My Long-Term '70 S Restoration

[Cornpanzer]

Its been a couple of years since I have had much to say about my 70S. In October of 2011 I got a little stupid and tore it completely down for a restoration. It was a nice looking car, but getting pretty tired. Some of the "restoration" work done in the 80's was a little shaky and the 25+ y.o. paint was beginning to fail.

The way these cars have escalated in value, I was able to justify my decision and the expected costs with the rationalization that I was way ahead on value. 2 1/2 years into the process, that theory is being put to the test.

I put a lot of miles on that car since 2002. Cross country twice, Daytona twice and all over the Midwest. I tweaked and tuned on her the entire time. Three sets of wheels and tires, four different seats, several steering wheels and even a couple of engines. This is how she looked when I tore her down.

[Cornpanzer]

Originally the car was special ordered by the owner of VW/Audi North, the dealer in Columbus Ohio. The silver paint was augmented by a special red leather interior. The seats, door panels and rear firewall panel were all done in red leather. Options were a limited slip differential and extended-hub steering wheel. Somewhere along the line, it got a 904 mainshaft and a set of close ratio gears - likely done in the dealership service dept when it was new.
The original owner is now deceased, but I was able to track down his son. Better yet, I was able to find the second owner who had photos that she took in 72/73.

[4SFED]

Very unique original color combo! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[gsjohnson]

I assume that you're going back to silver? Beautiful color combo.

[timgt3]

Given I am current doing a basket case 70 S, I am really looking forward to this. Thanks

[mjshira]

looking forward to seeing progress.

[Cornpanzer]

A few years back I pulled the numbers matching 2.2S engine and built a 2.8 twin-plug.


Last year I was really lucky and found a set of original ST high-butterfly stacks in an old race shop. They were rough, but Aaron Burnham rebuilt them to perfection. They will be going on the 2.8

[Cornpanzer]

Why the 2.8? I just cant deal with a stock/original car. My goal is to build a silver version of the factory narrow/body lightweight S. I hope to make it as "correct" as possible but have some fun with it too. If I need to, I can return it to factory original, but in the meantime its going to be styled after a real factory hot-rod. I cant wait to see it finished. Its been nearly three years...I miss driving my car.

[Cornpanzer]

Meanwhile, in the real world the bodywork is nearly complete, but I'm getting bored with the flat grey finish it has been sporting for a while.
Whats the old saying "twice as long and three times as much $$$". Yeah, I wish.....

[Cornpanzer]

I have a few cars that I keep on my desktop to motivate me through this project. Here is one. I always loved Bob's hot-rod because he showed so much restraint. He didnt hang a bunch of ornaments all over it. Just simple and classy and cool.
I hope that mine can be a LWB version.