Welcome to the wonder world of VWs. Prepare to become addicted! :cool:
As far restoring it to original or customizing, I've seen this discussion almost come to blows on other forums . . . here's my thoughts:
I lean in favor of stock, BUT, at the same time I love to see other folks customized Bugs. My personal opion is that the most valuble Bugs 10 or 15 years down the road will be the ones that are 100% original, low milage and unrestored and still in near showroom condition. They will be followed closely by examples that have been restored to that condition. Coming in a DISTANT 3rd are going to be the customized examples. So, if you plan on selling it for a profit in the future, a stock restoration is probably best. Every time someone customizes one (especially things that can't be easily reversed), the remaining stock Bugs of that year become a little more valuble.
That's just my opinion as it relates to future $$$ value.
However, it is YOUR car. Maybe you don't want to look at it as an investment. Maybe you want to KEEP it and DRIVE it, and you want to look like, well, you want it to look. It's YOUR car . . . go for it!
I can think of one car in particular (a 1967 convertible) that has been restored to immaculate stock condition. I'd love to own it. In a few years, it'll probably be worth a mint. BUT, the owner spent years building it and never drives it . . . won't even tow it to a show if it looks like it might rain. That's OK for him, it's his car, he built it, he can do what he want's with it. If it were mine it would be my daily driver!
There is another 62 Bug I know of . . . fully customized, lowered, HUGH engine. The owner put lots of work and $$$ into building it . . . knowing that if he trys to sell it, he'll never get his investment back. But that's OK, he built it because he wanted to. He built it his way. He loves it. He shows it. He wins trophies with it. He hauls it on a trailer. I don't have a problem with that. It's his car, his time, his money. I would have probably built it back stock, left it 6 volt, and left it the 40 horse power engine in it. And, it would be my daily driver!
Do I think any less of these two folks or the cars they have built? Nope. I'd of done it different and for different reasons, and I'd be driving them. But, they weren't my cars, it wasn't my time and effort and it wasn't my money. Yep, I'd of done it different, but I still love to admire their creations when I see them at shows.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, before you ask other people what you should do with it, ask yourself "What do I want to do with it." Whatever that turns out to be, there will be people who tell you "good job" and people who tell you "you shouldn't have done that." But the bottom line it's your car. Enjoy it how ever you want to, just enjoy it!
