TheSamba.com :: View topic - New to a forum with a new toy. 1971 Super Beetle

Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:52 pm

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the Samba. Here goes my first post on here. I recently picked up a 1971 SB for 1k, and I'm about to make a long haul from California to North Carolina. Several years back I picked up a '73 SB rebuilt the engine, and ended up selling it shortly thereafter. This one seems to be running strong. I'm taking her in for an inspection/tune up (due to lack of time on my part), and I'm about to change the shocks/struts along with the steering dampener. The interior needs an overhaul, and there are a few surface rust spots here and there that will bring about a paint job. Over all I’m thinking she’s going to be a cool runner, and a fun car to tinker with.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 5:13 pm

Pretty snazzy looking man! I got my 74 super for 1200, and there is still some issue's i've been working on! Looks good man! Keep us updated!

Sat Apr 28, 2012 1:57 pm

So are you driving this back back or trailing? Driving would be an adventure I'm sure.

Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:36 pm

I'm looking at trying my luck at a cross country run in the ole girl. there will be alot of finger crossing the whole way across [-o<

Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:06 pm

It looks to be in good shape. Take plenty of breaks, because you and the car will likely be tired from the drive. Make a backup plan in case you run into trouble. If you decide to make that run. Good luck.

Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:10 pm

I'm figuring on a 5 day trip. With stops at truck stops along the way during each refuel. I'm going to try for 12 hours a day driving. First goal is to make it to Texas near family for a days break for the ole girl. After that the home stretch. This all really depends on what the VW shop tells me after the inspection.

Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:34 am

Never drove coast to coast, but I traveled from New York to Georgia and back run a couple of times in two different VW's. That was back in the mid to late 70's when the interstate speed limit was mostly 55 mph, so the cars never really stretched out like they would these days at 80 mph+ being the average interstate speed!

I thought nothing of special preparations for these trips other than a fresh tune up and oil change, check the air in the tires and take off. Of course, now the cars are 35 years older than they were back then, so more caution makes a lot of sense.

Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:00 am

I am planning a similar trip in a few weeks - from LA to Toronto in a 71 SB. Planning to do Route 66 so not on the Interstates all the way. Good luck and keep us posted as to your progress!