TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon May 19, 2003 6:43 pm

Hi all. I just signed up for this forum because I need all the help I can get with my '72 Convertible. It has a newly rebuilt motor, great transmision, clutch, etc. But it needs lots of cosmetic help and I just don't know where to start. I am 5 feet tall and I can't reach the pedals unless I perch on the edge of the seat because it won't move. I need a rear window regulator and the chrome strip is pulled halfway off the passenger side fromt window.
Can someone tell me where to find resources (books, parts, etc. for convertibles?

Mon May 19, 2003 7:04 pm

Am I even in the right forum for this?

Mon May 19, 2003 7:19 pm

yeah, but don't expect such instant response... where are you located and do you have any mechanical experience and any tools at all?

first, get a can of " liquid wrench" or other penetrating oil, wd-40 might work but is not my first choice for something really stuck, spray it under the seats on the tracks and let it sit overnite. hopefully your not dealing with major rust on the pans... then while pulling up on the relase lever have someone taller and heavier than you try and "bounce" on the seat while trying to make it go forword, lastly beat on the rear of the seat frames using a block of 2X4 wood and a hammer.

check for window regulators in the classified section ( not the forum classified)

you will need( most likely) need to pull and re install the glass and rubber and may need a new rubber to fix the trim strip...

Mon May 19, 2003 7:39 pm

Thanks for the info.
I wasn't expecting an immediate response, but I didn't see any forums specifically for 'Verts and was wondering if there were any other 'Vert owners that frequented this forum.
I am in Memphis and although this is MY first air-cooled VW, I owned at Porsche 914 for several years and did a lot of cosmetic work to it. My husband drives a '73 Type 3 Squareback and we have done quite a bit to restore it, so tools are not a problem.
I'm just a girl, but I want to learn!!

Mon May 19, 2003 7:56 pm

Hey no problem, diddn't mean to sound harsh, just some folks think this forum is like IM/chat and in reality it can take a day or so to get a response. especially the super forum where it is a bit slower.

good luck and if you or your husband have anymore questions please ask away!
welcome to the samba, beware the addiction!

Mon May 19, 2003 8:21 pm

'70 was the last year for the Convertible to come in Standard suspension.
All '71 and up Convertibles are Super Beetles.

http://www.superbeetlesonly.com

Wed May 21, 2003 10:27 am

Another way to free up the seat in its tracks, after spraying the hell out of it, have one person kneel outside the open drivers door & hold the handle up, while another person pushes on the base of the seat, while sitting in the back seat (with the front seat back tipped foward), if your back seat person has strong legs, the seat should slide foward. I've used this method on many dead rusty bugs, some sitting years, it has always worked for me.
Tom in Vt.

Sun May 25, 2003 6:18 pm

I got the seat loose with lots of Rust Eater. Two big men couldn't get it to budge, but some stinky oil in a can did. Thanks for the tip Tom, but I don't actually have a back seat, so your method wouldn't have worked.
Have I mentioned that I have a long way to go with this car?