Recently we bought a Thai Volwagen Beetle from 1972. We want to restore it and have it look like the original from 1972. Does anyone know any Thai company or garage that can do this?

When cars like this one are well restored they cost at least 15.000 euro in Europe. Since it is almost impossible to import a car into Thailand (and also too expensive), I thought I might ship the car overseas and have it restored there and ship it back. I have a friend who will do it for free. I only have to pay the parts and the shipping. It is registered in Thailand, so that should not be to difficult. Maybe I am wrong. Anyone ever heard of this being done?

Where are you?

I would imagine restoration would be much cheaper here.. I know my respray and metal guy was very cheap and as long as he was watched like a hawk did turn out a good finish. I am guessing the refurb can be done for less than the cost of 2x shipping.

I was actually looking for a rolling shell bug for a bit.. Something I could have bare metal restored and sort a baja bug kit onto, put a nice fully done new (refurb) engine in and a AC system.. Either that or go the other way for a wizard roadster kit, fat boy arches, dechromed, solenoid doors (no handles) etc etc etc.. I tend to like the custom looking bugs over the classic styles but can certainly appreciate them all..

I had some bugs, combis and a beach buggy when younger and love em.. Bags of character.. Easy cars to really love somehow. Going on VW runs in the summer months in the UK.. Mini festivals etc.. Bug Jams etc..

I have seen a VW owners club mentioned for Thailand.. When I looked parts were all possible.. Maybe google it..

If you can post how it goes.. Love those little cars..

if in Bangkok than there is one next to my house - more like a shack than a garrage but do only the beetle and campervan. They have at least 10 of them in the yard for spare parts as well.

beetle and vv campervan garrage near my home taling chan

(they are another 50 meters inside the soi where the red marking is)

Edited January 7, 200719 yr by londonthai

May have a wander past next time I am in bkk..

Would be a nice project..

Theres a guy in Pattaya, he's done some bits on mine and ordered me parts before.

I have a 65 beetle which I might sell.

I know of a shop in Phuket that specializes in the little buggers.

There's a handful nice ones driving around.

Theres a guy in Pattaya, he's done some bits on mine and ordered me parts before.

I have a 65 beetle which I might sell.

dave how much we looking at??

Around 180000 bht.

WOW.. Must be cherry A1 condition..

Opposit Pattaya north road on the sukhumvit theres a shop that specialize in VW Beatles, cars vans convertables, they also have contacts in Bangkok.

Edited January 9, 200719 yr by undercover

Thanks for all the replies. I also tried the bureau of motorvihicles and Thai customs, but no answer from them.

theres a big BK VW Bug company, can't remember what they are called Volk something.

They do some really nice work, not some tin-pot place.

I would be more interested in doing a project myself.. Not the work of course but the managing of it..

Ideally would start with a rolling shell / donor vehicle.. Then rebuild from scratch using thai labour..

Fun pet project.. Hot Rod Dub..

WOW.. Must be cherry A1 condition..

Don't know what they are worth to be honest but its certain in good condition.