They are amazing cars....for what they are. I used to be way into them, super easy to work on, used to be a cheap hobby like mopeds, but as they move more into the true antique category the price has steadily climbed, I can't believe what they are asking for even the rattiest examples. The biggest enemy is rust. Most mechanical parts are readily avail. I would go out west to "dry" winter free states were I to buy another. You can upgrade the tires and brakes and suspension and have an "almost" modern car, just remember it will not have modern climate control, stock system if rust has not killed is often bypassed, there was a gasoline fired heater as an option, if you have one of these, make DAMN sure either you understand it or have it checked out by someone who does, as it is a potential bomb if in bad shape, and they mounted them right next to the gas tank for some reason. Also remember even with seat belts they are not as safe as a modern car. Not a good daily unless you live somewhere with no winter, but an awesome fun hobby car! Enjoy and post pics of what you get! Oh avoid the weird semi-auto trans that some of them came with. Standard bug vs. Super beetle as well, as the super has a more complicated McPhereson strut front suspension, and handles odd when parts wear out. On the standards make sure the axle beam and floor pan connection is un-rusted. Fuel line connections are absolutely critical from pump to carb, no screw type, use the kind that are destroyed every time you take them off, as others will vibe loose, gas will spray on hot engine and you are now a rolling roman candle, (ask me how I know). Always run with all engine cooling tins in place, as well as the gasket between the body work and engine tins, for optimal cooling and engine life, unless of course you built a Baja! :) That's what I can remember off the top of my head, many others on here have/have had them, so I'm sure they will chime in.
Re: Thinking about Air Cooled VWs... who’s got em?
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