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APRIL 2003 - Volkswagen of the Month |
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Harold & Janice's
1973 Beetle Convertible
- By Bill C.
Harold’s wife, Janice, has always wanted a bug convertible. This goes way back to at least the ‘70s when they were still selling them at VW dealerships. Since the Williams are transplanted Alabamans, they travel there frequently. So, in 1979, Janice found a brand NEW one at a dealer in Decatur, AL. Somehow, they missed sealing the deal. But the desire and the search never stopped.
Dateline 1997: 28 years later, Harold retires from his fulltime job. He also comes across a mildly wrecked ’73 convertible, offered for sale by the owner in Southaven. It had front-end damage, but not serious; just the hood, bumper and other minor dings. Since Harold had VW experience working at a local repair shop (I think he said "Bugs & Buggies") he knew their search would soon be over. They didn’t miss THIS deal.
It took about a year for Harold’s team of "Me, Myself & I" to complete the list of needed repairs. After undoing the wreck, it took a set of new floor pans, a paint job, new interior and an engine rebuild; all done by Harold.
Harold & Janice have been enjoying their weekend cruiser, bug convertible for 5 years since. Of course, that includes lots of driving around with the top down. And their granddaughter, Taylor, loves the bug too. She fills in as Harold’s copilot at all the Christmas parades. If you see Harold’s bug in a parade, Taylor will be with him.
Now, Harold will admit that his ‘vert is not top show quality. But he helps out the charity of choice by entering anyway; a man after our own heart.
So what else does he do to enjoy his retirement? Well, he runs his own business in the summers, for one. They enjoy camping... in a 29 foot 5th wheel trailer (oh the pain!). They also own about 10 acres in Alabama, since they still have lots of family there. Also, he has been cleaning up downed trees after a tornado came through last year. Glad he was not camping there! Whoa! Sweet home Alabama! Might have had an "open topped" 5th wheel to match!
I’m truly glad that their dream finally came true. Gives us all hope. So, maybe someday, we will own the VW of OUR dreams. ............ oh, excuse me. Was just thinking about something... a rag top oval! Woo Hoo!