Walter's 1969 Beetle
July 11, 2009 Installed welting on the rear fenders. It can be quickly removed if the exterior of the car is painted.
When the car was sold new a leatherette steering wheel cover was installed as a dealer option. Today it was removed for the first time and underneath was a wheel in remarkably good condition. Forty-year-old steering wheels are usually cracked from UV exposure but the cover preserved this wheel. When painted and with a new horn ring, it should look new. The wood-grain vinyl was another dealer option (most likely J.C. Whitney since some dealer installed courtesy lights had the Whitney stamp). From the factory the speaker grill and glove box cover were painted body color and that's the way they will eventually be finished.
There has been water intrusion in the luggage area, most likely through the rear window seal. The rust isn't bad enough to require major surgery. The headliner will be saved if at all possible. It is in pretty good condition except for stains and dirt, and hopefully cleaning and possibly painting will save it.
There is rust perforation through the right floorboard. This side of the pan has received previous repair but we'll need to weld in a new panel or patch under the passenger seat.
It is amazing what you find in an old car that has lived a full life! Walter, I found the glasses you were looking for wedged in the drivers seat rail. Also found a set of tire chains in the original box.
There was a roll of, shall we say, dated carpet in the back of the car (along with a couple of 1989 newspapers). Even though intentions at some point may have been to install this lovely rug in the car, I think we will go with something different, something a bit more subtle.
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