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A_BugLife
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2016
Posts: 81
Location: Mahtomedi, MN
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 Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:32 am Post subject: Make them modern... |
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I have been following ICON motors and Singer Design and a few other custom car builders. ICON especially, is a good example of what I was wondering. They take older cars and trucks and keep the vintage style and intention of the car alive while at the same time giving it new life with new technology. They add a new modern drive train, modern suspension, air conditioning etc. but they go to great lengths to keep it looking like it was original. For example they will machine new nobs for the AC on the dash so it matches the old original knobs.
So here is my question to anyone who has an opinion. If you could make your VW look the way you want, cal-look, stock, pan scraper... what ever. What would you do to bring the car into the modern age? Money aside.
Bolra EFI, Coil overs instead of torsion bars, hydraulic lifters, Subaru swap or maybe make it all electric?
What is your perfect modern vintage VW?
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1970 bug
My build thread |
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kpf
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2017
Posts: 867
Location: California, US
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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I have my bug specifically for it's old tech. I love the sound of the stock engine, the feel of the brakes, etc. When I want to bomb down the freeway at 85 in air-conditioned silence, I have new cars for that.
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1971 Super Beetle |
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Mid Engine Bug
Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2017
Posts: 178
Location: CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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I did exactly what you described to my Bug. Brought it all up to date but it still looks like a Bug, for the most part. Looks aside, you would never know you are still driving a Bug. I like it!
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1970 Bug Shell - the rest of it, well see for yourself...
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679467 |
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vwracerdave
Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2004
Posts: 15329
Location: Deep in the 405
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:32 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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you wanted opinions.
I LOVE my VW for it's simplicity and bare bones design. I would not modernize anything about it. I love a manual transmission and shifting gears. I love the roll down windows and the wind blowing through my hair. If I want modern I will drive my new F250 and leave the VW in the garage.
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2017 Street Comp Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble, OK
2010 Sportsman ET Champion - Mid-America Dragway - Arkansas City, KS
1997 Sportsman ET Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble ,OK |
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 77059
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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Sorry, I have (2) 2018 Subarus so i already have modern.
The Beetle is old school, carbs, points, solid lifters... and i like it like that.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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79SuperVert
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2002
Posts: 9758
Location: Elizabeth, NJ & La Isla Del Encanto
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 2:21 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| A_BugLife wrote: |
| What would you do to bring the car into the modern age? |
Nothing whatsoever. It is cheap, economical to operate, easy to fix, fun to drive. Still what it was when it was "modern" 56 years ago.
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Central Jersey VW Society
Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16910
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| A_BugLife wrote: |
I have been following ICON motors and Singer Design and a few other custom car builders. ICON especially, is a good example of what I was wondering. They take older cars and trucks and keep the vintage style and intention of the car alive while at the same time giving it new life with new technology. They add a new modern drive train, modern suspension, air conditioning etc. but they go to great lengths to keep it looking like it was original. For example they will machine new nobs for the AC on the dash so it matches the old original knobs.
So here is my question to anyone who has an opinion. If you could make your VW look the way you want, cal-look, stock, pan scraper... what ever. What would you do to bring the car into the modern age? Money aside.
Bolra EFI, Coil overs instead of torsion bars, hydraulic lifters, Subaru swap or maybe make it all electric?
What is your perfect modern vintage VW? |
I have done several Subaru conversion in bay window buses. the folks I do them for enjoy NOT dealing with the shortcomings of a 40-50 year old car.
I have even added a/c to a conversion for a client in texas. it makes the buses more drivable in my opinion. some would rather not sweat in traffic....others don't mind. all up to the end user I suppose.
personally, I will take FI over carbs any day. seems I am always tweeking something on my 1904 powered bus...my Subaru bus....get in and go. but to be fair, my expectations are high on that 1904...so dicking with it is to keep it tip top.
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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A_BugLife
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2016
Posts: 81
Location: Mahtomedi, MN
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 2:57 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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Okay, let me clarify my question here. The opinions I am looking for are from anyone who would want to update a classic to have a more modern car.
I get the whole idea about having a real simple affordable car, I have that. Mine is carbureted, running points and I have adjust the valves every 3,000 miles. I get it, and I like it, but it's not my daily driver and it isn't reliable enough compared to modern drive trains that don't need points replaced, valves adjusted, and leaks oil even on a good day.
What I am wondering is what would you do, be it small or radical, that would update your classic to be more modern. It doesn't mean an upgrade to some space ship that only an MIT grad can fix.
If you wouldn't update your car that fine, I get it. I am looking for opinions of folks who would.
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1970 bug
My build thread |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16910
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:21 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| A_BugLife wrote: |
| Okay, let me clarify my question here. The opinions I am looking for are from anyone who would want to update a classic to have a more modern car.. |
I don't think you'll get much love here.....lot's of dyed in the wool folks here.
I love the samba. met some fantastic folks over the years here. this site (in my opinion) is geared towards the restoration crowd. there are very few think outside of the box TRUE "hot rodders" here.
everyone (well, most everyone) is here for the "simplicity" of the marque.
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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VW_Jimbo
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016
Posts: 10023
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:34 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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More modern...………………………….
Electronic ignition.
Front disc brakes.
Larger diameter master cylinder.
Better tires, wider.
Better radio, solid state, with blue tooth.
Beyond that, I love the feel of the old school ride, sound. I love having to physically drive these cars and then be able to adjust what is needed!
I think the single best upgrade is the front disc brakes, so that I can stop the 2127's power going down the road!
The bigger engine is the best modification to date!!!! Vroom. VROOOMMMM!!!!
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Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
| TDCTDI wrote: |
| Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
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Cali_Army_Guy
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2015
Posts: 2094
Location: Stockton, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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I have a GPS speedo in mine with a digital odometer, fancy right?! I have a CB Performance magnaspark 2 electronic distributor with a modern style coil pack instead of the usual VW coil. Electric fuel pump. A retrosound style radio. LED headlights. Oh and a USB port for charging my phone, or iPad for the kids on long trips. That’s about the extent of my “modern” conveniences. If I need something more than that I’ll take the wife’s Passat.
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2015 VW Passat Wolfsburg Edition
1966 VW Beetle - Sold |
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Helfen
Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2009
Posts: 3450
Location: Vulcania
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:26 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| kpf wrote: |
| I have my bug specifically for it's old tech. I love the sound of the stock engine, the feel of the brakes, etc. When I want to bomb down the freeway at 85 in air-conditioned silence, I have new cars for that. |
Couldn't agree more. I like old cars because they take you back in time. It's the old car experience. Old cars are simple and can usually be fixed on the side of the road. Once that computer/ electronic ignition stuff goes out you are SOL on the side of the hwy.
Want all that electronic stuff-buy a new car. |
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Zundfolge1432
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004
Posts: 12474
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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To me it’s a time machine same as what I was driving in 1978. Listening to my under dash pioneer Supertuner w/ Jenson Triaxial speakers, not a care in the world. You’ll find me cruising the fast lane in and around Route 66. Updates??
I’d slide into the seat of a 911 and not look back.  |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 77059
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:00 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
| To me it’s a time machine same as what I was driving in 1978. |
It IS what I was driving in 1978... same car.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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Dwayne1m
Samba Member
Joined: December 31, 2011
Posts: 3538
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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Upgrade the ignition system so I'm not replacing condensers every 3-4 months
front disc brakes
I love the stock seats in my 78. So much better then the stock seats in my 74.
intermitant wipers & electric washer system
better defrost system
a dash that doesn't crack(Supers) |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 77059
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| Dwayne1m wrote: |
| I love the stock seats in my 78. So much better then the stock seats in my 74. |
Recaros, I replaced my stock seats with them in 1980.
VW had Recaro seats in the Sport Bug.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32698
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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modok
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2009
Posts: 26823
Location: Colorado Springs
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:04 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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Mixing odd brands, and new engines into old cars, done right can be pretty sweet.
But with rare exceptions, it's not going to be a classic.
A classic is a classic forever.
Good possibility in 10-20 years it will look like a stupid idea. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16910
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| djkeev wrote: |
If you really think this way than you need to visit the Vanagon forum. Lots of engine swaps, drive by wire, brake upgrades, electronic steering etc.
Dave |
yes, I do visit. here is the difference....the Vanagon crew uses their rides....and do trips for days/weeks/years on end so they do lots of upgrades. your average vw guy has a bug sitting in a garage they take out every so often.
now, is it that they are afraid of a car wreck, too loud, too slow, too unsafe, too uncomfortable? dunno...
| modok wrote: |
Mixing odd brands, and new engines into old cars, done right can be pretty sweet.
But with rare exceptions, it's not going to be a classic.
A classic is a classic forever.
Good possibility in 10-20 years it will look like a stupid idea. |
to your point some of this stuff gets "dated" like how "The Mulholland Look" vw's are "so 80's" so guys may want to update the "look" to something more current.
like tweed interiors look 90's to me....same with the "bumpers by briz" so again, nothing wrong with kicking the 80's out of something to bring it up to snuff.
what kills me is the "computer will leave you on the side of the road" comments....possible? sure. but growing up in the 80's it seems to me that there is a lot less broken down shit on the side of the road...to the point of being almost non existent these days
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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79SuperVert
Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2002
Posts: 9758
Location: Elizabeth, NJ & La Isla Del Encanto
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| Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Make them modern... |
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| Dwayne1m wrote: |
| Upgrade the ignition system so I'm not replacing condensers every 3-4 months |
Something is killing your condensers. Blaming the technology might not be the answer.
_________________
Central Jersey VW Society
Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt. |
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