 volt and it had the pre 65 fenders. I converted it to 12 volt and also put in a huge stereo. Later I learned there was like 500 6 volts... :facepalm:
13:34 Straight headlights have only been standard for the US export. An european car never head this 2 Part bumperholdings in front for the export bumpers and straight headlights at the same. After they add the GAS filler afther mid 1967, they changed to straight headlights and 4 bolt rims in general. Maybee they did it wrong, because this wasnt even one year option, or they found out it has been updated in the past and changed it to original.
I understand they f it up. Not OG. Somebody made some money or somebody had another 67 got original fenders. Got original radio and who knows what else it came up on. They found a sucker. I hate when people take advantage of somebody like that. Merry Christmas brother take care. This is big D from Orange county. California
Yeah I feel if you are going that far to restore a 67 then stay true to the original. Then again I watch a lot of different videos on a lot of great restorations but Chris I think you are a cut above the rest. There hasn’t been anything I have seen come out of your garage I haven’t liked and the worst part is I have a 74. Once I am done learning on this one I hope to move up to a 67. As always great video keep up the awesome work.
They Euro looked the front wings (fenders) as we kept the slopers until 68. That being said it was a mismatch of eras, and just looked wrong imho. The cream steering wheel, etc are just wrong for a 67 (Euro or US) they were all black. A few other bits like the Swing axle boots were fitted in the wrong orientation so would leak over time.
HI CHris. Lovely seeing something from you in a while. Well- about the lights- my '67 (in Africa-Kenya) has the "oval" lights... probably they were going that version (or probably that particular bug was originally with that too)??
I hear you on the detail- especially that it was done by the factory itself. Well!!! I like your detail- it's what inspires my "attempted restore jobs"
Bondo is the cheap stuff, body filler is the name of the stuff. Look into this other body filler called all metal its made of power metal pretty cool stuff.
It could be that the ‘67 that was sold or imported to Mexico had those type of fenders with the bucket lights as the ones Sold in England, and the original ones were beyond repair and they just replaced them with what they think it was the proper ones.
Did see this resto quite a while back and from the beginning I was a little confused that VW was not using original parts for this resto. Only later on I found out that some used parts on this one were actually original in Mexico. Also the front lights, old style, also here in Europe this type of headlights were common untill the 68 model. I even think in the US they were used on the early 67 models. Anyway, the car looks great, but for me it just lost it's spirit... .
I think I know why they changed the headlights. In Mexico, beetles up to 1968 had early headlights (and small windows). Given this was a 67, early headlights would have been correct in Mexico.
Hi, brother Big D from Orange county forgot to tell you bro. If you're ever in Anaheim California. Look up my brother-in-law Al'S headers. If you have customers looking for a custom exhaust headers. VW headers also for dune buggies race cars muscle cars custom cars also does cars that race in Baja Mexico. Look hem up brother .. Big shout out to my VW Brothers stay safe out there Don't drink too much take it easy enjoy the holidays much love , your brother Big D for Orange county
I agree with Chris on this one. It's not really a restoration by definition, but moreover a restoration of a woman's car so she has it all fresh and new. Clearly she doesn't care about the same details we may see. And that's OK. I think what a lot of viewers (including me) wonder is why they did certain things to the car in a more custom fashion. The front fenders are an example. Maybe the lady liked the look and asked. Maybe she wanted the tan interior as opposed to the original black. I get that. What I can't figure out is why change the air filter and fan shroud. Her car had them and one could assume even if she didn't, VW can access these parts just like you and me. Why not put engine tar boards in? Why shorten the engine lid seal? Those things were surely not on her list of things she liked and wanted changed. Still, I'd love to have it.
"Restored" unfortunately is a widely interpreted phrase. Cars like that have been "refurbished" or "reconditioned" but definitely not true "restored. I questioned all the same things you did when I first saw that video. I love '67's, had about 5 of them. Currently redoing a 56. Changing from Coral to Horizon Blue.
Engine looks original type of single port cylinder heads but they added a newer air cleaner, probably a pointless electronic distributor, an alternator, an oil pump with an extension for a belt tensioner, and an appropriate belt. Looks like the original PICT 1 carburetor. Why they didn't add the mechanical fuel injection that came in the mid 1970's? I don't know. Looks like bias ply tires. I think a bad idea. Yes, 1967 headlights, in the US, did not have "eyelids." Work was done in Mexico. Maybe they had lots of parts in stock for 1967 beetles as they were sold in Mexico? And yes the gray areas behind where the fuel tank goes? Were those hold, or insulation to keep the cardboard trunk liner from rattling around against the metal? I would have updated to the seats to seats with headrests. In the US, headrests came in 1968. The original 1967 seats could have been modified to have adjustable headrests instead of the fixed headrests that VW used, in 1968. And talk about improved safety - radial ply tires are a huge improvement over bias ply. A magnificent improvement in handling and safety. On the original rims, you will lose only about a 4 mm of tire diameter, but VW already has excellent ground clearance. 4 mm closer to the ground - not a problem, even off-road. With 4 mm off the tire diameter, the speedometer will read slightly faster. If it read 78 mph with bias ply (top speed and all-day cruising speed), it will read maybe 81 mph with radials even though you are going the same (inaccurate) 78, with the tranmsission in 4th gear and the engine going the same RPM.
As you say Chris great resto and a worthy recipient but as a purist some things grate a bit on the senses - particularly that engine - what were they thinking? Paint job is amazing though.
