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SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843775
About two weeks ago I got my first car. To me, she is beautiful, to others, she's just a '73 L Bug.

She needs a lot of work and has a lot of issues that I have uncovered over the past few weeks. Some of which I need people's help with when it comes to determining what the issue is and finding a fix!

First issue:
Second gear is practically not there when trying to engine brake. Usually you'd take a roundabout in second, if I do, she shutters. But if I use third, she's fine.

Second issue:
Fumes galore. I feel like I'm killing myself each time I drive her. I took a look underneath and the muffler and extractors are completely rusted through. Could this be the problem or is it something else entirely?

Third issue:
Heaters don't work. They just, don't. Could simply be not connected?

Fourth issue:
Seems the previous owner has replaced the interior/roof lining, he forgot to put in the interior light. Would I need to replace the entire roof lining just to install the interior light? The roof lining is very dodgy regardless, may need to reupholster the whole thing...

I'm currently residing in Adelaide, South Australia. Either I need a local mechanic for air-cooled volkswagens, or I can do it myself. I have heard that GHR Motors is excellent, may give them a call though.

Does anyone have any rough ideas as to what is causing some of the issues mentioned above?

Anyway, this is Zelda. Did I mention she has had a 1600cc Superbug engine dropped in her?

Images can be found here!

I can upload more images if people want to see them. I'll also continue to update this thread when it comes to restoring Zelda back to original looks. Want to build her into a sleeper.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843777
For those that are interested, here is a small list of what I want to achieve.

• Original taillights (preferably want to put the old snowflake taillights on).
• Chrome front and rear bumper.
• Interior trim will go back to stock, including removing head unit from dash and installing into glovebox.
• Dual carby setup.
• Heavy duty clutch.
• Maybe even get a high RPM pulley kit.

What do you think I should be doing engine wise to get the most out of my 1600cc?
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#843786
Welcome to here, looks like a tidy bug.

If the muffler is rusted out that will be the source of the fumes but also the heaters can let them in as well.

The lever on the right of the handbrake pulls the cables on the heater boxes so you first need to make sure that's happening and also that someone hasn't removed the hoses that connect them to the car.

An Lbug is a Superbug just so you know when buying parts as a fair bit is different, but that's not a Superbug motor though, its a 1500 single port engine from a 68 or 69 beetle.
Superbugs have 1600 Duel port.

You'll need some original steel rear guards if you wanna get rid of the Torana tail lights but they aren't hard to find.

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843802
Hey Joel,

Just had a chat with my Uncle. He said the only stock car that came with a dual carb setup were the type threes. However, he states that an L bug is definitely not the same as a superbug. The engine is a rebuilt engine and put into the car, it is definitely a single port 1600cc motor.

Before the superbug, the engines found in beetles were only 1200cc, 1300cc and 1500cc. This was originally a 1300cc engine and has, from what I was told, had a 1600cc dumped in it.

As for the muffler and extractors, will get them replaced as soon as possible. If that's where the fumes are, then that needs to be replaced straight away.

Will have to take a look at the heaters as well, its bloody freezing and wouldn't mind using them some mornings!

It isn't too hard to source original rear steel guards, it may be a little difficult getting them perfect looking with some snowflake rear lights.

**EDIT**
Just re-read what you said, my apologies, thought you said dual carbs not ports. I'll grab a picture of the engine from the side as soon as possible.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#843803
All good mate,
I can see from the pic it's a single port, the H in front of the numbers means it was original a 1500 bug motor but 1600 cylinders bolt straight in.

Your Uncle knows his stuff but he's a little bit off on a couple of things.

There's a good discussion here about the differences

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=87044

It's an Sbug he is thinking of, it's just slang names that cause the confusion.
An Lbug is technically known as a Superbug L in Aus, the flat windscreen ones that people call superbugs (Sbugs) are really Superbug S but they are both Superbugs.

Lbugs were only ever sold in Aus with 1600 duel port engines, its just after 40 years most don't have their original engines anymore.
Because they all interchange you can bolt what ever in.

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843816
That definitely cleared up a lot of questions I had!
Thanks for that Joel!

My next question is what do you recommend I do to the engine to get it into a sleeper?
Or, do I go all out and just grab a brand new engine? I've seen some new old stock, and completely rebuilt engines, but what is the largest I can get without having to cut any tinware/engine bay? Basically, something I can just drop in.

So, I have a L bug, which is the superbug of '73, with a 1500cc engine with a single port setup?
I'm curious as well, as to how hard it is to replace a padded dash with the straight metal dash... Something I've craved for a while.

Looks like I have a nice little project car coming along, I use it as my daily driver at the moment but might see it return to a garage for a few weeks during school holidays and such...
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843823
Looks like I'm looking at purchasing myself a nice prebuilt 1915cc long block to drop into the engine bay.
After that, I'll need to upgrade the clutch and suspension to keep up with the engine. From there, it'll be down to fixing up the rear end.

This will mean changing the rear fenders to fiberglass 2" wider ones, a new rear apron for a W decklid to fit from '63 (may need to get a fiberglass one made, the decklid that is) and then grab snowflake taillights and an original chrome bumper.

Noticed that the previous owner has just painted straight over the chrome front bumper. Mighty be able to just get some paint stripper and take it back to metal, then just polish away. Easy.

Then it'll be the interior, which may be the most time consuming. To get everything back to stock is going to be hard, but I really want to get the padded dash to a metal dash. Think that would definitely make it a head turner.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#843830
SebastienPeek wrote:So, I have a L bug, which is the superbug of '73, with a 1500cc engine with a single port setup?
Yup, but engine has probably been rebuilt with 1600 cylinders.

Depends really how much power you want but first thing is go straight for a 1600 duel port and expand from there.
You can turn your current single into a duel but it will still have the older single releif case.

Works out easier and cheaper in the end to just buy a performance long block and add whatever carbs, header etc you want.

The dash is a hard one, theres nothing under an Lbug dash except a fire wall with lots of holes and recesses.

People have welded in old flat screen bug dashes but it's a huge job.

It's not hard to do something nice with an Lbug dash.

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843851
Joel wrote:Yup, but engine has probably been rebuilt with 1600 cylinders.
How would I go about checking these to determine whether or not it has 1600 cylinders or 1500? Seems like the previous owner sold it to me with the wrong details...

I'm curious as to what others have done with their padded dashes. Mine is currently cracking along the top...
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

h fractals - an ever changing lifestyle

7,671 posts · joined Feb 2005 ·

#843855
tip - do the clutch when the mouse wheel is out of the beetle 😉
fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse

Fantasy http://seventhchronicle.com

Z = Z2 + C1/r = 1/0 = infinity

Barrels www.barrelman.com.au

VW Workshop - aircooledgarage.com.au
allcooled.com.au

Ollie Yeah Buddy

840 posts · joined Oct 2009 ·

#843857
Check out Joel's build thread as a sweet example of what can be done to L Bug Dash's, IMO it's one of the better example out there.

When you put in the 1915cc check your box and clutch combo, this should sort this shuddering.

Also, get that rust in check asap 🙂 Especially coming up to winter.
Follow the Photo Fun:
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=95238

- '70 1500 Beetle (The Clean One)
- '76 1300 Beetle (The In-between One)
- '69 1500 Beetle (The Mean One)

beetleboyjeff Custom Title Time!

1,790 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#843899
I'm curious as to what others have done with their padded dashes. Mine is currently cracking along the top...
You can still build a good L bug dash like I did (well, I reckon it is good). I modified an old stuffed one, then sent it away and had it re-covered - extremely happy with it.





Recently, I installed blue LEDs - a lot less tiring on the eyes when doing long night drives - and I reckon it looks cool.



Just open your mind to the possibilities.
From your ole' mate Jeff

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843987
OMClarke wrote:Check out Joel's build thread as a sweet example of what can be done to L Bug Dash's, IMO it's one of the better example out there.

When you put in the 1915cc check your box and clutch combo, this should sort this shuddering.

Also, get that rust in check asap 🙂 Especially coming up to winter.
Do you have a link to this build thread? I want to see what I can actually do with a padded dash, the stock one is pretty shit and wouldn't mind putting in a metal dash. Might just have to pick up another bug, '63 sounds like a good idea.

Yeah, will definitely need to replace the gearbox and clutch. If Zelda is to become a nice little sleeper, it'll need some new drivetrain stuff.

The rust won't be too hard to fix, it's surface rust on the rear apron near the decklid seal.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843989
beetleboyjeff wrote:You can still build a good L bug dash like I did (well, I reckon it is good). I modified an old stuffed one, then sent it away and had it re-covered - extremely happy with it.

Recently, I installed blue LEDs - a lot less tiring on the eyes when doing long night drives - and I reckon it looks cool.

Just open your mind to the possibilities.
I have to admit, yours does look a little bit too fancy for what I want. Basically want a stock looking dash with the stock radio replacing my current head unit. I'd then put the new head unit in the glovebox as well as a RPM, oil and engine temperature gauge in there too.

I'm digging the blue LED replacement though!
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#843990
h wrote:tip - do the clutch when the mouse wheel is out of the beetle 😉
I'll do all the mechanics in one shot, especially when it comes to replacing the clutch, gearbox and engine. Will need to do the suspension as well.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#844004
SebastienPeek wrote:
OMClarke wrote:Check out Joel's build thread as a sweet example of what can be done to L Bug Dash's, IMO it's one of the better example out there.
Do you have a link to this build thread?
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=68443&page=7

Probably also a bit flash for what you're after.
I've started building a new custom one, similar to Jeffs, it's just on the back burner atm while I finish a few other projects off.

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#844016
Joel wrote:http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=68443&page=7

Probably also a bit flash for what you're after.
I've started building a new custom one, similar to Jeffs, it's just on the back burner atm while I finish a few other projects off.
That is the most epic build thread I have ever read. Like, holy shit.

Seems you've owned more Beetles than I am old. Crazy!

I'm looking at picking up myself a nice rolling shell and rebuilding it with parts from Zelda. Then, Zelda will get her own little love life with a full turnkey 1914cc engine dumped in her.

Hopefully I can get this all done during next school holidays, will be great.
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Doctor Officially Full-On Dubber

363 posts · joined Aug 2009 ·

#844130
Im interested to see how you go with this. I can recommend GHR, another one to use was Debiasi, but he has retired so your left with GHR now. Ive used them numerous times and they are always helpful even when walking in off the street to find small parts.

I've just finished running in my 1916cc engine, any particular reason you dont want to build your own motor instead of buying a running one? It was an awesome experience building the engine and learning a lot as I went. I'll be building another one late this year, early next year to take a supercharger for some entertainment.
www.brassmunkymedia.com.au


Any car so nice you can't drive it in the rain.. is too damn nice to enjoy

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#844131
Hi mate, welcome! You seem pretty keen, it's always nice to see someone excited about their VW.

With regards to the fumes, make sure that you're not leaking fuel. VWs love to destroy their fuel lines and it can become quite dangerous. You should definitely check all of your rubber fuel lines from front to back, including the breather system in the front. If you see any signs of cracking or perishing, replace all of the fuel hoses. It's cheap to do and is good insurance against a fire.

I noticed that you seem to want your car to look like an older bug. You mentioned a steel dash, W decklid and so on. If you try to do all of this to an L bug, in my opinion it will just look wrong. You would probably be better off enjoying the L bug for what it is and saving your money for a real older bug.

Enjoy yourself and hang around here, you'll pick up lots of advice!
1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#844133
Doctor wrote:Im interested to see how you go with this. I can recommend GHR, another one to use was Debiasi, but he has retired so your left with GHR now. Ive used them numerous times and they are always helpful even when walking in off the street to find small parts.

I've just finished running in my 1916cc engine, any particular reason you dont want to build your own motor instead of buying a running one? It was an awesome experience building the engine and learning a lot as I went. I'll be building another one late this year, early next year to take a supercharger for some entertainment.
Alright, looks like I'll be looking at heading down to GHR very soon indeed.

The reason why I can't (I bloody hell want too) build my own engine is my Mum, she doesn't want me doing it in the garage, let alone the driveway.

If anyone has a donor garage in Adelaide, then maybe... :P
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#844134
waveman1500 wrote:Hi mate, welcome! You seem pretty keen, it's always nice to see someone excited about their VW.

With regards to the fumes, make sure that you're not leaking fuel. VWs love to destroy their fuel lines and it can become quite dangerous. You should definitely check all of your rubber fuel lines from front to back, including the breather system in the front. If you see any signs of cracking or perishing, replace all of the fuel hoses. It's cheap to do and is good insurance against a fire.

I noticed that you seem to want your car to look like an older bug. You mentioned a steel dash, W decklid and so on. If you try to do all of this to an L bug, in my opinion it will just look wrong. You would probably be better off enjoying the L bug for what it is and saving your money for a real older bug.

Enjoy yourself and hang around here, you'll pick up lots of advice!
The fumes are definitely not fuel, I made sure I checked everything before continuing to drive her. It is most definitely something to do with the extractors and/or the muffler itself.

Looks like with the job I just landed, I can do exactly that. I'm keeping my eyes out for a running shell of maybe something pre-1960 to about 1963...

I just want the old school look, metal dash, everything I dreamed about when I was a kid. Sure, Zelda is beautiful, but Zelda 2 can be so much more beautiful! :P
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#844139
As soon as the weather in Adelaide actually gets to a decent temperature/without rain for at least a week, I'll be giving Zelda I nice little bath.

Definitely in need of some beauty shots of her, while she's sparkling clean and such.
The passenger side door doesn't seem to close properly, may need to replace the seals, think they're too think...
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#846241
Well, for those that didn't see I put a new thread up in regards to an issue with the exhaust over here!

I'll post pictures of the old exhaust that fell off and the new one that will be on it. She's still at GHR Motors, but getting her back tomorrow.

The woes of buying an old car? I think not.
More like the fun of buying an old car :D
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl