TX-73 Bug Rebuild

[TX-73]

Mr D, that red wire is 8ga, plenty for any amperage I want in the front. I plan to have a small sub/amp in the bank, this will get its own separate feed as well. Everything routed through a 200a circuit breaker at the battery.
the blue 12v feed wiring to the headlight relays (H4 conversion) is 10ga.

Just doing the amperage draw range:
35w bulbs will draw about 3a each. 55w bulbs will draw about 4.6a each. In either case the amperage is within wire gauge limits.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[Mr.Duncan]

So you have 3 separate wires running up to the front fuse box from the battery?

Compared to the stock 1 Wire.

right?
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(Owner) www.vintagecarleds.com

Red 1971 Squareback Thread
Red 1966 Beetle Thread
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1971 Green Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Ghia (sold)
1971 Blue Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Java Green Std Beetle (sold)
1971 Red Squareback (sold)
1966 Red Beetle

[TX-73]

[TX-73]

[Mr.Duncan]

[TX-73]

Yes, I happen to have a Ford solenoid that I can easily adapt for this. That was my plan. I know that the stock setup functions pretty well but as I modify the engine I would prefer to have direct battery voltage to the starter. Plus it's all apart, how much easier could it be to get this done!
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[Mr.Duncan]

[TX-73]

[Mr.Duncan]

[TX-73]

[Mr.Duncan]

[TX-73]

Minor updates

I added another relay for the lo beam headlights, installed at the right end of the fuseblock. This gives 1 relay for both hi beams, then a separate relay each for left/right lo beams. Not a big deal to lose both hi beams but this way if a fuse/relay goes out, it still leaves the other lo beam light on.
The black connectors you see are the 12v feeds from the relays to the 3 headlight circuits (hi, lo1, lo2).

I also installed the dash grilles, I like the blue contrast against the black. I'm undecided about the space for the Fasten Seatbelt light, I may install something else in that slot, could even be a little build date plaque or something. The grille on the right was re-adjusted after the pic as I noticed it was slightly askew.

I'm thinking that I may get the radio head unit and get it installed before I close up the back of the dash with vent controls, airbox, etc.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[Mr.Duncan]

Looks great!

I plan to install a $60 Blue tooth radio inside my glove box.

I want to dash to look "clean"
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(Owner) www.vintagecarleds.com

Red 1971 Squareback Thread
Red 1966 Beetle Thread
---------------------------------------------------
1971 Green Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Ghia (sold)
1971 Blue Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Java Green Std Beetle (sold)
1971 Red Squareback (sold)
1966 Red Beetle

[TX-73]

thanks Mr D,
I went ahead with a separate post for the stereo, I'm ok with placing it into this location:

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[Chochobeef]

Can i have the part you cut out (if you are able to keep it intact)

Would make a nice cover with the radio removed. pm me if yes or no.

[TX-73]

Here's where I'm at now. Based on info on this post
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=613133

plus some internet looking, I decided that I had more cost effective options going with a new DIN size modern receiver (no shafts). I'll be looking for one that has sub pre-amp outputs, USB, and whatever additional features I can use, like Bluetooth, CD player etc.

I wanted to keep any cut-outs centered to the embossed design on the dash pad so I found dead center and then measure out to accommodate a standard DIN chassis.

Then I used a straight-edge and an exacto to cut the pad out, this left about 1/8" of metal top and bottom. Width was ok. just over 7 1/8". DIN chassis needs 2 x 7 size, so I then made the cut to the metal top/bottom (delicately) using a sawzall to get the actual opening to about 2 1/6" by the factory width openig of 7 1/8".

Final result turned out good, wasn't that difficult, just needed good lighting and a light touch. The radio face plate should cover all edges without any issues. Chochobeef, I'm not sure the cut-out will be of much use as it's got a couple of cuts in it. I suggest you use a flat piece of black plastic if you are looking for a decent opening cover.

Now I can go ahead and pick a receiver, one of my criteria is that I want any lighting in the unit to be blue - car is blue plus the other features I mentioned above. This way I can get the head unit installed and wired up before all that other stuff behind the dash gets in the way. I don't want to do this later to a finished car.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[TX-73]

Here's the receiver that I picked.

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[TX-73]

Pedal refurbish time.
Here's what I started with, your basic 40 year old assembly, still functional but a bit tired.

I bought the Unique Parts clutch shaft extension (Bigfoot) and their gas pedal roller setup as well.

After the sandblaster and primer, everything was painted.

The kits installed very easily and the quality was good.

Ready to install but I'm not 100% sure if I should get these back in before I do sound dampener and carpet install. The re-done assembly works very nice.

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[Tim Donahoe]

I hope you greased up those shafts really well before putting them back together. The difference is amazing when you do this.

I installed the uniqueparts.com regular-size clutch shaft. It was well made and fit like "budder". But make sure when you grease the outer bushing (the part that engages the clutch-cable eye) that you, not only grease the brass bushing, but also the sides where the cable eye will contact--the inside and nut side, that is. I greased up all sides of the eye, to boot.

My pedals work like new now.

Tim

[TX-73]