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Mon Mar 17, 2025 4:08 pm

PiperFixer wrote: Installed a Maxi 2 Oil pump and filter. Blasted and painted a few tins.

I had to remove a Maxi2 fin so the tin wouldn't rub on my crankshaft pulley. Did this to my first one in early 1980s, and again with second engine in 2017. It looks like you may have done similar, can't really tell on your photo. I was hoping CB would've fixed this by 2017......

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:12 am

Cusser wrote: I was hoping CB would've fixed this by 2017......

Nope!
I did buzz off that upper fin.

Sat Mar 22, 2025 2:16 pm

Between rain showers last week, I ditched the oil bath air cleaner (was never happy with it.)
I also spruced up the engine compartment a bit.

Drove around, happy as a clam. 8)

It started to rain.
I turned on the wipers.
They let out a screech and seized up. :shock:

I will look into this... :roll:

Wed Apr 02, 2025 1:41 pm

It started to rain.
I turned on the wipers.
They let out a screech and seized up. :shock:

I will look into this... :roll:

.................

Linkage and pivots etc cleaned and lubed. (Motor is OK.)
Function restored, better than ever.

On to the next fiasco!

Mon Apr 07, 2025 8:35 pm

I sold my bug :(

I got a good price and it went to good owners who appreciate it so it doesn't feel too bad. While I loved driving them - having two vehicles creeping on 50 and needing to pass CA SMOG was getting to be a chore.

Sun Apr 13, 2025 10:23 pm

Got some electrical upgrades and modifications done over the weekend.

This is a circuit breaker I installed between the battery and lighting switch terminal 30. The wire it protects sends power to the lighting switch where it is distributed to the ignition switch and fuse panel. A short in this wire or the wires to the ignition switch and fuse panel would be unprotected which could result in these and surrounding wires burning. Since these wires run in inaccessible areas, this would be a major project to fix. This is the same reason why many owners put a fuse on the wire running from the fuse panel to the coil terminal 15.

Also installed an ATO blade fuse block. This fuse block is made by Torque Resto and is a perfect fit in the original fuse block opening ... even the clear plastic cover snaps right in. The terminals are configured exactly like the original, so it is easy to transfer the wires to the new fuse panel. It's a bit pricey, but worth it for me. Quality torpedo fuses are difficult to find, unlike ATO fuses which are readily available at any auto parts store. While I like my bug as stock as possible, I'm not a purist, so upgrades/modifications like these are well within my comfort zone, especially when it comes safety and reliability.

The last bit of electrical housekeeping was to deal with a couple of turn signal dash light issues. The indicator in the speedo would only light once when the turn signals were activated even though the turn signal bulbs on the front and rear fenders went on and off as they should. After searching the Samba for this problem I had a game plan. I replaced the bulb holder with the later style that has 2 terminals (positive and ground) and changed to a green LED bulb. I took the dash light connector on the flasher off of the KBL terminal and moved it to a piggyback connector on the 49a terminal so the dash bulb would be activated when the fender lights came on. The dash bulb now works properly. I used the green LED to solve the second problem ... a washed out green gel in the speedo. Now the speedo turn signal light is bright green and I didn't have to go to the considerable hassle of removing and opening up the speedo to change the gel. :D

Mon Apr 14, 2025 6:34 am

Installed a beautiful new VolkzBitz 34 Pict 3. Was able to ditch the round air filter and set up my stock oil bath. The OG air cleaner wouldn't fit on my old Chinese carb.

Fri Apr 18, 2025 8:07 am

Snagged a set of RECARO seats from a late 80’s GTI.
Front center rail matches perfect to pedestal, rear feet required a little fabrication. Excellent fit.

Fri Apr 18, 2025 2:00 pm

Do those seats sit you higher or lower? Same?

Mike T

Fri Apr 18, 2025 3:19 pm

What OTTO did was to somehow cut off/drill out the bottom foot of each left and right seat leg, bolted each foot to that triangular steel adapter, then bolted the original foot location to the top of the adapter. Clever idea. So the rear of the seat is raised up to at least the height of the seat rail. I'd imagine that the seat cushion/base becomes more level instead of leaning down at the rear. The cushion's side bolsters still keep your lower body in place, which is a nice feture of the GTi sport seats.

Fri Apr 18, 2025 6:08 pm

BIGMIKEY wrote: Do those seats sit you higher or lower? Same?

Mike T

These seats are actually lower, but have an elevation adjustment which can be higher or lower than the original seat.

ROME is correct about how I did it.

I will document the process in the forum when I have some time.

Sun Apr 27, 2025 5:31 pm

Rebuilt the front end on my 72 super. Bushings, sway bar and bushings, ball joints, steering damper, all tie rods (center and outsides) and idler arm bushing. Struts are OK. Got it aligned and now I'm happily back on the road.
No more shimmy! It was getting bad. Now my gas mileage should improve quite a bit since I don't have to gun it to get past the shimmy.
Like driving a brand new 53 year old car (sort of).

Sun May 04, 2025 8:31 pm

Added a ground block in the trunk that is connected directly to the battery ground strap. A more reliable ground path that doesn't need to contend with corroded connections. Availability of multiple ground terminals is helpful when adding accessories or relays.

Mon May 05, 2025 6:53 pm

Today I FINALLY got my Sapphire XV radio installed and tested.

ILOVE it, it is so retro, and of course, all AM.

I used the 8 ohm speaker from WW and it works GREAT.
Now I just gotta get that windshield washer working.
I can't get the damn thing to shut off! It just keeps squirting until the water (or air pressure) is gone..
ADGH!!!

Tue May 06, 2025 6:39 am

Chinaclipper wrote: Today I FINALLY got my Sapphire XV radio installed and tested.

Nice

Chinaclipper wrote: Now I just gotta get that windshield washer working.
I can't get the damn thing to shut off! It just keeps squirting until the water (or air pressure) is gone..
ADGH!!!
Understand. And why I have $20 aftermarket universal electric washers/reservoirs in my VW. Consider that if yours is not a show car or full restoration.

Wed May 07, 2025 7:03 am

Cusser wrote:
Understand. And why I have $20 aftermarket universal electric washers/reservoirs in my VW. Consider that if yours is not a show car or full restoration.
OK I am all ears. Is there a "In and out" on the OEM wiper switches for the washer spray??
Do I use the same switch, or do I need a button on the dash or something like that to activate the electric washer?
And, do I have ta' take out the wiper motor to access the switch?
And the fresh air box, And the hood? yada yada yada....
Yikes...

Wed May 07, 2025 7:22 am

Chinaclipper wrote: Cusser wrote:
Understand. And why I have $20 aftermarket universal electric washers/reservoirs in my VW. Consider that if yours is not a show car or full restoration.
OK I am all ears. Is there a "In and out" on the OEM wiper switches for the washer spray??
Do I use the same switch, or do I need a button on the dash or something like that to activate the electric washer?
And, do I have ta' take out the wiper motor to access the switch?
And the fresh air box, And the hood? yada yada yada....
Yikes...
The kits come with a little electric "momentary" toggle switch. So the factory windshield switch is not affected.

To install the kit, straightforward ! Fresh air box is not removed or touched !

Wed May 07, 2025 8:36 pm

Today I replaced my Walmart Group 26R battery in my 1970, and started it up for the first time since the battery died 2 months ago. 4 years from a $69.95 battery with more CCA than Group 42, and at half the price - I'm satisfied, so I replaced it with another 26R.

Fri May 09, 2025 7:37 am

Cusser wrote: Today I replaced my Walmart Group 26R battery in my 1970, and started it up for the first time since the battery died 2 months ago. 4 years from a $69.95 battery with more CCA than Group 42, and at half the price - I'm satisfied, so I replaced it with another 26R.

Nice.
Curious, I am assuming there is no difference in the height of the battery vs the group 42, ie, risking the ol' seat to battery short...

Fri May 09, 2025 1:43 pm

Hello! FNG here. First post.

What I did today: I sheared an exhaust stud.

I assume this is an initiation ritual for all bug owners? lol. I guess that’s what I get for trying to replace the old leaky exhaust & heat exchangers. Got the other 7 off just fine but almost doesn’t count does it?

Glad to find this BBS!