VW Beetle modified in 70's California Look styleCommon modifications
The Beetle is popular with customizers throughout the world not only because it's cheap and easy to work on, but because its iconic looks can be personalised and the flat four motor is so tunable. Its very ubiquity make even subtle changes noticeable; everybody knows what a Beetle is supposed to look like.
Exterior
There are many popular Beetle styles, from a 'Cal Looker' to a Volksrods. They vary between themselves but are very similar in many ways. Also the California Look has changed during the 30+ years of its lifespan. The most typical (and traditional) way to customise the exterior is to change the wheels and lower the suspension of the car. The favorite wheels are period-style EMPI 5- or 8-spokes, Speedwell BRMs, or Porsche factory rims like Fuchs from a classic 911. One of the original California Look modifications is to replace or remove the bumpers and trim, either to give a cleaner look or to reduce the curb weight; if bumpers are removed, pushbars are common. The stock bumpers are usually chromed or polished, sometimes painted or powdercoated. There are many clubs dedicated to 'Cal Look' including the DKP in the USA which was one of the first clubs dedicated to true 'Cal Look' cars. Today, the DKP still exists and the club is on their 3rd generation. There are also currently many big 'Cal Look' VW clubs based in Europe including the DAS (Das Autobahn Scrapers) in Belgium, the DFL (Der Fieser Luftkühlers) in Germany and the JG54 Grünherz (Greenhearts) in the UK.
Also, body kits are available, which are often derived from the styling of the Porsche 911. This is the only car designed before World War II to have a bodykit commercially available, though Beetles with them shouldn't be considered Cal lookers.
Resto Cal
Resto Cal look Volkswagens are air cooled vehicles that, aside from a lowered stance, appear as restored stockers.
For 'Resto Cal' look, a roof rack and similar accessories can be added. There are many other aftermarket parts that can be added to the Beetle, including wing mirrors, chrome wipers, stone guards, fender skirts mud flaps and badges. Rear light and front indicator lenses can also be changed. This is as far as a Cal Look or 'Resto Cal' car will go. Some resto cal look cars often veer towards lowriders, because of the stance and the number of period accessories on the vehicle. There is a large tendency toward the Resto Cal look, as these cars can be fairly easily returned to a 'stock' unmodified status. Enthusiast sites such as www.bugme.co.uk show what sort of modifications are often done to create or restore a Resto Cal Beetle.
Other Volkswagens
The Cal look aesthetic has been imported onto other Volkswagens, such as the Type 2 and Karmann Ghia to name but two. The same modifications are used, with the same end result. Some argue that this shows the versatility of the style, though some say it shows how formulaic cal look has become. In a scene that's based on creating a unique car, it would be ironic that the end result is the same. Hence some Volkswagen enthusiasts are branching out into turning Beetles (and other Volkswagens) into leadsleds, lowriders and Volksrods. Others are turning to later water cooled vehicles and the import scene, with the Volkswagen Caddy having a cult following. Others have exported cal look onto non Volkswagens
Non Volkswagens
Cal Look has also been exported to non Volkswagen vehicles, such as the Hillman Imp, Fiat 500, Porsche 356, early Porsche 911, its VW based sisters and even the BMW 2002. These cars have the same modifications as their Volkswagen counterparts and are seen as alternatives to the Beetle, either due to cost or the desire to be different.
External Links:
A guide to Cal look VW's
Cal & Resto
Bugland (In German)
Der Kliener Panzers
