Buying a Bug in LA area this May

[71Survivor]

I will be down in LA this May looking for either a Bus or a Bug - original plan was a bus, but now I'm leaning to a 70's bug.

My first car was a 1971 Super Beetle, which I pretty much did all the mechanical work on so I'm pretty familiar with them.

A couple of questions:

1. Are engine fires (fuel lines) an issue with bugs as well as buses? I have never heard of it being a major issue like with the buses and I never had a problem with my bug.

2. Pros and Cons of a regular bug vs a Super? ie: Struts rusting out etc? Honestly I prefer the original dash and flat windscreen, but my 71 Super had that. I'm not so fussy about the newer Supers - how are they compared to a regular bug in the late 70's? All my experience has been with my 71 Super Beetle and a 79 Westfalia.

I plan to drive the car back to Toronto area, so will be looking for a solid car in good mechanical shape. I don't mind doing some work, but obviously it needs to be safe and not require any huge $$$ to fix, so any advice on specific things to look for in a bug would be appreciated.

I'd like to have a local trusted air cooled VW mechanic check out any potential purchases too, so I am looking to make some contacts. I'll be in Santa Monica the week of May 11th.

I appreciate any feedback that might help.

Doug aka ERIC WC (Long story - my Westfalia was named ERIC)
_________________
1971 Super Beetle (Stock Green Survivor) - Current
1979 Westfalia (Orange) - 1984-1990
1971 Super Beetle (Red) - 1977-1980

Read the story about my 71 SB Survivor: http://globespotter.com

[old DKP driver]

Send a pm to rockerarm as he lives in los angeles and is a good
man.
He may have some time to scout out some cars for you and help with your purchase.

He is in the bay forums mostly.

tell him old dkp driver mentioned is name.
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

[johneliot]

you don't need no stinking LA:
http://redding.craigslist.org/cto/2853935108.html
_________________
John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

[Roostalee]

I'd buy that one! Price isn't stupid high either.

[old DKP driver]

johneliot....I already SEE thinks that i don't like on this s-bug

Exhaust for cutting your shin's
Vac adv hose drooping and allowing Gas to enter vac unit
Tarboard missing left side of firewall

And 1 of those crappy steering wheels.....
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

[71Survivor]

Thanks old dkp - will do.

Man that bug brings back memories. The red is darker than mine was.

I agree those exhausts would not be fun. Honestly if I get one, I really want it stock all around. I had a nice wooded steering wheel on mine, but that was the only mod. Come to think of it, the steering wheel is around here somewhere - I couldn't bear to part with it when I got rid of the bug. That and the original key
_________________
1971 Super Beetle (Stock Green Survivor) - Current
1979 Westfalia (Orange) - 1984-1990
1971 Super Beetle (Red) - 1977-1980

Read the story about my 71 SB Survivor: http://globespotter.com

[rockerarm]

Morning Eric, to answer your questions:

1- Having been both a dealer and independent VW tech, as well as having VW's as daily drivers, the replacement of the gas hoses is a maintenance issue. With average driving, approx replacement on a yearly basis is a good interval. Plus we all used to install the small plastic gas filter right between the pump and carb. Some people didn't enen use clamps. I will admit to installing them there but always used clamps. When we started seeing engine comp fires, I began installing the filter underneath. At least there, if it did leak a potential fire was minimized. During proper servicing a tech is under the car anyway so the filter close by.
Nowdays with the introduction of the different fuel formulations owners of our older cars need to be very careful and adhere to a stringent inspection and correct choice of hose to use.

2- Many people favor the std bug for its strength of the front beam and ability to remove suspension parts, independent of the body. The first generation super got a bad rap as even when still under warranty we had many customer concerns with front end shimmy. The later super had some different designed parts but still wasn't perfect. The aftermarket industry pretty much fixed these issues with different parts, such as John at TopLine.
Another issue with super's is if the car was involved in a front end accident, since the struts mount to the body at their tops, getting the body back straight was critical to obtain proper alignment specs.

In closing, both styles of cars can be headaches or wonderful cars, but careful selection is important.
Hope this helps, Bill.

[johneliot]

The point of the picture was there are a lot of nice bugs in California and you don't have to go to LA to get them.
_________________
John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

[19super73]

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79656
_________________
'73 Super Beetle w/ all the Sport Bug extras
'75 La Grande Beetle, 1st in Class, Das Volks 2011
'75 110 Standard Beetle
'71 Doublecab
'73 412 wagon "Nasenbär" 1st in Class, Das Volks 2012

[71Survivor]

Thanks for the article!

John - I know there are a lot all over, but my time is limited and I will be in the LA area so have to keep my options to within a reasonable distance from LA.

While I has a 71 Super and never had any issues with it, I'm leaning towards getting a regular this time. But then if I see a good super in good condition at a good price - who knows?!!

I am not really a fan of the curved window supers though. Something about the flat screen and more classic dash I like, so it will likely be either a 69 or up regular or a 71 or 72 super for me.
_________________
1971 Super Beetle (Stock Green Survivor) - Current
1979 Westfalia (Orange) - 1984-1990
1971 Super Beetle (Red) - 1977-1980

Read the story about my 71 SB Survivor: http://globespotter.com

[rockerarm]

Any of the late type 1's regardless of whether it is a std or super, flat or curved windshield are wonderful cars when they are set up correctly and fit the owners/buyers requirements or desires. I am trying to help the OP here. There are a lot of very capable and hopefully fitting cars for him to make his decision.
Bill

[johneliot]

Eric, just remember, lots of places in LA are close to the beach so be aware of hidden rust. I have to say I am partial to 1969. 1970 is a close second.
_________________
John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

[71Survivor]