TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:42 am

Predator Jeep wrote: 50 and currently in central CA.

I’ve had 3 Beetles through high school and the military. Did all my own maintenance, belonged to a VW club in high school using the cover of my buddy’s Bug, have many fond memories in a VW. Now I’m a Jeep guy. Take the Jeep out almost every weekend and do Jeep stuff with Jeep people. Currently on my 5th Jeep.

Fast forward to what brought The Samba into my life…
My son is turning 16 next month, and of all the cars he had to choose from that mom was willing to buy him (‘73 Mustang Fastback, ‘68 Cougar, ‘63 Coronet), he chose a ‘71 Squareback. **DISCLAIMER There’s a bunch of fluff in the middle that I left out.

I feel honored for his reasons for the addition and to be the guy who gets to return this great little car back on the road where people can see it. It looks like the previous owner was almost done with a body and interior restoration. The engine runs and sounds great (currently FI). Little things here and there keep popping up, like cables being cut, kick panels that are super rusted, etc., but it’s part of why we chose an older car. Currently going through the front end brakes, suspension, ball joints, tie rods and repairing/replacing as needed. Next we’ll move on to the rear and do the same.

He can’t wait to drive it and I’m really loving the time that I’m getting to spend with him now. I never knew my son was a Motörhead and I think that’s rad! And my comment about having 3 previous Bugs in my life…. This isn’t a bug but it’s WAY cheaper than my Jeep! I’ll post pictures as soon as I figure out how.

Kids like the square. One of my kids wants one too. Since you are lucky enough to have a running functioning FI - My only advice is to learn it. It is your best friend and can make the motor sing, but know how it works and where to get replacement parts. Those subjects have been covered in detail in this forum up above and in the bay window forum - that uses a similar FI system.

Good luck, and welcome back!

Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:00 pm

62 y/o. My Dad got into Beetles in about '66. I have memories of those cars. He had them the rest of his life. I bought my first car, 67 Ghia, at 16. Had one or more ever since. Deep into a 70 Fastback right now. I guess it's looking like somewhere between a fix up and a resto so far.

Mon Oct 07, 2024 5:47 pm

78, male, '71 white FI automatic squareback that I've had since 1986, rebuilt engine in 1999, 57000 miles since then, getting new heads in a couple weeks and fixing the leaks. Squarebacks are the best and so is TheSamba.

Still single but thinking about starting a family. That would be a club, wouldn't it.

Mon Dec 30, 2024 6:54 pm

I'm 56 (1968) male.

Czech born living in Newcastle Australia.

My parents migrated to Australia in 1970 and dad was a VW mechanic back then so I grew up around VW's.

I was actually brought home from the hospital in Prague in a Kübelwagen which dad sold in Austria before coming to Australia.

From my youth I can recall 2 split window kombi's and 1 fastback that belonged to my mother. Unfortunately VW folded in the late 70's so that was the end of us owning a VW.

Until now as I have a 72 fastback project sitting in the driveway :D .

Sun Jan 26, 2025 8:57 pm

56. Shasta Lake CA 96019

Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:31 am

51, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

Always wanted a Square since I got a driver’s license. Finally got a decent project 12-13 years ago. Gave up on it after a two year stint and got the same car back about 2 years ago.
I guess it was meant to be. :lol:
I’m not a purist by any stretch, but definitely appreciate the history of these cars.
Mine is more of a “resto-mod” but still can’t wait to drive it!

Fri Sep 19, 2025 2:52 am

I'm 57 and live in central Virginia.

I have a 67 Sunroof Notch that I'm restoring. I started a thread on here years ago, but haven't updated it in a LONG time.

I've had the car since 2012 and really jumped on the resto this last couple of years. Hope to have it on the road in '26.

I've got a YouTube channel on the build, Notch yer Garage.
I did a facebook page as well.

Mon Sep 29, 2025 7:51 am

Type 3

Mon Sep 29, 2025 9:36 am

Wasp wrote: Type 3

Ok. What year/model do you have?

Sun Oct 26, 2025 12:38 pm

NerdyGunny wrote: 37 years old.
Fort Worth TX

prior to owning a type III, Ive owned 4 different type I's ,and 1 type II.
Now I've got 3 type III's... (bummer that 1 has to go though)

checking in again many years later...

55 in Tucson AZ with a 71 Fastback