I've been doing some daydreaming yet again about stuff I would do to customize a Volkswagen Beetle. This would be done after I do the basic that needs to be done should I manage to purchase a Bug. So here they are in order of priority, with explanations.
- Modern 3-pt seat belts for the front and rear seats including middle. Old bugs used to have shoulder belts for the front and none for the rear. I'd really appreciate it if you could mount 3-pt seat belts everywhere. Plus our 20021 Rav4 has a ceiling mounted seat belt that you can pull down should you have someone sitting on the middle part of the rear set. It'll take lots of custom fabrication and upholstery work but this is something I seriously want to have in a really old car.
- Dash cam and rear cam mounts. Again, custom fabrication for cameras, but again also very useful for safety purposes. I've seen some relatively cheap dash cams that are integrated into bigger and newer rear view mirrors. If those are reliable and easy to install then that would be my go-to option.
- New in car entertainment system. It doesn't have to be those giant, 2-DIN LED infotainment systems. I would appreciate bluetooth connectivity and USB connectors. Also good quality speakers, a decent subwoofer, and tweeters.
- Pop out rear passenger windows. To improve interior ventilation because I am not considering adding an air-conditioner. A swamp cooler could also be an option after finding out there is a local shop that still builds them for Beetles.
- LED headlights and bumper mounted fog lamps. That youtube link I have above is basically what I would also want my Beetle to look like on the outside. fog lamps, roof rack, pop out windows. Nice peg. The LED headlights are something I've always wanted ever since I found out they would fit in Beetles (and Suzuki Samurais). They would improve visibility because of the daytime running lights option and the (hopefully) brighter beams at night.
- LED bulbs for all lights. Brake lights, turn signals, cabin lights, plate number lights, if there's an LED bulb option for them I would love to replace the older bulbs. Probably use up less power too.
- Third brake light OR rear LED chase light bar. This would help taller SUVs and buses be aware that there's a car in front of them. I'd prefer the LED chase light bar so that additional turn signal indicators would also be on it.
- Roof rack with cargo basket. I'm aiming for the classic looking roof rack, but I would also love to have a provision for a roof mounted bike rack.
- Custom front and rear seats for better comfort and support, easier to remove and fold down, and also so it can fit seat belt sockets.
- Custom rims that looks like Fuchs or RS Watanabe rims. Color to be determined with whatever Beetle color I get.
- 240Z style fender mounted bullet side mirrors. This is debatable, and will only be used if the Beetle a) looks good with it on the hood; and b) if the side mirrors actually do a good job of showing me what's behind. If it's just for looks, like those hot rod peep side mirrors, it will be a hard pass.
- Tow hooks with proper labels and warnings. Beetles are rear-wheel driven cars. If it (knocks on wood) suddenly gets towed while I'm not there and they tow it like modern front-wheel drive cars I'm pretty sure they won't pay for the damage they'll do to that car.
- Rear windshield wiper. I've never seen this done, I'm curious if it can be done. It would help so much with rear visibility.
- Rear window spoiler and front bumper spoiler. They supposedly help with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency so why not.
- Carbon fiber or fiberglass front and rear decklid. To reduce weight a bit. I don't plan on doing an engine swap or going twin-carbs. I just want a decent, reliable engine so I can cruise around. Adding all of the stuff I wrote here will add more weight to the car but they are things I honestly think I need for the Bug, so any weight savings would be great.
Out.
