You little Beau-ty!
Some budget builds can feel a little uninspiring simply out of necessity, but this is an exception to just about all the rules going. And we love it.
Beau works here at Just Kampers, as does his dad, Chet. Chet is well known in the scene and has built his own highly regarded cars, always with a distinctive edge. So, Beau has had great exposure to out-of-the-box thinking and the belief that you can achieve a vision with hard work and determination.
Beau had been looking for a project, but not just any project. He wanted something that stood out and had the bones to be something that really represented him. At 20, he was full of drive and enthusiasm and had about as much limited experience as he did cash!
He had been looking to get his teeth into something and was spurred on by his dad’s offer of help and guidance; the only thing remaining was the right car.
Chet spotted the ad on Facebook Marketplace in June ‘24. Roof chopped and unapologetic in a bright turquoise, he knew it would be just what Beau was after. It turned out that the person selling was a friend of Chet’s. Some things, it seems, are just meant to be.
About Beau's New Beetle
Year: 1967.
Engine: 1600cc Twin port, dual 40 Dellortos, lightened flywheel.
Body: Fibreglass flip front doors, rear wings, valance and decklid. Slanted roof chop.
Paint: Candy gold over silver metal flake paint job in two-tone.
Why this car? How did it come about?
I’ve always loved hot rods and classics and wanted to become a part of the scene. So, when an already chopped 60’s gasser-style project came to light in my price range, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity.
Where do you get your vision/ideas?
My vision and ideas are pretty instinctive and can be split-second. I have endless ideas running through my head all the time!
However, it is supported and guided by my father’s ability to just invent ways to make it possible. Whatever the idea, he has a way of finding the answers to make it happen.
I guess it means that I have the belief that I can create what I have in my head rather than settle.
You’ve been learning as you go. What are you most proud of (on the car and of having achieved)?
I’m most proud of the paint job. I went into it headfirst with not a lot of homework. After a bit of a rough start and some trial and error, I quickly came to really enjoy it.
What was your biggest mistake / made you swear the most?!
The biggest mistake on the car is the roof chop – but I’m not to blame for that!
Yeah, there have been ‘difficult’ times. Tensions grew, particularly during painting and adjusting spring plates. But we tried to use anything like that as a teachable moment. So good going really.
We love it, but it is a Marmite car. What do you think/hope people will think about it?
I want to believe everyone will like my car, as I do. I know that there is always going to be controversy and people thinking they would have done things differently.
I know it’s not going to be for everyone, but I love this car and wouldn’t change anything. I wanted to create something I was proud of, and for me, that’s all that matters.
It’s a properly honest, built, not bought project. What advice would you give anyone else considering doing their own?
It takes time, and a lot of patience! Sometimes you just want to throw things, or contemplate selling, or simply get frustrated having to wait for the next paycheck, but it’s all part of the process. And as frustrating as it can be it’s all worthwhile, so just keep going!
You’ve had a lot of support from your dad, and it’s taught you both some lessons! How’s it been working with the old man, and what has it meant to you to have his help?
My dad has been the source of support and guidance on this build. I’m sure that he’d agree it’s been stressful at times. Trying to find solutions to problems and learn together along the way. But it has been an awesome, shared experience, and will be a great memory for both of us in the future.
What are your plans for it? (Shows, daily life, etc)
My plans are to do it all! Hopefully, most of the big VW shows, including Airmighty, EBI and BugJam. But also, late night Maccies runs, through to local cool weekender static car meets.
I just want to enjoy it.
What will you do with all that spare time when you’ve finished (think we know the answer – drive it!) but will you do another project in the future and if so, is there already an itch you want to scratch?
For now, I just want to get it finished and enjoy the car. (We’ve still got to fit a wiring loom and get it running.) But… there’s definitely more to come.
Go on, give us the tech spec details…
Engine: 1600cc, dual 40 Dellortos, lightened flywheel
Body: Fibreglass flip front doors, rear wings, valance and decklid. Slanted roof chop.
Paint: Candy gold over silver metal flake paint job in two-tone
This has been a proper budget, paycheck-to-paycheck build. You’ve learned to cut, grind, weld, fabricate, paint, and assemble and you aren’t finished yet! What have you enjoyed most? What do you love the most about the car?
The part of the build that I’ve enjoyed the most, so far, was the paint. We’ve been painting in a lock-up (not that much bigger than a standard garage) with very basic equipment. Neither me or my dad had any experience; we had to learn and fix mistakes early on, so to only have minor blemishes has been a surprise. It’s the thing I’m most proud of.
And do you have a name yet?
(Beau grins, offering up a look becoming of his 21 years and says…)
“Shrapnel”
(and that, for us, says everything you need to know, both about the car and the owner!)
Words: Carolyn Kirvan-Cranfield Responses: Beau Barrow Pictures: Nick Proctor
