what to do with a bug thats been sitting

[The Law]

Thank you for the advice and reply. We don't plan to attempt driving at least for now but starting it does seem rather intriguing.

[sb001]

Everything looks pretty nice to me-- engine bay a bit dusty but it all looks fairly original, correctly connected and in pretty good condition. Wiring up front looks good to me too, does not look like it was molested like some I see. I'd give it a go myself, with the precautions stated earllier... but if you feel more comfortable calling someone to come take a look at it, that is perfectly understandable.

I'd also love to see pictures of the car itself!
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[JonRich55]

The Engine looks like a late 73 as it has an Alternator and a single vacum line distributer (SVDA). I would verify the title you have has the correct VIN listed as the one on the vehicle. Given it also has the red intake boots, it could be a swapped later engine installed as it has been worked on in the past.

[FeelthySanchez]

Condolences on the circumstances that led to the discovery.
Those few pics do show a few new parts: 2ea battery cables, intake manifold boots & a carburetor. There's probably more.
It's fine to be cautious & the concern is well understood, but she was running approx 3 yrs prior.
The underhood wiring appears just like 95% of the Beetles still out there & running strong, so I'll weigh-in with 'overly cautious' on: "My concern is wires that are 46 years old having power run through them when the key is turned.
This one I do like: "My brother says I worry to much".

On the upside, it appears to be only moderately altered thus far - so it has much potential to make another owner quite happy.
G' luck w/ it.
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[The Law]

Yes we did verify the VIN in window by dash just to make sure. The body has a date sticker as well. It says 8/72. I don't know if it's like cars now. Like next year's model? Maybe they didn't do that then

[The Law]

Condolences are much appreciated. I'm to cautious at times I do admit. I feel a bit more reassured after reading these replies. Who knows maybe I'll be zipping around town soon.

[Tom K.]

Don't be surprised if it starts with fresh gas and a battery - I would think it will. Once your curiosity is sated, then your next step might be to sell it. You can list it right here on the Samba. If it doesn't have rust in all the wrong places, then it could be worth 2K-3K or so.
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'91 Vanagon Westfalia
'70 Beetle Convertible
'71 Super Beetle Semi-Automatic: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714131&highlight=
'65 Ghia: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=762478&highlight=

[The Law]

I will get a better look at it in the next few days. I didn't look at the body much.

[sb001]

[andk5591]

Want to clarify what I said about using an aux gas tank...This should be used just to see if you can get it running, etc. The concern with the tank in the car is that it should be drained because the gas is probably bad. Of course, I would NEVER driver a car with a temporary tank strapped down with bungie cords...

BUT notice the refinement in the steering system over the years....

_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[Cusser]

I had one of my engines sit unused in Arizona heat for 9 years with no special preparation; and when I installed this engine, it started/ran immediately but the fuel pump gasket and carb accelerator pump gasket leaked gasoline, so those were addressed.
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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

[The Law]

We are a little excited to see what happens.

[Starbucket]

Don't worry about the wiring, that's what your fuses are for and talking about fuses remove them one at a time and polish the ends and their holder and replace before removing the next one as a lot of thing won't work with a bad connection.

[iowegian]

Illinois is a rather large state.
Can you be a bit more specific? That way there is a good possibility there is someone local to you to give you further guidance.

[The Law]

We are near the Illinois/Wisconsin border. We were actually able to find someone on the Wisconsin side that wants to take a look for us. Just have to rent a trailer to take it. Weather not very cooperative so don't know what day yet. condition will decide what we do with it. There is oil in it. Don't see any on the floor so it's not leaking. Bottom engine parts look a bit rusty. I'm gonna try to take a picture of that but it's snowing here. No light in the garage so hard to see. I'm almost intrigued enough to learn about this car. There was alot of them around when I was a kid. Haven't seen one in many years.

[vamram]

[Zundfolge1432]

[The Law]

I'm gonna tell the truth here. My excitement and anticipation mounts with every reply. I thought you all would say "Yeah it's to old so don't bother" or "just scrap it". Instead you have said the complete opposite. I have sincere high hopes that this will work.

[andk5591]

Here's the thing....a good solid car is nice to find...And when you have a family connection, its even better....
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[The Law]

I'm finding that out. New chapter...