Hamma1965 ·
Trying to locate 1976 beetle "fire bug" last heard it was under tarp near shops in Kareela NSW.I sold car to Graham Giles.
Aussieveedubbers · General Chit Chat
Trying to locate fire bug ( FOUND with new owner )
https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/108181/trying-to-locate-fire-bug-found-with-new-owner
helbus ·
Any pictures or other descriptive features?
Hamma1965 ·
Hi Pete
Was a show car in early 90's. I have some photos which I will try and attach some how?
Basically it was a citrus red 76 beetle , one piece windows with empi,s cal looker.
Was a show car in early 90's. I have some photos which I will try and attach some how?
Basically it was a citrus red 76 beetle , one piece windows with empi,s cal looker.
hellbugged ·
Contact Steve carter
"1303Steve"
"1303Steve"
Hamma1965 ·
Thanks Daimo
I'll try to send him a message. Have to get a couple more posts in first. Think I need five for first message to be allowed .
I'll try to send him a message. Have to get a couple more posts in first. Think I need five for first message to be allowed .
hellbugged ·
Just post some random here to get your count up
He will no doubt chime in on this thread. Usually visits the forum each day
Daimo
He will no doubt chime in on this thread. Usually visits the forum each day
Daimo
hellbugged ·
Hamma1965 ·
Thanks again Daimo
Saw that thread from a google search on line .which is why i registered. I had my old photos of the car out and was showing my kids them plus some of the mags I had kept with car featured.
My kids are about the same age as I was when I owned It. Time goes quick.
Saw that thread from a google search on line .which is why i registered. I had my old photos of the car out and was showing my kids them plus some of the mags I had kept with car featured.
My kids are about the same age as I was when I owned It. Time goes quick.
Hamma1965 ·
Funny thing is , I was reading old fast four mag, story by Matt Raudonikis, Said car was purchased locally in average condition, It apparently received a colour change , one piece windows etc. There is no question the car got a full once over and remains one of the best I've seen, However it was always citrus red, It had the empi's on it , the one piece windows where already in , ( cb performance america) ,the exhaust was mine and it had been engineered to stop axle tramp.My photos therefore look identical to how car appeared at shows. I use to tell people he just polished it. Ha Ha
I purchased car from original owner and it had one of Stan Pobjoys original 1916's, remember he was working out of his garage west of Sydney somewhere.
I purchased car from original owner and it had one of Stan Pobjoys original 1916's, remember he was working out of his garage west of Sydney somewhere.
1303Steve ·
Hi
Its not under the carport anymore. Maybe it would be easier to track down the owner, cant think of his name or the guy that took over Rogwin from Geoff Unwin and Ted Rog. The owner of the car was business a partner in the new VW shop.
A lot has been said about how good this car was, it was very well detailed for sure but it didn't show any innovation, it was basically packed full of bolt on parts from a Hot VWs magazine advert.
Steve
Its not under the carport anymore. Maybe it would be easier to track down the owner, cant think of his name or the guy that took over Rogwin from Geoff Unwin and Ted Rog. The owner of the car was business a partner in the new VW shop.
A lot has been said about how good this car was, it was very well detailed for sure but it didn't show any innovation, it was basically packed full of bolt on parts from a Hot VWs magazine advert.
Steve
Hamma1965 ·
Thanks Steve
Did they change Rogwin motors to Volks repairs or something?
Did they change Rogwin motors to Volks repairs or something?
vw54 ·
Rogwin went to Volkscare and closed in or around 1993
The guys name was Grahame Giles ( spelling )
""" it was very well detailed for sure but it didn't show any innovation "" yep very shinny but not much else
The guys name was Grahame Giles ( spelling )
""" it was very well detailed for sure but it didn't show any innovation "" yep very shinny but not much else
Hamma1965 ·
Hi Steve
Was thinking about that innovation thing. The stuff I did before selling it to Mr giles and his son Heath was kind of innovative. We welded up the frame forks , replaced gear box mount to earlier style, put alloy tray in parcel shelf the bracketed from there down to frame forks , lowered rear suspension and welded adjusters into front.Allot of this you can buy off the shelf now and bolt on. I think the car won a best engineered at some show? Anyway the thing is heaps of people were doing that then . I had a good friend called Daryl O'connor and was a member go club illawarra. there were some very clever people their some still in vw scene .
Jeff Unwin use to let Daryl and I use his work shop at nights, when Graham Giles purchased the car I suggested if he needed any thing done he should go to Rogwin motors as they knew the car.
Anyway I thought it was innovative at the time but truth was heaps were doing that stuff in the eighties and we bludged a bit of Knowledge off Gene Burg who Jeff corresponded with. These days I don't see things to much different although my current beetle has a narrowed beam and I have an air system Ive purchased with the view to install at a later date.
Mark
Was thinking about that innovation thing. The stuff I did before selling it to Mr giles and his son Heath was kind of innovative. We welded up the frame forks , replaced gear box mount to earlier style, put alloy tray in parcel shelf the bracketed from there down to frame forks , lowered rear suspension and welded adjusters into front.Allot of this you can buy off the shelf now and bolt on. I think the car won a best engineered at some show? Anyway the thing is heaps of people were doing that then . I had a good friend called Daryl O'connor and was a member go club illawarra. there were some very clever people their some still in vw scene .
Jeff Unwin use to let Daryl and I use his work shop at nights, when Graham Giles purchased the car I suggested if he needed any thing done he should go to Rogwin motors as they knew the car.
Anyway I thought it was innovative at the time but truth was heaps were doing that stuff in the eighties and we bludged a bit of Knowledge off Gene Burg who Jeff corresponded with. These days I don't see things to much different although my current beetle has a narrowed beam and I have an air system Ive purchased with the view to install at a later date.
Mark
Sunset Garage ·
Man, I loved that thing when it was first built. It was definitely controversial at carshows too. Was one of the cars that inspired me to build my first VW back in 1991.
A cal-look German 68 with shaved blinkers relocated in the bumpers and one piece windows, pastel violet paintwork, a second hand 1835 and some 'Rocket' brand 8 spokes (with the roughest castings for a wheel, ever) painted in gunmetal.
The VW scene in Australia was pretty small back then anyway, and shiny showcars dominated. I can recall a certain dark green beetle, painted in a HSV colour, with every bit you could possibly chrome or polish, winning all the NSW VW shows. The first few times it even won without a wiring loom fitted! The car parks outside the show were usually just as exciting and interesting to look around anyway.
Firebug was definitely innovative for its time, in the same way Subaru powered VWs and rusty patina rides scraping their asses on the road are considered innovative in the new century. I wonder if, in another 20 years we are looking back at these current trends & wondering what possessed people to do that to their cars?
A cal-look German 68 with shaved blinkers relocated in the bumpers and one piece windows, pastel violet paintwork, a second hand 1835 and some 'Rocket' brand 8 spokes (with the roughest castings for a wheel, ever) painted in gunmetal.
The VW scene in Australia was pretty small back then anyway, and shiny showcars dominated. I can recall a certain dark green beetle, painted in a HSV colour, with every bit you could possibly chrome or polish, winning all the NSW VW shows. The first few times it even won without a wiring loom fitted! The car parks outside the show were usually just as exciting and interesting to look around anyway.
Firebug was definitely innovative for its time, in the same way Subaru powered VWs and rusty patina rides scraping their asses on the road are considered innovative in the new century. I wonder if, in another 20 years we are looking back at these current trends & wondering what possessed people to do that to their cars?
1303Steve ·
I think Ive found it, I will let Mark try to find it first
1303Steve ·
As far as innovation goes the internet has changed things, we can all have internet fame with a few photos on a forum or website but years ago nobody really saw what you were doing with your car
helbus ·
Pics anyone? I am champing at the bit to see it now.
Hamma1965 ·
Hi all
This is my first experience on a forum. As I said looking at old photos , got nostalgic and hoped I could find it .
The feedback and reading everyone's comments has been great, plus sometimes one comment seems to send you on another interesting tangent. Sincere thanks. Mark
This is my first experience on a forum. As I said looking at old photos , got nostalgic and hoped I could find it .
The feedback and reading everyone's comments has been great, plus sometimes one comment seems to send you on another interesting tangent. Sincere thanks. Mark
1303Steve ·
Did you follow up my lead?
Euro_67 ·
Hi,
I too would be very keen to find out the fate of Fire Bug.
I worked at "Rogwins" on the weekends and during school holidays during the Fire Bug build. And whilst i appreciate '76s are not for everyone, this care made a lasting impression on me, as did many of the cars from Rogwins and Hellbug.
I personally spoke to Graeme Giles back in around 2006-2007
Both he and Heath had lost interest in the scene after the demise of Volkscare motors. At the time, I was told the car was in the drive under a tarp. When I reached out to Graeme, my intention was to do something with the car. Unfortunately I never followed it up as other things took priority. Something I have always regretted.
PM sent.
I too would be very keen to find out the fate of Fire Bug.
I worked at "Rogwins" on the weekends and during school holidays during the Fire Bug build. And whilst i appreciate '76s are not for everyone, this care made a lasting impression on me, as did many of the cars from Rogwins and Hellbug.
I personally spoke to Graeme Giles back in around 2006-2007
Both he and Heath had lost interest in the scene after the demise of Volkscare motors. At the time, I was told the car was in the drive under a tarp. When I reached out to Graeme, my intention was to do something with the car. Unfortunately I never followed it up as other things took priority. Something I have always regretted.
PM sent.
Hamma1965 ·
Hi Steve.
Yes mate. Followed up lead. Got Graham's number. Have spoken and expressed my interest to purchase car. Hoping to sort in near future. Car has not even been started for 9 years plus rubbing and sweating under a tarp.
Thanks again
Mark
Yes mate. Followed up lead. Got Graham's number. Have spoken and expressed my interest to purchase car. Hoping to sort in near future. Car has not even been started for 9 years plus rubbing and sweating under a tarp.
Thanks again
Mark
Hamma1965 ·
Hi Euro 67.
Thanks for info. Much appreciated.
Sent pm.
Mark
Thanks for info. Much appreciated.
Sent pm.
Mark
BrisDubba ·
Pete (Helbus) there are pictures of the car in the link that Daimo (Hellbugged) put up..
1303Steve ·
We need a like button here, thats great news, I hope it can be savedHamma1965 wrote:Hi Steve.
Yes mate. Followed up lead. Got Graham's number. Have spoken and expressed my interest to purchase car. Hoping to sort in near future. Car has not even been started for 9 years plus rubbing and sweating under a tarp.
Thanks again
Mark
hellbugged ·
👍
vw54 ·
I have down loaded for all to look at
vw54 ·
found it but its blue nowdays
AA003 ·
.....and some kid's drawn a circle around it!😂vw54 wrote:found it but its blue nowdays
vw54 ·
its the RED RING of the FIREBUG
😂
😂
bugmaniaar ·
And looks like the daleks are attacking it from the right,2 with a green top and 1 with a red top......😂
HotRodMatt ·
Sounds like 99% of car show winners.1303Steve wrote:A lot has been said about how good this car was, it was very well detailed for sure but it didn't show any innovation, it was basically packed full of bolt on parts from a Hot VWs magazine advert.
Steve
Euro_67 ·
I don't think the VVDS had the "Aero" 'guards back then 🙂
In all seriousness, what other customisations or innovations were available in the late 80s? One piece widows perhaps?
In all seriousness, what other customisations or innovations were available in the late 80s? One piece widows perhaps?
hellbugged ·
I agree.Euro_67 wrote:In all seriousness, what other customisations or innovations were available in the late 80s? One piece widows perhaps?
Some cars can have the entire catalogue strapped to em and still not have a coherent look or that "everything is spot on" appeal
It was pretty for sure and nicely layed out with the colour, chrome bling etc..... However, I've dug out the old magazines and was full of good engine and gearbox pieces and treatment to get the best out of the go fast stuff as well.
Maybe the difference now is that cars are built to a similar standard..... But shortly after it's unveil, put straight to use as a driver.
Like the blue ghia recently had windows put in and treated as a car rather than art.
I liked the cars of that era and it's a shame some haven't survived.
1303Steve ·
I don't want to blow my own trumpet, I fitted a WBX motor to Beetle in 1988 and made it work, but a lot of people were doing great things then, just no Internet to boast about it, My day job until 1986 was doing innovations to VWs.Euro_67 wrote:I don't think the VVDS had the "Aero" 'guards back then 🙂
In all seriousness, what other customisations or innovations were available in the late 80s? One piece widows perhaps?
I never liked the car and as Ive already said it looked like it was built using a Hot VWs magazine add. But it was was always well presented & clean, not driving the car will do that
petemart ·
Good luck with your search as I remember that car from mags back in the day also.. It really had all the bells and whistles going on.1303Steve wrote:I don't want to blow my own trumpet, I fitted a WBX motor to Beetle in 1988 and made it work, but a lot of people were doing great things then, just no Internet to boast about it, My day job until 1986 was doing innovations to VWs.Euro_67 wrote:I don't think the VVDS had the "Aero" 'guards back then 🙂
In all seriousness, what other customisations or innovations were available in the late 80s? One piece widows perhaps?
I never liked the car and as Ive already said it looked like it was built using a Hot VWs magazine add. But it was was always well presented & clean, not driving the car will do that
If it means anything to you Steve I used to crawl all over your bug when you came to Hellbug in the 90's to see how you got the WBX plumbed up etc as your car inspired me to start to collect the bits to build a slammed OG 64 notch that was going to be IRS on its guts but a water cooled auto daily driver in the 'rat' style we all love, but back then it was a $500 project car that we where saving to get a good paint gob on..😂
Luckily I avoided a bullet and sold everything VW and got out of it for nearly 20 yrs so I could afford to buy a house!
mike64 ·
Daimo are you talking about my brothers Blue Ghia? If so it still has no side windows and was rego'd 2 years after completion.
Someone made the comment at Nambucca before last "has this car just been finished" when the build was 20 years old.
John still enjoys driving it and keeping the car as clean as possible.
Mike.
Someone made the comment at Nambucca before last "has this car just been finished" when the build was 20 years old.
John still enjoys driving it and keeping the car as clean as possible.
Mike.
Sunset Garage ·
Hey Steve, I understand what you're saying, and a WBX motor in a beetle sounds like great innovation for that time. And I've looked at your Subaru powered Bug & was impressed with the cleanliness of the conversion. your car is a great example of just how practical and drivable a conversion can be, and if you like it then that's what it's all about. however...
How innovative is a Subaru conversion these days? considering that you can buy pretty much every conversion bit from a specialist company that makes parts to do it, (and most of them advertise in DB&HVWS as well...ironic?) every man and his dog can do it with a phone, a credit card, and an obliging engineer to sign off on it.
The way you describe how Firebug was built back then, is pretty similar to the way most people are doing it now, only the names of the companies and magazines may have changed a little, but not a lot.
Firebug was a great little car then, and would be a great little car now if someone could get hold of it and drive it the way it was built to be used, unfortunately it was never used in the way it was built.
I hope someone has some luck in purchasing it and driving the nuts off it.
How innovative is a Subaru conversion these days? considering that you can buy pretty much every conversion bit from a specialist company that makes parts to do it, (and most of them advertise in DB&HVWS as well...ironic?) every man and his dog can do it with a phone, a credit card, and an obliging engineer to sign off on it.
The way you describe how Firebug was built back then, is pretty similar to the way most people are doing it now, only the names of the companies and magazines may have changed a little, but not a lot.
Firebug was a great little car then, and would be a great little car now if someone could get hold of it and drive it the way it was built to be used, unfortunately it was never used in the way it was built.
I hope someone has some luck in purchasing it and driving the nuts off it.
Joel ·
It's sad when show cars go to hell like that.
Another one some people may remember from the late 80s/early 90s show scene was the 69 Beetle "BlueDaze" that was a VW power cover car.
Its on the Gold coast now as some ones daily driver, in ok shape but well used and far far from the show car it used to be.
one of the local servo owners here had an ex summernats/Hot4s show winner subi powered ragtop 61 beetle from the early 90s, same deal its on the goldcoast now as a daily driven wreck.
Another one some people may remember from the late 80s/early 90s show scene was the 69 Beetle "BlueDaze" that was a VW power cover car.
Its on the Gold coast now as some ones daily driver, in ok shape but well used and far far from the show car it used to be.
one of the local servo owners here had an ex summernats/Hot4s show winner subi powered ragtop 61 beetle from the early 90s, same deal its on the goldcoast now as a daily driven wreck.
Euro_67 ·
SC, your WBX beetle was certainly ahead of its time, and paved the way for WC swaps. I also recall the EA81 engined beetle, and countless rotary engined beetles that have provided inspiration over the years too.
Fire bug was definitely built with a spare no expense approach. I had the pleasure of working on the car, and watching it come together - (I was told it cost a staggering $50K to complete), and whilst not to everyone's tastes, Im sure everything that went into it was "best available" in Australia at the time, from a catalogue or otherwise.
What is clear, is tastes and trends change, so thankfully there are no more beetles with Carrerra kits and Torana taillights.
What will we be saying about early K&L beetles with narrowed beams or Subi converted beetles in 20+ years time? Because that seems to be the only real evolution of the "scene" since Cal Look, German Look and installing upgrade parts advertised in magazines.
One thing we all seem to agree on, is it would be awesome for someone to bring Fire Bug out of storage, and simply use it!
The other '76 that was very nice was superbly built by VVDS. I believe Boris built it for his book keeper.
I caught it a few times running around the North Shore.
White, with white interior and 944 phone dials. Any one have any photos of it? Birchall, or Mike?
Fire bug was definitely built with a spare no expense approach. I had the pleasure of working on the car, and watching it come together - (I was told it cost a staggering $50K to complete), and whilst not to everyone's tastes, Im sure everything that went into it was "best available" in Australia at the time, from a catalogue or otherwise.
What is clear, is tastes and trends change, so thankfully there are no more beetles with Carrerra kits and Torana taillights.
What will we be saying about early K&L beetles with narrowed beams or Subi converted beetles in 20+ years time? Because that seems to be the only real evolution of the "scene" since Cal Look, German Look and installing upgrade parts advertised in magazines.
One thing we all seem to agree on, is it would be awesome for someone to bring Fire Bug out of storage, and simply use it!
The other '76 that was very nice was superbly built by VVDS. I believe Boris built it for his book keeper.
I caught it a few times running around the North Shore.
White, with white interior and 944 phone dials. Any one have any photos of it? Birchall, or Mike?
Sunset Garage ·
There was a factory (911 code) white 76 with blacked out 16x6 & 16x7 Fuchs, white bumpers and big VVDS stickers across the tops of the front & back windows & along the bottoms of the doors. Was featured in an Australian VW magazine but I can't remember which one. Think it had a black Recaro interior, MOMO wheel maybe?
That was a really tidy little 76. I dont remember teledials on that one though.
That was a really tidy little 76. I dont remember teledials on that one though.
1303Steve ·
Originally posted by DOKA Dave[
How innovative is a Subaru conversion these days?
I don't think any 2 Subaru conversions I've seen are the same.
A brief summary of what I did to my bug, Ike probably forgotten some
Electrical, moved the fuse box from under the dash into the boot area behind the glove box and it uses blade fuses instead ceramic/plastic fuses. The wiring loom layout mimics an Mk1 1 Golf, Euro parking lights, intermittent wiper, electric washers etc Cruise control has been fitted
Extra interior light over rear parcel shelf which can be removed for access to the bee sting radio aerial mounted on the rear of the roof, the factory interior light and parcel shelf light have LED bulbs fitted
Side indicators are mounted in the front 1/4s, extra brake light holders are mounted inside the taillights
Provision for future fitment of air conditioning has been made
Brakes, Porsche 4 spot Brembos all round, larger 20.6 mm master cylinder fitted, brake master cylinder moved outwards 25mm to allow room for a clutch master cylinder to sit beside it. Front brakes are from Dak to the Future and use Porsche 930 rotors adapted to Beetle hubs with 996 rear callipers used on the front, the rear brakes are Porsche 944 with Boxster callipers.
Suspension, KMac camber strut tops on the front struts which have have been shortened and an adjustable collar has been fitted to adjust ride height with heavier narrow coil springs, Mazda RX7 Koni sports shock have been adapted to fit, Vee Dub Engineering heavy tie rods are fitted, tie rods have been turned upside down to reduce bump steer. Rack & Pinion steering from a later Beetle has been fitted, the body and chassis needed to modified to do this. I have an adjustable caster White line front sway bar taken from my old 1302, I instigated the production of these in the early 1980s with a friend of mine Richard Watts who owned Whiteine at the time. Larger camber pins fitted to allow more adjustment.
Rears suspension is from a 1986 944 Porsche, the trailing arms are aluminium and use a double row wheel bearing, although they use the same mounting as IRS Beetle trailing arms there is some modifications that need to be done to use them on Beetle.
I’m using Bilstien rear shocks, a fabricated bracket was made to tilt forward slightly to clear axles. The chassis has been modified to allow a Porsche G50 transmission to fitted where the torsion bar mounting would normally be, short early Beetle 30mm Sway Away are used with the splined mountings moved further out in the chassis, a custom 3 bar Kafer was made using molly tube. The chassis forks have been boxed in with 25x50 tubing and have a trapeze mounting that tie into the chassis and extend nearly up to the front seats. Sway Away axles with race prepped 930 CVs are used
Chassis, the transmission has been moved forward 100 mm and raised 25 mm. The transmission is held in place by a Porsche front cross member, location points have been fabricated and welded to the torsion bar housing, a 76 Kombi bell housing mount is used as a midpoint mounting for the transmission and a fabricated mount at the end of the frame horn supports the motor via Subaru engine mounts.
The chassis has a 13mm stainless steel tube welded into it through which passes a Bowden accelerator cable, the accelerator cross shaft has been modified to eliminate the factory circlip, the accelerator pedal pivot point has a Allen head screw through it with a lock nut.
Porsche 944 handbrake cables are used and are mated to Beetle handbrake lever.
Engine, is an EJ207 and is from a GDB Subaru WRX STI, it has been modified with hand ported stock headers, 3 inch exhaust, 1000 cc injectors, PWR water to air intercooler with an ice box for drag racing is used, Garret GTX 30/76 turbo and has been converted to run on E85 fuel, while still running on BP98 it has made 235 kW at the wheels, more to come with E85. Engine is mounted using a KEP adaptor, clutch and flywheel.
Body, a box to house the intercooler and various other engine ancillaries was made to fit behind the rear seat, body stiffening similar to a factory convertible has been fitted in the door openings at the A&B pillar locations, the factory rear seat base mount has been replaced with a 25x50 tube that is welded to the inner B pillar and bolted to the chassis. The stock boot hinge pin pivots have been replaced with bolts from an earlier model Beetle to make them more stable, boot release is mounted under the dash using a Bowden cable similar to a choke cable. Part of the rear inner guards and rear apron can be removed to facilitate engine removal.
1303Steve ·
The 76 with the dials belonged to Judy when she worked for VVDS, she sold the car ages ago, I still see her sometimes at the locals shops.
The white 76 might be the Aero 1500 Beetle that eventually became Boris targa car, then his drag car and now Lou Guevara's circuit car
The white 76 might be the Aero 1500 Beetle that eventually became Boris targa car, then his drag car and now Lou Guevara's circuit car
Joel ·
Dave, if you;re taking sand rails which have no bodywork limitations and the rad just bolts to the frame above the engine then yes you can buy it all for a quick bolt in but as Steve said no two bug conversions are the same because nobody makes an off the shelf bolt in bug cooling system,DOKA Dave wrote:How innovative is a Subaru conversion these days? considering that you can buy pretty much every conversion bit from a specialist company that makes parts to do it, (and most of them advertise in DB&HVWS as well...ironic?) every man and his dog can do it with a phone, a credit card, and an obliging engineer to sign off on it.
its all custom pipework has to be made and a radiator to suit that particular car, off the shelf mufflers are around for buses but need custom modding for bugs, the fuel system has to be redesigned for fuel injection,
Yes you can buy a throttle body inverter but you still need to make up a custom intake and filter to fit a bug engine bay etc etc etc but long and short of it you can't just do a bolt in Kmart subaru conversion in a bug.
I'd also question the legality of half the conversion stuff you can buy in US in Aus anyway ie, mufflers with no cat, miniumum ground clearance issues etc.
Sunset Garage ·
Just read your build thread Steve. Although Subaru powered VWs are not my thing, it's a very well engineered and clever little package. It's an exceptional car that's a credit to your building skills. I'm sure it's a hoot to drive & it shows great mechanical innovation.
My point that there are companies advertising in VW mags that make alternative engine conversions a 'bolt in' reality, obviously does not apply to your car. I seriously doubt there would be more than a handful of people on the planet with the vision and resources to achieve what you have with your bug. 😎
Anyway it would be good to see Firebug get a new lease of life.
My point that there are companies advertising in VW mags that make alternative engine conversions a 'bolt in' reality, obviously does not apply to your car. I seriously doubt there would be more than a handful of people on the planet with the vision and resources to achieve what you have with your bug. 😎
Anyway it would be good to see Firebug get a new lease of life.
1303Steve ·
Thanks Dave, I agree it would be good to see Firebug out again maybe after all this interest the owner might consider resurrecting Firebug but I dont think time would have been kind to the car as rust etc goes, I live not too far from its location and we get lots of salt in the air
1303Steve ·
still there
1303Steve ·
still there a few weeks ago
1303Steve ·
still there a week ago
vw54 ·
Its been SOLD new owner
hellbugged ·
Have you had a look at it DB?
Condition?
Condition?
vw54 ·
No not yet just been talking to new owner he has started the engine
I suggest to clean fuel tank and replace line etc and don't brakes hoses etc before he drives
Grahame Giles passed away a few months ago ( spell ) so that why it sold
I suggest to clean fuel tank and replace line etc and don't brakes hoses etc before he drives
Grahame Giles passed away a few months ago ( spell ) so that why it sold
hellbugged ·
Oh, didn't know he had passed, RIP
1303Steve ·
I'm pretty sure I saw it today in the driveway of repair shop in Kirrawee, looked nice and clean
Jamestaz ·
Firebug is now registered , needs bit more tuning but hopefully be at a meet soon.
Cheers
Cheers
beetleboyjeff ·
Good work
1303Steve ·
looking good, I fitted a battery to your neighbours car a few weeks ago, we had a bit of a talk about him coming home and seeing it being pulled out of the driveway
Bizarre ·
Nice looking bug
vw54 ·
Looking Good
hellbugged ·
👍
Jamestaz ·
Hi all I have had major problems writing on the site from an iPad so not sure if this will work . I need to replace the wheel cylinders on the fire bug it has tyoe3 brakes . Front disc and re drum could someone please tell me the best place to buy them. Maybe pads too. Also if there are any gene berg gurus out there I wrote to them about valve clearances . The reply was Unless it has a hydraulic cam set them to VW factory specs or you can go .004" on exhaust and .006" on intake with the chrome-moly pushrods. What are your thoughts on appropriate clearances .
Thanks in Advance
Thanks in Advance
vw54 ·
VVDS at Campsie for your ATE German type 3 brake parts have you changed the flex hoses
Talk to Boris about the cam
Talk to Boris about the cam
vw54 ·
How do you know it has a hydraulic cam I don't recall Berg ever doing that
If it was hydraulic cam I presume the clearances would be similar to adjusting the tappets in a Holden engine where you back the off until they rattle they tighten until that stop rattling
If it was hydraulic cam I presume the clearances would be similar to adjusting the tappets in a Holden engine where you back the off until they rattle they tighten until that stop rattling
1303Steve ·
Hi
Berg did hydraulic cams on any grind if you asked him, I had one in my WBX Beetle. Its important to find out exactly what cam it has. It might be worth seeing what they are set at now.
With chrome molly pushrods I set the lash at 0, because the motor grows more that the pushrods.
With brakes you need to buy the correct rear wheels cylinders otherwise it will have too or too little braking on the rear.
There are 2 types of front Type 3 calipers, the early ones bolt on, the later ones need an adaptor to fit the caliper. It should be easy to find out which ones they are by looking to see if the calipers are mounted on adaptors.
Early Type 3 calipers only have one bleed nipple so they left and right handed.
Steve
Berg did hydraulic cams on any grind if you asked him, I had one in my WBX Beetle. Its important to find out exactly what cam it has. It might be worth seeing what they are set at now.
With chrome molly pushrods I set the lash at 0, because the motor grows more that the pushrods.
With brakes you need to buy the correct rear wheels cylinders otherwise it will have too or too little braking on the rear.
There are 2 types of front Type 3 calipers, the early ones bolt on, the later ones need an adaptor to fit the caliper. It should be easy to find out which ones they are by looking to see if the calipers are mounted on adaptors.
Early Type 3 calipers only have one bleed nipple so they left and right handed.
Steve
hellbugged ·
From an magazine article........
Front stubs modified (adapters?) for '73 type 3 calipers and rotors , rears also from 73 type 3
Cam berg 301
0.472 lift 300 deg duration and 108 lobe centers
2007cc
60cc berg heads
48 dellortos
Got some go fast gear and handling goodies going on along with the showy look
ZF diff
White line bars
Berg box mounts
Type 3 torsions
Seam welded traling arms and gearbox forks with uprights to plated parcel area
hellbug
Front stubs modified (adapters?) for '73 type 3 calipers and rotors , rears also from 73 type 3
Cam berg 301
0.472 lift 300 deg duration and 108 lobe centers
2007cc
60cc berg heads
48 dellortos
Got some go fast gear and handling goodies going on along with the showy look
ZF diff
White line bars
Berg box mounts
Type 3 torsions
Seam welded traling arms and gearbox forks with uprights to plated parcel area
hellbug
1303Steve ·
good info
1303Steve ·
Sounds like the Powertune Super Brakes that I had on my yellow bug in the 70s. Sold them to Jak a long time ago. They worked very well.hellbugged wrote:From an magazine article........
Front stubs modified (adapters?) for '73 type 3 calipers and rotors , rears also from 73 type 3
hellbug
barls ·
is fire bug the one that's been at power tune for ages and now gone?
1303Steve ·
No think your thinking of Greg Mackies sports sedan
HappyDaze ·
Steve, it was over 40 years ago when I built that car. Scary, isn't it! 😏
One of the silliest things I've done was sell it to him...
One of the silliest things I've done was sell it to him...
1303Steve ·
Time flies, it would be good to see it run again but I wont hold my breath
barls ·
no I'm thinking of the bug with similar wheels that was at power tune three months ago.i work three doors up the road from it. ill have a look and still there i try not to look closely as it upsets me the number of bugs there rotting.1303Steve wrote:No think your thinking of Greg Mackies sports sedan
Jamestaz ·
hi Guys ,
sorry i have been trying to reply . Thanks for all the info. This site wont allow me to reply on my ipad or iphone and this is the first time i have had access to a laptop. I have tried to write to moderators but again ipad wont allow me to do that. Wheel cylinders and replaced caliper kits with new pads done. Carby kits and electronic ignition to come.
sorry i have been trying to reply . Thanks for all the info. This site wont allow me to reply on my ipad or iphone and this is the first time i have had access to a laptop. I have tried to write to moderators but again ipad wont allow me to do that. Wheel cylinders and replaced caliper kits with new pads done. Carby kits and electronic ignition to come.
vw54 ·
Ive never tried I pad or phone so carnt help you
Can you get onto the site using those devices and read all the comment ????
Can you get onto the site using those devices and read all the comment ????
1303Steve ·
are you driving it yet?
AA003 ·
Sounds like too much chilli.vw54 wrote:its the RED RING of the FIREBUG
😂
Jamestaz ·
To Vw54,
Yes no problem reading messages. Just when i try to type a message
Yes no problem reading messages. Just when i try to type a message
vw54 ·
Don't know why that is I have never used Apple
so have you driven the car as yet
so have you driven the car as yet
hulbyw ·
I usually use. Laptop however I am posting this on my iPad.
Cheers
Cheers
Jamestaz ·
Thanks this is another try with iPad
Jamestaz ·
It worked ! Great . Still working on carbys when I get spare time .
Cheers
Cheers
Jamestaz ·
Gday all , Carbies back together . Needs some tuning . Has anyone used an ACCU spark electronic ignition on this type of engine ? How did it perform ? Or would someone recommend something different .
Cheers
Cheers