Getting my first car back on the road again. Resurrecting a classic air-cooled VW Beetle project.

Jonny finally sets about repairing his air-cooled Volkswagen first car to drive again. It had been sitting dormant since 2004 until April 2020, when Jonny made a video about firing up and running his 1967 VW Beetle 1500. In this sentimental episode proudly supported by Haynes, he and his brother Greg (who restores pre-war cars) spent almost a week going through and removing, rebuilding or replacing whatever parts were required in order to make it reliable and roadworthy again. He underestimated the time it would take take complete all the jobs, but the ending is worth it. Do you still have your first car? Tell us in the comments.

Being 1967 it is MoT and tax exempt, but Jonny wanted to ensure he didn't cut any corners on the essential stuff. A full resto is on the cards for KYC 675D in the future, but in the meantime it can hit the road for 2021 and be enjoyed for the first time by his wife and kids. Please note that before using it on the road Jonny also replaced all four tyres with new Continentals (155 front, 195 rear).

Follow Haynes via:
Instagram: @fixyourcarwithhaynes
Twitter: @haynesmanuals

Huge thanks to:

Thanks also to EBC Brakes for supplying the discs, pads and rebuilding the calipers.

In this episode Jonny and his bro Greg do the following jobs:
Replace flexi and hard brake lines
New brake shoes, wheel cylinders and clean rear drum brakes
New master cylinder, new discs and pads
Rebuilt calipers
New handbrake cables
New CV boots
New gearbox oil
Rebuilt fuel pump
New fuel lines
New exhaust
New HT leads, distributor cap and rotor arm
New fan belt
New track rods
Clean and protect fuel tank.

******

******
******
Thank you for watching The Late Brake Show. If you haven't already, SUBSCRIBE for a broad-church of automotive appreciation spanning EV, classic, modified and future tech.

******

****************
Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro

#aircooledvolkswagen #classicbeetle #projectcar #thelatebrakeshow

Getting my classic Volkswagen first car repaired and back on the road

[jwvandegronden]

I will be the next in line to mention the pleasure it is to watch you both together working on cars. Your brother, as you have found out over the decades obviously, is a keeper! quietly explaining all the bits and bobs he encounters from the comforting mastery he acquired over the years, and you yourself actually knowing and doing stuff on the car but most of all your willingness to display your vulnerability as a human being, is what makes you and your channel such a gem to watch. Got me all teary eyed at the end there!

One "negative" comment: to me it felt your brother earned a massive shout out at the end, so let me add that here: A shout out to Greg! Absolute bonus to the channel, especially for the brotherly love from which he accompanied you on this adventure... "I'm the stronger one yeah?!" "is that why you're shaking?" LOL thanks mate!

[MiniEggs]

I don’t know what your brother was worried about being on camera. He comes across as natural and genuine 👍

[LboroWick]

Jonny’s brother Greg is like the British Car Wizard.

[jimbuilds]

Your brother is natural on camera, we all need a Greg!

[TheImprobableIronman]

Another fantastic video Jonny. The absolute perfect mix of spannering, facts and general car talk. Your brother is a real natural on camera - please can we have more of this type of content.

[davidkelsey]

We drove a VW Khombi around Europe many years ago, and as we travelled south from Alicante in Spain the rear axle splines sheared off leaving us with no drive. So to get the dreaded rear wheel nut off the hub it took a large Dutch mechanic standing on an extended lever to undo watching you and your brother bring your baby back to life.

[ebbs]

Could we get a video tour of Greg's garage and some of the pre-war stuff he works on that would be amazing!

[nickbaker]

Please can we just have a channel of Greg narrating his methodical rebuilding of brakes accompanied by gentle birdsong? Deeply soothing!

[francescofalcone]

Greg is the Ed China of the Late Brake Show. More Greg is needed.

[ConquerDriving]

Your brother is good on camera, I'm sure he could make his own videos fixing old cars.

[genzigzag]

Good Ole Haynes service books! Does anyone else remember reading their copy with greasy hands and reading instructions, following the pictures and trying to get whatever repair service being attempted... ah life before the internet and YouTube😄

[borisk]

You two brothers could make a great resto show series. Excellent job!

[getthebrewsin]

A repurposed Rose’s tin, an old Dyson and a woolly pulley clad brother siping a brew. Wonderfully British 👍🏻

[deeplato]

Jonny *LUCKY* *BLOKE* to have *Greg* *Bro* to tinker together. Great segment!

[garysmith]

Perfect Sunday afternoon viewing, I’ve appreciated your videos so much Jonny through out this past year

[rp]

This AND Harrys Jag, are you joking!? Best evening ever!

[alastairwatson]

Thanks for allowing us to be part of this, Jonny. It was a privilege to be able to watch you two.

[cawfeedawg]

ugh god this channel is like coming home after a decade at sea.

[robertrishel]

It always feels so good to throw a bunch of fresh bits and TLC at a car you love! And EVERYTHING takes longer than you expected, every time👍😂.
I love working on our cars with my oldest son, he always helps temper the inevitable frustration!

[jonathanbeale]

Great work. More of you and your brother working on cars please.