TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:46 pm

Hey All;

I got the 84 Cabriolet I was asking about in an earlier post. It's so ugly it's cool - dark bronze paint with black top & trim. The top is in good shape, and the body isn't bad either.

I don't yet have a manual, so I've got lots of questions:

1. In the center console in front of the shift lever, there are 3 guages. One is volts, the other temp, and one says "Bar" and has the numbers 1 through 5 on it. What does that gauge monitor?

2. Is there a good site on the net for replacement parts - both used and new?

3. Are the any specific problems that this particular car was prone to?

Thanks, in advance, for your answers!

JSH

Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:00 pm

it is an oil pressure gauge.

vwvortex has lots of rabbit classifieds for used stuff, and links to parts suppliers for new stuff.

Change the timing belt immediately. this is one of those small, cheap, simple jobs that will do a ton of damage if neglected. unless you know when it was last replaced, replace it now.

Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:54 am

Thanks Jonesy;

I've been browsing around on VWVortex, but haven't found too much of the stuff I think I'll need.

There is a slightly used timing belt in the trunk, so I think it was probably just replace - however, I'm going to pull the cover off and look.

This car really is quite a piece - 3 of the 4 tires are out of round. It puts the Ug in Ugly. But it's a blast to drive!

JSH

Tue May 04, 2004 1:47 pm

To answer your questions

1. Volt gauge, Oil temp gauge, and oil pressure. 1Bar= 14.8Psi
2. Most good autoparts shops should have plenty of parts available.
3. Fuse block, wireing, timing belt tensioner bearings, cooling fan switches and relays, have you noticed the electrical theme yet???, strut bearings, timing belts, heater cores..........

Replaceing the timing belt and tensioner is a good idea. Cleaning the fuse block, relay panel and wireing harness to fuse block connections is a good idea.