Thanks. I miss every VW I couldn't hold onto. Those wheels were on my first one, a black 1958 convertible.
I traded them just this year for the diesel Dasher.
I think a kid should start with a floorpan and transaxle, and as they finish it think about the motation and body style they want.
A salvagable fiberglass dune buggy rebuilt for the street might be a good start. Not a lot of doors and weather seals and upholstery to deal with.
Old
vs new.