Learn me on Type 1 Beetles.

[trackjunkie21]

So I've sold my e30 and I really want another project car. A guy local to me has a 1973 beetle in an off white color. It's been daily driven on nice days and kept in a garage all year round. I know the aftermarket is pretty damn large for these things, but I'm looking for some tips and what to look for when I go check it out on Monday. Thanks!

[oliver.r]

I fyou want something that will have a decent resale buy a 67 or older
the body style of the 73 was mad in mexico until like 2002 and they look kinda blah

[Andy.B]

68 and later are often referred to as 'fat chicks'. Purists hate them, while 99.9% of the world couldn't tell the difference.

[Andy.B]

If you want to have fun, look into the type 4 engine conversion, or a Subaru engine conversion. Both are extremely well documented.

[Andy.B]

Since it is a large metal, check the body metal, inside and out, around and underneath the crescent vents behind the rear side windows. The panels were filled with open cell foam that rusts from the inside out.

[Andy.B]

After that, check the floor pans and heater channels (the equivalent of rocker panels) for rust. Beyond that, issues are pretty easy and cheap to repair. I have had a few beetles, and daily drove a 73 super for a few years, until rust sidelined the car.

[Andy.B]

Check out thesamba.com forum if you haven't already.
Avoid Chinese/Brazilian parts and get German or nos whenever possible, and have fun!
I would love to get another bug someday, but for now my bus and e30 eat up all of my car funds.

[trackjunkie21]

I fyou want something that will have a decent resale buy a 67 or older
the body style of the 73 was mad in mexico until like 2002 and they look kinda blah

Yeah I've noticed the "pre facelift" cars are more desireable, only reason I'm interested in this one is the cleanliness of it. Also noticed that the super beetles come with IRS and mcpherson struts up front, a big plus for me.

68 and later are often referred to as 'fat chicks'. Purists hate them, while 99.9% of the world couldn't tell the difference.

If you want to have fun, look into the type 4 engine conversion, or a Subaru engine conversion. Both are extremely well documented.

Since it is a large metal, check the body metal, inside and out, around and underneath the crescent vents behind the rear side windows. The panels were filled with open cell foam that rusts from the inside out.

After that, check the floor pans and heater channels (the equivalent of rocker panels) for rust. Beyond that, issues are pretty easy and cheap to repair. I have had a few beetles, and daily drove a 73 super for a few years, until rust sidelined the car.

Check out thesamba.com forum if you haven't already.
Avoid Chinese/Brazilian parts and get German or nos whenever possible, and have fun!
I would love to get another bug someday, but for now my bus and e30 eat up all of my car funds.

Thanks so much! I've googled the type 4 conversion and it sounds perfect, The amount of engine upgrades for these cars is unreal, and the prices are dirt cheap!!!

[Andy.B]

All later beetles have IRS. It's actually fairly similar to the e30 design (except it uses lateral torsion bars and not coil springs).

Also, if you are going type 4, I strongly recommend the 76+ l-jetronic fuel injection over carbs. Not much love in the vw works (they love their webers), but it is a simple system that works great, and can be had for cheap.

And seriously, avoid the cheap parts. I have had rubber pieces, gaskets, trim, etc, dry rot and split within a year, and metal pieces rust through in less time. It is always better to find now or usable OE rather than Chinese repro.

[E30_Pare]

early bugs are much more sought after. Large metal flares and just a better look overall.

[Andy.B]

And the absolute first upgrade make would be disc brakes in the front, and quality shoes in the back. I could easily lock all 4 wheels my bug with upgraded brakes. The stock brakes are inadequate if any performance upgrades are made.

[Andy.B]

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. I love my e30, but aircooled VW's are my original passion.

[Andy.B]

Are you looking at a super beetle? 73 supers had the curved windshield, which help make them look a bit more modern if you do the 'German look' route.

[Andy.B]

Inspiration: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213366

[trackjunkie21]

And seriously, avoid the cheap parts. I have had rubber pieces, gaskets, trim, etc, dry rot and split within a year, and metal pieces rust through in less time. It is always better to find now or usable OE rather than Chinese repro.

No cheap parts for me, The quality ones aren't even that expensive to begin with.

early bugs are much more sought after. Large metal flares and just a better look overall.

From what I've read, the larger metal flares are transferable.

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. I love my e30, but aircooled VW's are my original passion.

Inspiration: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213366

DROOOOOL!!!!!!