Date:         Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:28:56 -0800
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Off topic - Tips for beetle (reply from digest)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

  Hey, Jeff

  I don't think there is a forum like Vanagon.com for beetles, but there are
plenty plenty sites with everything you need to know.  I recently sold my 67
bug and have another project waiting..70 with all the usual Beetle/Bug
issues.
  They are fine little cars and quite easy to work on.  Parts are remarkably
cheap and plentiful and the knowledge is certainly widely available for
every possible modification or restoration project you may choose to
address.
  A couple of hints to get you started..opinions only, but opinions acquired
after dealing with plenty of the cute little buggers and reading widely
about them.
  Regular beetles are preferred over Superbeetles....  More dependable front
suspensions.  Rust is a  problem with all of the old Bugs..but body
replacement parts are cheap and available...rear pans are especially
vulnerable under the rear seat..The body is a Unibody, so if it's badly
rusted pass on it.  If you are worried about heat, don't be so much...These
usually come with the sheet metal of the engine cowls 'Jerry-rigged'
somehow, or incomplete, and most have the thermostat (controls some flaps
around the A.C. heads) unworkable.  If you take the time to get all the tin
back right, the heaters and defrosters are plenty good.. Gas mileage is just
fair...mid to high 20s.  Traction is excellent, much better than a 2wd Van.
They are quicker by far than a stock Vanagon.
  You will probably want the motor with dual port heads.  If you give it
more power (a bazillion options available for that), expect less
dependability.  I kept mine stock-ish and never felt underpowered.  They are
neat little cars.  Simple, fun to drive, easy to work on, cheap to maintain
and plentiful.  You reach across the car and wind down the passenger window
for ventilation..Drag the front end over by the bumper if you want into a
real tight parking space, get 60k miles from a set of tires, etc.  But you
do have to maintain them to keep them alive...Valve adjustments are simple
but frequent.  Oil change is about 3 quarts and no filter.  A new carb is
about <$50.  Excellent daily drivers.
  You'll find a big range of prices...People restore them and want
5-figures...you can also find em in backyards in great condition for
free...The Samba is a good place to start looking.  Good luck.
  Sorry for the non-van content on Not-Friday, but by Friday I expect to be
on US Hwy 395 somewhere, heading south in my 84 vanagon,  without a
connection to the net most likely.
  Don Hanson



Date:    Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:33:03 -0500
From:    Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:Actually I am talking classic beetle.  I've looked around, but I'm
just not
finding the vanagon.com of classic vw beetle.  Sorry for all the confusion I
created.  I really dont like modern cars; driving is just different in cars
made after the early 90s.  All this electrical abs airbag crumple business,
no road noise, no engine noise.  I feel too insulated from the road, out of
touch sort of.  I realize its not as safe, but I wear my seatbelt and I
accept the risk beyond that.

Jeff
90GL

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