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Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:42 pm

Long

I had a VW shop today over the phone, recommend to look 1969 and newer over a 1967 I was eyeing siting there was a change in transmissions, even brakes - that parts and repairs are easier/cheaper on 69 and newer models.

This raised an eyebrow... and spawned this post.

I'm looking for my weekend fun car and after a month iwth a buddies VW bug years ago in college I'm finally looking to get my own for weekends and summer fun.

I've been lurking on the samba for a week now, reading everything I can and scouring the classifieds but one question I have is still unanswered. It's really one of practicality.

What year range is the best/easiest to find parts and perform disc brake upgrades, easily replace transmissions/parts, just have a good time without stressing over rare high priced parts? My only hangup I have found is that I love the look of the pre-68 metal dashes.

I'm sure this question has been asked before and please throw me to a link if this has been discussed ad infinitum - however my search skills must be lacking because I couldn't come up with proper wording to take me towards this topic.

Your opinions are much much appreciated.

Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:03 pm

Pre 67, usually means more money. They are more collectible.
68 and up, are not considered by some self proclaimed experts as not desirable. Therefore, they are cheaper. Yes, because they are less desirable, there are more of them available for parts cars.

Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:57 pm

Get a 68+ standard (not super) and have fun.

Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:00 pm

I have owned both body styles. I like the 68 and up my self, would like to find some time a decent 77 standard, last year of the standard, USA.

Wed Mar 10, 2010 12:29 am

It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons. Everyone has their differing opinions. The earlier the better for sex apeal and value if it is good condition. When I bought mine I didn't know about the trendy part and chose a '71 as the best and most mechanically advanced year before they started throwing smog stuff on it the next year. So the '71 had the IRS trans and suspension, the first year with dual port and dog house cooling, and not the addition of things I didn't want. Those are big improvements. Contrary to Caleb, I also chose a super beetle because of the McPhearson strut front suspension and larger trunk space. Didn't know 'till later of the unpopularity of it. However 12 years after restoring it is consistantly getting show awards which it didn't in the beginning. The later models are slowly getting more recognition. And I still think the Super Beetle suspension is so much better than the old style once you get the famous Super Shimmy taken care of. So 12 years later I still think it was the best year and model. For practicality, drivability, and obtaining parts. For pazazz, sex appeal and drawing crowds, it's a no, compared to standards and older models. Also as every year went by there were improvements made in them. Mostly for dependability, comfort, and safety. Such as bigger tail lights and padded dashes. You like steel dashes which are cool until you bust your head on one in an accident. So just figure out what is important in your selection.

Wed Mar 10, 2010 2:38 am

I would take a 70-71, especially if it had the factory metal sunroof.

Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:45 am

Gentlemen, excellent repsonses thank you.

DesertBusman, Really appreciate your time. I'm Not really fixed on creating a show car or having something that is going to be super desireable in the VW fan world. I'm just looking for a fun weekender/warm months car I can enjoy and do some work to - disc brake conversion, drop it a few notches, get a little power in it, interior work, etc. Your metal dash opinion is a good one - no I wouldn't want to slam my head into that during a crash. Quite frankly I wouldn't want to be in a beetle is a crash. :roll:

I've read about the improved suspension in the SBs but have never actually driven one to experience it for myself. I'll search for the shimmy issue and see what I come up with here at Samba. If it's a relatively easy/cost effective fix I'll check a couple out.

Being in New England makes it a challenge to find a car in decent driveable shape - tons of rust here. Have been eyeing West/Southwest cars and thinking about shipping. Have heard prices as low as $850?

Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:09 pm

One other thing to consider. If your state has emissions testing that might
be a factor. Here everything '67 and newer gets a smog test. Did mine today and for the 12th time it passed no problem. However the bus won't with the carbs so I have to work around that.

Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:24 pm

Very good point DB - looks like Massachusetts gives a free pass to any cars made before 1984.

Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:34 am

One thing I didn't see mentioned is that most of a 67 is one year only. Every external body part, most electrical and interior parts, are all 67 only, and some are different between early and late 67. They are great years and many like them as the best combination between old and new, but not really the best car for a "casual fan" of air cooled VW's.

Thu Mar 11, 2010 1:37 pm

Florida, good info on the '67 thank you. Definitely casual interests as the car will be used. :wink:

Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:01 pm

Florida_Buggy wrote: One thing I didn't see mentioned is that most of a 67 is one year only. Every external body part, most electrical and interior parts, are all 67 only, and some are different between early and late 67. They are great years and many like them as the best combination between old and new, but not really the best car for a "casual fan" of air cooled VW's.

I didn't know the hood, doors and rear fenders were any different on a '67 from a 66.
66 has push button door handles too.

Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:04 pm

crofty wrote: Florida_Buggy wrote: One thing I didn't see mentioned is that most of a 67 is one year only. Every external body part, most electrical and interior parts, are all 67 only, and some are different between early and late 67. They are great years and many like them as the best combination between old and new, but not really the best car for a "casual fan" of air cooled VW's.

I didn't know the hood, doors and rear fenders were any different on a '67 from a 66.
66 has push button door handles too.

The rear decklid is definitely different (cross between a 66 and 68. I'm almost positive the front hood is different.

The front fenders are different because of the late headlight/early horn grill setup. The rear fenders are different because of the over-rider hole locations I believe.

Doors are different because they have the early style window crank but later style door pull, plus I think the latch location is different. I also believe the button on the door handle is different as well.

Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:29 pm

I forgot about the inside door release. The decklid and rear bumper is also a 67 only deal but I didn't know about the fenders.

There's also the 6 month only front seats from a '67 that are unique.

Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:30 am

Another 67 thread.
Every year if you really dig into them has a one year thingy about them.

Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:37 am

No worries - hope it doesn't turn towards bickering over which year is best, etc, etc. I'm sure there is enough of that around here...

I think I'm looking for a '70 Beetle.

Though I love the look of the 60's ragtops...

Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:38 pm

I prefer 64 and earlier cars but a few years ago I picked up a 70 vert for $250!! I got a front beam with disks for $100, pulled a trans from the junk yard for $60, had some 66 low back seats that I got for free, and $30 for a set of rear seats. Put a primer paint job, a $40 set of seat covers and $20 set of door panels and life was good. I built a 1776 for it slapped on a set of dual icts and an empi header and got great mileage and decent performance. I drove the hell out of the car and never worried about it getting stolen.

Since I still liked the early look I put a set of 66 front and rear fenders, lights and hood and a 63 vert decklid, took the padding off the dash and filled the holes and more primer. 9 out of 10 people could not tell it was a late vert, the only thing that gave it away was the late door handles.

After owning over 25 cars it was the cheapest and most fun of them all!! The best part of it was there were still parts for it in the junkyard, try to find an early bug in a JY, it just doesnt happen any more.

Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:45 pm

Funny as I have my eye on a 70 with fenders and a hood from a 65. Love this car. Want it.

The "there are parts more readily available" was always mentioned as mechanics were recommending the 70/71 Beetles to me.

Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:59 pm

69-72 non supers are the cheapest and most available as far as parts and vehicles are concerned. I would still go for used German vs. new chinese parts though. Since part cars are super cheap it is usually the better option. As every VW owner knows, its only a matter of time before you get 2 or 3 bugs for "parts". :D :D :D

Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:11 pm

Shhhh - not too loud, my wife might hear. :lol: