I've had My engine out probably 8 times...m The engine was overhauled by a local mechanic who had owned beetles over the years./ After I had bought My car in 1997... I have one very large advantage... My rear valance is made of fiberglass and can be unbolted and taken off, so the engine can be pulled straight out without lifting the car high in the air.... I have virtually every technical manual made for My car, which I have read many times, including the Robert Bentley manual that VW of America used in their workshops..
You need to replace the Torque converter SEAL, the two Engine oil/ATF dual pump SEALS, and the main crankshaft SEAL, apart from other engine overhaul parts. If You still have points in Your distributor, I would recommend replacing them with electronic ignition, so You never need to replace points again.
Lee in Australia