| [ Total Views: 848 | Total Replies: 21 | Thread Id: 75189 ] |
|
|
 LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 04:08 PM |
|
|
Advice with purchasing a beetle
Hi!! I am looking at purchasing an old beetle - around the 1966-1967 region. Does anyone have any advice as to anything particular i should take
note of before purchasing? I will have my hubby in tow, he is pretty good with cars and things, but its always good to know if there are things
specific to a paricular car that need to be looked at a little more carefully!
Thanks!!! Lisa
|
|
|
david777
Officially Full-On Dubber
Posts: 307
Threads: 26
Registered: March 1st, 2005
Member Is Offline
Location: South West Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Yellow
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 04:48 PM |
|
|
Lisa,
there are significant changes from a 67 to a 68 beetle. 6volt to 12 volt, disk brake front end introduced, different styling, etc.
Some people prefer the earlier style. Others others prefer the later look and like the 'mod-cons' that help you start and stop better that started
from 68.
Most cars that age have done heaps of miles so it may not be the original engine. The main thing I would be looking for is rust.
In particular along the heater channel that runs along under the door area.
Also under the back seat where the battery is.
But it would be worth checking what state the front beam is in by giving the front wheels a good shake.
Usually mechanical things will be easier to fix than rust in the main frame of the car.
There are plenty of smart people on here who can give plenty of advice once you have purchased something.
Are there are usually some good cars for sale on here too.
My most recent beetle was purchased after seeing it advertised here.
David
|
|
|
LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 04:57 PM |
|
|
Have read your reply to my husband and he has stored that all in his memory bank!! Interesting about the changes around 68' although i have to say
it really is the older features that have me wanting to sell my 1 year old car with seat heaters!!!!
Thanks so much for your reply!!!
|
|
|
amazeer
A.k.a.: Surly Duff
Bishop of Volkswagenism
Posts: 3029
Threads: 387
Registered: November 14th, 2005
Member Is Offline
Location: Wollongong
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: bitter
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 06:57 PM |
|
|
when looking at old VW's, anything that is made of metal is prone to rust. I've never seen a car with a rusthole in the middle of the roof, you dont
need to look there, just everywhere else. bottoms of quarter panels, bottoms of doors, bottom of boot and bonnet, around windows, the rain gutters on
the roof, around the metal lip that holds the bonnet boot seals, where guards and body meet. spare tyre well, floors and the heater channels. Check
heater channels along inside, underneath running boards, at the base of door pillars, and inner front guards. Everything else is largely cosmetic
even if rta say otherwise. If the bottom of the engine is spotless clean, then its been washed. Most of us have an oil leak or two. If changing into
second gear is nice, gearbox will be good in 99% of cases. 2nd is always first to go. There is very little to the rear suspension. you wont find
anything wrong there. Front is a bit different. Apart from wear, check where the frame attaches to body for any indication of accident damage. Check
wiring under the bonnet and rear seat. If its a real birdnest, use it as a bargaining point. Electrical gremlins arent anything you would knock back a
good car on, but they can waste a lot of weekend hours tracing faults.
 
|
|
|
 vw54
Super Administrator
Always Waiting 4 Friday
Posts: 16723
Threads: 378
Registered: August 26th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sunny Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Oval resto ongoing
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 06:58 PM |
|
|
RUST is the BIG killer wilth all Bugs
if its clear then its good
|
|
|
helbus
A.k.a.: Pete S
Super Administrator
Mad fabricator, paint and body
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 March 8th, 2009 at 07:03 PM |
|
|
Rust is the killer. If it has too much rust to fix, it is a crusher. It can take 300, 400, 500, 600 hours to fully restore a car that has bad rust and
repainting. At $70-80 per hour, that can be up to $48,000 restoration. Much more economical to get a really good condition car to start with.
|
|
|
desh
Wolfsburg Wizard
Posts: 463
Threads: 82
Registered: January 10th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: Tasmania
Theme: UltimaBB Vintage
Mood: 1965 1200 Beetle.
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 08:47 PM |
|
|
You can pay $2000 for a crappy old car and then $10,000+ restoring it, or pay about $6000-8000 for a good clean example that has service history, well
looked after and been cared for, not driven into the ground as someone's cheap transport.
take a magnet with you and check the bodywork, look at the joins in the panels, make sure they are even, can indicate it has been smashed and poorly
repaired.
Check the colour of the oil, should be fresh.
check how easily it starts, should turn over very easily and settle down into a smooth idle without you needing to hold your foot on the gas.
rev the motor up when it is cold and look for smoke out the back, better yet get your husband to stand behind it while you rev it up and check for
smoke,
check the gear changes, the down shifts, from 4th to 3rd, to 2nd, so there are no crunches in the gearbox
if you can drive over some speed humps, listen for groans or creaks in the suspension etc..
check the pan under the car carefully, make sure it is not rusted.
--------------------------
Kind Regards
Des
|
|
|
68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
Aircooled Master
Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138% - YIKES --
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 -
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 09:57 PM |
|
|
| Quote: | Originally
posted by LisaR
Hi!! I am looking at purchasing an old beetle - around the 1966-1967 region. Does anyone have any advice as to anything particular i should take
note of before purchasing? I will have my hubby in tow, he is pretty good with cars and things, but its always good to know if there are things
specific to a paricular car that need to be looked at a little more carefully!
Thanks!!! Lisa
|
Hi Lisa
I have always thought that the 1968 beetle was the beetle... and so I have one...
it was the BIG change in beetles...
Proper headlamps - two speed wipers - Disc brakes -
and you can find them about...
If You are lucky , You may find a non restored beetle
with the original engine etc... at least you know what you are getting... there have been some good ones on ebay over the past 6 months...
If You can, it would be best to take a VW enthusist with You.. One look at the engine bay would tell Me whether the car has been looked after..
Many people buy a beetle as they are the cheapest oldest car about in numbers.. but many don't know anything about beetles... even if they know
something about "normal" car engines...
beetle engines are something special "different"
same as You wouldn't take a beetle to a "normal" mechanic.. as he probably knows as much as You...
and thats the truth... [not trying to put You down]
As others have said. the mechanical things on a beetle can be fixed rather easily... buy Your husband a pair of overalls and a box of dispoible gloves
plus he will need tools and a grease gun...
Many people don't understand that it does take a bit to keep a 30+ year old car on the road..
if its been looked after with regular services it may be in great condition...
but many aren't and fall into the trap of buying a 30+ year old beetle and expecting to drive it for a few years without spending any money on
it...
Beetles like to be greased and have their oil changed etc...
cheers and best of luck
LEE
| Error |
| Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments. |
|
| Error |
| Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments. |
|
| Error |
| Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments. |
|
- [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]
|
|
|
h
A.k.a.: Towely BuMpEr KING! ILLegal ALIEN on a roadtrip
Scirocco Rare
fractals - an ever changing lifestyle
Posts: 7671
Threads: 375
Registered: February 3rd, 2005
Member Is Offline
Location: noosa hillbilly 'yee har'
Theme: XMBX Pro Green
Mood: A T3 is not a Kombi - stop waving at me
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 11:15 PM |
|
|
hey
yep rust is the killer as all else can be replaced
for me anything pre 67 is sweet
but what ever you get as long as you are stoked with it is all that matters at the end of the day
look forward to seeing what you get
cheers h
|
|
|
colonel mustard
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Posts: 2829
Threads: 51
Registered: February 27th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Black
|
| posted on March 8th, 2009 at 11:20 PM |
|
|
I love the look of the post 67 beetles. Also, you should know what the difference between a superbeetle and a standard bettle is before buying. Drive
a few before making a choice, i have a 73L, but id much rather own a 70 1300 or 1500. Take someone with you that has owned a beetle, or works on them
OFTEN. research as much as you can and drive as many as you can before you buy. 
|
|
|
LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 06:14 AM |
|
|
rev the motor up when it is cold and look for smoke out the back, better yet get your husband to stand behind it while you rev it up and check for
smoke,
LOL EXCELLENT THANKS!!!!!
|
|
|
LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 06:28 AM |
|
|
Wow, thank you all so much for your replies!!! You are a friendly bunch arent you!!!!
Excellent advice much appreciated - lots of things for the hubby (Grant) to take note of........
I just know i love VW's with the white steering wheel and knobs.....(OK I am not mechanical at all and far more concerned with the pretty
aspects!!!!)..........hence why will leave the important stuff to Grant! Surely this is a good deal though - I get the car I love and hubby gets a
'permission pass' to maintain an old car!!!!!!!?
.....will keep you posted!!!! 
|
|
|
vw54
Super Administrator
Always Waiting 4 Friday
Posts: 16723
Threads: 378
Registered: August 26th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sunny Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Oval resto ongoing
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 06:30 AM |
|
|
if u go to 68 to 70 model you will get 12v system and disc brakes much safer to drive
|
|
|
silver
Veteran Volks Folk
Dangerous when poked
Posts: 2169
Threads: 162
Registered: December 8th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: In 2 Minds
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 07:13 AM |
|
|
Where are you located??????
Keeping it real !
|
|
|
ian.mezz
Wolfsburg Elder
I never said, I could write or spell
Posts: 3913
Threads: 280
Registered: September 11th, 2004
Member Is Offline
Location: Newcastle
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Happy
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 07:22 AM |
|
|
pay the money and buy one thats been restored , then service it like you would a new car and it will last you another 30 years.
|
|
|
Phil74Camper
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Head in the Clouds
Posts: 2703
Threads: 193
Registered: August 28th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 08:09 AM |
|
|
Beetles with white knobs and steering wheel are 1967 and earlier. These have 6-volt electrics, drum brakes, king/link pin front end, and 1200 or 1300
engines originally. They look like the pink and green Beetles in Ian's post above. They were manufactured in Melbourne, from about 90%
Australian-made parts, and exported to New Zealand from 1959 to 1967. In fact, for a short time in the 1960s, they were actually assembled in a
factory in Auckland from Australian-made parts.
The 1968 Beetle was a complete change. Our ones were now assembled in Australia from German parts, so they updated to the new big-window body shell,
12-volt electrics, ball-joint front with discs, 1500 motor, and safety items like black squashy knobs and safety steering column. They have bigger
square bumpers and vertical headlights, like the red one in Ians' post above. I am not sure if NZ-sold cars after this came from Australia, or direct
from Germany.
Whichever style you go for, yes it is the body rust that is the limiting thing. Mechanical problems can be repaired more easily.
|
|
|
LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 08:23 AM |
|
|
yep it is definately the pre 67 models i am most interested in.... love the styling and fittings inside just a little more. (yes they are white
fittings!!
Currently looking at a 66, 1300cc model and a 67 model which has been converted to 12v.
It seems so that the rust is one of the biggest issues... My hubby is an electrician but raised in a very mechanically minded farming family, so I am
confident that if we avoid major rust issues we should be rght......and there are a few good vw specalist mechanics around if all else fails.
While some of the technical info being given is going over my head a little my husband is following this thread with much more understanding and
interest!!!!
THANKS!!!!
|
|
|
Phil74Camper
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Head in the Clouds
Posts: 2703
Threads: 193
Registered: August 28th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Sydney
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 01:01 PM |
|
|
Not sure what part of the shaky isles you are from, but there are a couple of New Zealand VW clubs you could try to contact:
http://www.vwownersclub.co.nz/index.asp (Auckland)
http://cantyvw.littleb.co.nz/ (Canterbury)
|
|
|
amazeer
A.k.a.: Surly Duff
Bishop of Volkswagenism
Posts: 3029
Threads: 387
Registered: November 14th, 2005
Member Is Offline
Location: Wollongong
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: bitter
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 01:29 PM |
|
|
when I lived in NZ back in the 80's nobody cared about rust. Just as well for all those Zephyrs running around with flow thorugh ventilation.
I guess things might have progressed even in NZ. 
|
|
|
LisaR
Learner Dubber
Posts: 9
Threads: 2
Registered: March 8th, 2009
Member Is Offline
Location: NZ
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Powder
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 05:22 PM |
|
|
LOL yes things have progressed slightly - rust is a no go for a warrant of fitness..... not allowed drain holes in the floor any more!
As advanced as we are I have not found a forum like this one locally!!!
|
|
|
68AutoBug
A.k.a.: Lee Noonan
Aircooled Master
Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138% - YIKES --
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 -
|
| posted on March 9th, 2009 at 05:29 PM |
|
|
| Quote: | Originally
posted by LisaR
yep it is definately the pre 67 models i am most interested in.... love the styling and fittings inside just a little more. (yes they are white
fittings!!
Currently looking at a 66, 1300cc model and a 67 model which has been converted to 12v.
It seems so that the rust is one of the biggest issues... My hubby is an electrician but raised in a very mechanically minded farming family, so I am
confident that if we avoid major rust issues we should be rght......and there are a few good vw specalist mechanics around if all else fails.
While some of the technical info being given is going over my head a little my husband is following this thread with much more understanding and
interest!!!!
THANKS!!!!
|
It will possibly be hard to find a good rust free beetle unless its been in a garage all its life...
very similar to the UK... where rust eats everything...
best of luck
PS: there are a few late models that look like early models in Australia and the UK & US.. a lot of people like the look.
so they make them look early...
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]
|
|
|
helbus
A.k.a.: Pete S
Super Administrator
Mad fabricator, paint and body
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 March 9th, 2009 at 07:23 PM |
|
|
What you can look for too is a 6Volt Beetle that has a few small modern changes. Retaining the look of the older Beetle with the white steering wheel
and knobs, and had some modern comforts like 12V electrics, better brakes, slightly bigger motor etc. It may take a long time to find the one you
want.
|
|
|
