Have you noticed that these VW "projects" are always cars that are bought with the purpose of being a car for your son or daughter? And you wind up with them? "I bought this car for my son or daughter (you get to fill in the blank) but they wouldn't drive it because it was ugly, or doesn't have air conditioning, or they didn't want to change gears." Or you hear, "Dad! This car is soooo not cool! I can't drive this!"

Now I ask you, what is wrong with the youth of America? A beetle that is not cool? That is almost as Un-American as the wrestling match on Pay Per View that I just watched on SummerSlam!

Seems as if that is how most VW stories start. I bought this car for one of my kids, or I bought this car from a friend who had bought the car for his kid. Doesn't matter who or why they bought it. They have sold it. You bought it. You have definitely gotten the prize. Tough noogies for the kid!

This is the case of the 1968 Type One Sedan "Projekt Blu" owned by Jim Heitzman. He bought the car from a friend who purchased it for his daughter. The initial idea was just to paint it - end of story. Fortunately for Jim, the girl didn't like the little gem. Thought it was ugly and the poor little car sat outside for 2 years, gallantly braving the elements. Sound familiar? He made her an offer she couldn't refuse, and BINGO! Another project was born.

These cars seem to be destined for a life on a trailer. This one is no exception. Jim took it home and applied fresh oil, a new battery, points, condenser, plugs and wires and she ran like a champ. (Maybe I should try this?) As always, these cars are a work in progress and whatever didn't look decent or was badly worn has been replaced. He has done major cosmetics to the motor compartment. Nothing high performance, this one is all stock.

The guys are always looking at the "outside package," and saving the "inner beauty" til last. Jim says he will be working on the addition of a new headliner and seat restoration soon. And of course, the sound has gotta be just right. You cannot "cruise" if it doesn't sound good. The sound system is a Pioneer CD head unit with a Jenson passive EQ. The front kick panels have 5 1/2 in Pioneer speakers with a rear twin subwoofer box pushed by a 300 watt Arthur Fulmer Mosfet 3 channel amp. (Why do I want to bark like Tim Allen on "Tool Time"?) These boys and their toys!

All the bells and whistles! What ever happened to the old fashioned 8 track?