TX-73 Bug Rebuild

[heimlich]

[TX-73]

I enjoy driving the bug, but I've been wanting to add a dashcam. We have them in all of our other vehicles and they have saved the day a couple of times, one of them being getting the tag number from a hit and run. Used in court.

Anyway, this was pretty straightforward. I know there's dozens of these out there, so this is just what I did. I used this camera, it's the same model as what is in the other vehicles. It's the "capacitor" version which holds up to heat better than the standard versions. The hardwire kit also shown is separate, about $8, but the camera comes with a power plug.

This model is branded by several companies, so if you want this one, just look for the cheapest version of this spec of camera. This cost about $39 shipped from China.
Type in "A118C-B40C HD 1.5" TFT Screen Safe Capacitor Car DVR Dash Cam Recording G-sensor" on Ebay and you will see it.

Both this and the other camera I mention below use SD cards, I bought a few 32GB cards from overseas as well, something like $4 each if I remember right.

I found it to be really tough for some reason to get the power cord tucked
under the windshield gasket so I decided for the time being to just add some plastic clips to hold the wire. Not as neat as I like it, but for now it will do.

Here's the camera from the front.

It's wired into an ignition-on 12v power source at the fusebox so that the camera comes on only when the car is on.

I also have an inexpensive GoPro alternative camera that I use on the rear window. I use a stick mount to attach the camera to. That way I can use the camera in other vehicles or just out separately somewhere. No hardwire, just rechargeable batteries. It actually works quite well for the low cost.

It comes in a water-resistant case (shown) plus a bunch of attachment accessories and 2 rechargeable batteries. I've been happy with it.

I'm not saying cameras are the answer to every fool on the road, but for me it's at least a bit of a chance to record something faster than I could do with my phone. I'd probably drop it or something.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[TX-73]

I had meant to record mine and Mr Duncan's car show attendance a couple of weeks ago in this thread. Beautiful day, cooler temps and not a cloud in the sky.
Here are the bugs in all of their polished glory.

Couple of glamor shots.

The TX-73 bug is now officially a trophy winner

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[vamram]

[TX-73]

I wanted to add an additional 12v outlet that also combined USB power under the dash where it was available but not that obtrusive. The hard wire kit for my dashcam was acting up so I decided to use the 12v plug that came with it. But I did not want that plug sticking out of the stock dash outlet, just seemed to get in the way. I also did not want use a combo 12v/USB plug in the stock 12v dash outlet.

I found this ebay outlet for about $7.50 (china) that fit my needs. It also allows you to rotate the outlets if needed. In my case I did rotate them so that the plugs open downward.

This allowed me to also close up a hole that had been cut into the car at some point.

I made a small contoured panel that I could install over the hole. The power outlet is below the dash/panel.

Connection was about 2 minutes using the secondary fuseblock I had installed. All wiring is labeled and I used a 5amp fuse for this small #8 circuit. The fuseblock also has a grounding pad.

Here's the outlet. It's almost centered, over the console below. Out of the way but still easy to use and place whatever is plugged into the console.

Just a small thing but I'm happy with it. After these pics I ran the 12v plug wire behind the bottom of the dash pad and over to passenger side A pillar then up to the dashcam.

I also use an inexpensive 1080dp camera on the back window. I have the same mount pad attached to all of our vehicles so I can move the camera whenever I want to. No wiring to this camera, just using the rechargeable battery.

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

Nice build TX, I've had your build saved for sometime for reference on misc things as I get to work on my 73.

[TX-73]

Glad the build helps out 👍
Zero issues with the valve or the car actually. Its been eerily dependable lol.
As far as the comp fittings I think they are set up for 1/4" line but not 100% memory on that. That aluminum line is oem and so is the tank connector if I remember right. The others at the valve were fittings I had on hand. But the valve is 3/8 thread so I used an end comp fitting with that adapter. You sort of have to have the parts on hand then find what works. Not an exact answer I'm afraid.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

[TX-73]

The easiest would be to have that spigot and valve in hand when looking thru fittings.
Good luck!
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[APPLEGREENVW]

Great write up on your 73. I learned a lot of great tips, that I'll be using on my 76.
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Parts for sale https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?username=APPLEGREENVW

02/76 Beetle sedan

[TX-73]

You're quite welcome.

The bug has a new owner coming this weekend for final look and to take it next week to its new out of state home. I've not driven it a lot and this will put it with someone that will use it.

I'll post a few final pics, my thanks for the comments and help along the way.

Now on to another project!
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[TX-73]

The End for me ....
The Beginning for the new owner....

Off to its new home.
I'm glad to have had the chance to work on this little guy.

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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[vamram]

Ah bittersweet! It was a fantastic build. Would have enjoyed a video of it running after you finished, just to listen to it pur.
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Eventually, "we are what we pretend to be.’”
Give peace a chance - Stop Russian-Soviet Aggression!!

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...waiting it's turn in line behind '74.
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Save the Supers!!

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

[Tim Donahoe]

Okay, I’ll be the one to say it:

Are you effing nuts? I can’t imagine putting that much work into a car, turning it into a beauty, then turning around and selling it.

Just kidding, of course. No, maybe not. Yes, I’m kidding ... noooooo! ... maybe not.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[VW_Jimbo]

Nice job man! Everyone wins!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[TX-73]

Thanks guys, I've met a lot of great folks on this build.
Lol Tim I agree, but we're all a little nuts I think. For me, the buyers ( really nice couple) were right for the car - this trailer was bought specifically to transport it securely so I'm pretty sure it will have a good home and get lots of attention. Yes, I'm attached to it but like Jim said, I do think everybody wins on this.
I'm going to do a refresh on my long-sitting 57 Chevy and I've started collecting info for a VW project that has long interested me, Subaru-powered bug. But that's a ways down the road, the 57 I'm sure will take me about a year.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[VW_Jimbo]

[Tim Donahoe]

TX, I really was kidding. I’m just jealous that I wasn’t the guy who owned the trailer that took it away.

The ‘57 Chevy was my favorite when I was a kid. Still is. We have lots of vintage cars here in Redding, including several ‘57’s. Too bad you can’t show a build thread here, though. Maybe you can redirect us to whatever Chevy forum, so we can watch the build as it progresses.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Mr.Duncan]

Maaaan. I'm gonna miss that beetle.
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(Owner) www.vintagecarleds.com

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