73 Super Defrost not as good as later models?

[CarlIseminger]

I have been look at purchasing a '73 Super Beetle Vert. I can't seem to find the post, but somewhere waaay back, someone posted that that when the '73 came out, there were complaints about the defrost which was fixed for the '74s.

I know that the bug's heat/defrost doesn't compare to a modern car, but I had friends who had bugs and I thought the heat did a decent job.

Anyone know what the problem might have been?

[jamesdagg]

I've never heard that. The big change was from the '71 & '72 removable fan box to the built in unit in '73.

My '71 has lots of heat and defrost. The reason people think Beetles have no heat is the heat channels are the first thing to rust and there goes your heat. When everything is in good shape, no problem, year round, here in Canada.

Only complaint I've heard about '73 up is it's more complex and hard to get at.

When buying a Beetle the only thing you need to look at is RUST. #1 enemy. Everything else is cheap and bolts on. If the heat channels are rusted through don't buy it. They are structural as well especially in a vert.

jim
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'72 FI Westy
'71 Super rear inside defrost vents no longer available

[BUGGED11111]

I had a 71 vert and now have a 74 vert. I can't say I noticed that one was more effective than the other. I think the later one is structurally better,as noted a bit more hassle to work on if you have meaty hands .

I wouldn't put the defrost system on top of the list of things I worry about when buying a vert, there's plenty of other important things to worry about.
How much are you planning on driving a vert in ND in the winter?

.

[Joel]

ive had a few of both flat screen and curved, and also a couple of 73 and 74 supers
the only change between 73 and 74 was the windscreen outlets
which i can see would make a bit of difference

ive found that curved screen supers defrost craps all over flat screen
the outlets are better designed and actually aimed at the windscreen not away from it like flat screen beetles
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Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle

[CarlIseminger]

Thanks for the quick responses.

It probably has to do with the windscreen outlets then. I was just curious. I seem to remember the post said something about it not being as effective.

And NO, the problem with the defrosters is not high on my list to NOT buy the Vert although I plan on doing driving in the winter up here in ND until it gets to 15 or 20 below.

One advantage I have is that we have a heated garage so at least part of the time my windows would be defrosted!

So far, I have only quickly looked the car over. I was doing some research in the Forums to get all knowlegable about the 73s before digging into the car. So far though, the pans look to be in great shape. Was a California car before arriving up here a couple of years ago.

[DrDarby]

If the tubes behind the dash are all hooked up the '73 works fairly well BUT the air is a little diluted as it splits the defrost air prematurely. You'll find a 74 is better as instead if slots punched into the dash it has true aimed defroster outlets. It isn't that big a difference though and not something to pass up a good car over.
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Midwest Autosavers, Inc. Crystal Lake, IL

[CarlIseminger]

Thank you. Makes sense to me. Going next week to give the Vert a more careful inspection.

[ach60]

The FI Beetles from '75-'79 heater boxes get exhaust from all 4 cylinders.
My '78 Convertible seems to make more heat than other VW's I have owned.
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Good Luck
Al

[DrDarby]