Volkswagen Repair: volkswagen, vw bettles, oxnard st

Question
I have just recently purchased a volkswagen beetle and I haven't the foggiest clue as to where I began to rebuild. I have an associates degree in diesel mechanics so I know how to work but I am having difficulty finding year, and type. This is my dream car so i want to do the absolute best job I am capable of. It will be a complete tear down and rebuild and of course I need best possible gas mileage.  would prefer to have diesel but gas is no big mystery.I estimate this beetle to be a late 50,s early 60,s model. the only thing the owner knew was that it was taking up too much space in his yard.  I took it off his hands for $100.Any new info. will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
With the cost of gas going up VW Bettles have also gone up in value. Any classic car is worth much more when only factory original parts and assemblies are used. You will destroy the value of the car by putting after market or parts that are not original. Besides for that early model Bettle, there are a whole lot of original parts available at a good price. In addition, the repair manuels are for original specifications. I am Max's German Car located at 15020 Oxnard st Van Nuys CA 91411. I have many water-cooled VW parts:1975-2005. CALL: 818-787-9138