I've got an itch to get a classic VW Beetle...

[rubbersoul]

I'm just beginning to investigate 'em...can anyone tell me which decades were best and which decades I might want to avoid? Are parts a complete headache to come by or were there so many made that parts can be found relatively easy?

Anything I should beware of? It's just an itch, but I'm starting to want some info on these great looking cars. It just seems like it would be cool to tool around in one of these...

[Mr. New Dilemma]

I like everything pre 73 bubble window. It just has the look.

[SteveO]

1967 was the first year with a 12 volt electrical system, IIRC. Prior to that, they were six volt. That in itself is a pretty major consideration.

[The Golden Boy]

So we're driving along in that old VW bug, and then I dropped our bong- the floor opens up, all the bongwater dumps out (without spilling on the carpet) and we're all bummed because we're out of bongwater. So we pool up all our money together, get an A&W root beer, fill up our bong with half the root beer and drink the rest of the root beer.

I spent the rest of the ride pulling back the carpet and watching the road go by.

[Spudman]

My neighbor has a 60s model in sweet shape for sale. I can hook you up.

[stuco]

Get a pre 68, simpler, sexier, plus you won't have to listen to bs from the uppity acvw guys. Pre 68 bugs can still be had cheap, buses are another story.

[stuco]

Originally Posted by Mr. New Dilemma

I like everything pre 73 bubble window. It just has the look.

Those rounded windshields were on superbeetles, the standards kept the flat windshield.

[Mr. New Dilemma]

Originally Posted by stuco

Those rounded windshields were on superbeetles, the standards kept the flat windshield.

Still yucky (IMO). Thanks for the knowledge though. Mine was a beetle, flat window, loved it.

[stuco]

Originally Posted by Mr. New Dilemma

Still yucky (IMO).

I agree, though they are supposed to have better visibility. But yeah, you were right, even the supers had flat windows up until 73.

[hank57]

We had the 71 Super Beetle when I was very young. You know that tiny space behind the back seat? That is where I sat. No wonder I have a bit of claustrophobia.

The Super Beetle was not the best choice and I can't remember why.

The best Beetle moment for me is when two older guys, a sisters boy friend and his friend, had just bought some killer sinsemilla and smoked me out at fourteen in the back of a VW Bug. Then they put on Zappa and the Mothers "Billy the Mountain" and I was forever changed. What a small foggy capsule to experience that song in.

Seeing the road through the floor board is something I have witnessed in one or two Beetles.

[antojado]

Originally Posted by Mr. New Dilemma

Still yucky (IMO). Thanks for the knowledge though. Mine was a beetle, flat window, loved it.

I had a '73 Superbeetle and a '64. The '64 was trashed and I bought it for the motor: 1776 w/dual webers! Pulled the motor and put it in the s.b. The rounded front windsheild does look weird, but it also makes it feel more roomy inside.

The old bugs were cool, but also not necessarily one of the safest cars that were made. There were several slight changes over the years. '57 and before the rear window was a small oval. Cool but not good for visibility. '64 the sunroof changed from a ragtop to metal. I had a metal one in mine, but never had to use it in the rain. I think they like to leak. The early front fenders didn't have turn signals on the top and some people like to swap out fenders for ones without turn signals. '64 the tail-lights and license plate light changed. '67 was the first year for backup lights. Make sure the cover is on the pos. terminal of the battery. That's a common cause of fire. The pan is often rusted out. Early models were 6 volt systems, but it's easy to modify and many older bugs already are. Early bugs used a weak, single port 40hp motor. Late '60's or early '70's they changed to the dual port 1600cc motor which was better.

Parts are easy to come by and working on them is very easy. One guy can pull the motor with one jack and a couple of wrenches. There used to be tons of retailers that sold parts. CBPerformance over near Visalia, CA does mail order and has been around for many years:

http://www.cbperformance.com/default.asp

By the way, the rear swing axle is potentially susceptible to the same issue that killed the Corvair...

[captain_bob]

I've owned a 71 Superbeetle, a 74 Superbeetle and a 69 Beetle.
All great cars, but you must buy
"How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot "
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswage...4507238&sr=8-1

It got me out of countless jams.

[Scott Miller]

I had a '62 bus for a long time. Even I, a total mechanical idiot, could do a tuneup, of which you have to do a lot of. I got an 8-volt battery for it, which helped. As I recall, it didn't require any conversion, just put it in, and yee-ha!

There was something about the '68 bug that made it better than the previous ones... better brakes, I think. Or at least you got the little red button you could push. The brakes on my bus went out four times. I still have nightmares about it.

I liked the yellow convertible supers. Still do.

[Rumblefish]

Try driving a Beetle in crosswinds.That's a nerve wracking experience!I remember back in the day on the interstate watching Beetles wander all over the road in crosswinds.And a VW bus? Love 'em but not on long trips.
My wife wants a bug convertible for tooling around town.Might just do that some day.

[Ken Ho]

I had an old Beetle as a young 'un. It's a rite of passage. The battery was under the back seat and caught fire one day, due to a short on the springs.
It was a 6V, and was a dodgy starter until I had a 12V conversion done, which was dirt cheap, even for a poverty stricken youngster.
I think it is a testament to Beetles, that they are pretty much the only car from that era still on the road that is not a restored darling car. Just ordinary drivers.
We've had a modern era Beetle for 7 yrs and still adore it.