Hi all!
Looks like we will be joining the semi auto ranks in the next week or 2.
Currently own a 74 1300 beetle and a 72 Danbury Bay but my wife id learning in an automatic.
In the process of buying a 68 that was sold on here a couple of years ago. Just got to get a mechanic to give me a second opinion and then go pick it up.
I'll post pics as soon as we get it back to ours.
Then i think fluid change and service to be on the safe side.
Welcome! goodluck with it.
glad you found one ;)
If you need any spares I've got a full set up in my garage mate :)
(tez1503 from volkszone)
Always good to have another member from the UK on here.
Which one are you picking up then?
Cheers Tez. Thanks for all the pictures of yours previously, glad you found a buyer. I wanted yours but as it is for my wife she got ultimate say in the matter :D What parts have you got? It's all working so in theory shouldn't need any but might collect some just in case.
Looked at Julian's (from parts emporium) barn find semi auto but it sold before we had the money to make an offer. It wasn't even up for sale either!
Not going to say which one it is yet until the money is transferred in case a lurker tries to gazump me!!!
FlamingChris, that user name rings a bell. Do/did you have a baja?
No problem Olly, I've got 1 1/2 gearboxes,starter motor,control valve,vacuum & ATF tanks, Torque convertor,clutch & bearings, etc etc so anything you need really :D :D
These cars are fairly bulletproof but I always found that when things did go wrong there were never any for sale :( so I decided to stock up for when I did need something!
get in touch if ever you need anything or any info/help etc either here or on vzi mate ;)
Quote from: halfpint_fighter on 22 November 2010, 20:55
FlamingChris, that user name rings a bell. Do/did you have a baja?
I did, sold it earlier this year to buy a house. I thought I recognised that username....
Yeah same username on here, VZi, bajaclub, earlybay, evvo, golfinafrock and dubtime!
Sold the baja to Jack about 5 years ago. Got a 72 Danbury Campervan and a 1974 1300 Beetle (beetle to be sold).
Hopefully i can reveal all in about 2 weeks!
Quote from: halfpint_fighter on 22 November 2010, 02:20
Hi all!
Looks like we will be joining the semi auto ranks in the next week or 2.
Currently own a 74 1300 beetle and a 72 Danbury Bay but my wife id learning in an automatic.
In the process of buying a 68 that was sold on here a couple of years ago. Just got to get a mechanic to give me a second opinion and then go pick it up.
I'll post pics as soon as we get it back to ours.
Then i think fluid change and service to be on the safe side.
WELCOME to the world of Autosticks....
they are great cars and the running gear is just about bullet proof...
majority of problems are vacuum hoses leaking.. etc..
clutch servo-control valve or gearshifter adjustments...
once the vacuum hoses are replaced...
that finishes any problems with them.. lol
Yes, a change of ATF , engine and gearbox oils..
cheers
LEE in Australia
My flight is booked for 9am! Money has been transferred so I'm off to Newquay to pick up the bug.
August 2008 a member called Automaticsamba advertised this...
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picture081.jpg)
In fact that is his picture from the advert which is still on the forum.
The bumpers are now rusty from sea air vs brazilian chrome but otherwise it's in fantastic condition.
So a 230 mile drive back for me tomorrow. How many times will i try and press a clutch pedal!!!
I remember looking at the advert just after I bought mine, you'll have to post up some photo's when you gte it back.
Hi
when I used to drive My beetle when I first had it road registered
nearly every time I took off from My Sons place and went to change gear
and hit the brake pedal... :o ;D
Now Our other car is an automatic I don't have that problem any longer...
The brasillian bumpers can last for years if they are waxed frequently..
I have a rear brasillian bumper on My beetle
its been on the car for 5 years, and I wax it weekly with Meguairs Wax.
I know its just waiting to rust, but I won't let it... ;D
under the bottom of the bumper has a couple of spots
where I must have missed at some time...
Many people get them rechromed in Australia..
but they are very light weight compared to the German originals.
Very Nice looking Beetle... congratulations..
We are waiting for more pics... inside and naturally the engine bay...
cheers
LEE in Australia.
Nice Ride. are those the orgininal style bumpers? just asking because you're across the pond and the USA had all kinds of stupid regulations. I love the look of the blade style bumpers.
Made it back ok! Cruised at 60, struggled on some of the bigger hills but then so does our camper.
Had to get a pic at Fistral Beach before i left Newquay...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs798.snc4/67867_460763167214_518457214_5679108_2814085_n.jpg)
Will get proper photos up when i get a chance to take some. Probably start a readers ride thread.
Originally it would have had Europa bumpers not the US blade and overider combo.
Sneaky peek at the 1600 :o engine!
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs817.snc4/69695_460867787214_518457214_5680779_3192794_n.jpg)
Hi
Looks good..
I wonder if some cutting compound will make any difference to the bumpers??
I can tell they weren't the original bumpers as these types have a small bar going thru a small
rubber grommet.. and I noticed the grommets are the Large type..
especially noticable on the front pics ...
They did look great when they were shiny..
Can You post a better pic [closer] of the engine...
can't make out where the hoses go...
and it looks like a 009 distributor... which I ran for 4 years...
Upgraded to a New SVDA from allaircooled.net in the USA
made the biggest improvement ....
its well worth the money... Extra HP Torque and so smooth...
plus better economy...
anyway the engine compartment looks great..
much better than most...
looks like the engine has been looked after...
I can now accelerate up hills... lol
cheers
LEE
In the short term i have some autosol metal paste to get rid of the worst of the rust but i think new stainless steel bumpers will be on the wish list.
Engine seems pretty smooth but if improvements can be made i will tinker! I guess the dizzy came with the engine when it was upgraded to 1600 unleaded lump. Is the SVDA dizzy Ok with unleaded?
Surely if the bug is running well the hoses are all in the right place, still it would be nice to double check!
Tucked the bug into the garage today but will get pictures next week after a clean up. 230 miles on damp English winter roads = 1 grubby bug.
Hi
Yes an SVDA Bosch or other branded distributors are OK with unleaded
that's all We have in Australia Now...
and We now have BIO or Ethanol added into the "normal" 91ron gas/fuel..
which isn;t good for old vehicles or motor cycles or mowers, boat engines etc..
so, Now We have to buy premium 95 or 98 ron unleaded fuel...
I thought My beetle went great until I fitted the SVDA distributor...
and its now unreal... starts easier.. drives better faster and smoother...
and doesn't use as much fuel/gas...
I also bought the pertronix electronic ignition system to put inside the SVDA to replace the points.
but I haven't done that as yet... but have fitted new spark plug leads...
really pleased the way My beetle goes....
cheers
LEE in Australia
(http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/43765/2726172510050767931S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2726172510050767931ZZqgde)
(http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/7144/2275221200050767931S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2275221200050767931gqJnCg)
(http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/8738/2494684080050767931S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2494684080050767931sRWuWF)
Better pic of the engine pipework...
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/halfpint_fighter/51ede53c.jpg)
I'm pretty sure everything goes where it should.
My only concern is that i didn't think you could rest your hand on the gear lever as it would engage the clutch. The clutch only engages when you try to move the gearstick.
HI
very nice and clean engine bay....
like it just left the factory...
the switch in the gear shifter is spring loaded so only activated when the gear shifter knob
is moved up and down or sideways...
if the adjustment is very fine then any movement of the knob will cause the clutch
to disengage...
passengers with long legs can knock the gear shifter...
or friendly females... lol
LEE in Australia
after another look at your engine bay...
You have a 009 distributor....
which I used for 4 years.... then converted to a SVDA dissy
which made the world of difference and saved fuel too...
the fuel filter should NOT be in the engine bay...
they have been known to pull the shaft out of the carburetor..
resulting in major fire...
above the LHS rear wheel near the chassis or under the fuel tank...
cheers
MERRY CHRISTMAS from Australia..
LEE
OK so the gear lever is not too fine, that suits me! I had a look on aircooled.net and where the engine was replaced so was the carb.
We have a solex 30/31 so they recommend the 009 dizzy. If it still had the 34pict then SVDA would be the best.
30/31 is the later generic replacement carb. I will check the jets though. Apparently...
On a 1600cc the main jet should be a size 127.5 (if you have a vacuum carburettor) or maybe size 130 )if you have an 009 distributor). The idle jet should be a size 55, and power jet size 65.
The drive-ability of the SVDA/34 carb has to be experienced!
30 Series carbs can NOT use the SVDA distributor since the vacuum signal is not correct and won't pull the advance in on the small canned SVDA (you notice the early distributors use larger vacuum cans than later distributors because the vacuum signal is different).
I always wonder about fuel filter location, in the engine bay i can see it and make sure it is done up tightly. Under the tank is a pain. Never thought about near the rear wheel!
Many beetle owners are taping the hole on the top of the carburetor so the pipe cannot be pulled out
by the jiggling of the fuel filter...
the fuel pipe comes out of the chassis near above the LHS rear axle...
I have mine under the fuel tank... replace it every few years...
its much larger than the one You are using...
Your carburetor doesn't make enough vacuum for a SVDA...
Look around for a good PICT34 and an SVDA distributor...
I didn't think a change from the 009 would do much...
but it amazes Me every time I drive it...
so smoooth... unreal...
cheers
LEE in Australia
30C degrees today.... usually 39C this time of year and 13c last night... YIPPEE...
I could have used My heater in My beetle last night.... lol
Hi yes that was my car i didnt know it has been to cornwall it was a great car but it had one or two oil leaks when i had it. good luck with it keep us posted
cheers phil
Hi Phil!
Lee that bought it off you moved down there in 2010. We were chatting about you, did your ears burn :D In my quest to find any back history before i bought the car i saw your samba pictures. How's the alternate engine working out?
Hi halfpint
my ears were on fire, did lee give you the photographs from when it was restored back in the 90's ? it was a scottish guy that restored it for his daughter, it was looking poor again when i got it but i still looks go from your pic
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1104.jpg)
as you can see the engines in and it should be ready for next summer ;D if you are going to any shows let me know i would love to have a look at the old bug
cheers phil
Hi
what type of engine is that???
looks very neat in there...
Lee in Australia..
Hi Lee
it's a 2 lt flat four from the land of the rising sun subaru the vehicle for descovery as the advert says over here, its from a legacy known i think as a liberty in aus with aprox 145-50 bhp so thats not the only mods, brakes suspension and steering are all new. any way i dont want to hi jack this thread
with non auto stick stuff im still trying to get back to finish my bug so im sure i'll be talking to the good people on here about auto stick's soon
cheers phil
Your still running the samba as an auto though? If so get a thread started about it!
The first show we will be doing will be Volksworld, probably on the Saturday. More than likely take the bug instead of the camper unless we need to move some parts :D
We have the pictures, I don't think any more paint work has been done but i think it's good. Not show winning but great for an average bug.
Hi Halfpint
yes it's still an auto i will have to up date the samba thread some time soon.
I dont think im going to volksworld a bit to soon for me to get the samba ready but let me know if your at any later in the year ;)
I did paint the lower half of the passinger door as some one had re painted it and not matched the colour so it was much lighter, i did a bit of welding too the battery tray i replaced the bonnet seal holding strips and some patches at the rear on the ends of the gutters. Have you got it undersealed yet i striped it off and the under side was like new but i only ever took it out in good weather, we also fitted the empi 8 alloys and the white interior it did have a black interior but the previous owner had a dog and it riped the seats up but i much prefair the white seats any way look after him
cheers phil
We like the white interior but at some point it will have to be freshened up with some new covers, i hear good things about TMI so probably go down that route.
There is no underseal so i think in the summer we will have to address that. Don't want to trap any moisture by doing it at this time of year! At the moment he is tucked up in the garage. If you have any other pictures i would love to see them.
Do you do any of the Santa Pod shows? Emma isn't a huge fan of drag racing but if the weather is nice i like to try and go for one day.
Hi halfpint
try a bit of jif or cif cream cleaner on a nail brush to clean the seats but if there to far gone TMI as you say are very good.
The original underseal was almost as if it has 2 coats one of waxy oil and then covered in the more usual black under seal, you could try covering it in waxy oil and leaving it a couple of weeks for the solvents to evaporate and then finish off with the black stuff.
we might do bus types or the cornwall jamboree we like the more laid back type of show
I will have to see what pic's i have if i find any i will post some up for you
cheers phil
Here you go some pic's taken just before it sold
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle031.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle024.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle023.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle020.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle016.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/Picturebluebeetle010.jpg)
i have some more if you want i can post them later.
The stick shift badge we fetched back from bad camberg in germany it was nos at the time, they are usually found on US bug's so you need to keep an eye on it as might go missing, their are not many others like it over here
cheers phil
;D
So when i asked Lee for more pics he sent me your pics!
One of the front seats has a tear in the top so not a lot of point getting the Cif out. Thanks for the heads up on the badge, i did realise it was American spec from my auto research.
More pics would be very welcome.
Here you go halfpint
some more pic's from around the same time as the others
if i come across any more i'll post them up
ive also up dated my samba thread ;)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1294.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1269.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1283.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1303.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1293.jpg)
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r156/automaticsamba/CARLY1296.jpg)
cheers phil