I have (well a mate did) recently completly restored my 1600 engine for my 74 beetle and have just got the bug registered after a couple of years. I haven't driven the car that much since getting it back on the road. I was wondering if i have to do anything special to 'break the engine in' and secure the seals etc? any help would be appreciated.

http://www.aircooled.net/gnrlsite/resource/articles/engnbrkn.htm 

I am lazy - have a read here

Basically just change the oil after say 100kms then 500kms and again for good measure

Dont baby it

The harder the better

get it on the hi-way or on some mountains and load the engine, don't give it to many revs just easy it on and gradually build up the revs. After 1000k she will be right for a full rev blast, oh make sure you use running in oil (straight 30 weight) during the run in as you want the engine to wear in quick. Thats it unless you have crome molly top rings in which case you will have a while to wait until it beds in fully.

This could get like the engine size debate cause as far as I know differant mechanics will tell you differant ways to run an engine in, Just get as much advice as you can and then you make up your mind about which way you want to do it.
Cheers
Dave

Best to fill the car up with people and go for a drive....
thats what engines like best....
no idling the engine for long periods of time = thats bad ==
No lugging in too high a gear either..... thats bad...

Volkswagen used to advertise back in the 50s... that You could buy a new beetle and go cruising at 68 MPH top speed straight away.... No Run in needed....

I wouldn't use 30 grade oil either - Castrol GTX 2 is recommended oil for Beetles... Go with that...

Everyone has a different way of running in.... so long as You Don't use Synthethic oil [$60 for 5 litres]... that is Bad...
the engine won't bed in at all.... and it will use oil... and drip oil too....

Happy Motoring

Lee - Beetle fanatic since 1962.....