Project '67 Beetle - Part 2: Conceptualization
Everything starts with a dream, so they say. That means I have to think what I want for this dream beetle. For one thing, I need to satisfy a specific customer's demands (hehehe... if you guessed right, give yourself a pat on your back).
So will it be a fast, blazing super Beetle, or a comfy, cozy, cutie Beetle? One thing is certain, though: it has to be comfy first, but can't we get the best of both worlds?
So here's a checklist:
0. Engine. Make it run first (and make it run nice while I'm at it).
1. Body. As usual, check for rust and other unwanted defects. I happened to see a Beetle for sale at 20,000 pesos on Buy and Sell. Sure, the ad guy claims it's in running condition, but how much rust is on it? Task here would be to sandblast the thing and do restoration work (which, by the way, is no laughing matter - considering it may take more than 250 working hours).
2. Safety. Yes, safety IS a major issue. Ika ko nga, sasakay diyan hunnie ko; baka siya pa ang magmaneho! First off will be the seats, since they didn't have headrests. One nasty bump, and your head may do a whiplash that can turn you to a vegetable. Next would be seatbelts, of course. I also have to check the firewall (heck... am I interchanging computer and car terms again?!?). Old Beetles tend to be a fire hazard; hence, I want to make sure that the fire won't go to the cabin (yes, that's a car term).
3. Air-conditioning. Driving in Metro Manila without A/C is like eating labuyo without water (if you'll enjoy that... congrats, you're above normal). So for this phase, I need to find a way to plug an air-conditioner. I'm sure it'll be a lot of customization.
4. Engine. Hey... didn't I say this before? Yep. In case the old Beetle can't support A/C, it means that an engine swap is on the way. I've read that you can fit almost anything. For now, I'm considering a Toyota 4AGE (Corolla engine) or a Subaru EJ20 (Impreza engine; more fun with Turbo!!!). I'm even considering a B16 from a Honda Civic SiR.
5. Radio. Yes... music for the ears will distract you from everyday traffic. A Pioneer sound system is a good idea... if I had the money. But wait! Since miniaturization is a big thing nowadays, why not put a Discman connected to nice PC speakers (Altec Lansing or JBL) connected to the lighter power supply? Now that's an idea!
6. Wheels, Tires, and Pastel Yellow Paint. The finishing touches. Surely, Katrina will like this.
If I get crazy enough, or get rich in a very short period of time, expect this car to be realized by late 2005. By then, I should have a Professional Driver's License.
Everything starts with a dream, so they say. That means I have to think what I want for this dream beetle. For one thing, I need to satisfy a specific customer's demands (hehehe... if you guessed right, give yourself a pat on your back).
So will it be a fast, blazing super Beetle, or a comfy, cozy, cutie Beetle? One thing is certain, though: it has to be comfy first, but can't we get the best of both worlds?
So here's a checklist:
0. Engine. Make it run first (and make it run nice while I'm at it).
1. Body. As usual, check for rust and other unwanted defects. I happened to see a Beetle for sale at 20,000 pesos on Buy and Sell. Sure, the ad guy claims it's in running condition, but how much rust is on it? Task here would be to sandblast the thing and do restoration work (which, by the way, is no laughing matter - considering it may take more than 250 working hours).
2. Safety. Yes, safety IS a major issue. Ika ko nga, sasakay diyan hunnie ko; baka siya pa ang magmaneho! First off will be the seats, since they didn't have headrests. One nasty bump, and your head may do a whiplash that can turn you to a vegetable. Next would be seatbelts, of course. I also have to check the firewall (heck... am I interchanging computer and car terms again?!?). Old Beetles tend to be a fire hazard; hence, I want to make sure that the fire won't go to the cabin (yes, that's a car term).
3. Air-conditioning. Driving in Metro Manila without A/C is like eating labuyo without water (if you'll enjoy that... congrats, you're above normal). So for this phase, I need to find a way to plug an air-conditioner. I'm sure it'll be a lot of customization.
4. Engine. Hey... didn't I say this before? Yep. In case the old Beetle can't support A/C, it means that an engine swap is on the way. I've read that you can fit almost anything. For now, I'm considering a Toyota 4AGE (Corolla engine) or a Subaru EJ20 (Impreza engine; more fun with Turbo!!!). I'm even considering a B16 from a Honda Civic SiR.
5. Radio. Yes... music for the ears will distract you from everyday traffic. A Pioneer sound system is a good idea... if I had the money. But wait! Since miniaturization is a big thing nowadays, why not put a Discman connected to nice PC speakers (Altec Lansing or JBL) connected to the lighter power supply? Now that's an idea!
6. Wheels, Tires, and Pastel Yellow Paint. The finishing touches. Surely, Katrina will like this.
If I get crazy enough, or get rich in a very short period of time, expect this car to be realized by late 2005. By then, I should have a Professional Driver's License.
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