Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW

[Cusser]

This will document the resurrection of my 1970 VW which I bought in November 1972 with about 40K miles from original owner, the newest vehicle I've ever had.

This got its 1835cc DP engine in Oct. 1976 because I wanted more power and update to dual port heads. This 1970 was my daily driver until 1993 when with 260K and with 2 kids I felt it was time to retire it to save about $500 insurance costs per year (drove it into my backyard for its retirement party; everyone brought their VW stories).

Now that I'm now retired, it's time to get this running again. The tires were only flat on the bottom.

Its 1835cc engine had been swapped into my 1971 Convertible a decade ago. Anyway, grabbed the spare from my 1971 and mounted that, pumped some air into some others, attached my tow bar, and moved it for the first time in 23 years. Only the left rear wheel was stuck, freed that up with impact wrench and 36mm socket.

This engine is in it right now, the original 1971 engine from my Convertible: the engine we drove for 4 more years after the oil stud vanished in 2003 and Mrs. Cusser kept driving without any oil. This should make an interesting autopsy, hope engine case is OK to re-use, as matching number for the 1971 and never has been apart yet.

So got this into my driveway today; work will progress over several months as I'm older now, and it's still in 90s temperature-wise. I'll need all-new brake hydraulics and flex lines, new battery, will rebuild the engine (likely to stock 1600cc), will rebuild fuel pump (which was from the 1835 engine but leaked when swapped in a decade ago), generator and carburetor condition were OK 23 years ago, big question mark today. I'll need a pressure plate with center ring, as I removed the center ring to swap the 1835 engine into the 1971 a decade ago. I'll need new tires, new gland nut, and likely a host of other parts.

Next step is either to pull the engine or to pull the drums to see if I need new brake shoes in addition to the wheel cylinders and master cylinders; likely will just do new, as not expensive and will need to remove the shoes anyway to add new wheel cylinders.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[TX-73]

I look forward to this - I've always liked your down to earth approach. I'm on my last hurrah to retirement so I'm can add to the $$ bucket for later builds lol. Good luck!
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[Frodge]

This will be awesome!

[USMCbug]

This will be interesting. Hope it goes smoothly.
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72 Super Beetle
73 Standard Beetle
79 Baywindow Bus
65 Split Window Bus
79 Baywindow Bus
71 Super Beetle (current)

"When war does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the
scabbard."
- General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

[Cusser]

[Frodge]

Still awesome. Pic of you in 1972/in car and then one of you in car after its done.

[Zundfolge1432]

You do all or most of the work and there's no reason you can't accomplish this goal. I'd even say you could come in under budget if you just do mechanicals. Do the engine yourself and take pics, you know folks here will help you. If you haunt the swaps you can keep costs down as well, plenty of good used parts out there. Sounds like fun, good luck

[Q-Dog]

I've been wondering when you were going to get this one going again. I would probably start with the engine, and while it's out getting machined you can pay attention to the brakes.
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Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[gt1953]

The sooner it cools off in the Phoenix Metro area Mr. Cusser {[ not his real name ]} I am the as John Muir says in his manuals designated assistant. However seems like the project is getting underway. Looking forward to digging into this and get it on the road. Most of the work from what I understand will be accomplished by him. The big issue is the case, may be warped cracked or maybe just need align bore and deck surface. I am sure he will keep us all posted for sure.
Maybe a few more weeks for cooler weather.
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.

72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold})

[Cusser]

[Zundfolge1432]

1986? So it's been 30 yrs VWs haven't changed,what has changed is everyone is taking pics and sharing info. I'm still building stock engines and have a camera just ask I'll send info as needed.

[Tim Donahoe]

I told you retirement was a good thing. Now you have time to play!

Take lots of pictures during the rebuild. Hopefully, that tin-can air cleaner didn't let too much water into the bowels of the motor.

I've gotten quite a few OEM parts from the Samba Classifieds. Some sellers are priced for novice owners, some more realistically. For instance, I needed a new horn button--the padded later-model kind with the removable Wolfsburg emblem. I saw them priced up to $75.00, but got a beautiful one for $30.00. Wtb ads can work wonders, too.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Cusser]

From what I read here about "new" fuel pumps with pivot rods without clamps, and overall quality, I assume that the majority on the site would go with rebuilding my leaky original German fuel pump instead of buying new. Correct ???
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[miller0358]

Good project to start a retirement. Have to stay busy or go to seed real quick. Jeff

[vernonc]

"Correct ???" Yes!!!

mort
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"Those who don't read newspapers are un-informed. Those who do read newspapers are mis-informed." Will Rogers

'69 sedan, low mileage, all original.....currently being 'freshened-up' for road trips and daily driving...just not every day

Freshening-up link http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=617386

[sb001]

[57BLITZ]

[vernonc]

[Tim Donahoe]

I bought an alternator-style Brosol pump from Wolfgang International. It has a circlip to keep the post in. It was more expensive than other pumps, but it gave me 2.8 lbs. pressure without stacking gaskets.

I've had it for months and no issues.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Q-Dog]

Some people have reported poor results with that rebuild kit. The last fuel pump I worked on, I only used the diaphragm and gaskets. I didn't like the way the check valve fit so reused the original.
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Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle