1976 Beetle Karmann Convertible

Structural Integrity & Bodywork

The restoration began with a complete strip-down, which revealed years of poor-quality repairs and hidden corrosion.

• Precision Welding: Our specialists spent over two months cutting out rotted metal and "Frankenstein" repairs where old holes had been hidden under 10mm of body filler [12:54], [14:45].
• Custom Fabrication: Rather than using generic off-the-shelf panels for everything, we fabricated custom repair sections for the rear wing mounting points and structural sills to ensure a perfect fit [15:05].
• Floor Pan Restoration: We replaced compromised sections of the floor pans with high-quality new metal, ensuring the chassis is now structurally sound for decades to come [16:21].

Mechanical Overhaul

A classic car must drive as well as it looks. Our mechanical team focused on reliability and period-correct aesthetics.

• Engine Refurbishment: The 1600cc air-cooled engine was removed to address a leaking crank oil seal [10:32]. While the engine was out, we sandblasted and repainted the "tin wear" (engine casing) to a showroom finish [14:08].
• Original Features: We meticulously serviced the car’s unique period features, including the spare-tire-powered windshield washer system [04:41].
• Chassis & Suspension: We fitted a brand-new set of wheels, choosing to replace rather than refurbish to provide the best possible value and safety for the client [20:06].

Paint & Finish

Returning the car to its heritage was a priority.

• Historical Accuracy: During the stripping process, we uncovered the car's original factory colour: Diamond Silver [16:49].
• Expert Spraying: Metallic silver is one of the most difficult colours to apply. Our paint specialists used precise pressure and fan patterns to ensure a flawless, streak-free finish that highlights the Beetle's iconic curves [17:15].

Interior & Final Assembly

We pride ourselves on "saving" as much history as possible.

• Conservation: To maintain authenticity and manage the budget, we deep-cleaned and preserved the original German soft top and carpets, which were found to be in remarkable condition once the debris was removed [19:28].
• Detailing: Every piece of chrome and interior trim was painstakingly refitted, resulting in a vehicle that looks better than the day it left the factory [20:46].

The Result: A five-month labour of love that transformed a rusted "bodged" car into a structurally sound, investment-grade classic. Whether it’s a full "concourse" rebuild or a high-standard sympathetic restoration, we treat every classic with the respect it deserves.