1971 Fastback Automatic - Boba Fettback

[NerdyGunny]

Here is my 71 Auto Fastback that I picked up a little bit ago. while technically a runner, she runs completely uninspired. She is definitely lacking. which is sad as both the engine and transmission both have less than 1000 miles on them.
Overall, she is in good shape with rust free pans. Front seats were pulled from another type 3 and in great shape, but the back seat is trash. Headliner is in great shape. There are some electrical issues that will need addressed... there is a short/

it's been sitting for a bit so I'll need to freshen the gas and replace the jets...

after that I'd like to get rid of the 009 and dual ICTs. While I'd like to go back to FI it's a bit out of my price range so I'll probably go with "stock" Solex with the stock air cleaner/breather. and a vacuum adv dist.

parasitic draw that needs to be located.

[NerdyGunny]

Why I’m Calling My Baby Blue Fastback “Boba Fettback”

So... the paint job on my Fastback has officially given up. The clear coat is toast, and a proper respray just isn’t in the budget right now. I needed something that could hold up for a couple years—and maybe even make me smile in the meantime.

As a lifelong Star Wars nerd, I figured: why not lean into it? After a few days of brainstorming, I grabbed my daughter’s colored pencils and printed out some Star Wars coloring pages. I don’t know the first thing about Illustrator or digital design, so I went full analog—old school style.

After sketching out about ten different versions, I landed on a concept I’m excited about. I’m embracing the dents, dings, and imperfections as part of the look—battle damage, if you will. No bodywork planned. I’ll be weathering the car intentionally to match the vibe.

For the next couple years, she’ll be known as Boba Fettback. It’s not just a paint job—it’s a tribute to a galaxy far, far away, and a way to keep driving fun while I save up for something more permanent.

[Bobnotch]

Welcome to the type 3 forum. It looks like your Fastback is mostly complete, which is a bonus these days.
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Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[Type3Todd]

Looks pretty clean from the pictures. Nice score!

[Multi69s]

Unless the ICTs are worn out, I would probably keep them and just go for a 010 or 019 distributor.
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69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=

[Erik G]

Tune what you have, I think it's dumb to just say swap to an 010 or 019

Start with the basics - valves adjusted cold and timing hot at 28-32 degrees at full advance. You can't rely on static timing. Sync the carbs when hot, and most importantly with that linkage set up is make sure you are getting full throttle. Have someone step on the gas pedal while you verify the linkage is giving you full throttle both carbs same time as each other.

Those carbs will rip when it's tuned right and we used them with 009's forever. The 010 and 019 are just different curves which is fine and dandy but get the engine running correctly first.
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Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Bobnotch]

The parasitic battery draw is probably the clock and pre-sets of your radio. Mine does that too if I don't drive it often enough. Very common problem. Even my Toyota does this.
Keep in mind that the AT robs some power from the engine, and actually likes the FI over carbs. I only mention that as my wife's 70 Fastback had dual Solex carbs on it when I got it, but re-installed the FI and it drives much better with the FI.
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Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[NerdyGunny]

Thanks for the input—much appreciated!

As with most projects, budget and parts availability tend to steer the ship… lol.

Turns out the bulk of the parasitic draw was coming from one of the brake light switches mounted on the master cylinder. One was completely shot, and the other was shorting out and grounding itself. I’ve replaced one, and the other is temporarily disconnected until I can swap it out.

For quick drivability, I went with a readily available “stock” Solex setup. Eventually, I’ll track down a complete FI system, but this gets me rolling for now.

The Solex setup is paired with a vacuum advance distributor, and I also added a momentary switch to act as a “kickdown” switch—visible in the photo.

I’m aiming for a more stock-style setup with an enclosed air cleaner to help manage engine bay temps, especially in this Arizona heat.

And for a laugh… check out my temporary fix for the fresh air control box. I haven’t ordered a proper replacement yet, but my hardware store solution is holding up surprisingly well. It’s just ABS plumbing—functional and ridiculous!


Here is the before and after of the carbs/dizzy... the ABS Plumbing fix and the Kickdown switch

BEFORE

AFTER

ABS Plumbing "fix' for the missing control box

Kickdown Switch

[KTPhil]

Clever kludges for cool air and kickdown, bravo!
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Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[Bobnotch]