My first AirCooled. 1962 Ragtop! So far........

[BIG NIC]

.


Hello!

My name is Nic... I just picked up my 1962 Beetle Sunroof a little over a week ago from a sweet lady (my dad's old co-worker from a long time ago) who has had it parked in her garage for a few years now. About 2 years ago I made her a fair offer that she had to "think about a bit" and she finally was ready to let it go


So, the car is a blast to drive so far. Haven't had a chance to drive it or work on it as much as I would like YET but.... soon enough!


So Far.....
- Bug ran great on the drive down to my office and went to drive home... no major problems at first. Brake pedal was mushy but car ran and idled decently for sitting in her garage for who knows how long

- Then, on my way home, car began to bog like it was starving for fuel and I was able to coast about 30 feet away from my house and push it the rest of the way. Turned out to be the Fuel Pump.. press pin worked its way out some how. After a quick rebuild with my buddy Larry car fired right back up.

-Next was to figure out the mushy brake pedal. Pulled the spare tire and the reservoir cap was shriveled to junk! And the reservoir was near empty. After inspection... looked like the rears were the only leaks.
So far, the rear brakes have been gone over. The fronts will have to wait until my budget permits front disk.

For now, I will do an oil change on it tonight... But this is my very FiRST AirCooled VW. Growing up my dad I remember putting around in his '67 Beetle and helping him do his brakes. Excited to enjoy this old thing

The rear brakes when I got them and then after breaking 3 breaker bars on the axle nut. What a pain

Before

After

Let me know what you guys think and if there is anything I should do first to it?!



.

[BIG NIC]

I am guessing I need to move the Fuel Filter somewhere.... or what are thoughts on the metal filters?

Also, spark plugs.... I believe this is just a stock 1200. Resistor versus Non-Resistor... what is the difference?

[63vdubbug]

Sweet bug!

[carcrazed]

Nice bug!! YES, get rid of that damn plastic filter and put a metal one underneath the car near the transaxle. Ask me how I know that plastic filters crack!
_________________
1965 Herbie Replica. 1776cc dual Kads.
1961 Beetle 33,000 Original Miles

"Just When you think you are getting ahead, you're always wrong."

[67ctbug]

Great looking bug!
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'72 Dodge Wrecker
Go Cubs!
World Series Champions 2016

[BIG NIC]

[67rustavenger]

Really like the look of your car.
Filter relocation pic below.

Good Luck.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[hitest]

Congratulations and welcome to the anthracite '62 ragtop ownership club!
_________________

[Ovally]

The aftermarket BDC drums are much softer than the original VW drums.
It is better to use the later style stock axle nuts.
These nuts have a larger contact area where it meets the drum.

Regards, Armand

[allsidius]

[BIG NIC]

[h~moto]

[BIG NIC]

UPDATE:

- Relocated the Fuel Filter to above the transaxle... Thanks to my buddy Larry!

- Also, Fuel Pump's pin still wanted out so I bought a Repair kit (TR from Brazil..) and it was junk. Should have only used the new pin with the C-clips.. ripped the old diaphragm so had to use the new kit and it increased the fuel pressure so much that the carb was being flooded with gas!

- Ended up buying a $30 non-rebuildable type fuel pump and the car fired right up

- New Spark Plugs in... MUCH needed. Old ones were whitish grey ashy!

- My buddy Larry Adjusted the Carb and timing a little!

- Then FIRST putt on the Freeway out to a WolfPack BBQ... Drove just fine

Was great seeing all the old VW's...




But NEXT on my list of things to do...

- New Distributor... I am looking at the Bosch Mechanical Advance unless there is a reason to stay with the Vacuum style Distributor. I need to either rebuild the one I have or just get a new one. Would love to do away with the points too.

- An Electronic Ignition of sorts.

- And I am still looking towards those Front Disk. I just like the look and a little more braking power wouldn't hurt. But that wont be for a month or so.

- Enjoy this thing... Its a blast to drive this. I actually hit 60 MPH on the 101 Freeway and was smooth!

[EVfun]

I'm a Volksaholic
And I won't change
Even if my loved ones insist
So screw the haters

Welcome to the support group!
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[Sharp64]

What are the symptoms that make you feel the distributor needs rebuilt? That car looks to be in amazing condition and I'm guessing it's relatively low mileage? You shouldn't really be having issues with the distributor. If you feel it truly needs rebuilt contact TASB here and have him rebuild it for you. It's cheaper than buying a new one and the quality of the OG dist's is miles above the crap being put out now.

I'm going to third the "why mess with such a nice original car?" Im by no means a stock Nazi, but seriously that thing is gorgeous and doesn't need "upgrades". At least if you do make some changes, keep everything so the next owner can put it back to stock if they choose.

[Busstom]

[62donb]

Great '62, I have one also!

What, no interior pictures?

[EverettB]

[Sharp64]

You can also go to www.oldvolkshome.com to compare your dist and carb to see what should be on it or at the very least makes sure you have ones that are compatible.

[Zundfolge1432]