donor car acquired - What to keep?

phoenix_dr Commited Dubber

64 posts · joined Jul 2010 · 15 Feb 2011, 9:23 pm

#826596

So, I've (finally) found a donor car for my 65' beetle.
my plan is to take the engine and gearbox.

the donor is a 76' std beetle

can anyone point me in the direction of a thread on here that shows people converting the IRS gearbox to an early pan.

Has anyone got some photos of their conversion? (it would be a big help to see how other people have done this)

Also, as the title suggests, I'm thinking about what else to keep;

wiring loom is all I can think off (not sure if it'll make it better or not)

Any thoughts and experience would be very helpful

Thanks in advance

"So... when will the bug be finished?"

HA, better question: "will it ever be finished?"..

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 · 15 Feb 2011, 9:27 pm

#826597

What's the 76 pan like ???

May be better off swapping the 65 body onto the 76 pan... it's the usual way that people go about it.

VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 15 Feb 2011, 10:12 pm

#826605

Yep, if the floorpan on the '76 doesn't have any holes in it then just leave the engine and gearbox where they are and drop the '65 body onto the later pan. It gives you an instant upgrade to better suspension, brakes, engine, gearbox and 12 volt electrics.

1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 · 15 Feb 2011, 10:52 pm

#826611

76 floor pan is the best to use if its in good condition or restore-able.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 16 Feb 2011, 9:04 am

#826650

Just be aware though that a 76 pan will need engineering with an early body and 76 is subject to alot more ADRs than earlier bugs like charcoal canisters, noise level etc

phoenix_dr Commited Dubber

64 posts · joined Jul 2010 · 25 Feb 2011, 7:49 pm

#828251

And the results are in, the pan is.... drum roll please.....

"Fecked"

So, the pan swap idea is out of the question.

also the car isn't a 76' as I was told when I bought it, but a 74', nor is the motor a 1600 tp as I was told when I bought it (I could be, I'll find out when I strip it)

Considering I bought it from someone who should know the difference (has a business relating to VW's), I'm a little bit peved about the whole thing.
It's not really that much of a big deal I just don't like being told an elephant is pink when it's quiet clear it's grey, if you get my meaning.

Anyway;

The motor is stamped a 1300 tp, which is still better than what I started with, and it runs (sort of)

Has anyone used a 74' 1300 gearbox and are they any good - strength wise?

The motor is being built up to a mild 1776; will this gear box handle this motor or should I continue looking around for another one

As always thanks for the input guys,
it's great to be able to bounce ideas off other people who have more experience than me.

"So... when will the bug be finished?"

HA, better question: "will it ever be finished?"..