Bobby's Debut

[kate_the_valkyrie]

So here's Bobby! Just want to say hello and introduce bobby and I. I picked him up in Phoenix Arizona from a VW Dealer on March 2nd, and I've been happy ever since! I searched for my new beetle for the last 3 months and I found him! Well, I like to think he found me, but either way... It's been true love ever since. I'm a younger girl, I'm not a total tool when it comes to vehicles, but I was wondering what everyone started off with moding when they first got their car. Considering I'm no mechanic and my funds are limited, is there anything I can give a personal touch to for now until I get a little more serious? Any ideas are helpful!! And thanks for stopping to say hello!



Some New Pics! As Promised

[kate_the_valkyrie]

I guess I forgot to give his specs.
2003 GLS Turbo 1.8L, 17' VW Rims, Low-Profile tires. Custom red/black leather interior.
Everything else is pretty standard... CD Player, Power everything, Moon roof, Heated side mirrors/seats.

So any new beetle owner info and all is appreciated!

[callisto9]

nice find! a lot of people like to start with window tint, painting some interior pieces or something cool in their bud vase.

me, i started with the tow hook cover, grab handle wraps and some eyelids. i haven't done too many mods, but if you took a look at the member gallery, you can get some great ideas.

again, welcome!

[HeatherBug]

Hey Kate and Bobby!! Very nice!

[BUGSTUFF]

A relatively rare red Color Concept...those are my favorite wheels.

Nice find!!!

[kate_the_valkyrie]

Yes thank you! I couldn't be more happy. I still have 20k miles on the powertrain too!~ The only bad thing about being a new VW owner in my town, closest VW certified repairs are over 2 hours away either in Phoenix AZ or Las Vegas... If anyone feels like explaining a bit of details about warranty work maybe... The only thing I've found wrong with bobby so far possibly is a slight ticking that you hear in accordance with the idle while in drive. After he's been running for a while, it's almost like the headers are hitting a bit too noisily or something... But this is my first VW so I don't want to take chances, although I don't want to spend the time and money for a 2+ hour drive to find it's nothing!

[DannyRandomState]

Another red turbo I love it!

And color concept to boot! That is a sweet Buggy!

[dnyed]

Congratulations for that beautiful New Beetle Color Concept!

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by kate_the_valkyrie

Yes thank you! I couldn't be more happy. I still have 20k miles on the powertrain too!~ The only bad thing about being a new VW owner in my town, closest VW certified repairs are over 2 hours away either in Phoenix AZ or Las Vegas... If anyone feels like explaining a bit of details about warranty work maybe... The only thing I've found wrong with bobby so far possibly is a slight ticking that you hear in accordance with the idle while in drive. After he's been running for a while, it's almost like the headers are hitting a bit too noisily or something... But this is my first VW so I don't want to take chances, although I don't want to spend the time and money for a 2+ hour drive to find it's nothing!

WOW Nice CC!!!!! I love the red seat inserts!
As for the 1.8T, it is kinda noisy with the injectors clicking away, and all 20 valves moving. At idle, mine certainly sounds mechanical. If it's REALLY loud, you may want to change out the oil and put it the recommended weight. Most oil change places really don't know the first thing about these cars.

[dnyed]

Appparently they knew about mine. My last oil change cost me $90!!



(this is not to say that will cost you the same..... )

[Jenne]

What a cutie!

I got a great deal on the Tardis, so I'm spending a bit more on some cosmetic and safety mods: new headlight lenses for safety, chrome headlight trim for looks, a new shift boot, and maybe some chrome trim for the interior. Then I'm going to wait to see what she wants. I will eventually do a lot of painting in the interior, which is showing her age (9).

We're also extremely lucky because the previous owner found a mechanic who has been working on VWs since the 1950s. You might have a hidden treasure like that in your town.

[LadybugEwa]

I want your seats so bad! Bobby looks great and my favorite color too
Modding-wise, I've installed a new shift knob and boot, exhaust and bigger wheels.
My Ladybug already had a p-flo air intake, tint and a spoiler when I bought her.
But here's what the best 'mod' that isn't a mod was for me:

The whole process of claybarring doesn't take more than an hour.
I got disbelief (albeit from a Ford owner) when I told him how old my car is.
REALLY worth the bother

[Lnzbug]

Hi and welcome! Bobby is awesome! I love red CC's Your best bet for mods would be to surf thru the photo section here and see what you like. You night want to put eyelids on, or you might want to paint the grill surround black. There are tons of mods and the combo you choose will make him more yours and not someone elses. Another thing that's easy to do is clear coeners. Look at your indicater lens' & look at mine.

[scarabY2k]

Welcome Kate to the family. And Hello to you Bobby. By any chance is his last name McGee...Sorry, couldn't resist. He's a nice beetle though. Enjoy him for years to come. Don't be a stranger and please post plenty of pics.

[Beetlemania]

Welcome aboard, and thanks for posting the pics! The red Color Concept is quite a find. I don't think we have too many of them on here! Glad to have you aboard!

[kate_the_valkyrie]

I honestly didn't even know Bobby was a 'Color Concept' until joining NB.org.. Thanks for all the compliments. Everyone's been really helpful.

The oil change I'll definitely try for the ticking noises, although checking it through the dipstick, looks like the oil's brand new, but who knows..

I detailed Bobby for 3 hours yesterday... I am still on the hunt for some affordable oil cleaner/detailer that I prefer due to the arizona heat in my town gets up to 120 degrees, no joke!!! Very hott for that special leather interior...

As soon as I can I'll get some more pics up and running.

Promise!!!

[kate_the_valkyrie]

[99Turbo]

Beautiful car Kate.
As far as yours goes I was one of those that was really impressed with the Red one from Northern Cali that is in the classifieds. I believe yours is every bit as nice looking.


Here some stuff for you to check out in the service area:

This appears to be one guy (as in 1 employee) who has been working on foreign cars since 1989. Lake Havasu Foreign Car Service - Lake Havasu City, Arizona (AZ) | Company Profile

These guys seem to specialize in air cooled stuff, however there is a real good chance they can point you in the right direction for water cooled repairs. 2185 West Acoma Blvd, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. 86403 Lake Havasu Foreign Car Service - Lake Havasu City, Arizona (AZ) | Company Profile

These guys look like they are also into foreign cars in a big way. roadrunnerautoservice.com

Seems that Aviation Drive is some kind of Mecca for Foreign Car shops.

Personally I have found it is useful to go visit shops while everything is working and I don't need their services. There is a whole lot less stress than if your car comes in on a hook to someplace you are totally unfamiliar with.

Edit-I remember what I wanted to say, there is a post, maybe in the clssifieds for someone making custom color inserts for the steering wheel. A Red logo instead of the Blue stock one would really complete the interior.

[Gus'Dad]

Bobby is awesome. Love the wheels.

I noticed Bobby is a Transformer fan. Have you seen this?

[99Turbo]

Here is the link to the steering wheel emblems.

VW Emblem Vinyl Color Inserts for Steering Wheel. by tonyabug on Etsy