aircooledVW's topics - tribe.net

bus needs loving home

pete — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:56:30 GMT

I have a '74 westy in need of a loving owner. my days of Vw travel have come to an end for now and I can't let this wonderful vehicle sit any longer. It has: rbuilt AVP 1800c engine with a weber progressive carb, new brakes, new tires, recently replaced stock muffler, good shocks, new tie rods, recently new clutch disc and diaphram, surf board rack, solid body. needs work. reasonible price to loving driver. Located in Matunuck, RI

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

additional oil sumps

Esteban — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:22:41 GMT

I am in the process of completing a top rebuild on my 1600 DP for my 71 bus. I have also added a 3.5 oil sump to allow for more oil to hopefully stay in the crankcase when I'm winding down the freeway or pulling a hill. Has anyone added an oil sump to their air cooled engine and noticed a change in oil temperature?
Esteban

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

Transmission

bhaktiyogi — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:04:41 GMT

Am in the market for a rebuilt transmission and am starting to research who are the industry standards to buy from. Anyone have any input?

posted in aircooledVW - 6 replies

I need an engine

Andy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:29:35 GMT

So it's official, the engine in my 77' VW Bus is officially over, and i dont know what to do! The mechanic wants 3600 to rebuild it, about 3550 to put a new one in. I need help, there must be a cheaper way to do this! I can drop the engine myself and install and new one if anyone knows where i can get a reliable rebuilt/ new engine!? HELP!!! :)

-Andy

posted in aircooledVW - 8 replies

70 Bus wont start unless I dump gas in the top of carb?

Hanzi — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:59:58 GMT

My buss wont start unless i pour gas in the top of the carb. Once iI do that it starts right up and everything is gravy. If I turn it off and let it set more than like 5 hours I have to do the dump trick. Whats up with this? Anyone know what the deal is?

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Selling my 77 Westy in Vancouver BC

rin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:42:38 GMT

I hate to admit it, but I just don't have time for my bus anymore, so she needs to go to a new home.

Right now she needs a new battery and a couple hours of a tune-up and she'll run just fine. She's never had a rebuild, so it's definitely on the horizon, but somebody who wants to sink $1000 into her will have a kickass bus for $2200, and what more could you ask for than that? She's fully camperized with a poptop and foldout bed, detachable table, icebox, and a coleman heater (although I've never used it, I'm scared of gas!). She does have some rust damage in the usual spots like windows and door locks, but the frame and doglegs are sound. Compression was better than 110 all around last time I tested her.

I lived in this bus for a year, took her all over BC and the west coast down to California and back. I always did my own maintenance, and below is a list of work that I've done on her. But these days I'm running my own business and just don't have the time to give her the love she deserves, and living in the city I don't really need a car. She's been parked for a couple of years and had some tinkering, but the time has come for me to let her go. I'd like her to go to someone who will take care of her and appreciate how great she is. I have all the manuals and quite a few extra parts (including the kids' cot for the front seats, and a spare windsheild just in case).

Interested? Send me a message.

Here's a list of the work I've done on her:

--new clutch
--new fuel tank
--new airflow meter and fuel injectors
--new fuel pump
--replaced electronic ignition with stock system
--new distributor
--standard maintenance like fuel lines, fuel ring in injection system, plug wires, etc.

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Cleaning a fuel tank

jenndances — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:26:33 GMT

What I've already done:

Washed it out with Simple Green and a garden hose - got all kinds of black crud. Of course, it flash rusted while drying.

Here's what I'm planning:

a couple handfuls of clean gravel mixed with phosphate to knock out the rest of the junk, followed by a rinse with denatured alcohol, then coating with a fuel tank liner.

Sound okay?

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Reviving a '69 Beetle

jenndances — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:17:47 GMT

Hi all, I need some advice on reviving a '69 Beetle that been sitting for about 2 or 3 years ::cringe:: none of the fluids were drained. What do I need to know about trying to bring this baby back to life?

Thanks!

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

Can you build me an electrical harness?

Angela — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 01:50:25 GMT

I am in need of a new electrical wiring harness for my '77 campmobile. Arleen has been having much trouble with her wipers, headlights, and nearly all things electrical. The more I dig, the more I find that her wiring has been spliced like crazy. I am the 3rd caregiver for her and I would love to get her back in working order as soon as possible. Can you help???

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

1982 Aircooled Westfalia for sale

Katie — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:04:35 GMT

We are leaving the country and very sadly must part with our beloved Westy. The van is a champ, runs great, just passed SMOG, and has quite a bit of pep on the freeways. Everything works great and the Van is rearing to hit the open road this Summer!

This van is a gem and we are looking for a good home.

Here is more info:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/625762479.html

Happy travels,

Katie

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

jody black bug - seatbelt 74 super beetle

chandeliershiner — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:54:20 GMT

Hey yall,

She's still going....drive her almost everyday. So glad I kept her and did not set her on fire as I seriously considered 2 years ago. I am looking for the receiving end of the passenger side 3 point seat belt... I just replaced the whole seat belt system (entire thing) on drivers side (and I installed it myself I might add!)...then the passenger buckle broke. Everywhere I look they only sell the whole seat belt kit. Its $80.. I dont really care so much about the passenger seat...seldom even have someone riding shotgun. Anyone got a 74 Super beetle Parts car??
Jody

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

battery light comes on intermittently...

manicshamanic — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:01:57 GMT

hi everyone~

can anyone help me with this...

i have a 78 vw westy with a 2 liter fuel injected engine. so the challenge.... the battery light seems to come on dimly and mind you only intermittently... usually only noticable during dark nights... and also is fairly noticable when i put on the turning signals. the battery light will flash with the signal light but this is the weird part... the battery warning light flashes on when the signal light is in the off cycle ( hope that makes sense ). ive thought about a voltage regulator and worse the alternator... and worse yet... short some where in the wiring.

should also note that i just recently drove south putting about a 1000 miles with only one glitch.... once it just suddenly stalled on the road. i pulled off the highway and she started up again with no problem. and another side note... i meticulously rebuilt the engine... and mechanically its very sound... also replaced one bad injector, electric fuel pump, coil, distributor, points, rotor, cables, also replace the air flow meter box, and some more stuff i cant think of jus now... but i really dont know much about fuel injections or automobile wiring.

thanks for any advise. and if anyone know someone who is real good with electrical on fuel injected vw buses and is also very reasonable id much appreciate getting their contact info as well.

thanks a bunch...

best...
bless...
bliss...

~1iL

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

considering an electric motor on my VW

mattr — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:20:00 GMT

I have a square-back that I'm considering making into an electric car or hybrid. I know that there are electric motor kits for bugs, but I'm wondering if they would work on a slightly heavier car. Does anyone have any experience with this type of conversion? Is it possible to get a kit that would allow the car to travel at highway speed? Can anyone give me some advise?

Thanks,
Matt

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Generator Trouble??? Need help!

michelle — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:48:24 GMT

1971 VW Bus with generator light on. replaced it 2 times now and still have problem?? any help out there??

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Whole Steering Dampener or just the bushing?

Novysan — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:38:43 GMT

Is there anyway to tell when you need to replace the whole dampener or just the bushing it goes through? I can see space around mine, and the shimmies are getting a little worse.

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

1977 Bus Transmission

Andy — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:49:20 GMT

Hey my tranny is on the verge of death :( , and a local mechanic told me to start looking for a used or rebuilt one. Any idea's on where i can look? Good websites or anything? I'm willing to have one shipped from out of state if i need to. THANKS

-Andy

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

VW restoration in LA?

AimTrue — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:36:34 GMT

Hi,

I have a '72 VW Beetle that's been in storage for a couple years. I don't have the heart to sell it, and now I'm thinking of having it restored.
Its in half-way decent shape but I don't have the know-how to do it myself. Can anyone here recommend a shop in Los Angeles that could restore my bug? Also, if anyone out there has taken their car to a shop to be restored, do you have any pointers on what to ask for/ look for in choosing a shop? I'd be grateful for any pointers you can give. Thanks!

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

Where to buy an engine?

MorganLance — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:40:04 GMT

Hey Ya'll :-) I need to put a new 1600cc dual port basically stock engine in my 71 bus (it's debatable whether I really need a brand new engine, but let's ignore that for now).

So, what are your thoughts on:

1. Brand new new.......vs "newly rebuilt"?
2. for the brand new engines......any particular ones to avoid?
3. where to purchase? Which on-line shops are the best?

peace :-)
~morgan

posted in aircooledVW - 9 replies

points vs electronic ignition

Esteban — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:50:46 GMT

I currently drive a 71 vw bus with a 34PICT3 carburetor. My current distributor is a double vacuum advance Bosch rebuilt with points. I have seen some advertisements on the web advertising electronic ignition replacement for the double vacuum advance distributor. I'm just curious as to what other tribe members thoughts are on this change: points or electronic ignition.

Sincerely, snevedaddy@surewest.net

posted in aircooledVW - 9 replies

If you like cars and BM

fun-key_productions — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:38:19 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/burningraceway?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B371a9f14-be2f-4611-ac9e-fa924cd914b4%5D

called
burning raceway
check it out

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

69 square back for sale

christopher — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:23:35 GMT

this is a fixer no body dents some crome rust and bad rubber. but it ran when i parked it 10 years ago im the second owner on it. my grandma bought it off the lot brand new. still got the original owners manual to prove it, need to get rid of it

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Coal filter in a 77' bus

Andy — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:28:22 GMT

Hey my charcoal or coal filter is not connected in my bus, and it so my bus smells like gas fumes after I've been done running it. I know that's what the filter is suppose to take care of, and then i think once you start your car, it sends the fumes back into your engine for combustion...? Right? If that's correct, then i assume it helps fuel economy as well as the environment, so Is it easy to reconnect this filter? If so what types of tubes or piping, or what would i need to buy to get it back running. THANKS

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Stock Carb question

Novysan — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 18:08:56 GMT

Ok, on the stock 34 Solex, and only because I've never heard anyone just say it simply, does the little adjusment screw adjust the air to fuel ratio, and then the big adjustment screw measures how much of THAT mixture goes through? Or is it the other way around? My GF's 72 is running a little hot, and I'm trying to figure out if she's running lean. This is a NEW carb.

posted in aircooledVW - 16 replies

"The pump rod IS adjustable."

Novysan — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:53:58 GMT

Hey, Jim, I started a new thread for this. Can you explain a little more about this? I also have a bit of hesitation in the low end. It's a new carb, new vacuum advance, new long block. If I romp the pedal fast to the floor it almost stalls. Makes starting from a stop sign on a hill nearly impossible without using the park break.

I notice my pump nozzle isn't making a nice "fan" like shape as it squirts either. Sounds like I'm not atomizing correctly then.

But what is gained by adjusting the pump rod? Does it give a bigger burst of gas?

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

What you drive?

themeatloaf — Sat, 17 Jan 2004 15:52:31 GMT

I drive a 73 Super Beetle, It was my grandmothers. Plus the 1st car I drove.

posted in aircooledVW - 42 replies

1969 chop top

scott — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 03:56:47 GMT

i need help with my baby. she needs someone to tell me what to do or how to do it . she needs body work well thats an under statement , she needs a lot of work if you are a helping sole you will contact me i just know it

prost

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Sorry for spamming...but I need to offload these.

Min — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 19:21:46 GMT

Pair of Kadron carbs for aircooled dubs!

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/307716212.html

posted in aircooledVW - 4 replies

Help me in the Haight so I'm not stuck in SF forever!

Bear — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 22:38:34 GMT

Hi! I'm stuck on Fulton (and 10th) at the moment, and I don't know where to begin at getting my bus running again. I've got very limited money, as I'm a travelling organic gardener.

If you have more knowledge than me, and you are in the Bay area, come help me!!! :) And its fuel injected (bleck).

Seriously though, I hope someone can help. Orange/White '76 with roofrack on Fulton. It idles well right at first, then cuts out and dies. I can drive it, but it cuts out and compression starts while driving, and I don't think I should. Replaced the fuel filter, but no love there. Someone maybe got the tools and knowhow to check my ignition points with me?

Call me (and Yoshimi) (425) 971-9320

Peace and dirt,
LightBear

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

1977 Volkwagen Bus backfires

Andy — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:31:09 GMT

Hey I just bought this bus about a month ago, and i've put a lot of work into restoring it, but my new problem is my bus backfires a lot. I just installed a new muffler with 2 duel chrome exhaust tips, but i don't recall having a backfiring problem with my old muffler. Also when i fill the tank up with gas the car tends to smell like gasoline throughout the cabin of the bus for about 20 miles o driving or so then goes away. Any ideas on how to fix these issues? One more thing, i drove the car through the canyon yesterday, and when i stoped i opened the engine bay in back and it was smoking a little bit, I'm not sure if it was overheated or what? Thanks

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Installing a system in a Bus

Andy — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:31:35 GMT

Hey another question here.. I'm going to be installing a car audio system with atleast 6 speakers and two subwoofers.. . So i'm going to need a lot of power to do this. Is it possible to connect two car batters together and run them both off the alternator on the car? If so how could i connect the two batteries together. Sorry if these questions are dumb, I'm just so terrible with any electrical or engine work. Thanks :)

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

CHECK OUT THE SITE

Ben — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 14:30:23 GMT

HI GUYS CHECK OUT THE SITE AND GIVE ME SOME INPUT STILL WORKING ON IT HAVE A GREAT DAY BEN ROOT

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

My pulley is such a snug fit on my gen I cant slip her on w/ the key. HELP.

Christ — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:33:54 GMT

Any ideas on how to get my pulley on my gen with the key. I know they all fit. The problem is the pulley is tight on my get. How can I make this a smoother fit? Should I head the pulley? Sand both? It fits on, I just have to tap it with a hammer to get it on without the key in. I am going to slip it on right now and spin it with the fan and see if I can wear them both down just enough. Please help. I just can do this I just need tricks.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Black bug dissapoints

chandeliershiner — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:35:20 GMT

So....I had her washed today, all ready to pick up my Dad from the airport tomorrow afternoon. His last trip got cancelled because he got pneumonia. So I have kept quite about my vw purchase anticipating the surprised look, when I scoop him off the curb at LAX.

So this is how its been goin..... A couple times the bug does not start so well in the last couple weeks, after I have been driving her for a long time....On occasion it is difficult to start....she turns, but she will not fire quickly. Whatever, if I talked nice to her and concentrated really hard she would turn over and fire eventually and it did not happen too often so I kinda forgave it. But tonight, I turned the key off and the red generator light stayed lit. I remember reading anything to do with those 2 lights is BAD, and to stop and deal with the situation right away. I got the John Muir book out of the backseat and it said that it was infact very bad for the red light on the gen side to stay lit when the car was shut off. It said I needed to un hook the B+ regulator thing because the alternator was trying to start the motor (sort of, or something like this) I seriously did not know what to do.....so I started it again and drove to the darn mechanics place. Of course they are closed, at it was 7:30 at night, but thought it would be good to get it there, so they could deal with it tomorrow, since apparently my regulator was shot (said the book). The generator light went out when I drove, but goes back on and stays on when I shut the car off and pull the keys out of the ignition. So....after fumbling around in the engine compartment, I think I figured out where the B+ voltage wire that the book talked about and disconnected it (It actually said B+ above the generator/alternator thing, just above the small wheel with the belt) and then I wrestled out that back seat lid and disconnected the positive REd battery cable. I did this in the dark, with a dude on my phone, I know in Alabama that used to have a Volkswagen when we were kids. THank god I had a pair of pliers, a screwdriver in there and a flashlight. The red gen. light was still on, by the time the taxi got there 40 min. later and I left. I'm so bummed. I did what I believe the book said to do....You have absolutely no idea, how frustrating that is to try and figure out what parts are what, when you have not a freaking clue, nor light to see it!! A huge bummer that it happened right before my Dad comes into town. Also, Murphys Law that I was coming from Fedex to pick up new chrome strips for the exterior, that I had ordered a couple days before. I ordered the kit from the internet and was gonna have my Dad help me put them on.
Do you understand what happened? Can you break it down so I can understand what happened? How much $? Did I do the right thing disconnecting that stuff? Why would the red light stay on even after, I disconnected the battery and the B+ wire thing above the small wheel with the belt on it? I dont have the book in front of me, so Im sure I sound like an idiot in my descriptions. Bare with me.
Bummed, Jody

posted in aircooledVW - 27 replies

Colour choices?

Min — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 18:47:37 GMT

I'm still working on my '67 beetle project(one smallll step at a time) and I'm thinking of changing the colour scheme.

My original idea had been to make it J<a href="http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/293400.jpg">ohn Deer Blitz Black</a>- a satin finish industrial coating. That's satin, as in a mild shine but not like a gloss shine. I figured that the satin would make waxing easier, and because Portland uses small gravel to break down snow in the winter I'd not have to worry about chipping my paint so much. Add that to an Anthracite grey interior(anthracite=coal) and engine accent.

Now I'm thinking <a href="http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/307854.jpg">anthracite body colour</a>, semi-gloss or gloss, with a matching interior accented with silver, not chrome, and <a href="http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/1387279.jpg">silver engine accents</a>.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

mad max learning curve

Dennis — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 05:41:00 GMT

well, as a haphazard type of mechanically inspired individual, i chose to put a different exhaust onto my 1600cc motor. tthis as it turned out required removing the case mounted oil filter adapter to allow for the exhaust clearances. easy enough, and i have had a billet oil pump cover i wanted to put on for a while now. great timing....i did the the work and with new exhaust headers on and shiny cover gleaming, i trotted off to work. well the gasket gave way before i made it to work and i lost most of the engine oil before i could stop. after a emergency roadside repair(thanks empi for providing the cardboard via product packaging) i made it to work and around town for my job. happily blatting my exhaust and not leaking oil in a very shiny manner. well as it turns out, my oil pump is not stock and requires the exact routing through the very adapter i removed. otherwise my oil literally hit a billet wall. since the oil pump cover was made for use on a STOCK pump, i had literally starved my own engine. being a low mile recent rebuild, i was very lucky. take it from me, research what you are doing to your engine before you fly off the handle in a weekend of upgrading excitement. hopefully like me you will get away with a aday of blissfully ignorant cruising and a late night realizing how close you came to blowing engine number 3. I want to thank my bro' jason for guiding and enlightening me through this near miss. keep it in the low 10's brother! pray i make it to the las vegas bug inn....

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

Looking for a Fixer-upper

kip — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:02:42 GMT

Looking for a VW around $200 to fix up and run in the 24hours of LeMons (www.24hoursoflemons.com )this summer. squareback, bug, thing... whatever

this is a good chance to get rid of that extra car that's clogging up your driveway

thanks everybody!

K

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

For Sale: 73 Squareback, $500

Thu, 11 May 2006 19:05:37 GMT

body is straight.
clear title
Lowered hardcore (not slammed)

**Recently**

Synch
fluids
trany gasket
Ball joint
fuel enrichment
and some other stuff.

_________________

***what is wrong with her:***

Um, carb links are kinda jimmy riged
A couple vacumme lines are missing
doors don't lock
needs a new generator
crack in the windsheild
passenger window is off the track

_________=___________=)))))))))))))

Ok, so here is the guts to the thing.

I am willing to take:

1. an early 4 door rabbit
2. VW truck
3. Breadbox (bus)
4. Vespa
5. Keeping my options open

If you want to buy it straight up, it's $500

Thanks ya'll

posted in aircooledVW - 4 replies

1981 Vanagon for sale - Ventura, CA

peaceandlove — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 20:22:42 GMT

Does not run, drove it to Vegas now it wont start, don't know whats wrong with it, please make offer, It's located in Ventura, Ca. Please contact me a kayagirl@sbcglobal.net

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

What's the point?

Novysan — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:03:35 GMT

Of having a rear bumper, if the damn SUV's are so tall, they just squash your motor, without even touching the bumper?!?! Yup, guess what happened last night. My beloved little war pony is at the Autohaus, possibly to get a new engine. I hope that's all that's wrong.

posted in aircooledVW - 5 replies

converting My VW toclean energy, seeking advice...???

karakay — Sun, 28 May 2006 20:31:28 GMT

I am determined to convert my 67 Bug to a clean alternative energy!! I've seen a bus running on biodiesel,,, I want to reasearch other options as well,,does anyone have any advice or direction to point me in???

posted in aircooledVW - 4 replies

North Bay Mechanic

huck — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 06:30:57 GMT

I replaced the clutch on my dirtbag 914/4. It has a 1.8l VW engine in it.
Now it won't start & fuel injection is pure voodoo to me.

I give up.

Help.

posted in aircooledVW - 5 replies

On the road

FeralKid — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:32:38 GMT

I set out from NH a few days ago on my way cross country (on my way to BRC) with my new auxiliary cooler installed. The bus is running SO much cooler now. I'm very happy with the way things are going (knock on wood). Thanks for everyone that contributed information and support.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

High volume oil pump and aux cooler

FeralKid — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 03:47:15 GMT

I'm installing an auxiliary cooler in my bus. I bought a high volume oil pump to handle the extra capacity. I got most of the parts in a kit, and one of the pieces is an aluminum plug to put in the out-flow hole of the pump so that it can be redirected to the added cooler.

My question: The plug doesn't seem to fit perfectly. I assume it has to be a snug fit so it doesn't pop loose, dump into the gears, and make the brand new pump go bye-bye. I don't want to hammer it in and take the chance of cracking the case on the oil pump. Does anyone have experience with this? Any advice?

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

What else will make a bug run hot?

Novysan — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 18:50:54 GMT

I've checked my mixture, I'm not running lean. What else can make a bug run a little hot? Fan's not obstructed either. I just did a valve adjustment less than 3000 miles ago too.

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

Carb leaking from throttle shaft

Novysan — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 21:21:33 GMT

and it's a new carb, less than a month in the car. Did I just get a bum one? I switched back to my older carb for safety's sake and as it wasn't as worn as I thought it was because the problem was really a leak in a manifold boot. So, things are ok, but now I have to figure out why a new carb would suddenly start leaking and see if CIP1 will RMA it.

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

from air cooled to diesel?

tiggerbouncer — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 20:54:54 GMT

maybe this is an unrealistic fantasy but i'll just throw it out there. is it possible to convert a 67 squareback to diesel is some way shape or form. possibly a new engine mechanically hit with a potter wand or something.

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

1978 Volkswagon floor boards

Carol — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 02:21:14 GMT

I just got a 1978 Volkswagon convertible and the floor boards are all rusted out (you can see the ground underneath you). Any idea on the most efficient way to take care of this and where I can get new ones?

Thanks, Carol

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Electricity in my 73 Yellow Bug

Richard — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 18:53:27 GMT

I just bought a 1973 bug monday this week. My first VW ever. I got it because I have always wanted one, and I hear they are easy to work on. I also figured it would help give me a chance to work on cars, and get over my fear of doing mechanical work. I should have been careful what I asked for....

The car's problems when I bought it were minor. Blinkers didn't work. Reverse lights were out. A tail light was out. Heater vent was stuck open. Minor stuff.

I was having a blast driving it around all day and had no problems. I go to pick up my friend and my girlfriend climbs in the back seat on the passenger side. We drive to another friend's house and then when we go to leave the car won't start. The battery appears to be completely dead. Where did this come from?? We push start the car and drive it back to my place. My friend comes over and tries to charge the battery, it won't hold a charge.

I figure out that the backseat springs probably killed the battery. I figure it's a small nuissance. The battery was a bit expensive, but I paid. I figure i would take further precaution to never let it happen again and that my car would let bygones be bygones.

The new battery goes in and then my generator light turns on! I take it to Autozone to have them test my generator. It's putting out 1.7 amps. So I buy a new generator. After about 6 hours of several cuss words, I had my generator replaced.

I turn on the car and there it is... the generator light! I do a quick voltage check on the battery with my multimeter and i'm getting about 12.2 volts. The battery reads 12.4 when the car is off. Something isn't working here. I get online and read about what the problem could be and several places mention the voltage regulator needing to be replaced to fix the generator light. I wonder if it was my voltage regulator the entire time, but then I convince myself that my generator was indeed bad and the $60 i spent on the part, the $50 in tools and the 6 hours of cuss words were all worth it...

So I get a new voltage regulator. My friend told me to just move the wires over to the new one and start it up! So I do exactly that. My generator light comes on, but then turned off when I revved the engine... then came back on permanently. By permanently I mean even when the car was off and the key was out. So it seems I've compounded my problems.

I read the instructions supplied with the new voltage regulator and I see some huge capital letters in large bold font telling me to polarize it by quickly touching two of the leads with two ends of a wire.

I wondered if I've screwed anything up by starting the car before doing this crucial step. I decide to try doing it again, and in the process I screwed myself even further. The lead on the upper right hand corner of the VR, if you were looking down on it, I managed to ground out. I got a pretty fireworks display and a very bad smell.

After that happened, I started the car again and then I lost all charge to the battery. So I figured I killed the VR.

So here I am today. This afternoon I'm going to buy yet another VR. My question for you guys is, could forgetting to polarize the VR cause the generator light to stay on? ANd for the generator light to stay on even when the car is off? Is the fact that that happened indicative of another problem??

I've had this car 4 days and holy crap it's been some work! Fun to drive though when it works :P

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

I guess I should have asked...

Novysan — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:52:43 GMT

...on the stock carb, what does the "bypass" screw bypass? and what does the "volume" screw let more or less of in?

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

Auto body repair

JNET — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 09:03:55 GMT

Someone dinged me... Can anyone recommend a VW auto body repair place in Los Angeles?

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

auxiliary cooler

FeralKid — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 22:33:26 GMT

I talking with a guy that had a very nice auxiliary cooler set up in his bus. He said that they can be bought as a kit. I'm looking for the deeper sump, higher capacity pump, radiator with fan, and any accoutrement's that may go along with the system. I'm wondering if anyone has heard of such a kit - most or all of the things I'd need. I'm looking for good brand names and where I can find these parts.

posted in aircooledVW - 14 replies

How do the doors come apart?

Novysan — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 18:20:39 GMT

On my GF's 72 Vert, the door can only be opened from the outside. The rod that attaches the inside handle to the actual opening mechanism is disconnected. I scrabbled around for an hour or so, but since I can't see where it's supposed to hook up, I couldn't so anything. The Masonite panel with the map pocket is off of course, but does the inside of the door come apart from the outside? like if you were to try and replace a window?

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Broke down Vanagon!

peaceandlove — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 04:33:01 GMT

I live in southern California and I have an '81 Vanagon that broke down, I don't really know what's wrong with it and I can't afford to fix it so I'm thinking about selling it can anyone tell me how much it's worth, what can I sell it for? Thanks!

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

Mimi

chandeliershiner — Fri, 19 May 2006 15:12:24 GMT

I love my black bug. She has been behaving so well lately.
Thanks again to the group support I received whilst getting her right.
xo, Jody

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Dune Buggy needed for photo shoot

geminimotors — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:06:07 GMT

We're needing a manx style buggy for a photo shoot on the 16 or 17 of May. location is in San Fran, pays a couple hundred dollars, and you'll be present with your car. If you've got a buggy or a thing please call me at 206-321-4727 or go through our web site www.classsiccarswest.com

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

1979 Super Beetle Convertible Specifications?

Kiki — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:53:21 GMT

hey there,

anyone have any resources for specifications for 1979 Super Beetle Convertible?
specifically, i need the weight/length specs for a shipping quote.

thanks!

kiki v.

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

I need a new engine

Angela — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:14:45 GMT

I need a new engine! Do you have one? Can you put it in? I really want to rebuild it myself, but I lack the skills to do so. She's a '77 aircooled campmobile.....Can you help me?

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

seeking advice

moss — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 22:06:38 GMT

Hey all, I have a 1978 bus that was in pristine condition until a month ago when I drove it home from a clutch job and the back end went up in flames!! It was horrific - like loosing a familiy member. In any case, the auto shops insurance company has managed to weasel out of restoring it. So, my question is, does anyone have any suggestion on how best to, I guess, sell the bus for parts or restoration? I really haven't a clue as what's best to do. Thanks, Tony

posted in aircooledVW - 6 replies

Black Bug

chandeliershiner — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 15:50:07 GMT

Ok, so I got her back....$2056. later. The thing should have a 14K gold undercarriage for that price! I notice, they told me, they noticed...the hinge is broke on the bottom of my drivers door, so I have to lift it up when I shut it. Pure class continues to embody my little bug. So today, I am going to go get some cleaning products, and clean her up, to her B- perfection capabilities. Gonna cut off vinyl dangling things, and try to stuff up nests of wire under the dash. Gonna glue down the rug. Im basically gonna try to bond with my expensive little rickety pet. The mechanic gave me something called Gorrilla glue to tack the carpet down. I got the John Muir book yesterday. I started reading it last night.
The mechanic advised that I fix these in the future. (once I climb out of this current hole of debt)
ignition switch is funky/tricky
door hinge is broke
hood hinge is broke
Needs a tune up soon.

There does not seem to be a ton of grease inside the bug...Im thinking like 409 should be the solvent to use over all to just remove the grime and grit, and other unidentifiable nastiness???

I also have been given a location called 'Pik your Part.' Now, Picking my part.......how exactly, when Im wandering around one of those grave yards, do I tell what year the bug is...if Im looking for 74 parts, I basically want to pick from a 74. Yes? AND how do I get the parts off. Do I tag them, then go get the guy to cut/remove them for me. OR Do I need to get the basic tools the book recomends. (more $$$)

Then, do I take the pile of things to the mechanic to put on? How exactly is this process executed?
Bleeding knuckles to come,
Jody

posted in aircooledVW - 25 replies

My bus got smashed and ripped open! :-(

vagabeat — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 05:04:39 GMT

Until yesterday, I was the proud owner of a Champagne Edition 1978 VW Westy pop-up camper that was in amazing shape. Yesterday it got rammed by a driver who missed a stop sign because he was busy talking on his cell-phone, which ripped into the entire right side of the van, sending me into a direct collision with oncomming traffic.

I still don't know if it is fixable. I was in too much shock to really evaluate it, but it looked bad . How can I even begin to explain to an insurance company what it means to have a rust-free bus, in which everything functioned great from the engine (recent compression test give it an A+ all the way around,) to the auxilary heater, down to the dash-board clock and windsheild whiper fluid pump. How can I expect an insurance company to understand the amount of care I put into this bus?

I really don't know what to do. How do I put a $$ value on my bus?

posted in aircooledVW - 11 replies

1974 Super Beetle! Bought today

chandeliershiner — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 04:45:53 GMT

Hi all, This super beetle will be my 2nd car, my get around the westside of LA car. My employees are using my truck more and more, and I simply need some little scoot about to use when they have my truck. I also am very sick of spending $250. a month to feed my Dodge Ram.
Ok, so back to the bug, what have I got myself into???? As I lurched myself home, not used to a stick.....grinning like an idiot, $1000. less in my pocket..... So many things wrong with this vehicle...but she runs good, or at least it sounds good. Healthy, if you will.

However, when I took her on the freeway on the way home....it was clear she could not handle it...thunking sounds like a pole under the hood, as she strained to keep up....steering wheel shook in my hands, not good. Nope, that cant be good....

Its almost as if the steering wheel kinda moves around in the hole its in...its like I can wiggle the whole shaft up and down a 1/4 inch...does that make sense? When I get back on the surface streets, she handled great. What's up with that?

The sunroof leaks....is that an expensive thing to repair? I dont care if they seal it shut, would that even be an option?

The paint job is pretty good but I can see the rust bubbles under it in some areas. Thoughts?

The right blinkers dont work...both back and front...so that must be electrical ? yes?

Head liner it jerry rigged up there.

Hole where a radio should be.

Odometer does not work, nor does the gas guage.

The battery rusted out the floor, so now it sits on a board back there under the seat? Is that ok? I bought a new battery and had him put it in right then....because he was using some temp thingy...

The dude said something about needing to replace the 'struts' . Apparently , they will wear out the inside of the front tire after about 6 months.???... Is this an easy problem to correct? Costs?

So....She definitley makes me smile when I look at her parked on the street, but what the *&^% have I got myself into guys? Please give me some input if you would be so kind. I am taking it to Wabbit Wepair in Venice tomorrow AM to see what exactly the hell I have purchased, but will probably need a restoration guy to do a few things....Anyone know of someone on the Westside????
Any and all advice would be OH SO appreciated.
Jody

posted in aircooledVW - 21 replies

Exhaust

gocubs1908 — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 21:03:47 GMT

I need to replace the exhaust system on my '74 Thing. Looks like I can get versions of the original Thing muffler and several other after market systems. I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or knowledge of one system's advantages over another. I'm also poor, so if anyone has any tips on how to do something like this cheaply, I'm all ears.

Oh, and does anyone know if I can use a Beetle muffler on it? Seems like I ought to be able to, but it's hard to tell looking at pictures online.

Thanks!

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

electrical madness....

Sproutlife — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 04:34:13 GMT

Hello, my questions today are these......I just switched my 65 typ1 to
12v........ there is a big red wire on both sides
of my engine. The one of them on the right goes to the starter I think
and the other one I believe is coming from the ignition switch...... should the ignition switch, battery positive lead,
and alternator B+ all be on the solenoid post on the starter?
should these wires be seperate? or can I splice them together the one on the right and the one on the left...also my starter stays on when I turn off the switch...any suggestions?

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

Help finding a part...

Jynx — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 09:02:32 GMT

I need a metal transimission pressure line for an auto-stick shift for a 69' VW Beetle. I am in the SF area and would appreciate any ideas on places to search.
Jynxxx
P.S. I'm in the San Jose area

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

does anyone know how to do this???

John — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:27:41 GMT

Hello, my name is John and I live in Seattle, Washington...and I have been researching the VW Bug and VW Bus for quite some time now. Being only 21 years old, I haven't been able to get a car of my own. Also, being that I live right in the city, public transportation is fine for the time being. However, out here in Seattle the big craze is old VW Bugs and Busses. Another thing that is really "in" is hybrids and diesel motors to be more environmentally friendly. Ever since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with the old Disney movies about "Herbie" the 1963 VW Bug. Due to that is the reason why I have been doing a lot of research on the car myself. But I had an idea which may or may not be possible...however I want to find out...

I am looking for a way to do two things, or at least one of two things. Looking around the internet I see people putting different engines in different cars to customize them to the way they see fit. I am interested in finding out a way to transform an older bug or bus into a diesel and/or hybrid. Is that possible?

I see so many diesel cars out here in Seattle. The interesting thing is, they don't use diesel fuel...they use a mixture of a type of grease and a chemical for fuel to again, be environmentally friendly. In addition I see many hybrids out there too. Hence, I thought it would be a neat idea to transform an old bug or bus into a diesel/hybrid....hybrid...or just a diesel. It would be cool because you would have the "coolness" of an original VW with a twist. Again, is this possible?

If you don't know...can you direct me in the right direction? I would be interested in knowing this information for when I decide to get my own Bug and/or Bus. I would greatly appreciate a reply.

Thank you in advance.

-John

posted in aircooledVW - 5 replies

My '76 beetle won't start when it rains.

Reasonable — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 02:41:04 GMT

No great mystery as to why.
I just think it's funny, is all.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

painting My Bus

Todd — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 05:31:05 GMT

Hey all
I am wondering if anyone has any input on the best way to paint my bus...I just want to customize the paint and make it trippy and groovy with the usual suns, trees, dead stuff, etc....What kind of paint do I use, and what's the best way to do it

posted in aircooledVW - 13 replies

My painted bus....and yours

hopper — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:29:27 GMT

I am a big island hippie chick, who loves her hand painted hippie bus. I have a 1971 vw which I spent painting for a year and a half....actually help others, and paint other vehicles as well, also, murals etc. Check out my bus, at www.hoppershippieart.com and my online store at www.cafepress.com/dubie

peace, love and happy painting.
hopper

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Changing out a Poptop Canvas

Todd — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 22:48:17 GMT

hey
i need to put in a new poptop canvas on my 73 westy and i am looking to see if anyone has some advice on how to do it. i'm really not sure as to the best and easiest way to change it out myself so i'm asking for some help.....

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Finally Have My Bus!!

Todd — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 01:48:00 GMT

So for the past 4 years or so i've been searching for a bus...and well, i finally got mine....she is a 73 westy and is in such nice condition...i can't wait to get her back on the road and make a trip with her. so excited....
can't wait for warmer weather to get started on painting her...thanks to everyone who has commented on my post about painting the bus ..can't wait

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Wanted

McG_for_me — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 00:11:42 GMT

Looking for a project driver in the Carolina area.

I guess this is also a howdy. I guess I'm what you could call a 3rd gen enthusiast. My grampa always had bugs, my old man has had hundreds (at one time he had 258, most for parts) and has been in VWTrends 4 times, and I've had a few. I really miss being around them.

I'm also looking to get rid of my '88 Turbo Coupe project, if anyone is looking for a trade. I don't care what it is; bug, Ghia, notch, square, I love 'em all.

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

BEWARE!! JustVeeDubs Tempe,AZ

jimsweet — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 03:53:41 GMT

Let's just say I got a bad engine from JustVeeDubs out of Tempe,AZ and they have been less than helpful in resolving the issue.
Contact me for details

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

My new project: 73' T3

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 09:16:32 GMT

Picked her up for 500 dollars!

So I just have to do... well, I have a lot to do.

She needs a lot of work, BUT - I'm gonna ride her dirty for a bit.

Top priorities:

- locking door handles
- locking trunk
- air filter asembly for the carbs (and boots)
- RUST BE GONE!!!
- An accelerator pedal
- rewire her
- throw my mags on her
- put the bumpers on

Glad to be here. I have some spare parts. I'll have to go through what I have and then post it up.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Darkroom in exchange for VW work and parts

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 08:17:45 GMT

I decided that my time has passed for developing. I'll buy a pro set-up later when I graduate - but untill then, I want to hook someone up.

I will trade for vw squareback stuff and servicing.

I do need a cleanair sytem and tin. (I'll post an image)

So here it is:

*Black and white enlarger
*Variable Size ezeal
*timer with foot pedal and fog light input
*Film develper canister
*Trays for photos
*Tongs and stuff
*Variable contrast filters

All the chemicals that you need
All the supplies that you need for a full on darkroom!

Plus I have more stuff that escapes my mind.

If you flat out buy it, it's 200.

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Wanted: VW Bug, Ghia, Square, Bus: Trade for my vintage Gibson guitar!

salamandyr — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 08:13:00 GMT

I am selling a guitar and amp to raise cash to get a VW - figured it was worthwhile posting a "trade" ad in case any vw sellers are looking for musical equipment.

These are some serious pieces of equipment!

1. 1979 Gibson ES-347 semi-hollowbody guitar, with gold tuners, ALL the extras, exceptionally nice.
Serial no: 73209153

- tobacco sunbust guitar in MINT condition - no scratches or blemishes on the body
- neck is solid and true, plays like a dream
- the ES-347 is very similar to an ES-335 style but is the pro style, with all the nice extras like doublewidth bindings, mother of pearl fretboard inlays, better electronics (two sets of Dirty Fingers pickups), coil tap switch, fine tuning tailpiece, mother-of-pearl inlays on neck, etc. must be seen and heard to be believed.
- there are a few scratches on the pickups, but they are the nice gold ones with 6 individual screws, one for each string - and sound great, so i've not replaced them.
- comes with orignial hardshell Gibson case in fine shape
- this is absolutely delightful condition and plays like a dream - must be seen and heard to be believed

2. I'm also selling an amp - a vintage Musicman 212 Sixty-Five, combo tube and transistor, with multiple inputs, sweet sound, and all the bells and whistles. It's super-clean, and comparable to a fender Twin, but I like it more :)

It's all stock - I had one of the speakers professionally rebuilt to keep the original components.

It's got 4 inputs on the front, 2 clean, with a Bright switch, Vol / Treble / Middle / Bass and 2 with effects, including Bright / Deep switches, Vol / Treble / Middle / Bass / Reverb / Intensity / Speed / Master. It's got inputs on the back for Reverb and Tremelo foot switches, and has an extra out-jack on the back so you can drive a cab as well as using it as a straight 12-inch twin.

This is a killer amp - any guitar played through it sounds sweet. Truly a nice gigging or studio amp. It's on casters. It's got a couple of tiny nicks in the bottom of the case, but besides that it's MINT. The only non-standard bit is a Blue power lens, instead of red. The tolex screen on the front is tear-free, as well.

So - any Vee-Dub folks have a nice beast (no projects) of comparable value that you want to trade?
I'd also be into trading these for a 60's american muscle car, or a vintage truck of some sort.

Pictures of all of these are visable at: http://salamander.net/4sale/
They wont last long as a trade - and once I have cash I'll be buying a bug or ghia quickly, so act fast! :)

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

78 Convertible

val — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 19:50:44 GMT

I recently acquired a 78 vert .... although I've owned several aircooled veedubs in the past, this little guy happens to be my first fuel-injected vw. Not so sure I dig the F.I. I got the car from a total stranger, for FREE (Karma!) and only needed to have the engine rebuilt. He was running like a champ UNTIL I had $300 worth of 'work' done to him to get him to pass smog. (total BS) Afterwards, he started running like CRAP.....like Herbie in a bad mood. My mechanic isn't a veedub specialist, but is a good mechanic in general, and we've been making adjustments to the pot that regulates the fuel consumption, and he's starting to run better. Anybody have extensive experience on fuel injected veedubs? I will post some photos soon .... he looks GREAT, and although I've had several good offers, he's not up for sale! Any advice would be greatly appreciated .... I, too, will be replacing my top. The vinyl has shrunk, and therefore when it rains, it takes in water. Bummer, because otherwise, the top's in great condition. I can't help but wonder if whoever installed it before I got it, installed the wrong year top. The bow and headliner seem to be in excellent condition; I might have just the exterior replaced....with canvas this time, and also have new insulation installed. I'm fortunate that I live half an hour away from J-Bugs in Oceanside, and they have referred me to an excellent vw upholstery specialist. I highly recommended buying parts from J-Bugs; their sales guys are very knowlegeable and eager to help.

posted in aircooledVW - 11 replies

Fuel hose.

Novysan — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 02:26:01 GMT

Seems the store around here only carry english. By my calculation 1/4in is a little over 6mm. Is this too large? I've got a leaky hose and I want to stop on the way home, but not if I can't get the right size. Anybody had any problems using 1/4 in instead of the OEM 5MM? (the leak is in the hose BEFORE going through the firewall, NOT in the engine compartment)

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Muir book - "How to Buy a VW"

salamandyr — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 23:31:38 GMT

hi folks - just joined the tribe.
as a former owner of a 63 bug, 67 ghia, and 76 bus, i have relied heavily over the years on the Muir book "How to keep your VW alive"

i'm about to pick up a 68 bug, i think - going to look at it this weekend.

i don't have a copy of the Muir book handy - can anyone peek at theirs and tell me the list of things to check when buying a bug?

i remember to compare the exhaust pressure in both pipes with hands placed behind the pipes, and to smell my hands for gas afterwards :) but what else? i want to be able to drive this bug off if it's a keeper.

cheers,
andrew

posted in aircooledVW - 5 replies

Cracked Generator stand

Novysan — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 17:56:19 GMT

So I don't know if this just happened or if it's been that way for a long time, which might explain where some of the oil I was getting in the engine compartment was coming from. But last night the return spring on my carb some how came off, got into the fan belt, shredded the fan belt, and wound itself around the generator. I though it was the accelerator cable, as I had no tension on the pedal. I had a spare cable, but had used my spare fan belt on my girlfriend's 72 and didn't replace it from the stock closet. The car was in a good neighbor hood and in a good parking spot, safe from being towed, so I headed home on foot until my girlfriend answered he cell and met me halfway.
It was in the light of day, when I was getting the pulley wheel off to install the new fan belt that I noticed the generator stand was cracked. When there's tension on the fan belt you can't move it, or even SEE the crack, but when there's no tension you can basically tilt the whole stand back right in the middle. I don't think it leaks oil until I'm really crusin' though. I'll have to fix it on Tuesday when I get back from SF (renting a car, not driving the bug of course.)

posted in aircooledVW - 7 replies

Aircooled Parts store in SF

Novysan — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 17:58:42 GMT

I'll be up in SF over the weekend, leaving for LA in the afternoon on Monday. Is there a parts store you like where I could pick up a generator stand for a 73 super? (see my other thread...)

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

1978 VW Bus dies

IncaKing — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 04:37:20 GMT

I have a 78 Bus and just the other day in traffic it started to die in idle or when the rpm get to low. I have to keep reving to to keep it from dying. basically if I am stopping at a light or letting off the accelerator for to long, it dies. I have to restart the engine every I am ready to go again and then keep it reved.

Any ideas?

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

NON VW Owners

49Flathead — Sun, 16 Oct 2005 16:12:22 GMT

It really pisses me off,I am trying to sell my bug,and people that have never owned a vw before starts nit picking the thing, "Oh, there is rust here,Oh,what do you mean it has a generator and no alternator does it still work"? I sometimes forget how ignorant people can be.

posted in aircooledVW - 5 replies

mechanical issue

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 16:32:15 GMT

hello tribe members!
I am having a weird predicament with my 1971 squareback (my one and only car of the last 16 years).
I decided to try a new mechanic last week to have a stalling issue fixed (stalling when the engine was hot and cold). This new mechanic cleaned some spark plugs and adjusted the idle timing - $171!
I picked up the car, drove about 25 miles on the freeway and the car started running really hard and was losing power (it smelled like oil was burning on the engine), so I pulled over and called for a tow. The AAA tow driver looked at the engine and said that two sparkplugs were unplugged and that the rotor hadn't been screwed all the way down, which was throwing off the timing. This was after I had mentioned to him what the mechanic had done with my car.
When I called the mechanic to complain this morning he said that the rotor doesn't screw down on my car and that none of this was possible.
I know that the mechanic isn't going to want to claim responsibility, but
I wanted to know if the AAA driver knew what he was talking about with the rotor not being screwed down so at least I have some foundation for my argument?
Any input appreciated.

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Propane or CNG conversion?

Novysan — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 01:16:51 GMT

Anybody ever done or have any info or source for converting a type1 1600 duel port to run on propane or natural gas?

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Not much power!

peaceandlove — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 21:23:07 GMT

I have and '81 vanagon that I am planning on driving to las vegas tommorow, I don't know what the problem is but if feels like it doesn't have as much power as it should, I was having a problem with it for a while where it would stall when I trying to go up hills, I put a new fuel filter on it and this seemed to help a little, I still have some trouble taking off though, I can only go about 55 on the freeway, and it idles really rough I have to keep my foot on the gas to keep it from stalling, does anyone have any suggestions?

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Public vote- who should be the new moderator?

mt — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 21:22:18 GMT

As I already have too many niche tribes to handle, I offer stewardship of this tribe to the best candidate. This thread should be nominations for the best candidate, we'll send the switch order up after...
Thanks!
MT

posted in aircooledVW - 6 replies

VW trouble in Reno

rheo — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 03:51:34 GMT

Hi there,

I'm coming back from the burn and in Reno right now and having some trouble with my 77 westy.

I still have a long way to go to Nelson, BC.

Having some weird problems that became really evident after accidentally taking the Jungo road to Gerlach. yikes! actually surprised she made it.

I believe the problem I am having may be related to the Air Flow Meter in the fuel injection but could be something else.

I had a break down on the way to the burn and ended up finding a nice VW guy who helped me out with a Air Flow Meter out of a 76. Not quite the right one but seemed to do the job for awhile.

symptoms are extreme hesitation and jerkiness at times. seems to get better and worse itermittently.

I've tried the Reno people on the AIRS site..

http://www.type2.com/~airswork/rescue/us/nv.html#Nevada

but no luck yet..

Anyone know of a good Volkwagon place in Reno? maybe a place with used parts?

my cel phone number on roam is 250-505-4588
call if you can in the next day or so because i don't know how much I will be online.

can anyone recommend another website besides type2 to try?
another board to post on?

any advice that migt get us on the road again appreciated.

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

octane vs. compression vs. timing...

Novysan — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 22:49:07 GMT

Hey, all, because I refused to pay $3.07 for a gallon of gas the other day, I did the unthinkable. I DIDN'T put in 91 octane for the first time. And ya know what? She's running better, smoother, quieter, and cooler than ever and getting better gas milage. Does this indicate that I had my timing set wrong? That my compression is low? (I've heard that lowered compressionmeans yo can use lower octane, but never the reason why)...

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

'73 type 1 bug for sale, PDX OR.

49Flathead — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 18:49:43 GMT

VW lovers alike,, need to sell my std bug, its a 73 with 94,000 original miles on it. I use it as a daily driver, but am buying another Truck and need to sell the bug for a down payment.

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

For Sale in Portland...

deviant_sagacious — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 00:59:36 GMT

MUST SELL IMEDIATLY: http://portland.craigslist.org/car/91976083.html

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Weird problem with engine dying

Stingray — Tue, 10 May 2005 23:04:50 GMT

Okay... I have a strange engine problem and maybe someone here can help me diagnose it.

The car is a 1978 Super with the original Bosche fuel injection.

The problem is this: After 10-15 minutes or so of driving, if I sit at idle for very long (e.g. heavy traffic or a long stoplight) the engine will just die abruptly -- not even a sputter, it just stops. If I crank it, it'll turn over but won't start.

Then, after sitting for 5-10 minutes, it'll start right back up like nothing happened.

The first time this happened, I thought that the engine might have overheated. But when it happened again, I checked the engine temperature using the very scientific method of grabbing the dipstick and seeing if I could hold on to it. It was hot, but not really any hotter than it usually is when the car's warmed up. So I don't think it's overheating.

Anyone got any ideas???

1 -- any common problems you know of that might cause this?

2 -- what about techniques I can use to figure out where the problem lies?

posted in aircooledVW - 13 replies

traveling helpful human and VW bus

brandonhuston — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 01:12:32 GMT

Hey everybody I just wanted to get the word out about what I am doing. Check it out at

http://cgi.ebay.com/Traveling-Helpful-Human-Being-and-VW-Camper-Bus_W0QQitemZ5992582373QQcategoryZ317QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am doing this because I want to inspire and help out as many people as I can. This will be a good way to see the country too!! I plan on visiting as many people as I can and doing whatever it is that they might need.

I encourage everyone to "watch the auction" even if you don't bid, please click the "watch this auction" link it will help me to realize my journey faster so that I can get on the road and start to see and inspire people.

Thanks for the support,
Traveling Helpful Human

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

Just got a 1978 Super Beetle Convertible (Karmann)

Stingray — Wed, 19 Jan 2005 01:52:31 GMT

I just bought a '78 Convertible in need of a new top and a bunch of little stuff. She's feeling a little self conscious right now, so I'm not going to post a picture until I get some of the work done. The body is straight and she runs great after replacing the points and doing the timing.

I'm not new to VW bugs, since I owned a 1974 Super for a few years starting when I was in college. I did a little body work, had it painted, replaced window glass, and fixed other assorted broken stuff. This one I really want to do right and get all the "little stuff" too. But first, the big stuff...

Has anyone ever replaced their own convertible top on a Super before? I guess I have to take off the existing top before I even know what parts I'm going to need, so that's where I'm at right now - deciding whether to start disassembling it. I guess if I fail, I can have a "plan B" to get it finished by a shop - that is, unless I manage to damage the new parts during installation!

Also, I'm trying to figure out how to split up the restoration 'cause I can't afford to do it all at once. The new top is a high priority because the existing one leaks a bit and the window was not installed correctly (actually it's glued on with like a pound of silicone).

How much extra work would it be to do the top first, in other words, without doing the other body work and paint job yet?

In general, I'd love to hear about your experiences or good sources for restoration parts/etc (I'm looking at www.mtmfg.com, bugzone, and some others online, also interested in local dealers for Oakland/San Francisco area)

posted in aircooledVW - 3 replies

Parts suggestions

jimsweet — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:52:25 GMT

I'm looking for an "S" boot for my 1982 Vanagon (it's the rubber part that goes from the airflow sensor to the throttle body) So far all the places I've looked have indicated that it's NLA (No Longer Avaliable)
IF anyone here has suggestions....

Thanks!

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

Selling my little Ghia

eyeohmeigh — Sat, 05 Feb 2005 02:41:12 GMT

It breaks my heart but I'm going to be moving far far away and I'll need to sell my baby. Do you all have any recommendations as to where/how to sell? I want it to go to a good home.
I don't know how long I should expect to wait to find a buyer, it's in good shape mechanically (got a dual carb engine put in less than a year ago- it smokes every other ghia I see ot the freeway-but has some cosmetic problems (torn seat cover, chipped paint, etc). It runs well but needs some love to be a show car.

Ideas? Advice?

Thank you.

posted in aircooledVW - 13 replies

VW Events

geminimotors — Sun, 05 Jun 2005 23:43:10 GMT

Does anyone know of any VW events in tne Bay area this summer? Are we going to have to do it ourselves?

posted in aircooledVW - 0 replies

VW Mechanic in Berkeley, Oakland or El Cerrito CA??

theinkdrinker — Thu, 05 May 2005 03:48:36 GMT

Anyone know where I can get my 1969 VW Bug worked on? I had the fuel tank replaced by a less than okay shop and now my car reeks of gas anytime I fill up the tank. Need to find a good mechanic I can trust.

posted in aircooledVW - 4 replies

Thinbug

lightshaman — Wed, 11 May 2005 20:59:16 GMT

This car is very, very, very, very (and more) funny! I love it. The fact that the craftsmanship looks pretty good makes it even better. I want it!

posted in aircooledVW - 1 reply

Newbie from Key West, FL

jimsweet — Mon, 09 May 2005 03:29:58 GMT

Hello all!
Live in Key West,Fl have 82 Westy (Priscilla, soon-to-be-queen-of-the-desert, going to BM05)
Pretty good with my tool(s) so if you need a place to park or a hand with repairs in the southernmost city, look me up!

posted in aircooledVW - 2 replies

great sites for used parts?

sgarpletoe — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 04:33:15 GMT

does anyone know of any really great web sites for used parts? or any upcoming swap meets and shows in nor cal?

posted in aircooledVW - 4 replies