Board Logo
Go To Bottom

Printable Version  
[ Total Views: 852 | Total Replies: 5 | Thread Id: 92800 ]
Author: Subject:  Common problems on a 71?
Memberaussie1612
Learner Dubber
*


No Avatar


Posts: 2
Threads: 1
Registered: September 23rd, 2011
Member Is Offline

Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )

posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Common problems on a 71?


Hey guys, im new here and new to VW's so please bear with me.
Im looking into buying a 1971 beetle and am just wondering about any common problems mechanically or on the body work (rust prone areas) that i should know about.
Any help you could offer or links you could re-direct me to would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers :)
Member1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
Scirocco Rare
*********


Avatar


Posts: 8636
Threads: 559
Registered: August 27th, 2002
Member Is Offline

Location: Sydney, NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Parrot Heading

posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 PM



Hi

Welcome along. What sort of 71 Beetle are you looking at? They come in standard or super.

Both have rust issues around the back window. Look for no bog in the roof edge where it folds into the gutter, have a good look at the heater channels, bottom of the door area, inner front guards, under the battery etc.

Spending a bit of time to get a cleaner car is worth it in the end.

Super have wobbly front suspension issues, easily corrected.

Steve
Super Administratorhelbus
A.k.a.: Pete S
Super Administrator
Mad fabricator, paint and body
*********

Rank Avatar

Avatar


Posts: 7386
Threads: 312
Registered: September 1st, 2002
Member Is Offline

Location: In the garage chopping cars into bits
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: In the thinking chair

posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 PM



We have a 71 1302S as a daily driver. Great car, and in 6 years has been very reliable.

However being a 40 year old car, anything, everything is able to go wrong at any time. Done all repairs myself a lot cheaper than any 6 year old modern car would cost.

Best thing to do is buy the best condition unit you can. I paid $4500 for our one, and I know what I am looking for. It has original paint, no rust and has given us 6 years of daily driving. It may sound expensive, but if you know what you are looking for, it is a good investment. I don't think any new cars lose less than $4500 value over 6 years.




MemberLUFTMEISTER
Veteran Volks Folk
*****


Avatar


Posts: 2041
Threads: 119
Registered: July 13th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: BRISVEGAS in a state of flux

posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 PM



rust areas to check = area behind banana shaped air vent near side windows, bottom of "A" door pillar, battery tray, rain channel above engine, front hood seal area above wiper motor, oil leaks ,exhaust leaks, brake seal leaks, saggy suspension, saggy doors, usual stuff for a 40yr old car. Low mileage original cars still pop your ears if you shut the door with the windows up.;) good luck with your search.



Customer service is not dead in Australia.

Always after HAZET & MATRA & VW factory tools
Memberaussie1612
Learner Dubber
*


No Avatar


Posts: 2
Threads: 1
Registered: September 23rd, 2011
Member Is Offline

Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )

posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:28 PM



Thanks guys. Not sure if its a standard or super. The add doesnt specify.

What are the differences in the two types?

Anything i should focus on in the engine bay?

I'm going and checking it out tomorrow so any last minute help is great :P
Member68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
Aircooled Master
Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138% - YIKES --
**********


Avatar


Posts: 11654
Threads: 449
Registered: August 31st, 2002
Member Is Offline

Location: SCONE in UPPER HUNTER VALLEY NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Yellow
Mood: Really Mentally Ill - all of the time -

info.gif posted on September 23rd, 2011 at 11:43 PM
1971 beetle... usually superbugs


Quote:
Originally posted by aussie1612
Hey guys, im new here and new to VW's so please bear with me.
Im looking into buying a 1971 beetle and am just wondering about any common problems mechanically or on the body work (rust prone areas) that i should know about.
Any help you could offer or links you could re-direct me to would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers :)


Hi
All beetles that had the flow thru ventilation crescent shaped vents behind the rear side windows .. can have very bad rust problems.. it starts on the inside and by the time it shows it can be very bad... all up near the rear window and roof...

just remember that it is 40 years old...
and it depends on how many things have been replaced on the car...
front end bushes... rear end bushes...
cv joints...

engine oil leaks.. most beetles do have them .. lol

post pics if you can...

superbug has the spare wheel laying flat....
non supers have the spare sitting upright...
easiest way to tell...

date on back of speedo will tell you approx year etc of car

cheers

Lee




- [size=4]Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY--- [/size]


  Go To Top


Powered by GaiaBB, © 2011 The GaiaBB Group
(C) 2001-2024 Aussieveedubbers

[ Queries: 40 ] [ PHP: 8.5% - SQL: 91.5% ]