TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:18 pm

I have the opportunity to pick up a RUNNING 1974 Super Beetle that is in great shape (i.e. good pans, heater channels, minimal rust) for a decent price. My questions is what are the Pros and Cons of owning a 1974 Super Beetle for all you air cooled guru's out there.

Thank you for your input..I appreciate it.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:55 pm

I own a 1974 Super Beetle. It's really just a Beetle with a few extra's thrown in. Although, some of these extra's, make for quite a bit more wiring than old Beetles. So, the more modern (by mid-seventie's standards)--the more complicated.

The front end, if it doesn't need re-doing is a much smoother ride, but messing with them is also more complicated.

All in all, it's just a Bug with a roundy windshield--despite what the early-beetle guys like to think. The motors, if stock, are made of a better alloy, the front brakes, if stock, are larger. The fan is larger, and the motor should have a doghouse oil cooler for cooler engine running.

The taillights are large enough to keep everyone behind you aware that you're in front. The trunk is FAR larger than the regular Beetles. And it has a dash that's not just an afterthought.

I like, both, the regular and the Super. It does seem, though, that many of the Supers I've seen advertised, have less rust. But the Super's are a bit younger. Although, mine is 38 years old.

Check the car out thoroughly ....

Tim

Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:57 pm

Engine, transmission, etc. same as in regular beetle. The front suspension is the main difference, and the interior dash/window.

SB front ends were fine until they got about 20 years old, then parts wore and there could be a shimmy in the steering wheel at about 43-45 mph. So if that front end or shimmy has been fixed/maintained, the front suspension should not really be an issue. So if it has shimmy at those speeds, there will be several parts that need to be replaced. In my case it was idler bushing, 4 tie rod ends, and front control arm bushings. So just something to be aware of.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:04 pm

Pros

Better turning radius
More trunk space
Face further from the glass (personal preference)
Smoother ride

Cons

Standard and earlier Beetle snobs looking down on you (if you even care about their opinion)
Worn front suspension parts causing a shimmy (as noted)

Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:04 pm

I am going to stop making threads...it seems like every time I do, the car gets sold before I can even get out of the house.

This is SO damn frustrating..... :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:08 pm

Pros - First and most important, it is a VW beetle. Second, no rust or at least minimal rust is a real good thing.
Cons - Super beetle front ends can be susceptible to "front end shimmy". So can a standard beetle but super beetle front end maintenance and parts will likely be more expensive. At any rate check it out. Test drive it. That should help you decide.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:34 pm

Retired_CPO wrote: I am going to stop making threads...it seems like every time I do, the car gets sold before I can even get out of the house.

This is SO damn frustrating..... :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Don't worry about it. At least if you come across another Super, this info will be handy.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:27 pm

19super73 wrote: Retired_CPO wrote: I am going to stop making threads...it seems like every time I do, the car gets sold before I can even get out of the house.

This is SO damn frustrating..... :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Don't worry about it. At least if you come across another Super, this info will be handy.
Thanks for keeping me sane.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:34 pm

Why don't you just buy mine?

Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:41 pm

$1,600 cash?

Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:17 pm

If it sold, you weren't meant to have it!

Plenty of them out there. It's better to know what to look for than get the one that got away and not know--and regret it later.

Do I sound like Mr. Miagi?

By the way, my SB front end is in top form. I just had to replace the ball joint boots and have it aligned.

Tim

Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:46 pm

I have a 74SB and everyone pretty much covered it here already. My concern for you is the death foam issue with any bug that has the cresent vents. The shimmy is an issue with the SB but it can be fixed and it will ride great. Yes, some of the VW guys look down on SB's. I myself like the look of the older bugs myself but I still enjoy my SB too. It's a bug and after going without one for many years I'm tickled to have it. Besides, 99% of the population can't tell the difference between a standard and a SB. The bigger trunk sure does come in handy at times. I've looked for new bumpers for my 74 and they are rare to find new. In fact I haven't found any yet. I want to get mine rechromed but I'm affraid the price will floor me.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 4:50 pm

Well I have another lead on a 73 Super.....taking it a look at it tomorrow afternoon.

This time I will bring my camera and take pictures and post them up.

Owner has promised that I have first dibs...so I'm bringing cash with me just in case I want to buy it.

Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:20 pm

I have a 74 super. Wish I'd gotten a 73 though. So good luck with this one!

Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:24 pm

beetlenut wrote: I have a 74 super. Wish I'd gotten a 73 though. So good luck with this one!

Thank you.