Cars

Man shares video showing painstaking process of restoring his rotting 1972 VW Beetle

  • 1972 VW Beetle was restored to its former glory
  • He spent three years into its restoration
  • The car looked brand new at the end

Published on Aug 28, 2024 at 4:37 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary

Last updated on Aug 30, 2024 at 4:27 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

Restoring a classic car is no small feat, especially when the car in question is as iconic as the 1972 VW Beetle

Phil Kieran spent three years breathing new life into this luxurious piece of automotive history.

From welding to painting, starting the engine once again, the restoration was as if Phil was building a new car from scratch.

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Restoring the rotting 1972 VW Beetle

Phil shared the video on X, revealing the painstaking process of bringing his rotting 1972 VW Beetle back to life.

The entire restoration, which took three years, is condensed into a remarkable 60-second video, capturing the transformation from a rusted shell to a brand new car.

At first, this rare Beetle appeared beyond saving.

Although, the exterior looked somewhat decent, the inside told a different story.

Rust had consumed crucial parts, including the car’s frame head bottom plate, which was almost entirely eaten away.

Restoring the rotting Beetle car
Phil Kieran

The car was missing its forklift, making the restoration even more challenging, but Phil was determined to restore the Beetle to its former glory.

The restoration began with rebuilding the chassis and floor.

The frame head bottom plate was removed and replaced, setting the foundation for what was to come.

The car was ready before the car show

The car’s exterior was painted its original green, while necessary parts were painted black to give the Beetle an authentic look.

As the paint dried, attention turned to the engine, which was reinstalled on the gearbox and chassis.

Rust had wreaked havoc on the inner wing, necessitating its complete removal.

1972 VW Beetle restoration
Phil Kieran

After extensive welding and repairs, the upper body was finally mounted onto the chassis.

The car, now almost fully restored, was ready to start its engine for the first time in years, and everything worked perfectly.

By May 7th, the Beetle was ready just in time for a car show.

It proudly stood among other Beetles, revealing Phil’s passion and love for cars.

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Meet Daksh: Not your typical pro, but definitely a pro at being fascinated by supercars, tech, and all things futuristic. When he's not nose-deep in work, catch him glued to anime screens or lost in the pages of a good book.