Hey i am wondering if a 1974 beetle (not super) had a ball joint front end and IRS???

as i have been offered a 74 beetle rust repaired and sanded all the way back (waiting for paint) coupled with a rebuilt 1300 motor converted to 12v for $1200.

also did it have front discs??

i have not even seen a pic of a 74 beetle before. lol

Did they have the flat metal dash or the padded dash?

Anthony

[Edited on 10-11-2004 by 71superbug]

From what i can remember, flat screen, flat metal dash, swing axle, ball joint, drum brakes. I think it was like a "pov pack" version. but i could be wrong. could make a nice little city car for running aorund etc.

if this is the case is it possible to fit the front discs from a 71 super onto the 74?

Anthony

It is - but you will be loosing the IRS.

That to me is a MAJOR down side - especially if you are thinking of any performance upgrade

yep, you lose the struts as well which are a lot better than a beam. the Semi trailing rear end is way way better than swing axle for any semblance of handling. Also if the car is 1972 or later there are more ADR's you have to comply with such as exhaust emissions etc.

yer. well if i were to get this it would be my 2nd beetle. i could fix it up stock (1300 motor, painted not to expensive and road legal). and have it as a daily driver while i work on the 71 to make it a jap motor breathing beast.

that way i can still drive a vw around while doing a vw. rather than a ute

plus..

it will be fairly tidy. might be able to get pics today.

Anthony

ok am getting pics today. going to go see it at about 4:30. i can only hope that the bodty is in as good shape as he says. are there any special bits of the body/pan to look at for signs of serious rusting? (surface rust isnt a problem yer as it can just be sanded back) ??

any help appreciated.

will get pics of as many angles as possible. but any "hot spots" for rust would be good to know. and any other defects


Anthony

heater channels
either side of the back window near the "cresents"
inside front wheel well
bottom of rear quarter panels
bottom of A pillar
floor panels - especially near battery

to check the heater channels look into the heater vents in the front footwells with a torch, if there is any holes or rust then walk away

Late 70's beetles are more susceptible to rust because they were made of thinner steel and weren't dipped from the factory like the earlies, so watch out