I'm new to the world of type 3's and and will be looking at a 1972 squareback on the weekend.I would appreciate any tips on what to look out for and where problems might be hidden.
thanks don

rust

couple of spots where they go

check that it starts...... hahah

there is actually a good guide in the john muir compleat idiots guide to keeping your volkswagen alive.

thanks, I will consult the bible and look for .... rust. Hope to have some pics of my own soon, with a bit less ... rust

Take a good strong magnet(a bit of felt glued or taped to it will prevent paint being scratched) with you, a flashlight and be particular to lift carpets and check battery tray, wheel arches,jacking points, spare wheel well, all rubbers to see if they sit flush and aren't hiding rust. should take 20 mins to check it over thouroughly, don't forget to listen for grinding and growling from g'box, steering play when stationery and on the road, does it blow smoke when starting, backing off down a hill? have a look at the fuel in fuel filter...cruddy and dirty? The dip stick should NOT have burnt oil on it, have a gander at the pedal assembly, easy enough to undo a couple of scews to lift plate off...rust loves to live in there. Let us know how you go...oh yeah...engine mounts and shock towers, hide rust as well...good luck!

very interesting, thanks for the tips.

On a type 3 that looks rust free I always look first at: top front quarters, door sills, lower rear quarters, rear internal drains (either side of engine bay where the rear window vents drain to) and last but not least floor pan (battery bat and frontof door/fire wall area). Good luck ??
Ps claus - that is some nice rust there.