Volkswagen: 1979 Super Beetle Convertible, malcolm bobbitt, rust area

Question
1. How many 1979 Super Beetle Convertibles were sold in the USA?

2. I am the original owner of this car. It has 53,000 miles. All original. The interior and engine are like new. The body has major rust and rot. I'm losing my storage space. Any idea what it's worth?

3. I cannot find new door sheet metal. Can you direct me?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jim,

1. I'm not too sure how many '79 Convertibles were sold in the USA, but there were 19,569 produced that year According to a Malcolm Bobbitt book.  Zero hard-tops made that year.

2. That vehicle can be worth up to 14K, completely restored. If you send me some pictures: ronwolffjr@hotmail.com.... I'll give you my opinion, and will post it for you.  VW people are just good folks, so don't want you to get short changed.

3. Rust: You need to check some key areas, which could be very expensive.   Look at your doors, do the seams line up perfectly on both sides when closed?  Verts have no hard top to keep it from folding in the middle, so they have large support bars underneath which keeps the car stable. If they are rotted out, probably a $1,000.00+ job - parts included. The door skins are available at www.aircooled.net.
Also keep in mind that there could be rust in the gas tank, trunk, etc.  If you want to be more specific, we can see what the potential cost is by rust area.  (Just guessing in NJ dollars!)

4. Finally: Fire Warning!  If the car has been stored and rotted, please make sure that all of the fuel injection rubber hose is crack free, and replace the fuel filter.
The fuel injection hose is under great pressure and a burst could burn your car up.