Who would have guessed that a government project that aimed to provide Germans with a "people's car" would result into one of the most recognized cars in the world? The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the Bug, is a cult car that has been featured in TV shows and movies, including the TV series "Transformers" and Disney's "Herbie: Fully Loaded." Equipped with well-built VW parts and a one-of-a-kind bodyline, the Beetle continues to attract fans from around the globe.

Because of its status as a cult car, the Beetle is a favorite restoration project among fans and aficionados. If you have a classic Bug you want to restore to its former glory, the following are some tips to make the DIY project easier. To start off, assess your VW Beetle to determine the level of restoration needed. A restoration project can be as simple as replacing rusty or busted VW parts and VW accessories. However, if the engine is completely busted and won't work even if some of its VW auto parts are replaced, you would have to buy a whole new engine.

Now there are four basic things you need to deal with when restoring a Beetle-the frame, engine, interior, and exterior. Examine the frame by getting under it and see if it can still be salvaged, or if it needs to be replaced. For the engine, examine basic VW parts such as the gaskets and filters. Gaskets, over time, will lose its ability to fill-in the gaps between engine VW auto parts. So if you're restoring a Bug, get replacement gaskets that match the car's specs for a snug fit. As for the filters, they should be regularly replaced to make sure they sift out dirt, dust, and other particles. Once the engine is fixed, move on to the interior and see if the seats need to be reupholstered, or if you need to get new VW accessories. Fix or replace busted parts, and make sure you stick to OE parts to maintain your car's original "feel." When it comes to the exterior, buff out scratches with automotive sand paper, prime the surface, and apply fresh coats of paint. Once you've restored your Beetle, take it for a spin and show off your brand-new looking ride.