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Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:23 pm

I am going to look at a bug on sunday that I may trade My 71 bus for.I have never owned a bug and was curious if there is anything in paticular I should look out for. Its a 71 supposed to have a rebuilt 1600 in it with electronic ignition and a weber carb with a roofrack as well. Any info would be great.

Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:51 pm

is it a super or standard? look for the normal rust in the heater channels and important areas, check for accident damage...

Where in Sacto are you?

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:02 pm

Rancho Sunrise and 50. I dont think its a super

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:07 pm

cool. I live off of 99 and fruitridge but work off of 50 and zinfindale...

I've heard a lot of people say check the spark plugs, if you do a quick search u may find more info on that...

take it for a spin, make sure it shifts nice... I went and looked at a bug the other day and the guy said the tranny was rebuilt... I took it for a spin and it kept popping out of 2nd and then got stuck in 1st... and then i heard a nice load clunk when I stopped the car and pushed the clutch in... guy was a liar...

my biggest deal is the rust and body work... pan rust is easier to deal with but rust on the body can be a nightmare... thats the situation i'm in now... whether to repair the rust or buy another car with less damage...

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:12 pm

Thanx for the info, Lookin forward to trading this thing soon hopefully. The Bug should be fun.

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:14 pm

why r u trading your bus for a bug? if I may ask?

Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:47 pm

No particular reason, the bus isnt the most fun thing to drive and id rather have an old bus.But those are a little to exspensive for one in decent shape. I was orginaly looking to trade for a type 3 but havent had to many takers. Still waitin to hear from one guy tho.

Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:09 pm

TheBusDriver wrote: I am going to look at a bug on sunday that I may trade My 71 bus for.I have never owned a bug and was curious if there is anything in paticular I should look out for. Its a 71 supposed to have a rebuilt 1600 in it with electronic ignition and a weber carb with a roofrack as well. Any info would be great.

If it truly is a 1971 then it will be a 1302 model (the flat windshield "SuperBeetle") as Germany only produced these in 71 and 72 and then in 73 went to the 1303 model that most folks recognize as a "super". The standard bug continued in production in other countries for '71 but you don't see'em that much in the USA.

The front trunk lid of ANY '71 or '72 should be looked at closely. These are a 2-year-only part and are rare to find in undamaged condition...there are no replacements for them so don't think you can just swap it later if it is dinged-up bad...

If this is a 1302 model, then look inside the front trunk at the strut mounts.
These are notorious for rusting due to fatigue of the metal that forms the strut tower-mount. You may see cracks or blistering of the paint etc to warn you of weakened strut towers.

Of course if it is a 1302 then you will immediately notice the spare tire laying flat instead of standing up like the standard Beetle.

The front end of any 1302 or 1303 (curved window Super) is usually home to "the wobbles" at some speed between 35 and 45 mph due to the Macpherson strut suspension. This problem is actually relatively easy to fix and the parts are cheap but for some reason folks just don't fix it.. It won't be as bad as some Bus' you've probably driven but it will most likely be there in a test drive.

The heater channels are the main thing to watch for as in any type-1 Vdub.
Look at the rear of the inside FRONT fender (just outside of where your feet would be resting) and then look at the front of the inside rear fenders (just in-front of the rear torsion tubes).
These are the two ends of the heater channels and will usually tell you the condition of the channels in general. Any bubbling or heavy undercoating is a sign of rusty channels.
You will have to turn the steering wheel full-lock each way to clearly see the front-end of the heater channels that are aft of the front tires. The rear-end can be difficult to look at without removing the rear tires but you can lay down and look up-forward to see it otherwise.

Check every single electrical item - parking, turn, headlights-HI/LO, emergency etc. If there is a knob or switch (like the rear window defog switch under the dash) then USE it and see what happens.
Check to see if you can easily move the front seats fore/aft and recline and open (to access the rear seat).

None of these electrical or functional issues is necessarily a reason not to buy it as most all of them only take a bit of time to correct but it'll give you some "buying power" if you can identify things that are not working while standing with the seller cause once you drive-off in it (wallet lighter) you OWN it... Caveat Emptor rules at that point.

Too bad you're letting go of your '71 Bus... That's a great model year to have... Wish I were closer to you, I'd trade my '65 bug for the bus.

Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:17 pm

WOW thnx for all the input. Just out of curiosity why is that year so good. I have noticed alot of people seem into it. All i have found out is that apparently its the only year bus that came with an upright engine with dual port heads.And again thnx for all the input. I have been tempted to keep it and by a bug also.Just short on cash now. Any one with a cheap bug?

Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:16 pm

'71 was the last year for the Type-1 engine in a Type-2 vehicle which I personally prefer over the T4 engined bus.
71 was the first year for disc brakes with MC servo to provide sorta' power brakes.
71 is the last of the "early" styled Bay Window Bus with the smaller tail lights, lower signals up front, wrap-around bumpers and over-riders etc.
After '71 things started getting bigger just like every Vdub and generally speaking that year was the end of the original Bay look.

I too like the earlier split window because of it's vintage appeal but the Bay is a great driver and is a (for the most part) under-appreciated model.

I drive a '70 Bay with a Westy Weekender package (no pop-up roof). It's nothing pretty to look at but the damn thing just keeps on going no matter what punishment I throw at it. Our oldest son restored a '71 Bus years ago and did everything himself. Ironically, it looks almost identical to yours :) You can read more about it by clicking on the image below:

Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:20 pm

Very Nice! And again thnx for all the great info

Sun Jul 10, 2005 6:55 pm

Well I went and saw the bug today. Boy what a piece. 1 good fender, hood and engine lid had broken latches.The brake pedal hit the floor before it kinda had some pressure. Clutch felt bad and it wouldnt stay running.Needless to say we didnt trade. Still looking.Found fastback for $500, 71 also no cash right now tho.

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:42 pm

How much would you honestly say your bus is worth?

Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:50 pm

[
The front end of any 1302 or 1303 (curved window Super) is usually home to "the wobbles" at some speed between 35 and 45 mph due to the Macpherson strut suspension. This problem is actually relatively easy to fix and the parts are cheap but for some reason folks just don't fix it.. It won't be as bad as some Bus' you've probably driven but it will most likely be there in a test drive.

Gecko - I've got a 1302 with the shakes. Sounds like you know what the weakness here is - any hints on what parts cause this, what to check and replace?

Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:25 pm

Couldnt say for sur how much its worth. I would guess $1000-1500 range could be way off tho. It runs great pretty straight body battery area is rusted out. and it needs a new windsield and turn signal switch. 2 small rust holes up fron the rest of the floor is rust free. Tinted windows and a fresh coat of primer.Supposed to have a rebuilt engine. You know how that goes tho.

Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:03 pm

Not to try and move you off track. Bugs are great-I have two ( '67 an d'90 daily driver), and have had many more, but my favorite vehical of all times was my '73 Bus-I am looking for another 73-up. Have you considered a '73-79 Bus? The Type 4 engine in these is a heck of a lot more powerful than the Type 1 engines in the Buses and make them fun to drive. Road and Track's test of a '79 Bus recorded its 0-60 run in 17.7 secs, which is quicker than a 1600 Bug. Also '73-up have a redesigned front body structure which is vastly safer in a collision. Just a thought.

Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:14 pm

Thnx for the info , I am thinking about keeping it now startin to grow on me. Unless i come across a real nice trade.Trying to pick up a fastback for $500 right now and then ill keep the bus forsure. ! owner fastback been sitting for 12 years she brought it over from hawaii. pretty darn straight to.