Used original bonnets cost about $500 (not easily available but they show up), plus crating and shipping which can be a lot, then restoration, paint, hinges, etc. I guess the all-in could be a few thousand $.

That is a beautiful car and would be a blast to drive!!!

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A discerning opinion. If you like it and can afford it, but it. We're all dead a very long time.

That is what I would do. If you have storage space, get an original one, paint to match and store it. When it comes time to sell the car you will have it as well as the fiberglass one, bonus hood!!!

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Odds are it is a 1275
Lots of the time a machine shop will take the engine tag off. it is just pop riveted on. usually they give it back to the customer to put on.
On the side of the block if it does not have 2 lifter tappets covers it is a 1275.
According to the pictures it has 1 1/4" carbs which came on the 1275 and 1098 engines.
It also has the 1275 alternator. and disc. brakes which is good.
In the picture it has washer nozzles on the cowl and by the radiator the round reservoir is for the washer fluid. looks like you need washer hoses and a push button.
You won't find a decent steel front for $500 unless you are really lucky.
I have a fiberglass front end on mine. I kept the original steel bonnet to go with the car if I ever sell it. I have had several people that have wanted to buy it.
The 5 point seat belts are a pain to use. But you need good belts because the seats do not have the support to keep you from sliding around. I have the cam locks belts easy to use.
The car has the latter style windshield which is good. Does it have the convertible top and bows?
I'm pretty tired right now. Did a Porsche rally in the Sierras today in the old 911.
Wife commented on how the roads are perfect Midget and Bug Eye.
It looks like a fun driver.

Buying one wouldn't help me remember the good times & deceased buddy and I had in his then new 1960 Bugeye...the memories are still fresh. To tell the truth, driving one in today's traffic would scare me spitless.

There are lots of country roads around here that would be very fun in that car. Of course, I wouldn't get it out on the interstate, but this car would shine on the back roads!!!

Makes me wanna take a back road, makes me wanna take the long way home,
put a little gravel in my travel...

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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713664846.jpg


If you want a few and some spares. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713665010.jpg

I'm in the middle of an engine rebuild.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1148301-but-ma-followed-me-home.html

The 948 engines have 950 cast on the block and I think the 1275 have a riveted plate.

I got the cam in but I forgot to install the oil slinger so I have to take the timing chain cover off and install it.

Its a fun car to work on so far.

I’ve been reading your thread!

Yes, it has the top and bows.

If you want a bugeye, this sounds perfect.

Idle is going to be the carbs I bet. May have worn shafts or other air leak. Could even just be a sticky something or a choke malfunction.

This is a 4 wheel motorcycle. A never practical solution to transportation. But, a source of many smiles per hour.

I would leave the plastic hood alone which, to me, makes it more of a driver and less of a caretaker car. If you start fussing with changing the hood, then this and that, it will suck all the fun out of ownership.

I've never been a fan of lowballing and even doubled the asking price of a pair of cars I bought because the seller didn't know what he had. But on something like this, I would negotiate a little mostly because it is purely a toy.

Wayuhl, I found a rolling Bugeye shell for cheap. No drivetrain, stripped, condition like it’s been sitting in a field for a long time, basket case, total restoration project for someone. Or a parts car though I suspect there’s not much left to pick that doesn’t itself need restoration. BUT it has the original metal bonnet . . .

Got pics. Bonnet looks usable. Doors too, not that I need them. Rest of the shell . . . not so much. I guess someone could cut off bits of body panel, but they could buy patch panels from Moss Motors too.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736646.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736672.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736702.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736739.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736762.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1713736793.jpg

Bonnet look usable?

latunabernie, I sent you a PM question

Tried to answer you.
Message not going through.
Send me your phone # privately and I will get back to you.

Bernie

Bernie, done!

I would forget about the metal bonnet. Seems like you’re worrying about selling the car already when you haven’t even bought it. Run it the way you want, and sell it when you’re done with it. if you are worried, it’s not worth what the guy is asking, tell him honestly and walk if it bugs you. No pun intended.

Bought the car. But it’s starting to rain so it won’t be driven to my shop until Monday. Shopping for a helmet.