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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:00 am Post subject: Type 3 Buyer's Guide |
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Editor's note - I wrote this some time ago. If anything is missing or should be added, feel free to post in this thread or email me and I will update your changes or improvements. Please note that the years mentioned refer to model years, which normally start around August of the previous year. So if you have a Fastback built in August, 1965, it is actually a '66 model and will normalyl have all of the '66 model year features.
Type 3 Buyer's Guide
MODEL OVERVIEW
Production years
1961-1973. Prototypes made during the 59-60 timeframe
Total production
2,587,981
Special models
Type 3 Squareback/Variant panelvan - A commercial version of the Squareback, where the 2 rear window on each side were filled in with metal plates in order to facilitate light hauling. The rear seat was also eliminated in order to provide a larger flat platform in the rear, which had wood slats laid down for protection, similar to a Single Cab bed. This vehicle also had the option of additional suspension components in the rear in order to increase load capacity.
Police/Firecar models - All Type 3 models had the option of being outfitted as an emergency or police vehicle. Additional options available included a 12v system, sirens, flashing lights, dual horns, and radio equipment.
VEHICLE OVERVIEW
Exterior
1961-63
Single "1500" model - mixture of later "N" & "S" features
High-mounted side marker lights
Rocker chrome only
Bullet front turn signals
Flat rear taillights
"1500" badge on rear - large until mid-1962, then smaller
Painted rear reflector housings
Chrome bumpers with overriders
2-tone wheels with chrome hubcaps with painted VW emblems. Trim rings/beauty rings optional
1964-65
2 models - "N"euter/Standard/Cheap model and the "S"port/Deluxe model
S model:
More common
Both rocker and waistline chrome
Wrap-around front turn signals
Wrap-around rear reflectors housings
Larger rear taillights (non-flat)
Chrome grab handle on front trunk lid
1500 S badging on rear
Slotted trim rings over solid black wheels
Chrome bumpers with overriders
'64 had the hubcaps with painted VW symbols, '65 did not
N model:
Similar to S model but with reduced amenitites:
Rocker chrome only
Bullet front turn signals
No side marker lights
No passenger side door lock
Painted rear reflector housings
Prop rods instead of springs for front and rear (Notchback) trunk lids
2-tone rims with no trim rings
Bumper had no overriders
1966-67
Continuation of Standard(A) and Deluxe(L/TL) models with similar attributes to 64-65
1600 badging on rear for european models, along with the continuation of side marker lenses
Larger front trunk chrome "beak" grab handle
4-lug rims with large "nipple" hubcaps
Slotted trim rings with larger, more square slots
Reverse lights standard, mounted on rear bumper
1968-69
External fuel door on right hand front fender
Bullet front turn signal lenses
Larger rear reflectors
1970-73
More square body, redesign of front end
Larger bumpers
Larger front and rear turn signals with integrated reverse lights
-what to look for- desirable options and conditions
Original or quality paint - check around windows for a "complete" paint job.
Sunroof
Radio/antenna
Trouble signs and trouble areas
Rust:
Tops of front fenders near the windshield
Bottom of front fenders near the door
Tops of headlight housings and headlight buckets
Rear wheel wells and housings
Bumper mounts
Rockers
Notchback/Fastback - Rear pillars to left and right of the rear window
Squareback - Area around engine lid
Other:
Crooked or misaligned bumpers - may indicate unseen body damamge
Uneven gaps between fenders/doors and body - may indicate frame or significant body damage.
Rust around windows or bubbling in trouble areas. These areas rust from teh inside out, so always assume the worst
Interior
1961-63
Salt & Pepper checkered interior - cloth/vinyl
Grey rubber floormats
Wrap-around dash that extended to similar piece mounted over the door panels
2-piece door panels with grey Z-shaped arm rests
1964-65
Striped interior - Perforated vinyl
Grey rubber floormats
Wrap-around dash that extended to similar piece mounted over the door panels
2-piece door panels with black Z-shaped arm rests
1966
Black or white interior - '66 was '66 only with a perforated piece of material down the center
Grey carpet
1-piece door panels
3-piece Z-shaped arm rests with chrome strips
Red (Pigalle) and Brown (Teak) interiors were special order for '66 vehicles made in 1965 only. These vehicles known as the "red dash" or "brown dash" models are uncommon and hard to find in excellent condition. The entire interiors were red or brown - dashboard, steering wheel and column, carpet, arm rests, etc.
1967
Black or White interior - solid vinyl
Grey carpet
1-piece door panels
3-piece Z-shaped arm rests with chrome strips
1968-72
High back seats (USA) or low back seats (Europe) in various color based ont he exterior paint
Black carpet in most cases
1-piece door panels w/smaller arm rests
1973
Similar to 68-72 but with black-faced gauges
Engine
1961-63
1500cc single side draft carbureted engine
1964-65
S model - 1500cc dual carbureted engine with high compression domed pistons
N model - 1500cc single sidedraft carbureted engine
1966-67
1600cc engine - dual carbureted
1500cc single carbureted engine continued to be available in Europe and other special markets.
1968-73
1600cc engine, fuel injected for USA.
1500cc single carbureted engine continued to be available in Europe and other special markets.
What to look for- desirable options and conditions
Complete, stock engine
Stock air cleaner is perferable over any aftermarket unit
If fuel-injected, a complete, unmolested FI is preferable over replacement carburetors
What to watch out for- trouble signs and trouble areas
Check main air intake boot for rips or damage
Check heater elbow rubber connectors for damage or missing parts
Missing engine tin or seals
Transmission
1961-66
6-volt transmission, swing axle rear end
1967-68
12-volt transmission, swing axle rear end
1969-73
12v transmission, IRS axle rear end
3 speed automatic transmission available as option
What to look for- desirable options and conditions
Smooth shifting in all gears
Transmission "kick-down" into lower gear for automatic transmission
What to watch out for- trouble signs and trouble areas
Leaking axle boots or transmission
Torn CV boots for IRS rear ends
Brakes and Suspension
1961-65
Drum front and rear brakes.
5-lug drums and wheels.
'61-'62, '63, '64-'65 are use unique parts
'65 Squarebacks use an earlier master cylinder (20 mm) and rear wheel cylinders
1966-69
4-lug disc brakes up front, 2-piece rear drums
Squarebacks have a "Z" bar to support additional loads in the rear
1972-73
Similar to 66-69 but front calipers have 2 bleed valves
Shocks and front ends are similar for all years
What to look for- desirable options and conditions
Working brakes, check that brakes do not have to be "pumped up" to work.
What to watch out for- trouble signs and trouble areas
Frozen brakes, leaking wheel cylinders, collapsed rubber lines (see test drive)
Check play in tie rods, wheel bearings, and steering wheel
Electrical
1961-66
6-volt system
1967-73
12-volt system
What to look for- desirable options and conditions
Unmolested, original wiring loom
Working turn signals, lights, and dash indicators
What to watch out for- trouble signs and trouble areas
Loose wires, non-working items
Test Drive
Check brake heat after test drive - possible rubber hose collapse or frozen front calipers
Engine should be smooth and quiet at idle - may need tune-up, synchronization (dual carbs), or fuel/electrical work. (Fuel injection)
A poor-running FI car could be caused by a regulator putting out low voltage. Replace with Bosch units only.
Listen for squeaks from front end or brakes - possible lubrication issues
Highway cruising should be a comfortable 70-75 mph with top speed of 90 mph being no problem for the 66-73 models.
Common work needed for a new Type 3 purchase in additional to normal VW items
Clean FI points
Synchronize and tune dual carburetors
Check/Replace main air intake boot
Check regulator output - FI models
Parts Availability
Please refer to the Type 3 FAQ:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68736
Service Specialists
Please refer to the Type 3 FAQ:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68736
What parts are NLA?
Various seals and rubber pieces.
12v chokes are sometimes hard to find
Reproduction or "NOS" Brazilian main air intake boots are thinner than originals
Front drums, wheel cylinders, and master cylinder for 61-65 models
Model Specific Idiosyncracies
Rust: tops and bottom of front fenders
Dual carbs.: Known for being maladjusted as most mechanics do not know how to synchronize them properly
Fuel Injection (FI): Known for being hacked up or removed altogether as most mechanics did spend the time to understand the workings. Reliable and superior to carburetors when properly maintained and adjusted.
Front end: Bushings may be damaged from improper maintenance; lack of lubrication.
What Others Have Said
Type 3s are considered by those who drive them to be superior to other models in ride and overall quality. This is to be expected as they were originally more expensive.
Resources
Please refer to the Type 3 FAQ:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68736
Last edited by EverettB on Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:25 am; edited 5 times in total |
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josh Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2003 Posts: 1773 Location: laid back in the tall grass
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Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 2:22 pm Post subject: |
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Just thought I'd add. S models had automatic seat back release when front doors open and a frenched in license plate light instead of bolt on for squareback. Another rust area I've seen on squares is the rear deck over the engine. |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Tuff240 Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2004 Posts: 290 Location: West Coast Gypsy
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Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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VEHICLE OVERVIEW
Exterior
1961-63
Rocker chrome only with angled ends versus later rounded ends
"1500" badge on rear and "VW" emblem on hood - large until mid-1962, then smaller
"Cats Eye" mirror until mid 62(?)
Window chrome trims are flatter and wider
1964-65
3 models (You don't have the "E" model listed.)
N-Model
Painted vent window and pop-out window frames
No chrome on rear license plate light - notch
No front "beak"
1966-67
Reverse lights standard mid 66 (around the switch to 2 bolt doors), mounted on rear bumper
67 has smaller belt line and rocker chrome
1968-69
External fuel door on right hand front fender (68 has the finger indention)
Hood release moved to inside glovebox in early 68
Interior
1961-63 How about a early 61 designation here?
early 61 has different door pockets
early 61 has chrome on door panels that follows dash piece
early 61 has pop-out window seals that go ON the body (could go in exterior?)
early 61 has 4 vent knobs
early 61 has gray gas tank
61-early 62 has all white shift knob
61-63 has large glove box push button
61-63 has white pull for ashtray (screws on from backside)
61-63 has white inside door release pull "cups"
61-63 has white pop-out window knobs
62-63 has white top with lighter gray bottom shift knob
3 white vent knobs on dash
Plain grey seat adjustment knobs and grey seat bases
Dished plastic knobs on window cranks
Push button style light and wiper switch
No holes in hoods and deck lid inner supports (added in late 63 for 64 model year N model prop rods)
Greyish rubber floormats with rounded bumpy texture
1964-65
Striped interior - Perforated? vinyl - optional cloth seats available
64-65 has has white top with darker gray bottom shift knob
Mid-late 64 seat belt anchoring points were smaller bolts (coincides with push button to push pull type switches?)
Smaller push button for glove box (coincides with push button to push pull type switches?)
orange gauge needles changed to white (coincides with push button to push pull type switches?)
64-65 has white pull for ashtray (screws on from frontside)
More rounded grey seat adjustment knobs
S Model
Push button style light and wiper switch was changed to push pull type in mid 64
Armrests are black instead of earlier grey
Lower door panels are now vynil
Grey rubber floor mats with a striped design
N Model
Black rubber floor mats with a striped design
No clock
No passenger visor
No "wrap around" style dash
No divider line on dash in speaker holes area
Bug style front armrests
Flat front door panels with black line on top to simulate the S trim pieces
Thinner door sill covers
All have push pull type headlight/wiper switches
Smaller front trunk cardboard liner with no trim pieces on the sides
Less trimmings in the rear cargo area
No rear cargo light in the notch
Prop rods instead of spring systems to hold up trunk lids
1966
Black, white, red or creme white interior - '66 was only year with a perforated piece of material down the center of the seats.
Ashtray pull, vent knobs and pop-out window knobs were changed to chrome
Black seat bases and black/chrome seat adjustment knobs
Solid white knobbed window cranks
1967
Black, White or Red interior - solid vinyl
Push pull type lock added to inside of door
Black round knobbed window crank
Squareback got "hidden" fasteners for rear cargo area door panels.
New ashtray design with no pull knob
Rear view mirrow is black plastic around the mirror area
Rear hinge covers on Squareback switch from one big metal panel to 2 small plastic ones
Engine
1964-65
S model - 1500cc dual carbureted engine with high compression domed pistons
N model - 1500cc single sidedraft carbureted engine
E model - 1500cc single sidedraft carbureted engine
to 1966
Single port heads
67 newer
Dual port heads
Everett,
After talking with you a few times I know that you know most if not all of this stuff. I was just bored. _________________ Patrick
ex expert |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Russ Wolfe Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2004 Posts: 25187 Location: Central Iowa
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Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 9:08 pm Post subject: |
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I agree with "tuff240" about the red interior '67. I owned a black fastback with a red interior back in the early '70's.
One of my many VW's I have owned over the years. _________________ Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up, you end up with a lot of scum on the top!--Edward Abbey
Gary: OK. Ima poop. |
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Bature Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2004 Posts: 19
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Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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Dear EverettB,
In your section above about "Special models" you describe the Type36 Variant panel van. I believe that you are basing this description on the two different Australian sales brochures on the panel van seen alsewhere on "theSamba". The Australian versions were different from German-made Type 36 panel vans in that among other things they had a plywood floor covering in the rear load area whereas the German ones retained the black rubber mats from the ordinary passenger versions of the Type 36. See my contribution of 05 November 04 to the thread entitled "Any idea about this type 3 thing??"
Simon. |
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wilsondesign Samba Member
Joined: December 25, 2004 Posts: 1
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 11:08 am Post subject: |
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About the seat release. there was a spring loaded cable that released the seat lock when the door opened alowing you to push the seat forward. with the door closed the seat locked in position. i found remnants of the cable in my 67 sqr. Allen |
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cd69ny Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2004 Posts: 55 Location: Can't get there from here
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Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:30 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Everett,
I'm just curious about something and figure you would know. You state that starting in '68 Type 3s had an external fuel door, but what year did they become a locking fuel door instead of ones with just the finger indent? |
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Russ Wolfe Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2004 Posts: 25187 Location: Central Iowa
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Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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cd69ny wrote: |
Hey Everett,
I'm just curious about something and figure you would know. You state that starting in '68 Type 3s had an external fuel door, but what year did they become a locking fuel door instead of ones with just the finger indent? |
'68 had the finger dent, and '69 they started the locking from the inside. _________________ Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up, you end up with a lot of scum on the top!--Edward Abbey
Gary: OK. Ima poop. |
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cd69ny Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2004 Posts: 55 Location: Can't get there from here
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Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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Ok good The previous owner of my '69 fasty replaced the fenders but didn't use the right fuel door, he used one for a '68 i guess. I recently replaced it with a locking door but wasn't sure if it was indeed correct for my year. All the mix-matched Sh*t from the previous owner makes my head spin sometimes. |
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dinaferina Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2006 Posts: 6 Location: New York
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Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:18 am Post subject: 1973+ seats have three post mounts |
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Hi Everett, I'm new to this forum and to type 3s (just bought a 1973 fastback and am in punchdrunk love!) and am so thankful to you and the forum participants for your/their brilliance and generosity about sharing info (i'm a native new yorker; need i say more about my shock at generosity). i know that you all know this because i learned it here, but maybe you can add a mention about the seat post mounts changing in 1973. i read your head's up before buying my car but might have used the crap condition of my seats as a bargaining point since finding new (correct) ones is nearly impossible (think i got a good deal regardless)... |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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uglymailman Samba Member
Joined: September 18, 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Clinton,MO.
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Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject: Type-3 |
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Hi Everett. Thought I'd drop my 2 cest worth. In 1974 I had a 64' Variant (Neutral, best VW color ever).It came with factory gas heater and had sticker on gas tank " Premium Fuel Only". It did have dual carbs & hi dome pistons. Best VW I ever had.
After it got T-boned I replaced it with a 65' Variant. No gas heater. Had single 2 barell carb. Never tore the engine down. Got rid of it as soon as I could. Worst piece of crap I ever owned. |
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vedubs4u Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Huntington Beach
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 7:00 pm Post subject: 1970 squareback |
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i have a 70 squareback aoutomatic.
is this the first year they made these?
it runs great ,shifts good.
is it normal to have to have to start it in nutural? , it will not start i park.
i am getting exaust fumes inside the car, is there something i can check?
thank you for any information you can provide.
mark |
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bigwhit Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2008 Posts: 149 Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 2:11 am Post subject: |
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Does any one have any photos of what to look for / look out for. Its one thing to tell me, its another to show me. I am pretty familiar with Type 1's but I am really starting to lean towards purchasing a Notch for my next car and I am not quite sure what to look for, what the problem areas are, etc... |
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EverettB Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 69734 Location: Phoenix Metro
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Adriel Rowley Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 4748 Location: Mesa, Arizona
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1970 squareback |
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vedubs4u wrote: |
i have a 70 squareback aoutomatic.
is this the first year they made these?
it runs great ,shifts good.
is it normal to have to have to start it in nutural? , it will not start i park.
i am getting exaust fumes inside the car, is there something i can check?
thank you for any information you can provide.
mark |
Yes, they all start in Neutral. 1968 was the first year.
Exhaust fumes, check your heating system. What exhaust do you have? _________________ Please consider I am Autistic, so I process information differently and still working on social skills. Thanks.
Dad's 1964 Beetle purchased September 1968.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9252810#9252810
1971 Sunroof Squareback with Fuel Injection
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=219811&highlight=squareback+rejuvenation |
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Adriel Rowley Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 4748 Location: Mesa, Arizona
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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bigwhit wrote: |
Does any one have any photos of what to look for / look out for. Its one thing to tell me, its another to show me. I am pretty familiar with Type 1's but I am really starting to lean towards purchasing a Notch for my next car and I am not quite sure what to look for, what the problem areas are, etc... |
Check what Everett posted, plus the inner fenders, front beam, sun roof, and on a late Squareback, above the tail gate, and Fastback, the bottom of the C-pillar and trunk wall. Also, 1971 and later, the bulge in the trunk, where the fresh air box is. If they do not drain, rust starts to form. _________________ Please consider I am Autistic, so I process information differently and still working on social skills. Thanks.
Dad's 1964 Beetle purchased September 1968.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9252810#9252810
1971 Sunroof Squareback with Fuel Injection
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=219811&highlight=squareback+rejuvenation |
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Nagem Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Visalia, CA
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject: |
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Hey guy, Im a complete noob to all this stuff. I just bought my first VW. Its a 1970 manual squareback. I was reading about the locking gas door and im curious, how do you unlock it? This might be a dumb question but i appreciate the help. |
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