New VW owner

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

Hello,

I recently purchased a 73 beetle that I am going to restore and I am looking for any links or help.

My first issue is that the person I bought it from states that when it rains it drips into the engine which I assume to mean breaching the carb somehow so I am obviously wanting to tackle this first. Suggestions?

GregM · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:54 am Post subject:

Keeping the original-style air cleaner on it will solve that problem.

What all has to be done to the car?

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

I may have to buy one. I am new to VW beetles but I have never seen an air cleaner so small. About 6 inches..maybe a lil bit bigger. Do you have a link or picture of a factory one?

The biggest issues right now are:
1. The steering wheel often shakes kind of bad when going down the road. Not sure what that is but that is my biggest concern at the moment because its on the verge of being unsafe and I still have to transport it 40 miles to my shop.

2. Next step would be fixing water leaks especially around the windshield area. The rubber around it looks good but the last owner said it leaks.

Then on to interior replacement and refurnishing of the seats. From there I will see

GregM · Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject:

Is it a Super Beetle (with a curved windshield) or a standard (with a flat windshield)?

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

Super with a Flat

Randy · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject:

a super beetle with a flat windshield would be a 71 or 72. supers got a curved windshield and deeper dashboard in 73.

let me guess the shimmies and shakes your getting start at about 40mph? its common (went through it with my 71). it could be something as simple as an out of balance wheel, or wheel alignment, or worn out wheel bearings. clear up to needing all the front end bushing replaced.
if alignment is good and the wheels are balanced then crawl under the front and check the:
control arm bushings
sway bar bushings
ball joints
steering damper
idler arm bushing
make sure nothings loose or overly worn, and that all nuts and bolts are tight.
if everything looks good. rebuild the struts. replace the shocks and strut inserts if necessary. and what the hell while your at it, replace the sway bar bushings, they're cheap and easy.

leaky windows are easy to fix. just get new QUALITY rubber. west coast metric can't be beat on quality. www.westcoastmetric.com

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

nice info TYVM! That is going to be A #1 priority.

I was told it was a 73 super when I bought it but with only a bill of sale I can't say for sure. I have uploaded two photos. One which shows the beetle and the other shows the air cleaner I was told to cover when it rains because water would get down into the carb.

3 questions I guess.

1. What can I do about the rain getting into the carb
2. Does this look like a 73 super beetle?
3. What is the tube identified in the 2nd pic "what is this?"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45538366@N04/4179706449/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45538366@N04/4180466700/

Randy · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject:

1. there are a few things you can do. one of which is replace it with a stock oil bath air cleaner. another is get the... idk what its called. its like a rain gutter that attaches to the inside of the deck lid. keeps water from going through the deck lid vents and onto the engine. and option 3 is to do nothing about it. find out if its actually a big enough problem to worry about.
personally i run a very similar air filter. i don't have any problems. i can drive in pouring rain and not enough water gets to the engine to cause problems.

2. it has the rounded windshield. yeap, looks like a 73

3. that hose is supposed to connect to the air filter. should connect to the bottom of the air filter
here's a reference pic from my engine. (its the read hose) http://www.aircooledvwaddiction.com/modules.php?set_albumName=The-Super-Bee&id=acp&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks for the fast response!

Not sure if the previous owner knew what he was talking about or was told himself so I don't want to chance it. Where could I find either the rain guard or the stock air cleaner for a decent price? Also I am new to air cooled engines. Would the rain guard hamper the air flow somehow?

What should I do about that hose. I'll look tomorrow again but I don't think there is anywhere to connect it to. The carb is new so it might not be factory.

Thanks

Randy · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 8:25 pm Post subject:

i think the rain thing was a vw part (?) so it shouldn't cause any problems. other than a swap meet or ebay i have no clue where to get them. same goes for locating a stock air filter. everybody usually switch's over to something like what you've got on there now.
i think your freaked out over nothing. why not do a little test to put your mind at ease. spray the car down with the garden hose real good to simulate heavy rain and then open the deck lid and see just how much water is in there. im willing to bet its an insignificant amount that wont do any damage or cause any problems.

if the hose doesn't connect to the air filter don't worry about it. just go pick up a breather filter from an auto parts store and pop it on where the hose is connected to. lot of cars running around like that

oh and uh, put some hose clamps on those fuel lines ASAP!

GregM · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 7:36 am Post subject:

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

I just spoke with the owner. He said he didnt observe the water getting into the carb but "thought it might". Guess I'll test it.

jwbuster · Shadetree Mechanic Joined: Dec 10, 2009 Posts: 13

Does anyone know what the rain guard things that go on the hood vents to keep rain from getting to the engine are called?

JT · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the site and the VW world. I have no idea what that piece is called. I drive a vw bus. Get yourself a Bentley manual for your car. That will help you with most of your questions.And it will help you to get it fixed and keep in going. These can be found on line or through a VW parts catalog. Have fun,JT

GregM · Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:50 pm Post subject: