does anyone have any info on whether electronic ignition is available for early beetles??? and installation details etc??

What distributor are you running????

Basically the answer is yes

Cheapest is a Magfire - a bit over $100, maybe $120

You take out you points and coil screw in a device where the points go and slip a disc with magnets over the shaft.

Time it the same way.

Other brands include Petronics and Compufire.
Then you can go the whole hog with a Malory (sp?)

Brad did a deal on some Compufire before Christmas.
Do a search - i think there were some links to describe them

Also go to http://www.aircooled.net  and look for them there

TTFN

i am thinking of starting off by replacing all the spark plugs, the leads, rotor, points, distributor cap and coil as a start to ensure i have everything new for the first start up of my beetle. was thinking of going electronic at a later date as i was lead to believe that electronic was much better as the voltage discharged to the spark plug is much higher than the points ignition, but am not really up to scratch with ignition etc. i have a 6v bug so would i have to go 12v to use electronic???

Thats what I was waiting for .... I know of NO electronic ignitions for 6 VOLT Cars... ALL 12 Volts as they were NOT in use back in the early 50s... when 6v was common.... I am going to use a High Energy ignition system [ a dick smiths kit] which has been upgraded over the years,the last upgrade in 1998. NOT CDI..
All You disconnect is the condenser, so if You do have a problem, just reconnect the condenser and away You go.. This system puts a VERY Small amount of current thru the points so only the rubbing block will wear... and then puts out a VERY high Voltage to the coil, which increases the High Voltage going to the spark plugs.
I had to buy a standard ignition coil, as the GT40 coil puts out too much high voltage. Not having to change the points all the time will be great.. So, I fully recommend any electronic ignition system.
It has to be better than checking & changing points all the time... You may even get a small increase in power, and better fuel economy... Lee

thanks for the advice....

There IS a 6 volt electronic ignition. See here for details.

thanks... will have a squiz :thumb

Have a squiz at what....
I didn't see anything....
Has it been deleted????
You could use a 6v to 12 volt inverter for a 12v electronic ignition...

here :P

Try this...

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=IGN0002&cartid=0211200442664448

lol lugnuts

mebbe a bit tricky For Some, mns kombi.

downside of the lower current passing thru the points, is they cease to 'self-clean' ie little hazy oily deposits can stop you dead, or make you think something is horribly wrong. easily fixed tho, wipe between the points with something non- greasy and very slightly abrasive, like plain paper. so all you have to do as maintenance is that, and adjust the gap every few thousand miles as the rubbing block wears


:thumb