1969 VW Squareback
I’m a Pickle!
Restoration Highlights
“The Pickleback”
Project Lead: Radman
This 1969 Squareback was picked up for $400 in 2018.
She is called “The Pickleback” due to the owner’s love of Pickle Rick.
Where we are now…
This is The Pickleback on the home stretch...
Transmission and Subframe Swap
Beginning as an automatic, we cut the tunnel from a donor car and welded it in. A new subframe was also required.
Brand New 2276 Engine
New Autolinea bubble top case
AA 94mm stroker pistons/cylinders
CB 044 heads with 42x37.5 valves and double springs
Scat C95 cam with lightweight window lifters
Gauges
We added three gauges: Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, and a Voltmeter. They are mounted in a stereo head unit bracket from a 1971 Squareback. It had to be flipped upside down to make it fit.
Custom Audio System
The head unit is in the glovebox with a subwoofer under the driver’s seat and a 4-channel amplifier under the passenger seat. The crossover networks for the main drivers were rebuilt using upgraded parts.
Rust Repair
We replaced sheet metal wherever there was rust and bathed everything in POR-15.
Custom Paint
The entire car was painted gloss black and then several coats of a semi-transparent deep red were applied.
New Wiring Loom
This was difficult as the schematic did not match the loom.
Custom Lighting
LED’s were installed in the rear fenders and under the dash. While they can be any color, we are sticking with red.
Diesel Heater
With the larger 2276 engine and exhaust, the stock heater boxes will no longer work. The heater was installed under the rear seat with the fuel tank in the frunk.
Hella Horns
Dual Hella horns at 350hz and 400hz
Kilmat NVH Abatement
(harshness, vibration, and noise)
A copious amount of Kilmat was applied.
Mohair Headliner
This is going to look so nice!
80% Complete
This project is 80% complete. Check out the build thread with hundreds of photos on The Samba via the link below.