I recently picked up another Beetle to add to the stable; this time, a
beautiful '65. Here's the plan: I want to make it into a great German
Looker. Here are the questions:

1) what is the largest tire/wheel combo that I
can run without rubbing the fenders? I can
get the front beam narrowed, no problem.
The entire car will be lowered 2" all around.

2) are there kit-car manufacturers that make
full-size tube-frame chassis for their cars?
I was thinking of dropping the 65's body on
to a tube-frame, for strength and updated
equipment (4-wheel disc brakes, stainless
plumbing, IRS, etc)

3) What would be involved in adding an actual
automatic trans to a Beetle engine? Not the
auto-stick fiasco but a full automatic. I want
to surprise a friend of mine who lost the use
of his left leg; he is still a huge Beetle fan,
though. AND, would the auto trans be able
to handle engine HP of around 130-150?

4) What is the best soundproofing material
available now? I'm in the process of putting
a stealth stereo system together in my '66
and I want to block out as much engine and
road noise as possible. Also, how about
wiring?

5) I would like to hide the door hinges so the
side profile would be really clean. Has any-
one done this to their Beetles or if not, how
difficult would this be to accomplsh?

6) About Type IV engines. I know that Raby's
is the pace to go for the engine and trans-
axle; they are all about the Type IVs! Can
anyone recommend a shop that can install
the engine and trans? Also, what about
Scat's Split-Port heads? Would those be
recommended for the Type IV? Also,
Extrude Hone? Would this help as well?

7) I would REALLY like to have air conditioning
and decent heating systems in my Beetles.
I haven't heard good things about Barney's
and I.C.E., the two places that offer those
systems. Does anyone have any ideas
or recommendations about how to get these
systems into a Beetle, and be happy with
them?

8) I am kicking around the idea of having a
center console that goes all the way to the
back seat, and up even with the parcel
tray. Something that would look like one
piece, padded and upholstered in material
to match the rest of the interior. The
problem is that my building/mechanical
skills are lacking severly. Does anyone
have any suggestions on where I could
go and have this done? Possibly even
have a center armrest come out in the back
with the console around it.

9) Last question, for now!!! About the Type IV
again. Can you use electronic fuel injection
with a Type IV engine, like what is offered by
CB Performance? I just want to have a
very strong, very powerful, efficient engine
for my Beetle.

That's it, everybody. Let me thank you all in advance for your help and
direction. Like I've said before and I'll continue to say, Beetle
people are the best people.

PS What happened to Car Custom, the shop?
How about Chris Addington, the guy who
pretty much specialized in custom Ghias,
and built the one Ghia, Rodbuster, with the
billet aluminum frame? Price tag: $300K

OK, now that's it! Thanks again and I hope you all have great
Thankgivings and holiday seasons.