Hi, New Owner of a '73 Love Bug in N Florida

[rkbn]

Hello everyone,

I am Rob, I wanted to introduce myself and share that yesterday on my birthday I was fortunate enough to find a 1973 Love Bug camper for $900 locally. Despite already having a fiberglass motorcycle pop-up camper, I couldn't resist. I spent most of last night on this forum reading everything I could about others experiences. I was certainly inspired by the great work I saw, particularly two body off restorations.

It is going to need some clean up but all in all it is in workable shape. I look forward to speaking with some of you and having the opportunity to learn from all of you. I will no doubt have questions, haha, the first of which is how difficult was it for those of you who lifted it, to lift it? Ground clearance at present is not quite high enough for where I hope to go. I haven't crawled underneath yet to see if the axle is welded or bolted.

Other questions include best way to clean up the exterior and what paint will stick to the interior fiberglass walls. It looks as if most of the ensolite was removed at some point.

I have included a few photos and will no doubt be back soon with questions once I have a chance to get everything cleaned out of it. Thanks in advance for all the insight and thank you for welcoming me into your community.

Best,
Rob

[Mitzi Agnew-Giles]

What a cutie! I am not handy at all, but I enjoy looking at the pix of those who are.

[David B.]

Great find Rob, and welcome to the FGRV forum family. There are numberous postings about what to use on the interior walls and about the axle (how to check it out, how long they last, and how to replace and what your options are).
Good luck, take before and after pictures, and ask questions.
Happy Trails
Dave & Paula

[TomMarti]

Hey! I'm in the middle of semi-restoring a 1973 Love Bug also... Good place to share info and what we learn on this site. Yours looks a lot like mine interior when I started... that is, significant "improvements" by previous owner needs some attention... Anyway, good luck, and I'll watch to see what you are up to. Tom from Maine

[k0wtz]

rob glad you are here and nice to meet you. glad you got the trailer and saved it it sounds like you are capable of doing the work!

some of you guys are so blessed in working on these trailers there are 3 or 4 great rebuilders here with great imagination who can help you.

good luck to you


bob

[k0wtz]

last fall at our trout fishing park a guy rolled in on his can-am tugging a good sized camper!

we stood amazed

bob

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome, Rob! Great birthday present! Hope your share your work as you go.

Tom, nice Love Bug, and I love the old Suburban!