*SOLD*
Offering for sale a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle “Baja Bug”. The conversion/restoration was completed in early 2016 by Lagler Automotive Specialties. The Beetle has been completely rebuilt and includes the following features.
- Bug-eye Baja body kit
- 4” suspension lift
- 29” tires
- Four wheel disc brakes
- 2.2 ECOTEC engine
- Close ratio transmission
- Power steering
- Hydronic heat
The Baja body kit was purchased new from Mark V Fiberglass. The original VW steel hood was cut down, reshaped, and edges wire beaded. I did the same with the rear engine cover. The fiberglass hood and engine cover will be included in the sale if you want them. The underside of the fenders are coated with 2k urethane spray-on bedliner to add strength and prevent cracks caused by thrown rocks. All fiberglass edges are nicely finished, there are no rough exposed fibers. The paint is Kubota orange with flattening agent added for a satin finish. It’s not a high-end paint job, but the car is properly painted including door jams and interior. All glass and trim was removed for painting. All window gaskets, door seals, hood seals and body welting were replaced. All exterior lamps are new, headlights are converted to H4 halogen.
The front suspension has been raised using Thing spindles and trailing arms for three inches of lift, plus torsion bar adjusters for another one inch. The rear has been raised with custom lengthened and widened trailing arms and re-indexed torsion bars. Brakes are upgraded to discs front and rear. The wheels are new aftermarket 15” x 5.5” OE style steel with LT235/75R15 Federal Couragia MT tires, balanced with ceramic beads. The car has electric power steering with variable assist, you can steer the car with one finger when sitting still.
The engine is a GM 2.2 liter ECOTEC (approx. 150hp) taken from a 2002 Cavalier with 114k miles. The engine has been cleaned and resealed, valve cover and oil pan are powder coated. It has 3” intake piping to a Donaldson high capacity off-road radial seal air cleaner. The 2.5” exhaust is all stainless steel including muffler and resonator, and center exit “mini stinger” exhaust tip. The engine runs on the GM ECU with OBDII diagnostic support. The ECU was reflashed with a custom calibration made specifically for this car. All engine compartment wiring uses sealed OEM type connectors and is completely waterproof. The radiator is mounted directly in front of the engine. A fiberglass scoop and ducting under the car directs air through the radiator when the car is moving, and dual electric fans keep it cool when sitting still. The transaxle is a rebuilt Beetle trans with Gene Berg close ratio 3rd and 4th gears and welded syncro hubs. All syncros, gaskets and seals were replaced along with several other parts as needed. The ring and pinion ratio is 4.125:1. The engine is bolted up using an adapter and flywheel from Kennedy Engineered Products. It uses a stock VW clutch and high torque gear reduction starter. The transaxle is fitted with Type 2 output flanges, and the outer stub axles are Porsche 944. Axles are new chromoly shafts and type 2 race prepped CV joints, clearanced for high angle, with chromoly cages.
The interior remains mostly stock. It has been restored with new carpet, door panels, headliner, visors, and seat belts. The dash pad was eliminated and extra holes were welded and smoothed. The front seats are from a 2010 Beetle, there is no rear seat. The speedometer has been restored and re-calibrated for 235/75R15 tires. The odometer was reset to zero during the restoration and has done approximately 2300 miles. The car is exempt from odometer disclosure by PA law. All gauges and indicators are working. The original Sapphire radio still works and the dash speaker is new. The generator indicator light serves as a “check engine” light. There is a functional OBDII diagnostic port under the dash, and another in the engine compartment. An Ultragauge mounted on the ashtray displays coolant temp, RPM, etc., and can be set to display any OBDII parameters and fault codes. The windshield wipers work fine and an electric washer pump has been added. The heater is an aftermarket under-dash unit with 3 speed fan and electronic temperature control valve.
New Parts:
- All wheel bearings and seals
- Ball joints
- Steering box
- Tie rod ends
- Trailing arm bearings/bushings
- Front axle beam
- Brake rotors, calipers, pads
- Brake master cylinder
- All Brake lines and hoses
- All fuel lines
- Fuel pump
- Starter, high torque gear reduction
- Radiator
- Radiator hoses
- Electric fans
- Clutch
- Clutch cable
- Shift rod coupler and bushing
- Throttle cable
- CV joints, axle shafts, axle stubs
- Front and rear shocks
- Wheels and tires
- All exterior lamps
- Rubber door seals
- All window seals
- Windshield glass
- Headlight switch
- Fuse box
- Ignition lock
- Carpet
- Seat belts
- Headliner and sun visors
- Heater
The car runs perfectly and drives as well as could be expected for a Beetle with 29” tires. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere, it has been 100% reliable. It has never been off-road. The car is currently registered and titled in PA as an antique vehicle. As an antique it is exempt from annual inspections and has not been inspected. Please keep in mind this car is nearly 50 years old. It does not drive like a new car.
Asking $15500 or best offer. *SOLD*
