Abi
Part of things
Posts: 76
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A few Pictures of mine... will give you something to look at and what repairs we have had to do... I bough the car almost 12 years ago but has been sat for the last 6-7 years New Floor, Heater Channels, Front inner wings, new front beam, repair to the roof gutter, front apron section, Door Post / Hinge Pillar, rear quater... think it took about 65-70hours of welding in total to get it starting to look solid I have tons more photos of what we have done so far... The car is still a way off being back on the road... Wiring, engine, interior, paint and stuff My advice would be if you don't think it needs much work... your wrong ... But i do love the little car.. and i can't wait to get it back on the road
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Last Edit: Jan 9, 2008 13:47:27 GMT by Abi
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tofufi
South West
Posts: 1,457
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I can't miss the chance to post on a beetle thread I've owned mine since I was 16, and it is a hoot to drive. Mine is stupidly lowered, and goes round corners like it is on rails. However, the lowered suspension means the ride quality is not exactly great. You can now buy dropped spindles to lower the car a couple of inches without changing the ride quality. However, better quality parts are more money than curse word ones. As said before, the main reason aircooled VWs have a reputation is the lack of servicing due to the owners. Serviced every 3k miles, they will just keep going. I've had my beetle break down twice in 2 years - once a wire came off the ignition switch, and the (500 mile old) points gap opened itself on me for the second breakdown. Both were fixed by the roadside with no hassle. Just look out for bodges and signs of lazy owners. Keep them well maintained and they will easily be as reliable as anything else 1980s or older. In terms of rot, check the heater channels (sills), the front axle / struts (std beetle/1302+3) and the floors. Parts are available cheaply, but the more you pay, the better quality the parts will be. Mine will be coming up for a lot of welding soon, because the previous owners (all 15 of them probably) spent money on big engines, lowering, wheels etc rather than sorting the rust problems it had, which have now grown. Personally, I enjoy the VW forums, which are not full of txt speak despite someone above me suggesting they would be I tend to avoid the "chat" areas and stick to the tech, readers rides and for sale areas.
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tofufi
South West
Posts: 1,457
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Just to add, beetles really are at home in towns, rather than motorways. At higher speeds, the steering can get a bit vague if empty at the front, and they are slow, rattly and noisy. Round town all this is much more easily forgiven than on long journeys at HGV speeds. Especially as Beetles are dwarfed by most cars, let alone lorries.
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Thanks for all the input guys. It certainly makes good reading for a prospective beetle buyer!
I had noticed that later "superbeetles" with the modern style dash and fatter bonnet go for much less than the earlier beetles with the smaller rear lights. TBH I wouldnt mind any model aslong as its nice and solid, they all look good to me. If the scene turns it nose up at certain models of beetle it means more of a bargain for everyone else.
Bodgery is my main fear. Any car that has a "scene" and commands a fairly high price is bound to be bodged by someone after a quick earner.
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Last Edit: Jan 9, 2008 17:43:14 GMT by Lankytim
1987 Maestro 1.6 HL perkins diesel conversion 1986 Audi 100 Avant 1800cc on LPG 1979 Allegro Series 2 special 4 door 1500cc with vynil roof. IN BITS. HERITAGE ISSUES.
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Spot on that bodging is your (second) worst enemy (after rust!) Have a look at some brochures and get a car that matches the brochure the best! The number of Beetles that have lost vital air sealing parts in the engine bay, bits of the heating system, airfilters that work..... Have a look here: www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/type1_2.php but it's an American site and Beetles changed for the US market quite a bit from the late 60s. There are a few European brochures though. Join a local club if you can. There'll be a few there who can help you look at a car and they might know of cars for sale locally.
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