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Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:19 am

So im going to look at a 71 vw bug today, been looking to buy one for awhile now, wondering if anybody has any pointer to look for and any ideas i should pursue or thing i should avoid doing???

Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:20 am

Check the Stickies and there is a buyer's guide there for Supers which will help even with a Standard. Rust is the enemy, mechanical and interior is easier and cheaper to fix.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:24 am

neww to VW's in general! what are stickies? lol

Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:25 am

Top of the forum, marked Stickies. Loads of info in there about almost anything you want/need to know if you are new to ACVW's.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:26 am

ok sweet thanks!

Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:33 am

Here's another short discussion from Rob and Dave's site:
http://www.vw-resource.com/buying.html

Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:34 am

Fist and foremost drive it and pay attention, listen and feel how the car drives, don't be afraid to check the brakes, feel for the way it pulls when you brake. Smell for gas. Look at the condition of the hoses, they may be original which means the need replaced. Take a magnet wrapped in felt or cotton t shirt material. You can slide it along body panels to look for bondo without scratching the paint. Check around the rear window area as this is a frequently fixed incorrectly spot. Check the brake lights as the brake switches go bad. take a flash light and look up under the car, look for rust, look for rust or holes under the rear seat near the battery box.
Look under the car from the front to the rear looking for fuel lines, 2 of the 4 beetles I looked at the previous owners ran the fuel lines under the car instead of within the body, because it was easier.

There is a lot to consider, have fun looking but take your time and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Take someone with you a second set of eyes is always good.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:35 am

Also, don't fall in love with the first one you go and see.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:43 am

Go to youtube and search the channel brighteyefilms. Chris has TONS of VW videos and has an 8 part series ( probably over an hour ) that tells you what to look for and test when buying a bug. He just released the 8th part yesterday. Good luck and have fun! :D