Maryland 1966 Beetle Project

[obfuscurity]

After an initial speedbump in acquiring my first beetle in 20 years, I found a couple in Colorado that were advertised in pretty good shape. I've been looking for something as a long-term weekend-driver/restoration project that would also introduce my kids (10 and 7) to the world of classic VWs.

Fortunately I have family out in CO; my father was able to inspect and drive both of them. Although the one I didn't pick (a 1964 Deluxe with hardtop sunroof) would have been more "desirable", the 1966 I decided on is in much better original condition. Besides some oxidation on the paint, there is virtually no rust on the car and it includes the original engine (upgraded 1300 block to 1600cc P&C). I sent out payment last week and arranged for transport to Maryland. The vehicle is scheduled to arrive early this afternoon.

My initial goals are to get back up to speed on aircooled maintenance and start with little projects that will help me get confident with disassembling our new family member. Over the short-term I would like to remove the beauty rings and respray the wheels, add some whitewalls, and freshen up the interior. Long term I may end up repainting the entire car, but first things first.

Planning to wash the car, clean up the paint with buffing and polishing compounds, and then wax it as soon as I can. I'm hopeful that a lot of the oxidation from those CO winters can be cleaned up with a little elbow grease.

Here are some pics of the Beetle from the original ad. I'll try to post more tonight.

[dantrefethen]

Nice car! I wish my 66 looked like that.

Most will say to move that gas filter out of the engine bay to a safer
place. I have mine under the gas tank. Potential fire hazard sitting over the
distributor.

Dan

[obfuscurity]

[lawn ninja]

The fuel filter is a hazard because it is plastic and can crack and leak fuel onto a hot motor and catch fire.
_________________
Jason

My 64 1500 S Notchback project here
My 58 sedan project here
My 63 Ghia here

[obfuscurity]

Seriously, is that a valid concern? I've been out of VWs for 20 years, but I was neck-deep in them "back in the day" and I've never heard that before. And of all the build threads I've read on here recently I haven't seen anyone address it there either.

[lawn ninja]

Yes it is a valid concern. Safe rather than sorry. Your call. You were neck deep in them 20 years ago. Things change including the quality of parts.
_________________
Jason

My 64 1500 S Notchback project here
My 58 sedan project here
My 63 Ghia here

[dantrefethen]

A thread to read:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=512545&highlight=fuel+filter+fire

Dan

[obfuscurity]

Well I'm not going to dismiss something that has the potential for disaster. My concern would be the lack of proper filtering between the fuel pump and carburetor. This is clearly less important than the link between the tank and pump, but it can be a good troubleshooting point of reference. Hmm...

[lawn ninja]

more crap is going to come out of your tank. clean the lines out and put one between the tank and hard lines.
_________________
Jason

My 64 1500 S Notchback project here
My 58 sedan project here
My 63 Ghia here

[obfuscurity]

[dantrefethen]

The only problem that I have with my filter being under the gas tank
is that it gets checked a lot less often than when it was in the engine
bay. Still a lot safer under the tank.

Dan

[obfuscurity]

Just got a call from the transport driver. The Beetle should be here in approx 45 minutes.

[Schwing]

So did it show up? Too soon to say congrats?
_________________
Shadetree Westy
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=657279&highlight=

Single Cab - BBXXVII Long Distance Winner
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

Herman the oval
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=388895

[obfuscurity]

[Jon65]

The car looks good in the ad pics.

[Schwing]

[drs1023]

I don't like to put the filter under the tank due to poor accessibility. I put the filter above the heater box on the driver side. Easier access than under the tank. Just be sure to clamp the filter high up above the heater bellows.

So . . . . . where's the pics???

[Jon65]

My personal reference for the fuel filter location is next to the transaxle. That way it's easier to check than one under the tank and it's away from a heat source.

[obfuscurity]

Back home with my new project.

It was a bit of a shock just to sit in one after 20 years. I was pleased that the 3-point belts worked ok and I was able to drive it home just fine after years of driving an automatic (blame the wife). The wind really picked up this afternoon, which made for an "entertaining" ride home. Nevertheless, the Bug is sitting in our garage, taking a well deserved nap.

Some items of note:

* emergency brake doesn't work (button and spring slide out)
* fuel gauge doesn't work (or I drove home on fumes, TBD)
* starts a little rough and burns a little oil (see video)
* brakes worked but I had to go to the floor
* both red and yellow lights come on at times, particularly during shift-down (suspect low oil pressure here)

All of these are fixable issues and exactly the sort of thing I wanted to learn how to fix over the winter. I mean, it would be nice if it was in perfect condition, but I'm not complaining. The body is stunning and the interior is in very good condition. All of the windows are original (VW etching) except for the windshield. I feel good about this car.

Video of the car (haven't named it yet) being unloaded from the carrier:


Link


Pictures of my first encounter with the car and after parking it in the garage:

[65Bugsmasher]

Nice looking Beetle! I just moved to the area an live in Frederick, MD. I am in the process of restoring my 65' og 1200cc 40hp. It should hopefully be done by springtime. It's nice to see someone somewhat close to me