Jack, my VW mechanic told me to check back in a week, so one day I drove down to Lewisville to check on the 1964 VW. He laughed when I asked about the VW. He told me he did not know how it ran the 12 miles to his shop. The motor needed a complete overhaul, and also a new clutch. The brake system was good, the gas tank good and the steering was good. My desire to restore a car had just begun. I called the dealer in Colorado, and was informed that the phone had been disconnected. A call to the BBB in Loveland CO. informed me the dealership had declared bankruptcy. I knew I was on my own. The title however was no problem, for $150, I secured it from down south. You didn’t hurry Jack, so the months passed, and finally after Hershey, he called and told me I could pick up the VW. Ann drove me to the shop and the engine compartment looked like new. It drove like new on the road back home. Jack did have two vehicles I tried to buy, an Isetta and a VW diesel pickup. He would not part with either. Winter was coming on, and my next shop was busy until early 1995. I stored it over the winter, and arranged to take it to the magic body shop of Gary Cooper. On a nice day in February I towed the VW to Gary’s. Ann went along, as she did not want to drive that far. My tow vehicle was a 1954 Dodge Rampage pickup (Mopar’s version of the Chevy El Camino and Ford Ranchero) I told Gary no hurry, and finally in June I picked up the VW which was painted its original color of Bahama Blue. Gary told me to get a Bra so to protect the paint on the front end. The car was just beautiful, and as I towed it home on Route 66, a State Trooper stopped and wanted to know if it was for sale (NOW WAY). My next stop was in the interior shop. ( Conclusion next month) 8 |
