I have a '60 bug which I am going to be looking at working on in the coming few months. I'm investigating $$ to purchase another engine (seen some on this forum, etc).

The previous owners stated that about 3 years ago the engine (a 1200) 'just stopped...we were told it had siezed', and they parked the car and left it. Obviously I will be removing this engine to install another (when I get to buying one).

My question....when I remove this engine...being minimal in VW mechanical knowledge but wanting to learn....is this the type of thing that I could slowly get advice on (from clubmembers, books, etc) and look at reconditioning the engine? I have to learn somehow, how much can I actually stuff by doing this?

When an engine siezes, I take that to be the moving parts (pistons, etc) have ceased moving (lacking lubrication?) and just sitting...is this correct? What can I expect to find?

Would appreciate any comments on the topic!

engines sieze from two main things: a friction melting of either bearings to crank or pistons to bore (barrel), or a mechanical limit such as a thrown rod or something else chunky binding it up.