Bond Bug Check list.
As is the case with the purchase of any car,
checks should be undertaken both with the car and the paperwork. The aim of this
page is to set out a check list for potential Bond Bug owners. It was designed
to be used in conjunction with the Buying
a Bug page.
Obviously with any classic car unless its been fully restored, there is going to be areas where work is going to be needed and this will reflect in the price.
Joining the Bug club will give you the opportunity to check out Bugs for sale and also has area Reps with local knowledge and running tips.
The Bug is an easy car to restore, spares are fairly easy to obtain and there great fun to drive and own. So if your interested in Purchasing one, why not print out the page and go out Bug hunting.
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AREA OF CAR |
CHECKED |
COMMENTS |
|
Bugs are prone to damage in certain areas so those listed should be checked. |
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|
BODYWORK: |
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| Check for damage around Rear wheel arches (accident damage etc) | ||
| Check for damage around front end. (as above) | ||
| Check the skirt around bottom of body. | ||
| Check canopy hinge area for bulging. (due to rusting within the glass fibre) | ||
| Check Body lines. | ||
|
Canopy |
||
| Check canopy shut line to body. (Canopy's Vary according to the mould used ) | ||
| Check canopy hinge area for bulging (Reasons as per Body) | ||
| Check for damage to windscreen pillars (they can crack with stress) | ||
| Check the canopy support strut works and holds up roof. | ||
| Check gutter line for damage (should have a plastic chrome trim) | ||
|
Paintwork |
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| Star cracking is very common on Bugs so needs to be looked out for. | ||
| Check for paint cracking in stressed areas- e.g. around filler/on canopy. | ||
|
Chassis |
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|
Due to weight constraints the Bug Chassis is very thin and after 30 odd years has probably been repaired. Check the Following for rust and Repairs. |
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| Chassis rails and the tubing. | ||
| Front A frame mounting area. | ||
| The trailing arm mounts | ||
| The steering box mounts (should have 3 bolts) | ||
|
Suspension |
||
| Check Shock Absorbers | ||
| Check Trailing arms and Bushes | ||
| Make sure anti roll bar is fitted | ||
|
ELECTRICS: Check |
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| Condition of wiring Loom | ||
| Condition of battery | ||
| Switches | ||
| Gauges | ||
| Fuse Box | ||
|
WHEELS & TYRE's |
||
| General condition of tyres | ||
| Damage to rims/wheels | ||
|
ENGINE |
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| Check for Oil leaks around sump, front end, head etc. | ||
| Check for water leaks (pump and radiator) and check water level /quality. | ||
| Remove dip stick to check oil level and condition. | ||
| Check Smoke emissions especially when revved from a cold start. | ||
| Check engine noise (big end /small end/ Tappets Etc) | ||
| Check Temp Gauge (Although these can read high) | ||
| Ask owner how the engine runs-Does it over heat? | ||
|
Side Screens |
||
| These can be expensive so should be checked for the Following- | ||
| Opaque plastic | ||
| Check the hinges | ||
| Splits in the vinyl | ||
|
Test drive the Bug |
||
| On the road check... | ||
| Check for gearbox noise. Do all the gears work. (Bugs have no synch in 1st) | ||
| Check the brakes work | ||
| Does the exhaust billow smoke when driven | ||
| Paperwork | ||
| Check the numbers on the V5 match the car? | ||
| Check theV5 relates to the car, i.e. color, reg.? | ||
| Is the TAX disc the correct one for the vehicle? Tax Exempt? | ||
| Check the chassis plates? It should be in passenger foot well | ||
| Does the same key open Canopy /Boot and Ignition ? | ||
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