Hughie Hogg's VW Beetle -- Work In Progress

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

On to project #10: Hughie Hogg's Volkswagen!  

The first thing I discovered was that it was NOT repeat NOT a true convertible.  Rather, it was a chop-top, as evidenced by the sedan-style windscreen, and the bottoms of the window posts still remaining.  

The second thing I had to learn was the difference between the classic Beetle and the Super Beetle.  Some of you already know this, but it was new to me.  Although the differences are easy to miss at first glance, I now see clearly that Hughie's ride was most definitely a Super Beetle with the roof cut off.  

 

After much more research and guidance from folks at an automotive modeling forum, I realized (after much frustration) that I was going to have to kitbash THREE different kits to do this.  

1) Aoshima Beetle 1303S for most (not all) of the body and the bumpers 

2) Revell '68 Beetle for the chassis, engine, windscreen, rear body vents, tail lights and much of the interior

3) Revell VW Cabriolet for some of the interior and some of the body details

 

I should also mention part of my research was to go through every Dukes episode in which this vehicle appeared, pause the DVD whenever a good view appeared from any angle, and photograph the scene.  I then had the photos made into prints to use as I build.  Maybe low-tech, but it works for me.  

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

The excellent Revell '68 chassis actually fit the Aoshima body *mostly* well.  Only two issues to face.  First, it needed widening on both sides with a .040 strip (easy fix). 

The bigger problem was that the aft wheel wells and engine area didn't fit.  So I took a saw and cut partway into the plastic at that area so that the aft area could be bent upward, and then fit quite well, considering.  

 

 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Final step for now was scratchbuilding the large McPherson struts, a vital item for the Super Beetle.  The struts themselves were made from plastic tubing, then the springs made by wrapping metal wire around an appropriately-sized plastic rod then trimmed to shape and installed.

[Hobie Hartkins]

You've got a lot of talent there bud! Great job!!

[HossC]

As with your previous builds, I'll be avidly waiting for updates, and I'm already looking forward to seeing the finished model.

[RogerDuke]

Another project! Coolness! I'm out of reactions or I would have hit more likes. Did you see that Hughie just turned 70? I posted it a few days ago. 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Thank you!

Yep, I saw, Jeff is already at that age...still amazing to see....

[Hobie Hartkins]

I STILL think they should've had him ( Hughie) take Boss' place on the reunion movie!

[RogerDuke]

I'm not a fan of the reunion movies but Hughie would have been the best choice. It would have made Boss's death just a little easier to take, knowing he would have approved of Hughie taking his place....even though Huggie drove him nuts. 

[Hobie Hartkins]

50 minutes ago, RogerDuke said:

I'm not a fan of the reunion movies but Hughie would have been the best choice. It would have made Boss's death just a little easier to take, knowing he would have approved of Hughie taking his place....even though Huggie drove him nuts. 

My thoughts exactly!  Me and Hughie are enjoying some Pale Ale right now at this moment as a matter of fact!

Edited August 22, 2021 by Hobie Hartkins

[Spike]

Any updates?

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Howdy folks,

I must apologize for being away for a couple of years.  Had my hands full with MANY things, including a wedding, some health stuff, plus got really burned out on this project (FAR more difficult than originally thought).  Time to get it off the back burner and finished.  Hope y'all are doing well and blessed!

Ok, let's see where we left off.

Major body modifications.  Had to take pieces from the two Revell bodies and graft them to the Aoshima to reflect the correct vents, trims and such.  Flat windscreen framing on the hardtop was too narrow, so I widened it with an insert of plastic, above and below.  I'll worry about the windscreen itself later.

The hood was a nightmare, part of the upper section being scratchbuilt.

 

 

[RogerDuke]

Great to have you back. Even better: You have a new project for us to watch unfold. It's going to be a fun spring! 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Thanks for the kind words!

Got to splice the chopped door posts from the classic body onto the Super's convertible body.  Always better to cut and graft too much, then cut it down to size.  Then a bit of grinding and sanding to blend it all in.

 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Now the interior.  The Classic's side panels seemed best, except I liked some of the details on the Revel Cabriolet better.  Solution: graft the details onto the better panels.

The Classic's seat bottoms are terrific, but the Revell Cabriolet's seat backs are the closest to the real thing out of the 3 kit choices.  Again, graft them together.

 

[RogerDuke]

HazzardNet's Cooter is busy in the garage working his magic again. Thanks for sharing Andrew.

[Hobie Hartkins]

Andrew! Great to see you! I like that! It looks like it's coming along really good. Please keep us up on it and let us see it when it's all finished! I can't believe I didn't see this sooner! Well any way,  it's good to see your work and  good to see you! Don't be a stranger!!   

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Kindest thanks, great to see y'all!  As I said, had a LOT going on.  And, thanks as always for the kind words!

Noticed that more of the back end had to be totally redone.  Fenders are totally curved, as the tail lights are not embedded in the structure.  So, they have to be totally altered.  Also the panel below the engine door, has to be totally flat and not contoured. 

 

[RogerDuke]

I'm always amazed at how much attention you pay to the details....but that's why you are so good! 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

On to the wheels.  I had a choice of 4 different sets of Beetle tires, all of varying widths.  I thought the closest to what I see on the TV show was the ones from the Revell Cabriolet Beetle.  The outer wheel hubs came from a most generous overseas donor (thanks Les!).  However, they needed some work to fit the selected tires.  As for the inner wheel hubs, they needed their center holes enlarged to fit the suspension I used. 

 

 

 

[RogerDuke]

Keep up the good work. And we'll keep enjoying watching your progress! 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Kindest thanks my friend!

What an unbelievable battle with the body of this little beastie!  I thought it would be so simple; get a beetle and chop the top off as per the TV show.  Ha!! 

Finally just about have it straightened out with the myriad of alterations.  Then to add the (presumably) canvas cover over the area behind the back seat.  Used 0.015" strip for the edging, then 0.005" sheet for the rest. 

Then, following photos of the actual thing, mark where the bolts/snaps/whatever they used are located, drill holes with a #74 drill bit, insert .020" rod, trim and sand to shape.  More primer, and now I'm finally starting to feel relieved!

[Hobie Hartkins]

Lookin' great Andrew!!

[RogerDuke]

Looking good Andrew. Wanted to give you a heart but I'm out of reactions. 

[Andrew D Charger Chaser]

Here's the next problem:  The Aoshima Super Beetle has the super-modern dashboard and steering wheel, while both the Revell kits had the older, classic style dash and larger wheel.  Which to use?  I sorted through all the footage I could from all six episodes it appears in, and almost no clues....except a couple views like the one below.  Definitely the classic dashboard.  Looks to be the large wheel, I'm mostly certain.  Had to widen the classic dashboard to fit the wider Super Beetle, though.