1976 VW Standard Bug

168K Miles

• Fully Manual Braking System

• Operator-Powered Steering

• Forced Air Climate Control

• Legacy Crank-Operated Sun Roof

 

We call them "daily drivers" because we drive them every day.  You'd think they would just be show cars, huh?  I've had this bug for over twenty years now, buying it from a dealer in 1984 with 99,990 miles on it.  I drove it to work for a couple of years then it wound up sitting.  Didn't know it at the time, but the sunroof was not draining and the inside would get wet.  So the interior has some rusty spots.  Wound up in the garage for many years.  Our daughter drove it her last year in high school, then it wound up parked again. 

I was getting tired of wearing out cars and seeing the value go down the toilet so I decided to resurrect this thing.  Had the motor swapped out for a rebuild, interior redone and new paint job including all body rubber and seals.  Ultimately replaced the tires with the proper size Michelins. 

On the economics, although we spent a bundle, considering depreciation and cost of money for buying another car, after three years it's worth it and the car is still worth what I originally paid.

It's a kick to drive and I really like the waves I get from the kids.  We never played "slug bug", but apparently when you are the first one to spot a bug you shout "slug bug" and you get to punch the other person.  I never was very violent.  One fun incident:  I was waiting for a light, sitting behind a limo when two young girls pop up through the sunroof.  They start to wave when one stops abruptly and slugs the other one in the shoulder.  Slug Bug !

As far as "mods" go, I found some handy add-ons.  CD player, of course.  The Infinity 5 1/4 Reference speakers are mounted in plastic moldings that fit the contour of the wheel wells.  I just have Costco outdoor speakers mounted in the back.  When I gave Margo a sound demo she said, "It sounds good.  Too good". 

Also hard to see are the "cigarette lighter" socket and light mounted under the dash.  The car comes with a little bitty femto-candlepower light that is powered off the instrument light circuit.  I put a much brighter one so I can find my cup in the mornings. 

There's a little two-cup holder and mini organizer on the tunnel that is very convenient.  My word, how embarrassing:  My old cell phone.  Look how HUGE that thing is!

 

Below:  This is the Costco trip where we forgot what which car we had used.  Bought the new Coleman ice chest and got a bit carried away.  It all fits!

 

-o-