TheSamba.com :: View topic - My first bug 1974 Super Beetle and I have a few questions.

Thu May 10, 2012 10:28 pm

So I just got this bug a couple of weeks ago and have been researching this forum and other various websites for information about my new bug! First question I have is well I know it is a super beetle but the front brakes are drums instead of disks also, the engine code is AH234776 which leads me to believe it is a 1600cc (not sure if it is a dual or single port)instead of a 1300cc? Would this be classified as a 1303s or a 1303? Also since this car was bought from a dealer and not a previous owner I do not have any previous information about it except that it was from California. One question I have is the body has off color squares on each side one on the front right fender and one on the back of the windshield? Is this body work for rust or what? Other than that the car looks and drives like a dream, everything works on it like it should except for the windshield washer which is missing the reservoir and the reverse lights do not come on oh and also my e-brake does not work due to a snapped cable. Any insight or helpful tips will be greatly appreciated! cheers! :vw:

I do realize I need to remove that fuel filter away from the "dizzy" which I will fix when I order some new hoses.

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

The rest of these photos are from the dealer:

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

By americanpsych0 at 2012-05-10

Thu May 10, 2012 10:52 pm

On a 74 front drums are stock

You have a 1600 Dual port.

The squares that are a diferent color probably have something hidden underneath them, and someone tried to match the paint color. But it didnt blend.

It does look like a nice solid car though, Nice and clean!

Thu May 10, 2012 11:03 pm

When you do you engine work ditch the air cleaner and get the proper one for the 73/74. The paint is interesting almost like something was over that and the rest of the car faded. Enjoy your ride and this is he best VW site.

Fri May 11, 2012 2:44 am

lukel wrote: On a 74 front drums are stock

You have a 1600 Dual port.

Its a 1303.

Not exaclty.

This car is a US Super Beetle, a 1303 is the European version which is different, disc front brakes and 1300 twin port engine depending on the luxury package, different bumpers, headlights, tail lights, some had low back seats etc etc

US ones all had drums and 1600 stock and were not known as a 1303.

Fri May 11, 2012 3:09 am

Joel got you covered on the model info I'll see what I can do about the rest.

The main thing with the fuel filters like how it's set up now is that the weight (although minimal) of the filter over time can pull the brass fitting out of the carburetor, and being after the pump, the engine will continue to run and pump fuel all over itself while it runs the float bowl dry. This usually causes an engine fire which is bad news for VWs because the engine case is magnesium and flammable!! So the best place to move it to is either under the car above the transmission or under the fuel tank. Although under the fuel tank you're not filtering the fuel that's coming out of the hard line.

As for the reverse lights, they work like this. There's a switch that is on the transmission itself, two wires go to it, a positive 12 volts wire and a wire that runs to the positive on the reverse light bulb. Obviously, when you put the car in reverse this switch connects and 12 volts is sent to the light bulb which lights it up. So obviously, first check the bulb and socket, then move on down the line to make sure the wires are connected properly and you're getting 12 volts to the switch and the switch is connecting.

Oh and you definitely have a 1600 dual port. You can tell the dual port by the intake manifold which looks like it goes to individual ports on each side (because it does).