New Member/Owner - '71 Super in MA

[hotsam]

Ok folks - I should I go about fixing this:

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1968 Beetle

[hotsam]

Well - today I installed a rebuilt carb from Volkzbitz, adjusted the brakes, and did a ghetto driveway alignment.

Result:

First drive!
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1968 Beetle

[vamram]

[hotsam]

I had some suggestions over pm - but for now the paint isn't a priority.

Next up will be a muffler (arrives on Tuesday), and then bumpers. After that will be brakes.
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1968 Beetle

[GearHeadKeith]

Great find! This looks like a super clean Super in the 1971-only color of Shantung Yellow. I cannot believe the trunk! Super clean.

I own this car's twin brother: mine is a 1971 Super Beetle (October 1970 build) in Shantung Yellow (color code L 12 D) with black interior. When I bought it in 1994 off the 2nd owner with 345k miles, the paint was so oxidized that it looked tan. I rubbed it out by hand and was amazed at how well it came back to life. The front valence was void of paint from rock chips and living in SE California, so I primed & cleared it to prevent any corrosion. At that time I planned to paint it in 2 years...today I still own it (21 years) and it has yet to get fresh paint! It has good patina and looks "good enough".

I built a 1776cc engine using mostly vintage speed parts for it in 2004:

These cars put a smile on my face when I drive them. Keep up on maintenance, buy quality parts and these cars will treat you right. Enjoy your Super!
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Keith Gilbert - DdK
1971 Super Beetle sedan, Shantung yellow with black interior. Cosmetically unrestored with over 366k miles.
1776cc: 9.2:1 compression, dual Weber 40DCN on Deano intakes, Primo Petrucci 40mm/36mm round-port heads, Crower VW284F cam, Kymco 1.5" exhaust
SSC trans with 3.78/2.25/1.48/1.04 & 4.12 Gleason R&P, Type IV output flanges, Berg Shifter
Topline front struts/springs/sway bar, Sway-a-Way rear bar, 4-wheel disc brakes
Owned since 1994: 3rd owner since new!

[hotsam]

Awesome car, thanks for the pics.

Question: does anything besides the speedo and warning lights illuminate at night? My dash is dark except for the radio, speedo, and warning lights.
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1968 Beetle

[GearHeadKeith]

[hotsam]

[Tim Donahoe]

So your bug doesn't have the "Tweety-bird-flash-light-size" light in the middle, lower part of the dash? It was supposedly for illuminating the heat/defrost handles.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[hotsam]

[hotsam]

I don't appear to have the light.
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1968 Beetle

[vamram]

[Tim Donahoe]

No way, Victor.

There is a very small light that rotates (using a finger) which is located on the lower portion of the dash, between the two fresh-air knobs on my 1974 Super Beetle. It sticks out about 3/8 inch from the dash. And like I said, you can rotate it (for aiming).

It's purpose was to illuminate the heat and defrost handles on the tunnel. The light is quite dim and only works when your headlights are on.

Now that I think of it, my Hazard switch also lights up when my headlights are on.

Other than the speedometer area, I can't imagine what other lights are really necessary. the Hazard is used once every ten years, maybe; and the little light is not really an eye-squinter.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Maddel]

[Q-Dog]

That light to illuminate the heater controls didn't exist before 1974 models, so your '71 should not have it.
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Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[hotsam]

My fuel gauge always reads as full - if I reverse the wires on the sender, it reads as empty. Bad sender?

(Yes, I did a search!)
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1968 Beetle

[Tim Donahoe]

Yes, bad sender. the gauge reads to both sides of the spectrum, so no issue there.

However, always replace your vibrator on the back of your speedometer when replacing the sender. Don't use the OEM metal vibrator. Get the black-plastic encased new-style vibrator. They won't damage your gauge or sender wiring if they go bad.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[hotsam]

New exhaust installed tonight (from Wolfsburg West). Also installed a warm air pipe that I got from the classifieds. Another item crossed off the checklist. A total bitch of an install but well worth it.

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1968 Beetle

[sb001]

I can't get over how original that bug is. Find of the year.
I'd love to see some engine pics
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I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[hotsam]

booya....

FUEL FILTER IS TEMPORARY!

I want it in a visible spot so I can constantly check it to make sure there's no crap in the tank. After a few miles it will go away and I'll put a metal filter elsewhere (not in the engine compartment).
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1968 Beetle