Just wanted to introduce myself since I am now the newest person on the block.  My name is J.R.  I work at Honest Charley Speed Shop.  I used to be real heavy into VW's about 10 years ago as a teenager.  I got out of it because I could not keep a running engine in my '74 SB.  My dad finally got tired of breaking out the tow bar and eventually rebuilding engines, so that was the end of it for me and VW's.  I have since been into musclecars and most recently vintage cars.  For years I have wanted another Bug but have spent the last 5 years concentrating on my new marriage, career and making ends meet.  I have told my wife for a few years that I wanted another Bug but have always gotten the "are you serious, those are ugly" look.  I actually convinced her to let me purchase one tonight!  It is a 1972 Standard.  I do admit that it will need lots of work, but for the purchase price of $230, I got my start back into a car that I love!  The build will be a slow one as I am awaiting the birth of my first child due September 15th!  Time and money are both going to be an issue, but I will prevail!!  Thanks for reading my long story.  I hope to get to know many on this forum and learn from most everyone here.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g27/jrcnova/VW/IMG_1070.jpg

Thanks!  My wife just looked over my list that I have made after owning my bug for about, oh, um 5 hours.  Her first question was, "Can you buy those used?"  So, I am on a quest for good used sheetmetal to start with.  I know that it is probably a shunned thing, but I want to transform the front end to look '66 and early.  I love those headlights!  I have always heard, if you want that '66 look, then buy a '66.  Well my budget allowed for a '72.  Oh well, like I tell all of my customers, "It's your car, build it the way YOU want!"

Would I not have to change out the front apron as well if I use '66 and earlier front fenders?

I did buy it off of Cherokee Blvd.

Mid-America has them -- http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw-1-73-6035.html

Been doing some work over the past 3 weeks.  Have stripped and removed the body from the pan, removed the floorpans, pressure washed what seems to be remnants of several fun hours of showing friends what a mud "buggy" can do and started wire brushing the backbone of the pan.  I am unsure of one thing...if someone could look at the 18th picture and tell me if the piece of metal welded to the backbone that has 2 holes drilled in it is part of the floor pan.  I am not sure if it is and if it isn't I don't want to waste time taking it off.  Thanks.

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g27/jrcnova/VW/

I was thinking it was part of the old floorpan.

Turns out it was part of the original floorpans that the PO neglected to remove.  I have since removed them and almost done stripping the chassis (pan) to paint.  The only thing holding me back is the passenger side rear drum castle nut.  I have done everything possible besides heating (don't own a torch).  Kyle mentioned trying to come out to the house and helping me get it off.  Hopefully it will come off without cutting it off.  I am anxious to start painting.  Also, hope to meet some of the club members at the cruise-in on Friday.  I will be riding my motorcycle as it's hard to show up in a bug in pieces with no engine.  See ya'll there.