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Patina Bug at SEMA

Attendees at the Nov. 1-4 SEMA Show were greeted by Mid America Motorworks’ Patina Bug Project. The crew from Mid America Motorworks worked to finish the final projects after Funfest for Air-Cooled VW and prepared the Patina Bug for its trip to Las Vegas.

 

The Patina Bug showcased an interior upgrade from PERFORMANCE CHOICE, Mid America Motorworks’ manufacturing division. From installing a new headliner, new seat foam and seat covers to replacing door panels and carpeting, the PERFORMANCE CHOICE team breathed new life into the interior of the Patina Bug, giving it personality and rounding out the project.

 

Other highlights from the upgrade include replacing the axle beam, a new 1641cc engine, front and rear disc brakes, new running boards, new interior, roof rack and new weather stripping. The completed Beetle is now a company vehicle and will be used as a test subject for new and existing products.

 

“Many people are familiar with our Bling Bug. The Patina Bug is at the other end of the spectrum. Whether enthusiasts want a show car or a daily driver, we’re happy to help them enjoy the hobby,” said Mike Yager, founder and Chief Cheerleader of Mid America Motorworks.

 

The Patina Bug is now a permanent vehicle in the Mid America Motorworks stable. You're likely to see it tooling around the corporate campus and possibly even at Funfest for Air-Cooled VW 2012 scheduled for June 1st through 3rd!
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Reinstalling Windows

Once the Headliner was installed, we needed to put the windows back in.

 

Reinstalling the Windows:

  • First, we slid the Seal onto the window. It's not as easy as it sounds! A Complete Window Seal Kit will do the whole Bug.
  • Then we installed the chord of a Window Installation Tool into the groove of the seal, making sure to overlap the chord at the bottom of the seal.
  • After putting the window into the opening, we “tapped” the glass back into place. It's a good idea to have help from a couple friends or co-workers.
  • Then we simply pulled the Window Installation Tool's chord out of the groove.
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Installing Headliner

With the Sound Deadener in place, we were ready to install the new Headliner.

 

Installing the Headliner:

  • First, we installed the pillar Headliner by inserting the Pinchwelt into the groove on the door pillar post.
  • Following this, we pushed the Pinchwelt into the channel.
  • After the Pinchwelt was secured, from the backside, we used a mallet to tap the tabs against the welt to hold the Headliner firmly in place.
  • We began stretching the one-piece Headliner from front to back and held it in place using Pinchwelt cut into 2” to 4” strips.
  • Then we applied glue around the windows and toward the bottom sections of the Headliner. The top section “floats” without glue.
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