Volkswagen: restoring 71 vw convertible, interior work, engine compartment

Question
Hi Ron
I have a 71 conv that I bought about 5 years ago.  I want to restore it.  It has been sitting in my garage since I bought it.  I take it out in the summer and drive to the corner store but no further because the conv really isn't attached to anything.  My questions is, I want to restore it but I have no idea where to start.  I don't know if I should start with the engine or the body.  Where can I get information about how to restore a bug.  I would like to completely redo everything.  The car runs, doesn't cut off and if I simply repaired the top it could be driven.  But I want to make it look showroom.  Where and how do i start.  

Answer
The best way to do this is to strip the body bare and have it painted and rust-proofed.

Have the engine compartment painted and leave the rest a primer color.

Install a nice rebuilt engine (and tranny) and than have the car painted.

Some interior work, new brakes, and a new top should get it looking showroom new and ready to cross the country!

Ron