1971 L96 square (the lumber wagon)

[rustfree1967bug]

I wanted to start a thread to document the bringing back to life of this car. It all started when a friend of mine called and told me of a squareback that would be on an auction at a lumber yard that was closing up the following day. He had checked it out but his wife would not let him bring another car home. So i went over to check the car out day before the auction. Then yesterday i got done with work as quick as i could and headed over with a trailer. The car was supposed to be one of the first things to sell but i ended up sitting there all day waiting for it. Anyways it's a 1971 L96 gemini metallic car. Appears to have been repainted once. I am giving it the nickname the lumber wagon as it sat in a storage building at this lumber yard since 1980. I was able to talk to the owner of the car who also owned the yard and he said he got it on trade from a guy who brought it here from germany and that he believes the engine was rebuilt at some point. My goal for this car is to clean it up, go through all the mechanicals, lower it as much as possible and make it a daily. Has anyone ever seen a steering wheel or shifter like that?

Picture i saw of it on the auction listing

These were when i went to look at it day before the auction

On my trailer where it currently sits. The rear wheels are locked up so i am going to try to get them free'd up so i can roll it into the shop and on the lift.

_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[Donnie strickland]

Neat find! Post some shots of the motor!

On your rear wheels -- the brake shoes are likely rusted to the drum. With some heat and a hammer you may be able to get them loose.

Looks like some previous owner monkeyed with the ignition switch wiring. Is that a push button on the dash?
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71 Elm Green FI A/T Squareback

[rustfree1967bug]

Wiring doesn't look to have been messed with. That switch you see i think was for driving lights. The front bumpers has 2 holes drilled in it where someone would have mounted them. And I've dealt with seized brakes many a time so i shouldn't have any issues. Hatch will not unlock so I've got to play with that then i will have engine pics
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[rustyfastback]

Wow cool car! Nice to see such a unique color. Looks to have the original Continental spare tire too.

[rustfree1967bug]

It does seem to be a rare color, i can't seem to find pictures of another on here. I do believe the spare is original, 93k on the clock and it hasn't rolled over. I put a battery in it and got it to crank over. All the lights, wipers, fan, radio and even interior light work. Next will be getting the tank pulled and cleaned out. Also got the brakes free
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[KTPhil]

Looks pretty good. I'd check those front fender/rocker areas for rust.

[rustfree1967bug]

Rockers are a little crusty but not bad. Front fenders/trunk area looks pretty darn solid. this is by far the best original one iv'e come across personally.

Spent alot of the day just cleaning all the windows and the rear mat and side panels. Will try to get the tank pulled and rest of the interior cleaned this weekend.
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[rustyfastback]

Looks like there is a '71 squareback with this unique color on craigslist.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/71-volkswagon-type-3/6289069609.html

[rustfree1967bug]

That does look to be the same color.

I pulled the fuel sender out and the tank was surprisingly empty and clean. Still going to get a new screen kit and replace the fuel line and filter under the tank. I am going to dunk the pump in diesel tomorrow and see if i can get it working. Can anyone tell me the best place to get an original style filter, good fuel line and some good clamps? Oh and also need both rubber mounts for the pump if they are available. Want to do this right.
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[vwjetboat]

Very very cool car.. and it looks even cooler with those rims... great fine and yes more pictures.. what did you end up paying for it ? can I guess ? $700 ?

[rustfree1967bug]

very close, it went for more than i was hoping but i got it for $800. Still a very fair price i feel.
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[vwjetboat]

[vwjetboat]

[rustfree1967bug]

Part of the lip for the seal was bent so i got that straightened out a bit, otherwise it wasn't sealing against the lid.

_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[vwjetboat]

well that is not the best stuff to find all over.. but.. it is really not that bad... and parts are plenty

[vwjetboat]

and one tool I recommend most in situation like this.. battery powered sawzaw.. find parts car someplace you can cut stuff from.. it sure makes things easy..

[rustfree1967bug]

She's not perfect but it is perfect for what i want. I am not planning to fix any rust. Just get it back on the road, lowered and start putting some miles on it.
_________________
'70 ghia
'69 ghia
'65 singlecab
'66 sunroof beetle
'74 bus
'67 so-42


IDA's...well... they talk dirty -MURZI

[vwjetboat]

[Mike Fisher]

You won't be able to lower it with those 5.5" wide sprintstars! Better get to different wheel shopping soon.
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69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold

Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

[vwjetboat]