Dave’s 1965 Beetle
Limebug-Built Bug

Starting it’s life over the pond in Idaho, Dave’s Beetle quickly found it’s way to some local swampland. Although it’s uncertain how this happened, we do know that the next owner used the Beetle as a fishing platform. The memories of this can still be found on the car today; the bonnet has lost almost all it’s paint, and the factory trim holes have all been welded up. Scrolling through eBay a few years back, Dave came across the 5k mile Type 1.

Back in the UK, Dave brought ‘Billy-Bob’ to us for a complete spruce up. Tearing the car down, we discovered the devastating effects of life in a swamp. Clear evidence of rats calling the chassis ‘home’, left rot throughout. We replaced the floorpan halves, and spent hours powerwashing the shell to get rid of that awful smell! The chassis was then fully detailed and restored, spare of zero shortcuts.

Once the original damage had been fixed, it was time for the drop. We fitted Dave’s Type 1 with a 4″ Link Pin Deluxe Air Suspension Kit. This allowed the Skid Ends to sit on the floor, whilst having enough tuck to prevent his standard tyres fouling on the arches. Wanting to keep the bodywork looking as rustic as possible, we moved onto the former rat-hotel interior. Fitted with Deluxe Headlining and Carpets, it was ready to be driven.

Following on from this 1 Year restoration, Billy-Bob was now ready for the roads; throughout the time since this build, Dave has taken the Beetle to many events, such as EBI in Belgium and DubClub back in the UK.

The Specs:

• 4″ Link Pin Jawbreaker Beam
• Gen I Rear Air Ride Kit
• Link Pin Weld-on Relocators
• 4″ Narrowed Titan Through Rods
• Airlift Managment
• Swing Axle 2″ Drop Air Plates

4″ Narrowed Link Pin Jawbreaker

How is it?

“I have recently just clocked over 6,000 miles and have every intention to get the beetle to many upcoming shows especially in the UK and Europe. It definitely won’t be a trailer queen and love driving it about. The Air Ride is brilliant, but being used to the Split I forget sometimes and park and drop it too close to the kerb, then I don’t look quite so cool as can’t get out! Billy Bob is fantastic car that deserved rescuing, and not to end up matt black, with so little miles and spending 90% off its life as a fishing platform in a swamp it’s a very rare find with a quirky past. Plus one day after a few years of sex wax air fresheners the racoon aroma might be bearable!!!”

Dave P ’65 Swamp Beetle