'73 or '74?

Ziah · Samba Member Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 10

I have two supers available to me. I want to start a semi-custom project and don't know what one I should use. I know they have different struts, is there anything else?
They are both in pretty good condition, but need paint if that makes any difference.
What one should I use and why?

Thanks,
Ziah

sixfootdan · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2003 5:21 pm Post subject:

I know jack squat about S/B front ends. I would assume the later style front end parts of the 74 would be easier to find. I think you should go with the best Body/Pan If you don't do your own rust repair and bodywork that will be where most of your $ will go. So you will want the better body to start from. Put up some pics if you want people to help you decide. Wink

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Jeff H · Samba Member Joined: August 28, 2002 Posts: 575

Ziah;

I'm with McIrish Dude here. I have no idea which would be the better choice, based just on the year. I suppose you just ought to go with the better body.

JSH

zeroack · Samba Member Joined: September 21, 2003 Posts: 15

Which has the better body, less miles, better struts, better interior, for the price. Sounds easy on this board but I know it's hard. You might also look at after market parts like fenders and hoods and see the price difference. I know the 73 hood is darn expensive if you get a new one.

happy hunting !

Zero

keifernet · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 6:22 am Post subject:

they are pretty close to the same, except as you say the front end components had a major change... for 74- the struts themseleves are different( the angle they are mounted) the contorl arms are stamped steel and ball/strut joints are a press in fit on these not a bolt on.

the bumpers on the 74 are the much larger ( shock absorber) type and that can make a difference when it comes to customizing the car bodywork wise.

the 73- later front hoods are all the same and yes can get expensive, although you can still find good used ones resonable if your persistant.

I agree with the "get the best one theory".... or get them both!

Ziah · Samba Member Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 10

I guess I wasn't clear about that...

I already have got them both! Very Happy

The '74 has got less rust on the body, but both pans are in great shape.
Body parts are all the same as far as I know, so same price.

Ziah

sixfootdan · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 11:02 am Post subject:

LOL i was reading everyones post thinking, "I thought he owned two Supers?"
_________________
Schrodinger's cat walked into a bar and it didn't.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Ziah · Samba Member Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 10

I've decided to go w/ the '73. Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Oh yeah... If anyone is interested in buying a 1974 Super Beetle in great condition, email me. I'll be letting it go for cheap.

Ziah

McHuntley · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2003 8:04 pm Post subject:

Where in the world are you?
_________________
Any opinions stated here are my own, otherwise someone else would have said them.

Ziah · Samba Member Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 10

Sorry about that.

I'm in Sacramento, California.

My email is: [email protected]

Don't post questions about the car in here, let's keep the forum clean. Smile

Thanks,
Ziah

sixfootdan · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 3:46 am Post subject:

Ziah · Samba Member Joined: October 05, 2003 Posts: 10

I thought of keeping it as a parts car too. But it's complete and mostly original so I figured I should just buy the parts I need. The '74 (the one I'm selling) is, well, complete. The '73 is mechanicly sound, but needs cosmetic work. That is acctually why I chose it. I can custumize it w/o throwing away a bunch of original parts.

Ziah

Poor Realist · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 12:37 pm Post subject:

FYI, the strut front end of the '73 changed mid year. Check your VIN and look at catalogs to see if you are the early or late version of the front end. Late 73 is really 74-79, I think. Double check with www.toplineparts.com

blackace · Samba Member Joined: June 15, 2003 Posts: 57 Location: NJ

73 year started with the curved windshields. The dash and rear fenders are different. Parts for 73 up are also more expensive than that of 71/72 Supers and parts are little more hard to find. Myself I would go with a the 71 or 72 Super. I currently have a 71 that I am working on. A lot of parts from the Standard Beetle 68 and up fit on the early 71 and 72 Super Beeltes.


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