Hi guys. I've already posted here before but after reading some old posts on the forum and having a laugh or two I thought a refresh is in order.
My name is Matthew. Been on the forum for about a year now. I'm a real beetle fan. From stock to wild you name it.
A few years back I inherited my late grandfathers 1976 1600L type 1.
With a goal of making the old man smile down on me I commenced the restore process.
Ok I was young was not that into the whole restoration thing so the first place I found easily was beetle buddies. (I can hear the heads shaking)
The bug went in for a respray, service and front suspension replacement as the bug was knocked a few years back and the steering was never right after that.
I'm not the only one who recognized the workmanship of the paint job but I've received numerous compliments about the end result.
After having the exterior sorted the bug was sent to the brothers of vans auto and sound in Middelburg MP.
A full sued interior was the end result including two bucket seats upfront.
A Jvc DVD in dash was fitted along with two 12' vibe subs, 4x6' plus another 6' split system up front. Dash was also recovered in sued.
Once I received the car back I was over the moon with what I had.
A few months down the line power became the next job.
I firstly fitted a electronic ignition setup along with a 4into1 exhaust which made a huge difference.
Then came a twin carb setup. Not the best choice of carbs I could have gone for but nevertheless it was done. Empi kit was bought a pair of single chokes.
Was happy with that for a while and life went on.
After a while I started searching the web for engine conversions and came across some wild AC's. looking at them I thought I have to have a large displacement 2300 motor with all the trick bits. After looking at what it would cost I shed a tear. There goes my hopes of a fast bug.
After many hours on YouTube watching video after video a trend started to appear.
A name we all know BUGGER!!!!
I came across Pierre's website and was amazed at what could be done.
So I started with bugging him and asking how much for this and how much for that.
About 5 years after finding his website and saving a few rands. It was time for the big conversion!!! A rotary turbo conversion.
As I was about to get started a little light in my head came on. It was the ABS light bringing me to a halt!! BRAKES first stupid.
So it was done I converted front and rear to disk brakes with 17 wheels sitting on 205/40's
Ok now we can start.
I then contact Pierre firstly and wanted to do the conversion myself. I still remember the day I went to him and bought a clutch and adapter plate for the conversion.
Unfortunately time and space was a problem for me. Unlike many members who have workshops or spare garages I was not one of the lucky few.
I then decided to leave it up to Pierre to do the co version for me.
I firstly source a motor from engines and more in Hartbeespoort. Was was specially sourced for me and had to wait about two months.
Motor arrived and the next day Pierre and I went to make sure the compression was good and well. Sure enough it was a good motor.
R6000 later and it was mine. Loaded in the bakkie and off to Pierre.
A few days later I dropped the bug off with Pierre for a long and annoying build for Pierre.
The conversion ended up taking about 6 months due to unforeseen problems.
A spitronics fuel management was chosen. Would live to have fitted a microtech but R12000 was a bit high at the time.
Pierre told me that numerous people complemented the bug on its looks while standing in the shop. They were even more surprised when he showed them the engine.
While the bug was with Pierre the front end was also dropped.
After the first Dyno session we received a figure of 180kw on the wheels!!!
I was shocked and overwhelmed with joy.
So late one Friday afternoon I went to collect the bug. After taking it around the block I was blown away!!!
Surely this wasn't my car it's too good to be true!!!
After taking delivery as always there was a few teething problems.
Nevertheless we sorted them out and all was good.
Unfortunately we had a fueling problem due to blocked injectors. Had those sorted then we were up and running again.
At the time I was running the temporary plugs not a wise choice. When the fueling wasn't right it caused the motor to run lean and melt one of the electrodes.
At the time the motor was Fine.
Fitted another set of temporary plug as a original set cost in the region of about R800 for 4 plugs.
Motor ran well just very unpredictable.
I decided another Dyno session was needed.
A smoother more drivable car was born. 132kw on the wheels and 240nm.
Lovely stuff fun to drive and so easy to scare a unsuspecting Sunday dawdler!!!
Unfortunately late last year the piece of spark plug electrode that melted earlier dislodged itself from the casing and made its way through the apex seals.
No more compression!!!
The car has been standing since December and every time I drive past it I shed a tear.
All is not lost in this off time I have been planning the next steps.
The motor will be coming out and going to Arthur from AJ racing and 200kw is our goal.
The box will also be visiting Bugger for some strength.
I hope you guys enjoyed the long sob story. Can't wait to be back out there having fun.
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(remember, it means nothing AND nothing happened without pics). Welcome here BTW.. 
Plastic hub caps 
Firstly, great forum, very informative! I'm from Pretoria and have always loved VW microbuses since I could remember. I am the proud owner of a 1990 VW Citi Golf and now also the owner of a bay window.
need to replace,don't know where i can get a right fender !