Blue's 1956 Beetle

Our very own Mister Blue found the 1956 Bug body planted in a field and picked it up, along with some miscellaneous parts, for $300. The Bug was then transported to our shop in the 1957 VW single cab where it currently resides. Blue bought an IRS pan and welded in a link pinhead to mount the link pin beam. Next, he mounted the front air bags and completed the installation of the rear air bag kit. Blue flattened the floor pans so the car could sit all the way down on the ground before beginning the right hand conversion.

September 2010 – Blue has been busy! The RHD dash is installed. The semaphore posts are in using brand new 12-volt semaphores (available at Peninsula Automotive). The next is the ragtop and adding wiring for the air bags. He's still kicking around color ideas for paint. He'll be installing a Cool Drag Link Steering to control bump steer and is still looking for RHD rear view mirror. Far from finished, Blue’s VW appeared publicly at the 10th Annual VW Jam Car Show as a featured attraction where it gained much love and attention from the crowd. Participants were invited to display their artist abilities by drawing with chalk on the Bug’s body.

April 2011 – Blue took advantage of the winter weather and has taken this time to work inside and complete the engine. Here is a list of items Blue’s engine is composed of; these parts are all available at Peninsula Automotive.

  • Fuel Injection Beetle Case
  • EMPI 4140 Chromoly, Counter Weighted, 8 Dowel Crankshaft
  • Stock Cam
  • Mahle 85.5 Piston/Cylinders
  • New Stock Heads
  • Berg Equalizer Crank Pulley with Broach Style Bolt
  • CC’d and Balanced
  • EMPI EPC 34 Dual Carbs with Cable Operation
  • 009 Distributor with Billet Clamp
  • Compufire DIS-9 Distributorless ignition
  • Stock Muffler
  • CB Performance Exhaust Barrel Nuts for Case Half Hardware
  • EMPI Breather Kit
  • Flipped 12 Volt Generator with Broach Style Pulley Nut
  • Snake Eyes Safety Hardware for All Sheet Metal Hardware

In the fall of 2011, the Bug enjoyed yet another facelift with the uncovering of green and black paint just below the surface. Blue’s creativity brought unique results enjoyed once again by a crowd of people at the 11th Annual VW Jam Car Show. So if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by to take a look...and if you're lucky you might even see Peanut!

STAY TUNED...MORE TO COME!!