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Sat Nov 15, 2003 9:35 am

Hi all!

I'm new to the vintage VW world but I have always loved them. I have a line on a 71 Squareback that's currently in the process of restoration but will be ready in a couple of months.

I'm wondering what I should know about this car and figured you all would be a good source for info. Let loose!

Thanks,

Karen

Sat Nov 15, 2003 2:40 pm

Karen, a very good source of info on the net is; www.vwtype3.org as these folks are heavily into type3s. This forum along with Shop Talk Forums are good too, as any info for type3s is a big help (we're the forgotten step child of VW's). Another good source, and book to own is the Type3 Bentley manual, as it will quickly pay for itself in a short time and will be of help whether you repair your own car or have a mechanic repair it. A good source of used parts is www.theddb.com contact Martin for all your needs. CIP and ISP west are 2 companies that sell new parts, although ISP is a little higher on their parts, they do offer parts that aren't offered by most. Bill and Steve's also offer t-3 parts, but you need to contact someone there who actually knows T-3s as they also sell bug and bus parts. Some things to think about however, and that is; most body parts aren't available (no aftermarket support), but the bodies are the same from the doors forward from 62 to 69 and 71 to 73 (some parts of the 70 are the same as a 71 but some are different) and the rear fenders are the same on a Fastback or Squareback thru the same years as listed above, the engine uses the same basic long block as a type1 (bug, ghia), the trans (except AT) is basically the same as a bug or ghia, the swing axle or IRS rear suspension parts and clutch assemblies are basically the same as a bug or ghia. The biggest difference you'll find is the front suspension, which for the most part is all by itself. It does however share rotors and calipers (on later ghias the calipers are the 2 pin type that the type3 uses). I'm sure others will chime in with more info, and other things I've forgotten. I hope this helps.

Sat Nov 15, 2003 5:13 pm

By all means, get that Bentley manual!! Read it, and make sure that anyone performing any and all maintenance refer to that manual. That way there's no guesswork and you're mostly safeguarded from someone doing something stupid to your ride.