hey people
can u give me a run down on these make of beetles? when did theyt start manufacture?are they a strong gearbox, any faults in various models etc?
cheers
rhys

The only thing I know about them is that they were the first model Beetle to come with double-joint rear suspension in 1968. The manual models didn't get it until (I think) 1970. :thumb

As things have worked out with Heather's back, I'm wishing I'd bought the 68 stick rather than the manual, because she'd still be able to drive it. (Little feeling in her left foot)

sorry to hear it kol!!!
so no one else has semi auto beetles??
cheers
rhys

most ppl just converted them to full auto i think, not many around
or when the drive train broke down they were scrapped as most Mechanics didntwant to touch vw stuff..........

just buy it rhys ! hehehehehe

hey
i havent found one yet as i dont like superbugs or anything over 1971!!!
hate them square bumpers,elephant foot taillights!!
where there any in 69?
cheers
rhys

One of my friends has one (69) Beetle, Its only done 50.000 miles, and it's giving him all sorts of grief, sometimes it's almost imposible to get into gear, we have just about checked everything and it is still playing up, as a last resort we are going to pull the motor and visually inspect the clutch.
The other thing is the scaresity of new parts, some things are very difficult to get, neutral safety switch, is one thing you cannot get.
Personnaly I would steer clear of one. they are very frustrating and can be very unreliable, although I have spoken to some stickshift owners who have had very little trouble, but most say forget them!
Rob....

ok kool i was thinkin parts would be a nightmare!!
cheers
rhys

My '69 was a semi auto, It was converted to manual when I got it.

I think the '68 to '70 model semi auto Beetles (They are all German built) are the best Beetle model made. IRS rear end, Ball joint front, don't rust like the later beetles do, and they are easy to convert to manual.

I have one and a half ( dont ask). Rebuilding the complete one as we speak.
The missus cant drive a manual but wants a beetle to cruise.
The only trouble i have had is with the pressure switch on the stick and a couple of vac hose's with pin holes. So far only minor stuff. Have not driven it for about 8 months. They are only a three speed. There is no first gear. You start in second. Some people would argue first is a waste of time anyway. Its hard to find someone to work an the auto. I will convert it to manual if it stuffs up.

cheers Todd

It seems they mostly have problems. My sisters is usually ok but when it breaks a couple of times a year its a good rebuild. Mostly on the gearstick tho. Otherwise it drives fine and is classed as an auto by the rta so you only need an auto licence to drive it, i find its a good way to go from auto to manuel.

Hi

I have a friend who is a paraplegic, he rallies one with a 1916, webbers etc, never had any reliabilty problems and he gives it heaps. Not many people know how to fix them, you need to find an old school VW mechanic. Most problems are found in the gearstick, its like a big set of contact points also in the wiring running back to the control unit. Full autos only came in Kombis & type 3s, they dont fit a Beetle easily because of the chassis forks.

Parts maybe hard to find but with the amount of semi auto boxes removed thay must be around somewhere.

1302Steve