Hot Rods 32 Roadster Body - a new approach. AKA Beetledeuce

So here's the thing, I'd like a steel 32 roadster body, just like everyone else. Being from the UK, the chances of finding one in a barn are small to say the least.
I don't have the funds to buy a repro body, so is there an alternative?
I don't have the metalworking tools (or skills!) to hand-form the panels, but I've had an idea which just might work, see what you think.....

 

well, I hope the thread gets to stay, After seeing what the french dude did in his driveway to create his wicked custom, I am curious to what the english gent ends up creating with a bug!

 

Pretty obvious this guys ISN'T gonna have much of a bug left when he's finished! Can't wait to see the updates.

 

Watching with interest...............

 

OH NO!!!!!!!!!

 

I think I shall subscribe....

 

I'm in. I want to see some cutting and welding. Stu

 

This is gonna be good,

 

I will say it,,,,,, patiently waiting....


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While i'm intrigued about what the finished outcome will look like.. i don't think you should be calling it a '32.. when it obviously isn't.

 

It won't be a '32 roadster when you're done, and others have tried this, most with pretty ugly results. However, I am interested to see what you can come up with, and I'll watch along. I'm not convinced it can't be done, just haven't seen a good one yet.

 

He said he'd LIKE a '32. He then said he lacks the funds to afford a 'repro' body.
He didn't say he was making a '32. Don't be so... 'Deuce-fensive'.

"Be excellent to each other."

 

It's a post '67. Cut it up and make something rad!

 

I'd like to see how you put it all togather also.That VW metal should be easy to work.Keep the pictures coming.

 

Hey you...

 

I'm in

 

Ok i'll tag along. Very interested to see what comes of this and how.
I had a 62 Bug 40 years ago and this may be what should happen to then all.
Watching with great interest. JW

 

Ah, what can it hurt ? It's always nice to see metal being reshaped, so it might be interesting.

Don

 

Some guys are amazing, to assume this won't look good may be a mistake!

 

I'm in, and will follow along. Please post lots of photos of your progress. Bob

 

It should be cooler than a bug,
I don't know how things are over there but here the general population doesn't know the difference between a T bucket and a 33 roadster. You're luck if they know its not a dune buggy.

 

First thing here that's caught my interest in a long time.

Subscribed.

JH



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Oh No! You DESTROYED a VW!!
Thanks! Cool!
Yes, my interest is thoroughly hooked.
A thought brought on by your emerging cowl...the two indentations there from the boot lid character lines suggested copying in some features based on the circa 1932 cars that used the reveal lines more flamboyantly than Ford did... like the Auburn below.

 

If you pull this off - you will inflate the price of old VWs - to the point where the average hot rodder wont be able to afford one.

 

Thanks for your words of support guys, but there are some people that still need convincing! Tough crowd.
Yes, of course this is not actually going to be a real 32, but nor is a Brookville, nor is a glass replica. And what about an original car with 80% replacement panels?
If you consider what the great car builders of the 50's (like Barris etc) did, they took relatively abundant and cheap cars that were 20-30 years old and turned them into something special. That's the way I see the Beetle, something which is cheap enough to cut up and be creative with.
Anyway, enough of the philosophy, some more pictures.

This was my first idea, but this project is about trying different things to find out what works.

 

I decided to use the back edge of the beetle roof as the front edge of the cowl. I then used more pieces of the rear window surround for the front side edges of the cowl.

 

Well you've got me subscribed!

 

Uhhhh dude you said you have no metal skills, i'me I pressed already!...keep the photos comin!


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Damn......with all the talent here.......this is one hell of an introduction for you. From across the pond, some cool tools, and a VW bug body..............here's my Deuce roadster. That's....quite astonishing for sure. I already drool watching these guys work. Welcome to their club.....maybe. Thank you sir. Onward!