Name: Keith Seume
Vehicle: 1965 VW Beetle
Engine Size: 2332cc
Purchase date: September 2007
Modifications:First built by Matt Chapman in the USA, my 'new' toy is an all-steel ’65 sedan which I discovered for sale on www.thesamba.com. It was originally built mainly for strip use and to that end features many race-oriented modifications, including Lexan windows, Ron Lummus DRKC chrome-moly roll cage, lightweight Erco wheels, slicks, very close-ratio trans and a high-compression 2332cc motor with Competition Eliminator heads, 48IDA Webers, Berg crank and Carrillo rods. However, my plan is to put the car back on the road as a drivable, but fast and fun, street car. I've already started the transformation, with the purchase of a set of JGE 'Torker' wheels. 145 and 205/70 radial tyres and a full set of window glass. Suddenly that bargain car is starting to cost me money… but don't they always?
Update August 2008:
Well, I've been fitting a Berg five-speed conversion and that is almost complete. It's not a straightforward swap as the torsion bar housing has to be notched to clear the bulkier nose-cone casting which houses the fifth gear ratio. I've also pulled the heads of the engine and dropped the compression ratio to a more streetable 10.0:1, although I have also just purchased a set of Jeff Denham-modified heads which I shall use to allow the engine to run cooler on those long journeys from Cornwall. I've also fitted a remote oil-cooler and fan.
mods include a Nardi steering wheel, A-1 stainless muffler (a real work of art!), T-bars and new harnesses. The costs keep rising but isn't that always the case?
Everything is taking longer than I hoped/expected, but then I don't have a garage and am having to 'borrow' workshop space at present. I had hoped to get the car all done in time for friend's wedding at the end of August – we'll see!
Other projects/rides:Doubling as parts chaser, load hauler and tow vehicle for my boat and car(s) is my trusty Type 25 (T3) camper, which is fitted with a 2.5-litre quad-cam Subaru motor, thanks to RJES. It's been lowered (only a little in deference to its tow-car duties) and runs a set of Porsche 928 Design 90 rims. With 155bhp on tap, it's a bundle of fun to drive! Sadly, I've had to sell my one-off sports car project, due to a lack of time and space. Too bad!
