Hi, I am looking at buying a 70 bug, the last owner since 74-.Had a look at it tonight and though the paint is fair in some parts-its all orig or seems to be at least. I couldnt drive it as it was behind 5 other cars in a driveway tho it did start without any probs and everything seemed to work. I am going back tomorrow to drive it, owner says the clutch can slip sometimes though it hasnt been driven since late 2011. Car comes with no rwc or reg but has service history since 1974. He says he has a new clutch cable and other bits and pieces. Should I be deterred by the clutch slipping if that seems to be the only thing (mechanically) wrong with it. I had a 1500 ten yrs ago and sold it and regretted it. Any advice greatly appreciated

G'day

Bet you now it will need more than a clutch
So good news is you dont need to worry too much about the clutch

Seriously - mechanicals arent that much of a problem

Rust is your main killer.
The fact that it is original paint is good.
You should be able to see any damage.

Is is a curved or flat screen beetle?
74's came out as curved screen supers and flat screen standards

The later were the povo pack cheap version - drum brakes etc etc

Again - rust is the killer
beside the rear screen is probably the worst place

Good luck

barry

the clutch is a 1/2 hour job to fix so I would not be worried about that
where are you located?? someone here might offer to look at it with you
I would be more concerned about Rust, look everywhere, under every mat and everywhere you can see under the car
if its a good price and it will pass a blue slip easy
go for it

Wher r u located ????

Thanks for the responses-Its actually a 1970 1500, original clemintine?? orange? in colour. Completely straight, I checked for rust, floor pans good etc, the only rust showing is on the front valance, a hole about the size of a pea. I checked the spare tyre well and all good there. Its been in this one family since 1974, apparently the old man bought it in 1974 and then his daughters husband took over ownership when the old man could no longer drive ( dont know how long ago that was) but they have service history going back to 1974!!..its even got a venetian blind . So im going back tomorrow to take it for a spin after work..I plan on it being a hobby and slowly restoring it back ..Im hoping they will take 2k for it. Im located S.E Melb. Cheers and thanks again for the advice. Any extra recommendations on what to look for would be great.

i guess the next bad thing is end play in the crank shaft of the motor
That generally means the engine needs a rebuild

You can check this by grabbing hold of the bottom pulley and push and shove

4 - 10 thou is what it should be.
There is 40 thou in a mm - so it is bugger all.

Excessive play in the steering box is bad - but that could be adjustment

Look at the bottom of the doors for rust.
As in from the bottom up

Thanks Bizarre-will check all that tomorrow ie pulley/steering. Am getting sorta excited about it, I know I shouldnt. Further updates tomorrow. Thanks for your advice.

ok so i bought it!..pick it up next week and cant wait!

im in the se burbs, whereabouts are you located?

located in Cheltenham