I first got into Volkswagens after going to the theater to see a Herbie movie. I've owned over 20 VW's since my first. I buy, sell, and trade alot, I enjoy fixing them up. I'd only sell any of mine if I had another project in mind to replace it with, which I've found lots of lately. I am by no means an expert or mechanic, I'm always learning though. I have rescued several from the junkyard and ones awaiting the crusher. Makes me feel good to bring one back that someone else believes is beyond restoration. I HATE seeing people chop up a perfectly good VW just to make another better or just to sell parts, unless the donor is beyond repair or badly wrecked. I've seen too many restorable VW's chopped up, especially buses. Alot of them good restorable cars lost to someone just wanting to make a dollar. You can buy repair panels for most any VW. They don't make these cars anymore, every one that is chopped up means one less in the world that can't be restored. I've seen several roadworthy VW's chopped up and put on the samba just for $$$, some 16 year old kid somewhere would have loved to have but will probably have to endure driving a honduh instead. I drive for a living so I need a reliable economical car, thus my 66 staying stock. Delivering is great money, but the wear and tear is alot more than I like. Occasionally I deliver to other VW owners, and sometimes discover treasures hidden in peoples back yards. Another bad thing about driving (besides the risks of wrecks and wear and tear) is seeing so many people that have 2 and 3 car garages that they either fill up with junk or brand new SUV's. Personally I think they should have classic cars in at least one (VW or otherwise). Its nice to see pristine show quality cars, but I'd rather have one that I can enjoy. Driving your VW every day can inspire others to want one. Nobody else gets to enjoy looking at it if you keep it in your garage all the time. I get more compliments in my 66 within a weeks time than I ever have driving any late model car. I do enjoy seeing other classic cars on the road. Used to be only air cooled VW drivers would wave at you, nowadays more and more people driving 60's or older cars of any make will at least acknowledge you whether it be waving at you or just nodding. You can get a nicely restored classic of most any make for LOTS cheaper than most new cars nowadays. The classic car will hold its value more and gain you far more attention not to mention it'll outlast most of them. I'm also helping my ex restore a 58 DeSoto. Check it out.