Poll Results are in !
We had a poll setup to try and determine wether or not to use the "WhaleTail" on the eXtremeSuper project.
Out of 25 votes it was determined "Not" to use it, but to save it for another project. :<
Thanks for everyone who voted !
Jim
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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Trying to get motivated
UGGG�. It seems like all of the modifications for the eXtremeSuper project are taking so long!
I have resolved myself, as you can see on my list in the photo, to complete those mods by 6/23/07.
Mind you, I have no idea how to achieve the Lowering of the Rear of the VW, So that one will be a �DO AND LEARN� type situation, of which I will write an article and produce an �Audio Assisted Tutorial:� on how to complete that.
The other ones listed are simply busy work; I just need to get the time to complete them.
I believe if I can get these things done by the designated due date, the project will be in good shape.
I am strictly focusing on mechanical items now; I would like to be able to run this car sometime this summer.
Anyone have any information on lowering the rear suspention please contact me Jim@eXtremeSuper.com
Thanks !
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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Gathering the Nitrous Parts
Listen to our Update podcast
Well, it�s been going pretty slow with gathering all the parts needed to build the eXtremeSuper�s Nitrous System. Majority of all my parts thus far have been purchased through EBay from one seller, in particular JJFlash540. This guy sells a ton of NOS equipment at extremely reasonable prices. Check out his auctions on EBay.
The latest addition to my collection of NOS parts was a set of Nitrous and Fuel Lines with all the fittings I need to get things rolling, I thought. These lines were originally from a Honda. Since they were from a Honda, of course the steel feed lines were to short, I figured no big deal, and I just need to lengthen 1/8in lines. Well, not as easy as it sounds.
I need to change out all of the fittings from the Distribution block, then change out the lines, and flare all of the fittings to ensure a good tight seal.
It�s going to be sweet when were done, but it just seems like it�s taking forever!
Stay tuned for more updates soon.
Jim � eXtremeSuper
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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Some Nitrous Parts for the VW
I just wanted to post an update, I purchased all the NOS plumbing parts off of EBAY ! I needed all the plumbing from the Selinoids to the nozzles. The auction I won contains (2) sets 2 fuel lines, and 2 nitrous lines. The auction contained the lines couplings, Distribution blocks and a few other fittings, $37.00 with shipping, not bad...
Anyway, I am looking forward to their arrival inorder to move forward on the NOS System in the eXtremeSuper project car.
Later,
Jim
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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I just posted an Auido Assisted Tutorial for the "Shaving the Door Handles" article. Grab the Text and the Audio at our site.
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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I have posted a Web Site re-design contest. You could win an Ipod Nano 4gb or $200.00 your choice... Check out the site.
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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Whale Tail install
The one with the Whale Tail
Well, I had seen a few pictures of some Superbeetles with a Porsche type whale tail on them, and I really liked the look. I dialed up the Master of Fiberglass (Ralph) at Glass Action out in Arizona, and what he built was a custom Porsche 911 Whale Tail with functional louvers to keep your engine from overheating. It is really a nice piece of fiberglass work. On a different car other that the eXtremeSuper project it would probably be a nice fit, but I am torn on whether or not to try and integrate it into this project. I may just save it for my convertible low rider project.
Here are a few pictures, you guys can judge for yourself. Once you take a look at the pictures vote whether to use it or save it for the other project. Please vote I really respect the opinions of the eXtremeSuper readers.
Jim www.eXtremeSuper.com
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Whale Tail install
Hey guys, I just recieved the custom made Fiberglass Whale Tail for my VW from Glass Action. I will be doing a test fit and markup tonight, I will provide some pictures later.
Jim
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PT Cruiser TailLight Install on a VW Super Beetle
Here is how we are working at accomplishing the PT Cruiser Tail light install on the eXtremeSuper project car.
After the install of the 2� wider than stock fiberglass fenders (from Glass Action) we ordered a pair of aftermarket PT Cruiser tail lights off of EBAY. The tail lights cost around $90.00. Once we had the tail lights, we popped of the clear top cover from the base. Then we used masking tape to cover the lens completely and positioned the wrapped up lens on the fender, then traced it with a pencil.
(Above) Tracing the outline of the PT Cruiser
Tail light onto the VW fender.
Once this step was done, we wrapped the lens in tin foil and used Dura Glass fiberglass filler to build a ridge around the backside of the lens. This will act as a filler piece to mate up the gaps between the fender and the tail lights. When we built up the fiberglass filler ridge around the lens, we then aligned it back up with the pencil outline on the fender and "squashed" the two together. We then taped the lens in place and allowed it to cure.
Click Here to read the rest of this article
Thanks, Jim
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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January 15th, 2007 at 11:45 am
eXtremeSuper - UNDERCOVER
Well, ok not really that dramatic. For Christmas I received a really nice car cover for the eXtremeSuper project. The best part about it, other than the really nice fit is the really nice price of $15.00 !
My cover is a size medium, which seems to fit the VW project perfectly.
Yep, that�s right a semi good quality car cover for $15.00? not a bad deal at all. Now I can protect the super from all the Michigan elements while I have to have my garage door open. - See my website for the pics and details.
Thanks, Jim
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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December 22, 2006 at 8:55 am
Someone has taken the Christmas decorations a bit far.
www.eXtremeSuper.com
eXtremeSuper
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December 21, 2006 at 8:55 am
Happy Holiday�s
from the eXtremeSuper Team.
Hello everyone, we just wanted to take a few minutes to fill everyone in on the project status of the eXtremeSuper VW project. Not allot of tangible progress has been made on the VW perse� but allot of behind the scene�s stuff has been happening.
First off, I have been going through and trying to auction off all of the old stock, and just spare VW parts that we will not be using. You can check on the parts and miscellaneous stuff we have for sale by clicking on this link:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZextremesuperQQhtZ-1
Steve J. is still working with the Nitrous fittings, trying to gather them all up. Once he gets them all we need is to bend the lines, and do the install.
I would like to be welding the hood hinges on the car soon, but I made a mistake� I loaned out my welder to someone, and now they are MIA and I haven�t seen them in 2 months. Well, that�ll teach me.
Anyways, have a happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading �
Regards,
Jim � eXtremeSuper project lead
The "Super" at Grobbel Racing's Shop
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November 27, 2006 at 8:55 am
Hi guy's, not really a project update. This is for the Nascar FANS. I found a few pics of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Jet, when it was parked at Jackson County Municipal airport in Michigan. These pictures were taken in Aug of 2000, just before he passed away.
Here is one picture.
See the rest of the pictures on my website
Enjoy,
eXtremeSuper
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November 21, 2006 at 7:55 am
Throttle Linkage
I started working on the throttle linkage last night, It was un-eventful. I had to run the cable through the "Doghouse" fan shroud because of the carb linkage setup.
(Above) It was a quick job, now the gas pedal works.
eXtremeSuper.com
Thanks,
Jim
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November 12, 2006 at 9:55 am
Not much progress on the Super latley. It's getting pretty cold out, and everything I need to do pertains to fiberglassing which is not easy to work with when it's 39degrees outside. I am going to make sure my new house will have a heated garage.
Hopefully today I will be woring on the last of the fiberglassing the inside of the sub enclosure.
I'll keep you posted.
Jim - www.eXtremeSuper.com
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November 3, 2006 at 9:55 am
Just posting a picture of someones truck that we saw in a parking lot. We made these window decals over a year ago and only made a few.
eXtremeSuper.com
Thanks,
Jim
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November 2, 2006 at 6:29 am
Did some tutorial updates on the Fiberglass subwoofer box.
you can check them out @ eXtremeSuper.com
Thanks
eXtremeSuper
eXtremeSuper.com
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October 30, 2006 at 11:55 am
eXtremeSuper.com
I started putting layers of Fiberlass filler on the subwoofer enclosure. It looks pretty rough right now.
eXtremeSuper.com
Jim
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October 30, 2006 at 11:55 am
www.eXtremeSuper.com
The Twin JDM Turbo's showed up over the weekend. Our Next step with these is to purchase or build the additional parts needed to install them.
Thanks,
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
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October 23, 2006 at 8:52 am
" Look ma� no camera "
posted by www.extremesuper.com
Not having a digital camera is killing me. I have been getting some cool stuff going on the Super Beetle, and I am unable to �photo document� it.
As you may or may not recall, my Canon Digital elf decided to slide off of the top of the super while I was out working one night. It was a graceful slide down the nicley curved roof of the vw, then at the climatic moment, it hit the drip-edge of the roof, did a perfect spin in the air and came to a crashing halt on the garage floor. The camera still works, but the flash is �KO� and down for the count. I shipped it off to be repaired but in the mean time until it�s triumphant return, I have no camera for documentation.
In the past week, I have put another 2 layers of fiberglass on the Subwoofer box, it is shaping up nicely. I have also purchased the plywood we will need for the internal structure of the box (Vent chambers, ect.) Next will be to put a nice thick coat of DURAGLASS all over the inside walls for strength.
I also made a tail light adaptor from fiberglass to mate up the PT Cruiser Tail lights with the fiberglass fenders. This needed to be done because there was just too much difference in the mating surface curve angles.
Ahh, I almost forgot to tell you guys. I did go ahead and buy the Twin Turbo setup to add to the super project. Well really, I just bought the Turbo units, We will need to fabricate allmost everything else. No one sells a complete turbo kit for VW Bug, probally not a big demand. I really don't think that we will be installing these right away, priority is to get the car �streetable� before we tear the engine apart� again�
Well, hopefully sometime this week our camera will come back and we can continue documenting the customization.
That�s it for now, thanks for reading !
Jim - eXtremeSuper project lead.
www.eXtremeSuper.com
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10/16/06
More exciting ?
The eXtremeSuper project has just become a bit more exciting:
Twin JDM Turbos
I will tell you more later.
Jim
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10/16/06
Before and After (so far)
(Above) Before
(Above) After
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10/16/06
Custom Tires, Custom Rims, Custom flats�..
Todays update is not really glamorous, but progress is progress:
One of the customizations that my brother Lee wanted to make to this �75 Super was to use his American Racing Rims and his Toyo tires. These rims and tires were from his 2000 VW Beetle which he almost loved as much as this �75. When it came time for him to get rid of his 2000 VW he removed the rims and tires, and put them in storage in Jason�s garage.
(Above) This is where my rims and tires came from : Lee�s 2000 VW Bug
Many times we talked about what it would take to mount these rims and tires onto his old super, but we never actually pursued it. Year�s later after his passing, I picked the Rims and Tires up from Jason, they were still in good shape just a little dirty and in need of some TLC. I promptly took them home and shined them up a bit and checked the pressure and I started daydreaming all over again about mounting them on the �75. The day finally came, after I had received a glorious shipment of custom parts from Jon Chabot @ TopLine Parts in California, I was able to begin to fulfill this small part of my brothers dream. I removed the old Drum style braking system and replaced it with TopLines Disc Brake conversion kit front and back with custom drilled and studded rotors (5x100mm) that would allow me to mount the 17x7.5 American Racing rims and tires.
Well, thanks to some help from my friend Matt C., the install of the new braking system and rotors went pretty smoothly and we mounted the Rims and Tires on the car with no problem.
Now that you, the reader are up to speed on a little history of this project, I will fast forward to today.
(Above) Taking the Super�s Tires to get fixed.
Today step in the restoration / customization involved getting the tires and rims checked for leaks, and if a leak was detected fix it.
Since the tires and rims had been sitting in Jason�s garage for a couple of years, the seals had started to leak a bit after they were installed on the �75.
I employed the assistance of Discount Tire, near my house. This is a fantastic company. If you ever need tires fixed or rotated, just stop by and the do it all for FREE. Discount Tire removed all the tires from the rim�s, re-sealed them and then balanced each one. The tires are as good as new.
(Above) Discount Tire a great place for tire and rim repair.
My only improvement I would suggest to Discount Tire Management is provide WiFi service in their waiting area so business professionals could work if they had to wait.
I know this wasn�t a really glamorous blog entry, but next time any of you readers have a problem with your tires, or rims take them to Discount Tire. This is truly a first class, customer oriented company you will not be dissapointed.
Fantastic job, Thanks Discount Tire !
(-C-) JNM 2006
posted by JNM at 6:43 AM
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www.eXtremeSuper.com
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October 9th, 2006 - Shaving the Handles :
Well, I kicked around the idea for a while of Shaving the door handles on the Super Beetle. Many times dismissing the entire Idea because of the amount of work involved. Then I read an article in the last issue of VW Trends magazine featuring a �56 Beetle with shaved handles, I fell in love with the look, and determined that I need to proceed with my afore mentioned plan. At first I called all the people who I knew that work at Body Shops to see if they could offer any insight to what I may be getting myself into. I figured that the process would involve welding, which yes I do have a welder, but I am horrible at it. In speaking with one of my Body man friends he recommended cutting out the handle area, using a Plasma cutter or a cutoff wheel, Create my patch slightly larger that the cut out area, then using Door Skin adhesive to bond the patch to the door itself. Then clean it up with some Dura Glass and some top coat, and paint. This was and Idea I liked. It did not seem that difficult, and I began the journey of shaving the door handles.
(Above) First I started out by roughly marking out the area to be cut.
I really did not want to use a cutting wheel, simply because I could not get as clean of a cut. So I elected to find a welding shop with a plasma cutter to do the job. I found a shop local to my area, took the marked up
doors and dropped them off, 2 days later they were done.
(Above) Cutout�s done by a plasma cutter, courtesy of a local welding shop.
The doors had a semi clean cutout of the door handle, which I was happy with. I did however get the feeling of �Why did I do this to a perfectly good set of Super Beetle doors�, but I knew that if I wanted to achieve the look that I was going for, that this step was essential. I was able to find all the tools I needed from a local Automotive Finish Store. I purchased Door Skin Adhesive, as well as the applicator gun for around $110.00, and a pint of Dura-Glass fiberglass filler for the base coat over the handle areas, then a Pint of Top Coat finish, as the next step over the Dura-glass.
A trip to my local Metal store I was able to find a 10�� x 30�� piece of 20 gauge steel to create the patch panels, it set me back a whopping $5.00.
The next step will be to remove the glass from the door (This actually should have been the first step!) to avoid accidental breakage. Once the glass is removed, the area around the cutout needs to be cleaned to ensure proper adhesion between the metals and the epoxy.
Once the window was removed, I cut the piece of patch steel to the proper size using a Die grinder and a Cutoff wheel.
(Above) Sliding the patch into place, and securing with Door Skin Adhesive.
I prepared the epoxy for use; test fit the panels and applied the sealer to the inner area around the door using a very generous amount. Once the panel had been slid into place, I drilled holes through the outer skin of the door into the patch. I secured the patch into place by using small sheet metal screws (About 6 per panel). The sheet metal screws pull the panel flush with the door skin, making for a tighter fit, and less work in the door cleanup later.
(Above) 24 Hours of curing time, wiil bond the patch into place.
(Above) Passenger side, primed and completed.
After 24 hours of curing time, I removed the screws and applied the fiberglass filler. For the final step I sanded and primered the door.
The next step relating to the door will be installing the door silenoids and wiring from Watsons Street Works.
(Above) Jim�s 1975 Super Beetle now sporting the �Handeless� look.
Thanks !
(-C-) JNM 2006
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October 5th, 2006 - Custom Fiberglass Sub Enclosure
Well, I broke yet another digital camera. This makes 2 so far. It slid off the car and hit the ground, now the flash is out. Ah.. well.
I pulled the fiberglass mold out of the bug today, and inspected it. It's actually pretty solid. No big holes or anythng. I let it sit out a while, then upon advice from one of our friends who is an expert fiberglass guy we put it back in. If we were to leave it out of the car, as it cures fully it will warp. He suggested put it back in the car and keep adding the other layers to build up its strength.
Tommorow I will begin adding the "Mounts" and a layer of fleece for additional strengh.
Have a great day,
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
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October 4th, 2006 - Custom Fiberglass Sub Enclosure
Hi Guys, it's midnight, I just finished prepping and fiberglassing the first part of the sub - box. It's not much to look at, but here are a few pictures.
Here is all the things that the sub box will be made of.
Here is the sub box molded base after the fisrt layer of fiberglass.
I will next do an inside layer of fleece, to make it more stable, then pull it out of the car.
Later I will write and post a how to.
Right now, I need sleep.
Thanks,
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
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October 3rd, 2006 - Cleaning up the show - Nitrous bottle
Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know, Steve from Team eXtremeSuper has written a article on stripping and cleaning our Super's Nitrous bottle. It was completly beatup when he started.
Sounds like it would be easy to get a nice finish eh ? Check out the whole article with a bunch of pictures at
www.eXtremeSuper.com
It was'nt as easy as one may think.
Thanks,
Jim
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October 3rd, 2006 - Customfit Fiberglass Speaker Enclosure
Well, I had to change projects. I was going to start the PT Taillights install last night but Steve J from www.eXtremeSuper.com is busy running the Nitrous lines. Since we would be in each other's way, I elected to switch projects.
I will be building a Customfit Fiberglass Speaker Enclosure to house the 1 - 12" Rokford Fosgate Sub and the 5.5 mid rages. this will be an internally mounted speakerbox, leveraging a bit of subwoofer technology and style from DR. Bose.
I will provide details as it progresses.
Jim
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October 2nd, 2006 - PT Cruiser Tail light install
I am beginning the install of the PT Tail's tonight. Initially kinda boring, Remove fenders, ect. I will document it and post.
Thanks !
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
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October 1st, 2006 - Mounted the MSD High Volume Fuel Pump
Hey Guy�s, Just wanted to post an update. I mounted the MSD High Pressure fuel pump for the Nitrous System this morning. This is an awesome pump, 57gpm !, That should do fine.
Anyway, here are some pics.
Bye,
Jim ( www.eXtremeSuper.com )
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September 29th, 2006
First problem to solve
My Dad came over last night to check out the Super�s progress since it had gone out to Grobel Racing to have the wiring completed. I had neglected to tell the folks at GR to run the charging line back to the battery, my fault. I decided to run it myself, so with wire and connectors in hand, I did this before my Dad came over.
Once he arrived, I promptly escorted him out to the garage and we proceeded to start the cars engine.. rrrr varooomm, no problem, until I tried to turn it off.
It seems that my wiring had created a sort of �Continuious Loop� between the Alternator and the coil, therefore completley rendering the Ignition Key, saftey switch, and removing the Battery cable, pointless The car was going to run until it was out of gas.
I promptly removed the fuel line from the tank, and it finally konked out about 6-7 minutes later�. Man, that thing can run for a long time with no fuel.
So, it�s back to the drawing board for me and my wiring techniques.
While I am out working on the Super today, I am going to install the MSD High Pressure fuel pump for the Nitrous system. Check the main page at www.eXtremeSuper.com for pictures and a write up.
Thanks,
Jim
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Update 9/27/06.
Well, Jason from Grobbel Racing was waiting for me today when I came home from work. The eXtremeSuper was on his trailer and he was ready to deliver it. Unfortunatley my garage was not ready for the Super's return, and I had to do a quick clean out of kids bikes, parts, ect.
(Above) Super parked in my cluttered garage
We unloaded it and parked it in it's home to continue the re-build.
Now that it was home, It was my oppertunity to check to see how the new PT Cruiser Taillights would fit.
(Above) Testing placment of the PT-Cruiser Street tail light assembly's
They fit perfectly. I am going to make an install template, and anyone interested can download it from our projects website ( www.eXtremeSuper.com )
These taillights are going to look sweet on this car, the curves of the lights match up almost perfectly with the curves of the 2" wider than stack fiberglass fenders.
Well, now that it's back work can begin. I recieved a call from Steve J. (eXtremeSuper team member) and his shop is going to make the CUSTOM distribution blocks for the Nitrous set-up. The owner of his shop gave the eXtremeSuper project full reign of the shop and resources.... (Sweeet !!)
Check our site www.eXtremeSuper.com for updates and more info and pictures. We recently have setup a blog, to post daily activities and general chatter www.eXtremeSuper.com/blog it's still a work in progress, but more and more is being accomplished each day.
I know my brother would be proud.
Jim
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Update 9/23/06.
Steve J sandblasted and primed the nitrous tank today. I need to go over to Harbor Frieght and pickup a gravity feed spraygun so we can paint it,.
Updates with pictures on (hopefullly) tuesday.
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
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Update 9/22/06
I am still waiting to bring the super back from Grobel Racing. They have just completed the electrical system. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to trailer it back to my garage.
Jim (www.eXtremeSuper.com)
eXtremeSuper project site
We have 1 Window Sticker left for anyone who wants it.
send me an e-mail Jim@eXtremeSuper.com
We will even pay for the postage if you live in the United States. And the cool thing is, we just ordered a bunch of other give-aways, send and email with you name and address.
Thanks guys !
Jim
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Status updates at the bottom of this page.
Posted 9/7/06
My Super Beetle was purchased in 1986 by my grandfather. The car came from Donna, Texas right near the Mexican border. They bought the car for my younger brother Lee. Lee had always loved VW�s and really wanted to get one but could never find a really decent bug in our area. For my brothers 16th birthday my grandparents surprised him with the dark green 1975 Superbeetle. The car was all stock with a standard 1600 engine with fuel injection. My brother fell instantly in love with the car, and took very good care of it.
After Lee used the car for a while, daily driving back and forth to school etc., he started having issues with the fuel injection system. He replaced the fuel injectors and lines and he also replaced some additional parts. It seemed to be running well.
One day I received a phone call from him, he wanted to know if I could come over his girlfriend�s house, and follow him home just in case the VW stalled out on the way home. I agreed and met him there. Apparently, the fuel injection system was acting up again. He decided to try and drive it home anyway. As I was following him, I noticed a leak from under the engine. I was trying to get his attention to have him stop and check it out. We rolled up to a stop sign and just as I opened my door, the car caught fire. Apparently, one of the fuel injector lines popped off and was spraying gasoline all over the engine. As we both frantically ran around like idiots not knowing what to do a few people stopped with fire extinguishers and tried to put out the flames. We found that the key was still turned on in the ignition, which would normally be fine considering the huge ball of fire consuming the car, but this car had an electric fuel pump which kept feeding the fire until the wiring melted. The flames were finally extinguished after the fire department pumped 500 gallons of water into my brother�s beloved bug. My brother was beside himself as he watched the car he loved burn up.
We had the car towed home and Lee began stripping off the old charred pieces, pulling out the motor and wiring and doing some general clean up on the car. He built a new 1776 cc engine for the VW, installed a 3 puck rigid racing clutch and reworked all the wiring. The car was coming back together. Throughout his rebuild process of the VW, I was very hands off with it. I really was not interested in Volkswagons or Bugs so I didn�t really participate in his rebuild.
Lee finally finished the rebuild and the car was incredibly fast. Lee had broken the �Stinger� pipe off several times because of the high level of torque the car produced �off the line�.
As time progressed the bug ran very well and would beat Mustang 5.0�s off the line at stop lights. I DO NOT CONDONE STREET RACING, but it is fun to see a Superbeetle whomp on a mustang or camaro.
Lee needed to replace some wiring on the VW, so he began working on the car in the driveway and had removed the deck lid over the engine and the air cleaners from the dual 750 Webber carburetors. It started raining later that day and water went down through the carburetors and into the cylinders of the engine. After a few more days of assembly of the new wiring, he still couldn�t get the car running. He left it sitting for a few weeks and, ultimately, the water that had gotten down into the engine, rusted the pistons to the cylinders. Lee pulled the 1776 out and disassembled it.
This is where the story takes a turn. My brother was diagnosed with an inherited liver disease when he was 16 years old. He underwent 2 liver transplants and spent allot of time in the hospital. So during the time he was rebuilding the 1776, he became ill and spent a great deal of time in the hospital unable to get the car finished. My parents helped my brother trailer his Superbeetle to our cottage in Northern Michigan where they put it in the barn for storage.
(Above) Lee with his 2 Bugs
Lee never was never physically able to work on the VW again but we would always talk about it and he would tell me all his plans for fixing up his first car and that someday he would get it all done. Unfortunately, that time never came and Lee passed away shortly after his 29th birthday.
1 week after his passing, my wife and I were blessed with the adoption of our two young children, Peter and Callie. They were so close to meeting their uncle but unfortunatley the timing was not right. They were never able to meet their uncle but know of him through photographs and the stories we share with them.
In the summer after his passing I took the initiative to push the bug out of the barn so I could get a better look at it. After 8 years of storage it was in pretty rough shape. There was some rust, but, for the most part, the car was solid and the chipmunks who were living in the car seemed to enjoy the interior. I went though some drawings of Lee�s various ideas of what he wanted to do with his bug, and decided to finish the project for him. First I trailered the car south to my home and began the disassembly.
(Above) The Super Beetle in my garage after 8+ years of storage
I removed the fenders, chrome and interior and sent the entire car to be �Media Blasted�. This would remove all the rust and loose paint. Once this was done the bug went over to the body shop to get a couple coats of epoxy sealer and primer.
(Above) Super in the Booth getting Epoxy Sealer
(Above) Super outside of the Body Shop
In the meantime, I had a new 1776 engine built by Sunset Parts in Silver Lake, Michigan. Sunset Parts builds high performance race engines for Dune Buggies and ATV�s. I gave them one requirement; the engine needs to be fast. What I got back was a killer 1776 ported, polished and balanced with dual 850 Webbers with NOS taps in the stacks. I was assured that this engine would do the job.
(Above) 1776 Custom Built by SunSet Parts
Once the bug came back from the body shop I put in new 5" lowering struts from Topline Parts then removed the wheels and the drums, and replaced them with all new disc brakes, custom drilled (5x100mm), also from Topline.
(Above) The TOPLINE High Perf. Disc Brake setup
This allowed me to install the 17x7.5 inch Toyo tires and American Racing rims all the way around the car. The fenders are custom made 2 inches wider than stock from Glass Action Inc.
(Above) 17X7.5 Toyo's with AMR Wheels
I have learned allot of things about VW�s since I began working on this project 1 year ago. I can�t wait to finish this project and help fulfill my brother�s dream. Working on this has also given me a way to help my children get to know their uncle that they never had the opportunity to meet. Every time they see any VW now they refer to it as Uncle Lee�s Car, and all the great memories of him come to mind.
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(Above) Current State: Super waiting for race wiring from Grobbel Racing
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Update 7/7/06
Just wanted to post a quick update. The NOS Fogger Nozzles arrived today. The rest of the Nitrous System is coming in pieces. EBay is the best place for used NOS equip.
(Above) Nos Fogger Nozzels new from Jeg's
I sent the NOS bottle out last night for sand blasting and primer. The plan is to paint it the same color as the body Chrysler "Big Mean Green"
(Above) The NOS bottle, in rough shape
eXtremeSuper project site
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