Ali T

Hi all just browsin the web and came across this site, i'm coming up2 18 in a few months and contemplating buying a classic vw beetle to lightly trick up, i'm a virgin to the world of classic beetles though so could any1 possibly drop me some hints in regards to what model, what to look for when buying one etc. Cheerz for any gen.

fode

hi there welcome to the v.dub scene as a newbie to the scene i'd buy a 70's bug easy to come by cheap and easier to get parts for until you get into the scene its impossible to know what type you like buy volksworld mag or vw trends have a browse

Doug Rodrigues

Just be aware that '68 through '71 VW had soft crankcases. The head studs would pull loose from the crank cases and cause the cylinder heads to pop under compression. The only fix was to disassemble the engine and install case inserts...basically a bigger anchor for the head studs. Now 30 plus years later, perhaps that problem with those old engines have all been corrected. However if you hear a pop pop pop....almost like a muffler leak sound during acceleration, it's still possible to come across an old engine that never had the fix done to it.

BoatCop

Some good reading to find out everything you about the Classic VW:

"How to keep your Volkswagen Alive" By John Muir
Interesting and humorous reading by one of the earliest VW enthusiasts. Some of his findings and techniques are dated and we've learned alot since then, but it will give you the basics, and knowledge to keep the Bug running in almost any situation.

Various catalogs:
Rocky Mountain Motorworks/Real Source
California Pacific/JBugs
California Import Parts
Wolfsburg West

Most of the above send out their catalog free, or give the catalog cost as a credit on the first order. Looking through these will give you an idea of what's available in replacement parts and how much they cost, so you can get an idea of what it would take to bring an ugly Bug back to being a thing of beauty.

Welcome to the addiction.

__________________
Alan
BoatCop