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jamesbrady12 Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2012 Posts: 74 Location: Washington DC
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2016 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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I drive my '66 beetle everyday pretty much and have put 9000 miles on it since I bought it in 2012. I've gotten stuck 2X. Once was a stripped drum spline which, had I known more about cars I would have addressed sooner. The other was a snapped clutch cable and I didn't have a spare. Short answer from my perspective, they are fine as daily drivers but have AAA just in case. I got mine because I wanted to learn more about working on cars and, boy, did I learn but that's also part of the fun of having one of these cars. |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Mikedrevguy Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2008 Posts: 2234 Location: Medford, OR
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 11:49 am Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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57BLITZ wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer ... now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape. |
Awesome! Glad all this was helpful to ya . . . and that ya didn't get scared-off!
Welcome to the Samba!
FWIW . . . I drive my '70 Bug quite regularly, but it does get some time off on occasions when I drive my '68 C-10.
I found it on The Samba classifieds 35 months ago and, to me, my Beetle is worth TEN TIMES what I paid for it! I LOVE driving it! |
So, now that you've decided to purchase, whachagonna gonna get? Early?
Late model? Super? Flat/rounded windshield?
Drive several if you're able and see which you think will weather the 80 mile commute for drivability and comfort.
And, as always, have fun.
Iligitimi non-carborundum
Rev. _________________ 74 1303 (RevBug): plan for German Look
76 914 with 2260
79 VW Iltis
69 Bwajaja
"The wise speak because they have something to say; while the foolish speak because they have to say something." Plato
Illigitimi non-Carborundum!! |
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Horance Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2015 Posts: 88 Location: Toledo
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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asiab3 wrote: |
apensity wrote: |
But the LOOK! Ahhhh mannnnn...
[img] |
Awwww yeeeaaahhhhh! There are different levels of "kits" out there though…
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OK that has got me beat, the worst dist break job I ever saw was the pad in backwards but no pads and just caliper to disk...OK this proves one thing, you can't fix stupid, not even with duct tape.. |
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mark tucker Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009 Posts: 23937 Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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mine is a daily driver, the only car I own.Ive put well over 140000 miles on it with very little issues.no more than most any other car. and less than most. my wife drives it to work when her honda wont do it.,my bug has been used for school buss, grocery getter fun ride,transportation,and pretty much everything else a car is used for as far as I know of. if you have a problem with a car it usually isant the cars fault. the only think mine lacks is no AC and isant as pretty as it once was....but who is. |
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Floating VW Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2015 Posts: 1596 Location: The South Zone
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! _________________ "It's time you started treating people as individuals, rather than mathematically predictable members of an aggregate set, regardless of how well that works." |
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john1910 Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2016 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 7:40 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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I don't know what I'm getting for sure yet I like the safety improvements in the 1970s models but I like the ways the 60s look better .. so I'm probably gonna look at those too first. any suggestions? |
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iowegian Samba Curmudgeon
Joined: February 16, 2005 Posts: 9826 Location: Somewhere between Dubuque and Keokuk
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 7:46 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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john1910 wrote: |
I don't know what I'm getting for sure yet I like the safety improvements in the 1970s models but I like the ways the 60s look better .. so I'm probably gonna look at those too first. any suggestions? |
In my limited experience-------the newer it is, the more it drives (and rides) like a real car instead of an antique amusement. |
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 8:30 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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I tend to agree. The differences are pretty clear to me- having a weekly changeup between the '71, the '62 and the camper. Each one drives differently. It's easier for me to take the safety and handling improvements of the '71 for granted. It simply stops better, handles curves better and runs faster than the '62. The silly confidence of a padded dash seems to help too. If I were forced by the government to have only one stock beetle and I had to drive it daily- it would be a '71 and up. 1600DP, dual circuit brakes, parts readily available, better ventilation, yada yada. _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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vamram Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2012 Posts: 7276 Location: NOVA
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 7:07 am Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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I had a '64 that I restored, and slightly modified with drop spindles and a 1600dp rather than the factory style 1200, dual circuit master cylinder. Drove great and was a real neck breaker. But when it came time to downsize I chose my '72 super for the same reasons hitest gives for prefering his '71. _________________ Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!
'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
Click to view image
Save the Supers!! |
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sb001 Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 10399 Location: NW Arkansas
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 7:47 am Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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Floating VW wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! |
Better question: he's been a member for 3 whole days, and he already knows more about whether a bug can be used as a daily driver than those of us who have been trying it for 45 years? _________________ 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 |
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johnnypan Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 7431 Location: sackamenna
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 7:56 am Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
I took decent body with a complete interior,a roached transmission and engine and built a car I can drive anywhere,anytime.Those who cant build a dependable car lack the basic skills to do so.. |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 8:27 am Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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sb001 wrote: |
Floating VW wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! |
Better question: he's been a member for 3 whole days, and he already knows more about whether a bug can be used as a daily driver than those of us who have been trying it for 45 years? |
The length of membership on a site does not relate to this topic. _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Zundfolge1432 Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 12454
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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john1910 wrote: |
I don't know what I'm getting for sure yet I like the safety improvements in the 1970s models but I like the ways the 60s look better .. so I'm probably gonna look at those too first. any suggestions? |
Yes here's something to consider. Take that 60s car and put that body on a later IRS pan, say 74. Now you've got the look and a better ride. Maybe front discs,slightly lowered and narrowed up front. In back a IRS running bus CVs, type 3 brakes 3.88 ring and pinion. Powered by a 1776 single port, bulletproof,good power,good gas mileage,simple and relatively cheap to build. You could scrounge around and use spares for the swap meets. Classic . |
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john1910 Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2016 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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sb001 wrote: |
Floating VW wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! |
Better question: he's been a member for 3 whole days, and he already knows more about whether a bug can be used as a daily driver than those of us who have been trying it for 45 years? |
I NEVER calmed to know the answer hence why I asked it in the first place. I got the answer by looking at what others said when they replied to my question. No its not for every one but I think I can do it. You are the one who has constintly brought up stuff that was not even the topic of the form. I do however think you for your input. |
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sb001 Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 10399 Location: NW Arkansas
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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EverettB wrote: |
sb001 wrote: |
Floating VW wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! |
Better question: he's been a member for 3 whole days, and he already knows more about whether a bug can be used as a daily driver than those of us who have been trying it for 45 years? |
The length of membership on a site does not relate to this topic. |
Neither does an admin who just toes the line and takes the side of other members who insult me when I give an opinion. Like it or not Everett, you've NEVER been impartial to me posting on here whether or not my comments are based in real world experience and facts. You just fall in with the majority rule cause it's easier, whether or not its the RIGHT thing to do. I understand that being a website admin is a particularly difficult and thankless task, but let's not pretend for one second that you haven't just singled me out. _________________ 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 |
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Dwayne1m Samba Member
Joined: December 31, 2011 Posts: 3538 Location: Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: Is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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Let's be honest here, this a fun little conversation that goes nowhere in the end. We are all Beetles enthusiasts or we wouldn't be on this site so our views and opinions are "slightly" biased. Everyone's situation is different and all that plays into the decision on what kind of car you want as a daily driver. There is no right or wrong answer to this topic. It's all personal preference. How many of us said as kids we would NEVER own a mini van? Well, you get married and have kids and guess what, suddenly there is a mini van in your driveway. Life often dictates our choices. |
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sb001 Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 10399 Location: NW Arkansas
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:48 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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john1910 wrote: |
I NEVER calmed to know the answer hence why I asked it in the first place. I got the answer by looking at what others said when they replied to my question. No its not for every one but I think I can do it. You are the one who has constintly brought up stuff that was not even the topic of the form. I do however think you for your input. |
Say WHATT???
The question was whether one of these cars would make a good daily driver. I DIRECTLY answered that and said why, even using the phrase "would not make a good daily driver" at least 2 or 3 times.
Whether or not you want to completely ignore someone who has 4o years worth of experience on one of these cars they bought BRAND NEW (so as to dismiss any potential "previous owner" hacks") is up to you, but don't say I didn't answer your question. SEVERAL times in fact. _________________ 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 |
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sb001 Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 10399 Location: NW Arkansas
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: Is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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Dwayne1m wrote: |
Let's be honest here, this a fun little conversation that goes nowhere in the end. We are all Beetles enthusiasts or we wouldn't be on this site so our views and opinions are "slightly" biased. Everyone's situation is different and all that plays into the decision on what kind of car you want as a daily driver. There is no right or wrong answer to this topic. It's all personal preference. How many of us said as kids we would NEVER own a mini van? Well, you get married and have kids and guess what, suddenly there is a mini van in your driveway. Life often dictates our choices. |
I'll go along with this, especially the first sentence, which begs the question why was it ever brought up in the first place. The OP already had his mind made up. _________________ 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 |
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67rustavenger Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 9665 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:42 pm Post subject: Re: is daily driving a classic beetle a good idea? |
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sb001 wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
sb001 wrote: |
Floating VW wrote: |
john1910 wrote: |
You know I think I have my answer, the answer must be yes cause they are a good number of people on here who do it . Thanks guys .. now all I have to so is find a bug in good shape |
Good on you, John! And welcome to the Samba! So, you've been a member for three whole days as of now. Have you figured out how bat-shit crazy some of us are yet?
Good luck and may I be the first to pre-congratulate you on your forthcoming purchase of a fine automobile! |
Better question: he's been a member for 3 whole days, and he already knows more about whether a bug can be used as a daily driver than those of us who have been trying it for 45 years? |
The length of membership on a site does not relate to this topic. |
Neither does an admin who just toes the line and takes the side of other members who insult me when I give an opinion. Like it or not Everett, you've NEVER been impartial to me posting on here whether or not my comments are based in real world experience and facts. You just fall in with the majority rule cause it's easier, whether or not its the RIGHT thing to do. I understand that being a website admin is a particularly difficult and thankless task, but let's not pretend for one second that you haven't just singled me out. |
Wow Steve. Nice going! Insult the Admin of this valuable resource. You rock! Your 100% correct that these cars are un-reliable. They suck as a commuter car. Infact I'm thinking of putting mine up for the rest of my life. I mean after all, when I get up in the morning and go out to my DD ACVW it just starts right up and gives me a spirited morning drive to work. Yeah it has it's issues. But I adapt.
Your Dad bought that car NOT YOU. So while you can continue carrying the torch for your family car. There is no need to flame everyone else that has a satisfied experience with theirs. You didn't buy or maintain it until it was given to you. So things happen that are out of your control. But they are reliable. Yours is not. You have a problem that is mystifying all of us. Maybe it's time to trailer to Ca to a reputable mechanic that can sort out your perceived over heating issues.
But for the love of GOD. Please stop bashing other peoples successes with their ACVW's
Have a nice day! _________________ 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! |
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