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Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:11 pm

I have always been a VW fan, but always owned watercooled. Within the past couple months I bought a 1983 aircooled Vanagon for my son for $250 and just got a 1968 beetle convertible today for $600. I have the motor out of the vanagon and am rebuilding it tomorrow. The beetle needs a new set of pans and a new top. It has been sitting for 2 yrs but ran like a champ when parked. Before I try to start it again, what should I do? I assume I should drain and replace the oil, new battery, and drain any old gas. Is there anything I am missing?? Were 68's designed for leaded gas or will unleaded be fine? Thanks for any help!!

1974 thing
1968 beelte convertible
1983 vanagon

Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:02 pm

rosscarter wrote: Before I try to start it again, what should I do? I assume I should drain and replace the oil, new battery, and drain any old gas. Is there anything I am missing?? Were 68's designed for leaded gas or will unleaded be fine? Thanks for any help!!

unleaded is fine. i would also change the fuel filter and blow out the main fuel line disconnected at both ends with a air hose. i would also pull the carb and clean the bowl and jets to get any settlement out then fill the bowl with fuel and see if it pumps fuel. if you are just trying to see if it will run then this should be enough but later i would change rubber fuel lines and clean wire connections like the starter. you know, little things why my VW wont start or work right things. you might have a new coil, points, cap, rotor bug and condensor handy. gotta have fuel and spark to run, fuel is the easy one but spark can have you scratching your head sometimes.

then turn your hat to the side, stand on one foot, and... wait wait i cant give you the "bring old VW back to life" dance til you get more posts.

good luck.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:43 am

Seeing that this engine has not been running for the last two years it would be a good idea to build up some oil pressure before it starts.Disable your engine from starting then crank it over till the oil light goes out now you can enable your engine and start it up.