Car runs (wahoo)... but problems-ish abound

[lofoxx]

Hey all,

Great news, kind of. The 411 starts, it's passed state inspection, and I actually drove it today. However...

Once it's running, it hiccups a little bit. This wasn't much of a problem until I went up a rather large hill and the hiccup turned into a full-blown cough... so I figured I'd pull into someone's driveway and turn back downhill. When I chucked it in reverse, it died. Put it in park, tried to start it, to no avail. Kept trying to start it in neutral, finally it caught, I revved it high, and kicked it into drive... all was good. However, when I pulled up to any stop sign/went to a full stop, it felt like it was going to die again... kind of gasped.

As well, nothing works on the instrument panel. Totally unrelated. Gas gauge, speedometer, hazard lights.

Thoughts on both?

Thanks!
Loren
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1972 VW 411

[KTPhil]

Well, I'd start with basics. First, get the dash lights all working!

Next, I'd give it a tune-up, so you will be checking valves, dwell, timing, spark. Check for any loose wires and hoses in the engine bay. Check the two FI relays (main and pump) and be sure they are grounded where needed.

If nothing turns up and it still misbehaves, then it's on to checking FI components, but put first things first, as above.

[lofoxx]

Awesome. Thanks for the info, Phil... I will give that a whack for starters.
- Loren
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1972 VW 411