Type 3 FAQ/Common Questions - *Read before posting*

[EverettB]

This thread will contain answers to common questions about Type 3s. If you have a question and answer that should be added to this list or a correction, please email or pm me and I will add/update the FAQ. Thank you. You can also refer to the Type 3 Buyer's Guide

Common Type 3 Topics

--Suspension/Lowering--
How to Lower / Raise Front and Rear Suspension - With Photos
How do I lower my Type 3
How do I lower my Type 3 #2
How do I lower my Type 3 #3
Lowering and leveling the Type 3 - Videos

--Brakes/Tires/Wheels--
Tire sizing and wheel back spacing/offset
Type 3 vs. Type 1 wheels
Early slotted and smooth wheels, 1961-65
Early wheel cylinders
Hubcaps
Beauty Rings

--Electrical--
No Spark

--Engine--
Type I engine in a Type III
Is this a Type 3 case?
1500 'S' M249 Option
Chrome exhaust tips

--Interior/Seats/Seals--
Guide to Type 3 interiors
Fastback pop-out seals
How to install window scrapers
Window Crank clips
Engine lid padding | Engine lid padding
Shift knobs
Rubber preservative/treatment

--Transmission--
Installing short axles
003 transmission - PDF (external link)
Automatic transmission parts reference (external link)

--Fuel system--
Type 3 Fuel Injection
FI video
Checking the gas gauge and sender
How to rebuild an early Type 3 fuel pump

--Metalwork/Paint/Body-- (also see Body/Paint forum)
Floor pans
Fresh air drains
Notchback decklids

--Miscellaneous--
64/65 N vs. S models
Sunroofs
Roof racks
Exterior mirrors
Type 3 Cabriolets/Convertibles
Type 3 Panel Vans



Q. Can I put a Type 1 (upright) motor in my Type 3?
A. Yes, it fits as the Type 1 and Type 3 motors are basically the same. However, your cooling will be seriously affected. The Type 1 engine is designed for a sealed engine compartment while the Type 3 is not. For best results and long engine life, you would have to completely seal off the engine compartment with custom tin, as well as provide a way for fresh air to enter. That work, combined with the increased noise and loss of the rear trunk area, make using a Type 1 engine a poor idea.

Q. Can I put an pre-1969 engine in my 69-up Type 3?
A. Yes. Late model owners ('69 on) looking to replace their engine need to make sure the engine they want to swap in has the mounting bosses for the engine hanger. An introduction - Swing axles were used in the US until 1968, after that (beginning in 69) IRS was used. The swing axle used the 2 forks under the transmission, and a donut shaped mount up top. The upper mount is more of a vibration damper than a motor mount. The IRS uses an engine hanger that mounts to 3 bosses on the engine case itself, and 2 hanging brackets that are rubber insolated and attach to the body. There aren't any forks under an IRS (stock), this is because in 1969, the Automatic Transmission became available in the type 3. Since VW didn't know which trans was going to be used in each car, they redesigned the rear suspension to take advantage of both, and eliminated the forks.

Q. Do Type 3s run hotter than a Beetle or Bus?
A. No, this is a myth. Any VW engine will run hot if you do not have the proper stock tin and engine seals, some of which are often missing on all used Volkswagens.

Q. When were Type 3 produced?
A. 1961-73

Q. When were carburetors used on the Type 3?
A. 1961-73, with USA models switching to Fuel Injection (FI) in 1968. Dual carburetors became available in late 1963 for the 1964 models.

Type 3 Information available on The Samba
VIN Numbers
M-Codes
Paint and Upholstery combinations
Wiring Diagrams
Production Figures
Brochures/Literature
Manuals

Type 3 Parts Vendors
Bill & Steve's Webpage down but call (562) 923-3251 or Toll Free (877) VW_RESTO
* T3D - UK based
* VWType3.Org Classified/Want ads
* ISPWest (PimpPride on eBay)
* DDB in Oregon, mostly used stuff but fair on prices and very knowledgeable
* Foreign Policy


Type 3 only Clubs/Websites/Forums
The 1500 Club
Type 3 & 4 Club - UK-based
Type 3 books and manuals - Including Fuel Injection (FI)

Fuel Injection (FI) links
http://classicvw.org/gallery2/v/Fuel-Injection-Manual