New 69 AT square

[jimmynotch]

I am soon to aquire a new '69 AT squareback. Normally I don't dig the AT thing but its basically gonna come to me free so I am gonna take it. Besides, arent functioning AT's becoming rare? It has been awhile since I owned an automatic so I have some questions.

1st- The motor still has the FI set-up on it (but it isn't running )and I am not too hyped on ditching the FI if it works well. If it is crap, is there any problem using carbs in conjuction with AT? I thought I remebered hearing that the AT works much better with FI... but I for the life of me I can't remember the reason. I would rather try and keep the motor stock, so any input would be helpful.

2nd- The rear fenders have the original louvers cut out and re-fittted with panels that have a rubber seal between the fender in the panel. Were the 69's the year that VW made fenders withthe backward facing vents? It looks kinda ugly IMO and am kinda thinking I might try and find fenders that aren't cut up. What do the samba gurus think?

I am going to try and keep this car stock and hopefully add it to the growing fleet accumulating at my house. Anyone with experience with AT squares are encouraged to respond. I will post pics tonite if I can...

Thanks
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Jim in Sacto -

[Russ Wolfe]

AT's are not that rare. I am driving one as a daily driver. Over 200K on it, and still going strong. Fluid has been changed every 30K miles.

FI Is fine, and less complicated than most people think. It is just a learning curve on it. Loose connections, plugged fuel tank screens, and filters. Replace the fuel lines, as by this time, they are probably rotten.

Rear fender louvers were the same up through 1969. So they weren't a problem, really. The reversed louver kits were to make customers happy that thought they were having an overheating problem. (they weren't) Actually, if you run a T-3 in a wind tunnel, you will find that there is dead air around the louvers. The only air that goes through them is what the fan pulls in, And the fan pulls air according to the engine speed.

Make sure the thermostat is installed, and working properly. A lot of them have been removed wrongly over the years. They are there for a reason. To help the engine run at a constant temperature.

I hope this answers some of your questions.
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Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up, you end up with a lot of scum on the top!--Edward Abbey

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[blankmange]

[jimmynotch]

Posted a few pics in the square gallery. Stupid vent things....
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Jim in Sacto -