Considering Buying a '72 Beetle But I Have QUESTIONS!

[porphyrogene]

I have been considering buying a '72 Beetle from a 'lemon lot' close to where I live. It is in GREAT shape (excluding a small crack in the windshield and some faded paint on the top of the car) and the owner is asking 4000.

The only problem I have with the car is that it has no air conditioning right now although the owner explained to me that it is equipped for one and the reason she doesn't is because it puts too much strain on the engine. About how much would an air conditioner or even just a fan cost and where could I find one? This is critical because I live in texas!! I've searched the internet but could not find information (maybe I'm just not looking in the right places?).

I'd also like to know if a '72 beetle is even worth 4000. I looked the car up on a "Golden Book" appraisal guide and it said from 3500 to 6000. Just curious if actual owners could fill me in a bit.

One more thing: if I do decide to buy the car, what are some classic trouble spots/problems I should be aware of? The owner has owned the car for the past 7 years I believe and says that it runs fine, but like I said, I'd like to know what I should give some extra love.

I know it's lengthy so: THANKS!

[orbitron]

RUST! Look at the door jams (sills) this is the heater channel if it is rusted out it is very extensive and expensive to fix. Check for rust in the battery tray, bottom of the B-pillars, footwells. If it's a super (you can tell from the flat sitting spare in the trunk) make sure there is no rust on the tops of the shock towers. If you find rust in any of these places it's not worth $4000.

[porphyrogene]

Thanks! I've been waiting for some sort of reply for ages (haha, almost!). Your info will be very useful to me. I hope to be an expert someday but I am currently just an ignorant fan!

I'd still really like to know about the fans, air conditioner and such!

(Oh, and I looked up replacement vinyl kits for the interior and found a really cool one that I am considering as well!)

[SoCalVW22]

Fan? A/C? You dont need no stinking A/C!

Youll find that most will either restore to a T, rat rod or just run like it is but few will run a/c. some might even run a rocket launcher (thermador) most of which are for looks.

But hey if you need a/c/ you need a/c
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62 Baja R.I.P
72 Fat Chick

[dcnjoe60]

You might see if there is a local, trusted VW mechanic around and if they would do a once over on it before you buy it. Here, they charge $25 and tell you what needs to be done to the car and how much it will cost so that you can decide if the price is right (instead of telling you the car is worth x amount).

Of course the seller would have to allow you to take it and have it looked over, but if they refused, I would take that as a bad sign and look elsewhere.

As for AC, it was an option. However, even if it's installed, it doesn't mean it's in working order or even fixable, if it's not. Again, since it sounds like you are new, having someone experienced in keeping VWs running look at it would be your best bet (even if you decide that you will be maintaining it yourself in the future).

[losingxinsight]

It already has A/C. Roll down the damn windows!

[bon2198]

[DMC-12]

Yeah, I hate to say it but A/C on a Beetle engine is like 20 lbs. of sh-t in a 10 lb. sack. I know it's hot in Texas, but it's dry (mostly). Once you get rolling, you'll see that it's not so bad.
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"Unpimp ze auto"
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1974 Orange Thing Daily driver/Rolling resto.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12

[bigblue]

a/c schmacy... ever hear of the 265 a/c?....
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1966 Sedan (Dad owned in Germany '74-'75)
1970 Yukon Yellow Sedan 'Puddin' (follow here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=368348)
1973 Super Beetle (Totaled in '99)
1972 Standard Beetle (Made the mistake of selling it)

i mess with sasquatch on weekends.

[GatorJZ]

Don't listen to these people about AC. I, for one, refuse to sweat in a car. Gilmore Enterprises sells entire kits. Ed can also sell you just what you need to update/upgrade your dealer installed system. Modern AC compressors are far more efficient than what you have. According to Gilmore, it takes about 1.5 HP to run his compressor. My comfort is worth WAY more than that power loss.

http://www.gilmore-enterprises.net/

[gt1953]

Is it a standard or a super beetle?

look for bondo with a magnet that does not stick to areas with bonda
$400 may be kinda steep with out seeing the vehicle first hand and above all read the sticky here.
disregurad the AC comments
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Find one keep it Stock.

[losingxinsight]

[losingxinsight]

[Brett0424]

A/C is a luxury item though. A/C is an option on Beetles but I'll warn you that if you're the kind of person that can't live without modern luxuries this car is not right for you. I live in Texas and it's hot right now, but it's supposed to be, it's Texas! Check Craigslist postings for similar Beetles in the area and compare prices to see how good of a deal it is. I'm north of Dallas and there are usually a bunch for sale around here. You might want to look for one that already has working A/C just to save some time, money and trouble. Then again, that might be harder to find.

[jhicken]

If the car is solid, no rust, decent interior and no running issues, 4K is reasonable. As for the AC, does it have the vents and controls inside? It may just need a compressor and to be serviced to get it going again. Prices for a complete system run somewhere between $1000 to $1500 plus installation which isn't simple. So figure that a worse case scenario.

The above advice about finding a local shop that works on air-cooled VW's and to take it to them to get a buyers check is golden. It may cost an hour or so of labor to do it, but it's worth it. If you don't, you are taking a big chance. They will also be able to advise you on rust and other potential structural issues.

Good luck.

-jeffrey
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All Air-Cooled Gathering - Sept 18-19, 2010, Flanders, NJ

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