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Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:15 am

id like to introduce myself. my name is travis, i live in washington. im in the navy. ive been into old cars and bikes since forever. ive wanted a bug for awhile, and now im in the position to possibly get one. ive read on here as a lurker for awhile. but with a bug in my future i figured it would be a good time to join. looking forward to learning alot.
my 1st question is (i did search, but nothing definitive) what are common areas to look at when buying a bug to save major heartache. the car in question is a 64. tried finding what would be stock engine wise. 40 hp? the car has a 1600. no info on the trans. still need to look at it as far as rust and such. thanks for an awesome sight.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:21 am

sickboi55 wrote: id like to introduce myself. my name is travis, i live in washington. im in the navy. ive been into old cars and bikes since forever. ive wanted a bug for awhile, and now im in the position to possibly get one. ive read on here as a lurker for awhile. but with a bug in my future i figured it would be a good time to join. looking forward to learning alot.
my 1st question is (i did search, but nothing definitive) what are common areas to look at when buying a bug to save major heartache. the car in question is a 64. tried finding what would be stock engine wise. 40 hp? the car has a 1600. no info on the trans. still need to look at it as far as rust and such. thanks for an awesome sight.

The 1600 is not stock on that car. Areas to look for (some but not all of course)

1. Look at pans. Are they rotted through? Tap on pans to see if solid.
2. Look at channels. Are they rotted through? This is a bigger problem than pans.
3. How solid is the tunnel? The tunnel is your spine of the car.
4. Is the front/rear apron pushed in?
5. Is there a lot of cancer rust on the car?
6. Massive oil leaks, fuel leaks, etc.
7. On a test drive, does it veer badly to the side when touching brakes?
8. Buy Muir Book and will tell you all about it.
9. I'm still new to this, but this is some of the things I have picked up.

Welcome to the v-dub world. One thing you will find out quickly is that people will tell you "my car has no rust" or "my car has been restored." Number one, you will not find an old car w/ ZERO rust unless it has been restored to professional specs. You will also find that one's opinion of restored and in good condition is different from what another person would find in good condition. Take your time, do your reading, do your research, and stay on this forum. This forum is great and full of people w/ number of years of experience and knowledge.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:42 am

yeah i completely agree about "rust free", or "restored". some peoples definition is very skewed. a bug wont be my first vw, i have a golf and a passat right now, so im thinking a bug will be easier as far as the mechanics go. also, id like to throw out there that im not mechanically challenged. but every new vehicle is a different beast. most of my wrenching has been on brit bikes and old american cars. as far as manuals, are the usual suspects junk (ie. haynes chiltons)? ive found them lacking for my newer cars.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:46 am

sickboi55 wrote: yeah i completely agree about "rust free", or "restored". some peoples definition is very skewed. a bug wont be my first vw, i have a golf and a passat right now, so im thinking a bug will be easier as far as the mechanics go. also, id like to throw out there that im not mechanically challenged. but every new vehicle is a different beast. most of my wrenching has been on brit bikes and old american cars. as far as manuals, are the usual suspects junk (ie. haynes chiltons)? ive found them lacking for my newer cars.

www.bugmevideo.com

Sat Mar 20, 2010 8:49 am

If you can get some pictures of the '64 and post them here you'll get plenty of feedback.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 11:06 am

Sat Mar 20, 2010 11:14 am

That one is so modified don't worry about numbers matching or the correct motor, does it run good and is it solid.

Anders

Sat Mar 20, 2010 11:39 am

whats your goal with this? are you going to attemp to make it stock again or drive it as is.. how much is he asking for it?

we can play "name the wrong parts" game but then we could be here all day.

my biggest petpeeve with the photos you showed would have to be the cut dash..

Sat Mar 20, 2010 12:48 pm

to upsfella's point... If you're attrached to the durability and simplicity of an aircooled VW, this maynot be your car... if you like to zip around town in a neat looking bug that's fun to drive.. it maybe fine. Unless the price is super low, I don't think it's a very good investsment. When I see all the dash extras I wonder how well it was wired and how easy it is to trouble shot. When you are that far from stock your kinda on your own: just you, a volt meter and a flash light.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:47 pm

he's asking 3500. not sure of the condition. the deal is, i would actually be trading my golf for it.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:29 pm

another thing that bugs me is the fuel filter right above the spark plugs. no bueno...
when i was looking at buying bugs i noticed bondo work, check the engine compartment like the firewall, which looks like he put sound deadener in there, all the rubbers like the engine seal especially.
and everyone already seemed to say it but check the pans, and underneath the battery.
but yeah take your time.

does this bug have a sun roof? looks like it. but make sure its not crazy loud. bugs are loud but when you have that extra noise it can be annoying.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:45 pm

3500 for that car seems a bit steep to me. You know the dash is majorly hacked. It's a shame too since the body looks nice. I think if you look in the classifieds you can find something better for your money.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:54 pm

it's hard to find someone willing to trade for a plain jane newer vw

Sun Mar 21, 2010 9:11 am

Hey Sickboi55 (love these names!) I've been thinking about your situation and I have to say I think you need to stick with Golf and/or sell it for cash and then buy a real bug if you want. Sorry to sound like your dad and if your a kid (like I was) you'll just do what you want to do! As I've said before the beauty and simplicity of a bug is almost never enhanced with a bunch of mods and after market crap - they're either trying to cover up something or been drinking too much cheap beer. That car is a mess. OK I'm done - I'll stop bugging you. good luck!

Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:53 am

not bugging (pun?) me at all. im not a kid, but i have made dumb choices before regarding cars. i really want a bug, but i think you guys have confirmed what i already knew. i really hate that dash too.

Sun Mar 21, 2010 2:34 pm

I, personally, like the location of the stereo! :lol:

All joking aside, there are a lot better deals in the PNW. Keep your eyes peeled on the local craigslist ads. There are also a lot of PNW posters here that can maybe point you to a better vehicle.

I do love the sunroof!