Reading, Reading Reading Not knowing anything about the car, I read as much as I could and researched parts availability before beginning the disassembly process. Cuban cigars are a vital part of my restoration process.
Tight Quarters My shop isn't all that big and the bug leaves just enough room to move around the car. The shop is heated and air-conditioned with a phone and message taking center so I can carry out my business while working on the car.
	Tough Start The floors of the car were non-existant when I purchased it. The lower part of the body was also badly rusted. All parts are available for very reasonable prices.
Body is OFF! With the help of my neighbour Clifton and my friend Mike, the body was removed from the lower chassis. It took about a day of chiseling, cutting and busting bolts to seperate the two. The body is surprisingly light. Mike's 1978 camper is in the background.
	The Chassis The first part of the restoration will be the chassis. It requires the bulk of the work and is easily worked on without the body attached.
Sandblasting As the parts are removed, they are degreased, sandblasted, primed and repainted. I use non-silica glass beads to remove the rust in a blasting cabinet I made for this project. I have a 5HP compressor to drive my air tools.
	First New Part! The first new part of the project has arrived. Almost all of my parts will come from VW California Imports in Vancouver, but a few parts will come from Rocky Mountain motor works in Colorodo.
Disassembly I have decided to start at the front of the vehicle and move my way back. All the steering and brake components have been removed. Some components were saved and some replaced.
	Front Beam This will be the largest component that I will be replacing. It contains the front suspension, brakes and steering mechanisms. It was badly rusted and not really usable.