Advice on a daily driven early Beetle

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 3:20 pm

#835004

Now I've advertised my 76 golf on here & other various places

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=89749

I've grown up with VW's from the get go & my dad still has the family 74 bug for as long as I can remember (I think 27 years) & both mum & dad have owned beetles, kombi's, golfs for the rest of the time too.

I've always wanted to get into an early aircooler, but was basically thrown into the watercoolers from my very first car.

I've had watercoolers for daily drivers from day one too. Mainly a modified 79 Mk1 & my current turbo'd 76 Mk1 which I'm selling. Both these cars have been absolutely awesome to me & I've never been let down by them & have never had any drama's or 2nd thoughts about doing long distance driving incl the 600+km a week for the daily work grind. I suppose some people would call it stupid or "hardcore" considering they don't have any creature comfort apart from a heater! (no radio's fitted! only the factory radios from new, which were am & didn't work! haha)

Portland 2011

I'm basically asking, how many of you out there daily drive your beetle's?

I have had a very "rough as guts" 66 beetle previously, but it blew up the first day I got it & sold it to a bloke to cut up for a dune buggy. So I wouldn't really call it a good experience.

I have had this thought for a long time & since racing at Portland in the Golf, I'm finally looking at getting into a proper nice aircooler for the daily drive after being around all the nice aircoolers. Not so much the drag ones, but the really nice streeters.

eg. I met the lady owner at Portland & had a good chat to her about her beetle, who's name I honestly can't remember sorry. I think her husband raced "Shrapnel"? correct me if I'm wrong.

Pic from SA DOVW

This engine is way overkill for what I'm after & I know this & the box would cost plenty of $$$$. Too much for what I'm looking for, but I suppose you get the idea.

This car is the ultimate for me along with Martin Wiesners Cal-Look 56 Oval from a very long time ago. Who was also at Portland on looking & is a long time family friend. I was trying to pry his 56 oval out of hands a very long time ago, but settled for his 83 Campaign GTI.

Now dads 74 stock 1600 twin port scoots along "ok" I suppose (no speed demon off the line, but doesn't have any trouble cruising along at 100-120km/h), but I'm wondering what a 60-65 beetle goes like & what I should be looking for.

Yes I love to race cars etc, but I have a 530hp Holden ute I'm currently using for the commute, which is sort of feeling like its being filtered down the more & more I drive it!!! But I'll use this for a thrill when need be.

I'm very picky about suspension & brakes & they have to be in mint working order, but as far as engines go, I don't mind being on the slow side, as long as it can scoot along with ease at 100-105km/h. I don't care about the traffic light dual!!!

Is this a reasonable thought with an early beetle? As it will be used as my daily hack, but a "cool" hack.

Not after show room paint, panel work, but the interior must be in good condition. Obviously rust is a no no, but don't mind the odd panel ding/scrap, as these all have a story to tell & give the car a certain type of character.

Sort of along these lines

But enough of the rambling.

Is this a rational thought?

Just would like (want is a harsh word) something thats ultra reliable, stops & goes around corners, uses little fuel (ute makes up for the fuel saving) & is basically cool as!

Cheers

Tim.

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 10 Apr 2011, 3:31 pm

#835006

Motha,

Sounds like an early beetle or even maybe a 68 -69 might be what your after. I can only go by my experience my first car was a 67 beetle i now have a 69 which looks very straight but it by no means a show car. The fact you want a daily driver means you want a good reliable car that you can leave parked at a mall or work without fear of it being damaged etc so what you describe sounds suitable and an early bug aroud 63 to 70 would suit your needs

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 10 Apr 2011, 3:49 pm

#835012

Bugs can certainly be daily driven. I've only had experiences with the later ones, but they've been more reliable than a lot of '90s cars. Stock 1600cc twin-ports have enough power to be good daily drivers, and they do sit happily at highway speed. The main difference between a bug and an old car in terms of comfort is the increased noise, especially at highway speed.

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

65standard Officially Full-On Dubber

373 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 10 Apr 2011, 3:59 pm

#835014

I drive my '65 beetle everyday, everywhere. It's a 1200 and still 6 volt.

It's not driven hard, as it's my means of transport, and it gets serviced as per maintenance schedules.

The car runs well, keeps up with traffic, and I have no reliability issues. If something goes wrong, it gets fixed.

If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:00 pm

#835015

I drive my 75L daily
I do more 250km a week but it is 7 days a week

My concern with earlys is
6 volts
tiny indicators
drum brakes
poor vision
seat belts
low back seats
non collapsable steering colums

I would consider a fat chick and have a early for cruising

Futue te ipsum!!!

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:06 pm

#835018

I wouldn't worry too much about the poor vision, Bizarre. You can see more out of the back of an early 60s Bug than you can from a VE Commodore!

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

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:07 pm

#835019

Cheers fella's

The only real place I leave my cars is at home (semi-rural) & at work, which is off street parking. Other than that, its car shows, cruises, friends places etc. Even at our local shopping complex, its not very hectic.

As far as noise goes, I have no problem with it (although the turbo'd mk1 was quiet & the ute is not so quiet! Its pretty hard to quieten down 500hp of NA power), as long as its not that crappy 4cyl. droney noise you hear from most I4 with an exhaust & also the stock "whistle" type noise from the beetles! haha

I have no problem with so called "roughing it". After all, I have daily driven Mk1's golf for the best part of 15 years.

I wouldn't mind if I have to fit a later model 1600 twin port or a single port setup into an early body if I have to. But if the stock engine can do it without killing it, I don't mind.

I have a modifying problem with anything I touch & this will probably end up with a 1916cc & bigger with twin webers eventually anyway!!!

My ute was suppose to be my daily driver replacement & thought, I'd only do a tune, exhaust & cold air intake for a bit more power & also the advantages of heaps better fuel efficiency with the tune etc (as they run pig rich stock!) But when I dropped it off, I wound up with a cam kit, high stall & diff gears. Week later I picked up a 313rwkw ute!!!!

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:12 pm

#835021

waveman1500 wrote:I wouldn't worry too much about the poor vision, Bizarre. You can see more out of the back of an early 60s Bug than you can from a VE Commodore!

This is true!!!!

My brother had a VE SSV Wagon & the rear vision is bloody horrible.

The Passat CC is beyond a joke too!

ps I work for VW as a mechanic, so I have alittle bit of an idea about new cars. But watercooled!!!! haha
But I don't think I would have any drama's doing normal type service & upkeep work on a early beetle. But as far as modding engines, boxs, etc. Might need some research

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

greasykitchen Officially Full-On Dubber

375 posts · joined Dec 2007 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:39 pm

#835026

I moved from a '72 1300 bug as a daily driver to a '76 golf. There was a noticable difference in comfort level, power and overall feel. Though the golf is still an old fashioned car, it's much easier to keep up with traffic in one of them than a beetle. On the other hand, the golf's brakes are probably no more effective than the 4 wheel drums on my beetle.

My 22 cents.

'76 Golf

65standard Officially Full-On Dubber

373 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 10 Apr 2011, 4:59 pm

#835030

Bizarre wrote:I drive my 75L daily
I do more 250km a week but it is 7 days a week

My concern with earlys is
6 volts
tiny indicators
drum brakes
poor vision
seat belts
low back seats
non collapsable steering colums

I would consider a fat chick and have a early for cruising

6 Volts no problem
Indicators not much smaller than current day cars, just not as bright
Have seat belts
Drum brakes work great for this car. No weight and no high powered engine to slow down
Steering column not an issue. I don't speed and keep my distance from those in front of me

If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 10 Apr 2011, 5:31 pm

#835035

We have our 1302S Beetle as a family daily driver. We get asked very often where our new car is. I tell them the 75 Kombi is at home.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 10 Apr 2011, 5:48 pm

#835036

motha wrote:I'm very picky about suspension & brakes

Heed the advice of Bizarre.
I would be looking at a later model.
Early beetles have the "look" but are let down by everything else especially as a daily driver.
If the look is what your after you can stick an early body on a late pan or just early guards and bumpers on a late standard bug.

People will say oh but the brakes are fine yadda yadda but till you're in a emergency stop type situation where all the other cars around you can stop rreal quick you find out just how bad 6 volt brakes are and how unpredictable the suspension can be, a fully loaded school bus can stop better.
No matter how slow you drive you still need to be able to stop as quick as everyone else around you and it's pointles leaving big gaps cos the arrogant fkwit drivers around only squeeze into a gap they see.

I have 4 wheel discs on mine and several times in city traffic I've had to make use of them thanks to careless other drivers.
In a 6 volt bug I wouldn't have stood a chance of stopping.

Even the best setup linkpin/swing axle bug with 6 volt brakes still corners and stops like a bucket of shite.
People will argue but it's fact.

They were ahead of there time when new and are miles in front of other cars from the same era but they are also 50 year old cars now and handle like such.

Flintstones Custom Title Time!

1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:19 pm

#835055

I drove a couple of early beetles some time ago as daily's and they were great (one had disks/drums the other standard drum/drums)
I'd definitely covert it to 12V if it isn't already, also do something about the wiper motor (you'd need to slow it down if it's still a 6V) + it allows you to have a decent radio/cd player
Fit disk brakes up front at the very least, simply for servicing, as I found that the drum brakes needed consistent adjusting (I was traveling at least 300km's per week)
In my 58 i had a 1500 single port which had plenty of scoot for daily traffic.
Other that that enjoy😎
Cheers
D

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:30 pm

#835058

Joel wrote:
motha wrote:I'm very picky about suspension & brakes
Heed the advice of Bizarre.
I would be looking at a later model.
Early beetles have the "look" but are let down by everything else especially as a daily driver.
If the look is what your after you can stick an early body on a late pan or just early guards and bumpers on a late standard bug.

People will say oh but the brakes are fine yadda yadda but till you're in a emergency stop type situation where all the other cars around you can stop rreal quick you find out just how bad 6 volt brakes are and how unpredictable the suspension can be, a fully loaded school bus can stop better.
No matter how slow you drive you still need to be able to stop as quick as everyone else around you and it's pointles leaving big gaps cos the arrogant fkwit drivers around only squeeze into a gap they see.

I have 4 wheel discs on mine and several times in city traffic I've had to make use of them thanks to careless other drivers.
In a 6 volt bug I wouldn't have stood a chance of stopping.

Even the best setup linkpin/swing axle bug with 6 volt brakes still corners and stops like a bucket of shite.
People will argue but it's fact.

They were ahead of there time when new and are miles in front of other cars from the same era but they are also 50 year old cars now and handle like such.

You won't get an argument out of me on the problems with traffic!

I tackle the $@%wit Melb drivers everyday & yes they are quick to jam their brakes on at the drop of the hat!!!

Eg! Just last week I was driving along & 4 lanes of traffic moving at 100km/h. No drama's. No one was slowing down up front, to the side & all was well until..............

of all things, the sun came out from behind a clowd & all hell broke loss! The sun! for @$%@ sake!!!

What is it with these people. They are scared of everything incl. other drivers in front, to the side, behind, water not incl. rain. I mean spray from washer jets!!!, rain, the sun, trucks coming along side, people towing trailers.

But driving training etc is whole different story! My uncle works for vic roads & is a driving inspector & words direct from his mouth "driving instructors are only teaching kids how to get their licence! Not how to drive!" Couldn't a truer word said!!!!

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:37 pm

#835060

just keep the golf ❓

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:43 pm

#835062

I understand what your saying Joel^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ & yes old stuff isn't exactly the best thing to tackle everyday, but I'm also use to driving a 12 sec 220+hp 76 golf on 165's with a locked diff too!

So its not like I don't have any experience in driving stupid old cars in current day traffic & yes you have to adjust to the driving style.

But yes a early body on a late pan would be ideal, but I'm not interested in having to build another car either & spending big $$$$$. I'd prefer something already done. Been building/playing/modding cars the best part of my life so far & kind of over it to be honest especially putting in all that effort to go slow!
I don't have a problem building stuff like 500+ small block chev's etc.

Obviously I don't mind tinkering with the odd things here & there like upgrading headlights & brakes etc. though, but not something to that level.

Flintstones wrote:I drove a couple of early beetles some time ago as daily's and they were great (one had disks/drums the other standard drum/drums)
I'd definitely covert it to 12V if it isn't already, also do something about the wiper motor (you'd need to slow it down if it's still a 6V) + it allows you to have a decent radio/cd player
Fit disk brakes up front at the very least, simply for servicing, as I found that the drum brakes needed consistent adjusting (I was traveling at least 300km's per week)
In my 58 i had a 1500 single port which had plenty of scoot for daily traffic.
Other that that enjoy😎
Cheers
D

Yeah, that sounds pretty cool. So did this 58 have the original box as well, or something with better suited ratio's?

My daily drive is mostly hwy driving, so comfortable 95-105km/h cruising has to be on the cards.

I have added the disc upgrade to the options list too.

These beetles don't "appear" to bad, but is the $$$$ on the money???

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=8&R=10379221&keywords=&trecs=345&__Ns=pCar_YearMade_Int32|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0&__sid=12C0E43C83B3&__Nne=15&__Qpb=true&seot=1&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294961272%204294962746&silo=1011

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=1&R=9407936&keywords=&trecs=345&__sid=12C0E43C83B3&__Ns=pCar_YearMade_Int32|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0&__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&__No=15&seot=1&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294961272%204294962746&silo=1011

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:45 pm

#835063

hellbugged wrote:just keep the golf ❓

I'm sick of them......

Want a change.

Plus it not only needs an engine rebuild, which I just can't be stuffed doing, but it has a terminal rust problem too.

I mean real rust in every panel!!!!!!!!!!!

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 10 Apr 2011, 7:54 pm

#835065

cool yep understand all that.

I'm crrently driving a dead stock '67.....260miles on 32 litres.

well said in response to Joel's "issues"..........the thing is the brakes and handling are in proportion to it's power and speed.....and as you said, it is what is and needs to be driven accordingly.

LUFTMEISTER Veteran Volks Folk

2,041 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:17 pm

#835074

A daily LP is fine .......the strut guys just like to bag us because they have a Jap suspension set up.....plus they like getting wheel alignments 😂

Customer service is not dead in Australia.

Always after HAZET & MATRA & VW factory tools

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:30 pm

#835078

LUFTMEISTER wrote:A daily LP is fine .......the strut guys just like to bag us because they have a Jap suspension set up.....plus they like getting wheel alignments 😂

LP as in Link Pin setup yeah?

Sorry, just new to the beetle lingo! haha

Funny thing is & I don't mean to offend anyone at all, but alot of the so called "hardcore" vw people I've met/come across don't even have VW's as daily drivers! Some of these people also look down on the watercoolers, but then they have cars like toyotas, commodores, mitsubishi's, fords, mazda's etc. as daily drivers & everything BUT a VW!!! Hardcore to the max!!!!!!!

But I also know how "good" the new vw's actually are & don't blame them.

I got my mum out of an older VW & put her in a i30 Hyundai & she loves it & hasn't looked back!

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:36 pm

#835080

motha wrote:I understand what your saying Joel^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ & yes old stuff isn't exactly the best thing to tackle everyday, but I'm also use to driving a 12 sec 220+hp 76 golf on 165's with a locked diff too!

So its not like I don't have any experience in driving stupid old cars in current day traffic & yes you have to adjust to the driving style.

But yes a early body on a late pan would be ideal, but I'm not interested in having to build another car either & spending big $$$$$. I'd prefer something already done. Been building/playing/modding cars the best part of my life so far & kind of over it to be honest especially putting in all that effort to go slow!
I don't have a problem building stuff like 500+ small block chev's etc.

Obviously I don't mind tinkering with the odd things here & there like upgrading headlights & brakes etc. though, but not something to that level.

Wasnt having a dig at your driving abilities nor was I trying to spark a debate on which model is the best handling cos fact remains any aircooled VW in stock format has poor handling when compared to a front engined FWD vehicle be it link pin, balljoint, strut, IRS etc.

It's not hard to change that though, but is the work involved overkill for a daily/cruiser? up to the individual I guess.

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:42 pm

#835083

Joel wrote:
motha wrote:I understand what your saying Joel^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ & yes old stuff isn't exactly the best thing to tackle everyday, but I'm also use to driving a 12 sec 220+hp 76 golf on 165's with a locked diff too!

So its not like I don't have any experience in driving stupid old cars in current day traffic & yes you have to adjust to the driving style.

But yes a early body on a late pan would be ideal, but I'm not interested in having to build another car either & spending big $$$$$. I'd prefer something already done. Been building/playing/modding cars the best part of my life so far & kind of over it to be honest especially putting in all that effort to go slow!
I don't have a problem building stuff like 500+ small block chev's etc.

Obviously I don't mind tinkering with the odd things here & there like upgrading headlights & brakes etc. though, but not something to that level.
Wasnt having a dig at your driving abilities nor was I trying to spark a debate on which model is the best handling cos fact remains any aircooled VW in stock format has poor handling when compared to a front engined FWD vehicle be it link pin, balljoint, strut, IRS etc.

It's not hard to change that though, but is the work involved overkill for a daily/cruiser? up to the individual I guess.

All good Joel. I didn't take it as a dig at all & didn't even think you were.

I'm one of the more "thick skinned" computer sort of person.

But yes I do take on advice tips etc. from anyone. Especially people who've been there & done it.

After all, my only VW beetle ownership experience was probably the shortest lived in history! Blew up with-in 10 mins of running time! haha

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:54 pm

#835089

I used to drive my '70 as a daily and put 500km+ a week. Definitily more fun to drive, but now use a Golf as a daily instead. All the creature comforts, safety, fuel economy and ease of keeping up with traffic are my main reasons. I'd be weary of comparing a mk1 golf to a beetle in terms of comfort and etc. because they really are two completely different cars.

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 10 Apr 2011, 8:57 pm

#835091

Joel wrote:People will say oh but the brakes are fine yadda yadda but till you're in a emergency stop type situation where all the other cars around you can stop rreal quick you find out just how bad 6 volt brakes are and how unpredictable the suspension can be, a fully loaded school bus can stop better.
No matter how slow you drive you still need to be able to stop as quick as everyone else around you and it's pointles leaving big gaps cos the arrogant fkwit drivers around only squeeze into a gap they see.

I have 4 wheel discs on mine and several times in city traffic I've had to make use of them thanks to careless other drivers.
In a 6 volt bug I wouldn't have stood a chance of stopping.

Even the best setup linkpin/swing axle bug with 6 volt brakes still corners and stops like a bucket of shite.
People will argue but it's fact.

Its not really a fact that they are all "shite"...probably just your limited experience with good ones.

Drum brakes in GOOD condition stop fine for city driving, and are also fine when performing emergency stopping....its only when you do repeated high speed stopping they are shocking.

The only ones that are "shite" are the ones that have not been setup properly or are in average to poor condition re shoes, wheel cylinders, fluid, and out of round drum faces.

motha Officially Full-On Dubber

215 posts · joined Nov 2004 · 10 Apr 2011, 10:29 pm

#835116

Craig Torrens wrote:
Joel wrote:People will say oh but the brakes are fine yadda yadda but till you're in a emergency stop type situation where all the other cars around you can stop rreal quick you find out just how bad 6 volt brakes are and how unpredictable the suspension can be, a fully loaded school bus can stop better.
No matter how slow you drive you still need to be able to stop as quick as everyone else around you and it's pointles leaving big gaps cos the arrogant fkwit drivers around only squeeze into a gap they see.

I have 4 wheel discs on mine and several times in city traffic I've had to make use of them thanks to careless other drivers.
In a 6 volt bug I wouldn't have stood a chance of stopping.

Even the best setup linkpin/swing axle bug with 6 volt brakes still corners and stops like a bucket of shite.
People will argue but it's fact.

Its not really a fact that they are all "shite"...probably just your limited experience with good ones.

Drum brakes in GOOD condition stop fine for city driving, and are also fine when performing emergency stopping....its only when you do repeated high speed stopping they are shocking.

The only ones that are "shite" are the ones that have not been setup properly or are in average to poor condition re shoes, wheel cylinders, fluid, and out of round drum faces.

True!

After all, The majority of trucks still have drums & when in 100% servicable condition they "are" better than discs.

But only on the first & maybe second hard application. After that they will fade & the last time I was at trade school, they still teach it too.

Had drums on a landcruiser I once owned & they pulled up the 350ci small block under the bonnet ok.

The do have more operating service area than disc's but don't like repeated heavy applications, due to dispersing the heat.

My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

Barnabie Officially Full-On Dubber

257 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 11 Apr 2011, 8:09 pm

#835238

Drive my 1971 1300 every day, about an 80km round trip most of which is through a 100km/h zone, 5 days a week. Handling, performance, comfort obviously worlds away from that you'd get in a modern vehicle, but I have limited mechanical hassles, cheap comprehensive insurance, excellent economy and reliability, and the grin factor every time I'm in it.

Best of luck with your search.

Kris 😀

Flintstones Custom Title Time!

1,077 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Apr 2011, 9:34 pm

#835275

motha wrote:
Flintstones wrote:I drove a couple of early beetles some time ago as daily's and they were great (one had disks/drums the other standard drum/drums)
I'd definitely covert it to 12V if it isn't already, also do something about the wiper motor (you'd need to slow it down if it's still a 6V) + it allows you to have a decent radio/cd player
Fit disk brakes up front at the very least, simply for servicing, as I found that the drum brakes needed consistent adjusting (I was traveling at least 300km's per week)
In my 58 i had a 1500 single port which had plenty of scoot for daily traffic.
Other that that enjoy😎
Cheers
D
Yeah, that sounds pretty cool. So did this 58 have the original box as well, or something with better suited ratio's?

My daily drive is mostly hwy driving, so comfortable 95-105km/h cruising has to be on the cards.

I have added the disc upgrade to the options list too.

These beetles don't "appear" to bad, but is the $$$$ on the money???

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=8&R=10379221&keywords=&trecs=345&__Ns=pCar_YearMade_Int32|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0&__sid=12C0E43C83B3&__Nne=15&__Qpb=true&seot=1&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294961272%204294962746&silo=1011

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=1&R=9407936&keywords=&trecs=345&__sid=12C0E43C83B3&__Ns=pCar_YearMade_Int32|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0&__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&__No=15&seot=1&__N=1216%201247%201252%201282%204294961272%204294962746&silo=1011

My 58 was my first VW and I'm not sure if it was the original box, don't think it was, but it was fine for both city and hwy driving.

Not to throw a spanner in the works, but have you thought about a type 3 for a daily?
I had a 65 Squareback which I put disk brakes on the front and also put in a TLE injected motor (later factory 1600cc type 3 motor which was microtech'd also) and found the type 3 a much nicer car for daily commute.

I wish I'd driven a type 3 before building my oval cause I found it much more refined compared to a linkpin setup 🙂 (have yet to drive a ball joint beetle, maybe when my oval is finished😂

Cheers
D

beetleboyjeff Custom Title Time!

1,790 posts · joined Feb 2009 · 11 Apr 2011, 10:12 pm

#835280

I was doing about 500km most weekends going to Port Macquarie and back from Newcastle in my 75 Lbug.

Since November, I have been doing about 1200km per weekend going to Port and back from Orange.

Weekend before last I went about 2000km to Brisbane & back from Parkes.

All great fun untill I had a wheel bearing collapse this morning between Lithgow & Bathurst. NRMA trucked it to Bathurst for me, but when we took the hub off, the bearing had 'welded' itself to the stub axle and stuffed it. Boris is sending a replacement, but I won't get it untill tomorrow morning.

I suppose this could happen in any car though.

From your ole' mate Jeff

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 11 Apr 2011, 10:49 pm

#835287

And compared to a modern POC that will require a special order part from !!! country being 3 weeks? Then requiring only a dealer being !!! k'ms away to fit it.

The Beetle looks good.

I remember about 10 years ago in the Snowy Mountains NSW a wheel bearing let go in our 1975 Bus and the local car parts supplier was able to give us a suitable wheel bearing from another model, and then pointed us in the direction of a handy farmer that was able to change it for us for $50. So about $80 all up and we were on the road again.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Canni. Wolfsburg Wizard

471 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 11 Apr 2011, 11:09 pm

#835288

Definitely do-able, drove '60 daily for years - all original including 6v... which I'd probably change if I did it again as I've gotten used to not driving by candle light hah. Never had issue with the drum brakes - kept it serviced and keep a reasonable distance between cars, cause the 36hp made it considerably easier cause you can't go that fast 😀

I switched to a square back cause needed more space, wanted to do the bug up, I do like the comforts such as 12v, radio, feels a bit nicer on the freeway... I'd go back to daily driving the bug definitely cause every day is a cruise then 🙂

Heidi - 1960 White Beetle
'65 Kiwi Ghia