1971 Type 3...should I?

[tvtommy]

Thanks for reading, and good evening from Chicago.

I have a chance to pick up a 1971 type 3. I've owned bugs in the past, but never a 3. Is the learning curve, and parts availability more difficult compared to the bugs?

Thanks in advance!

Tommy

[tvtommy]

BTW....it's a fasty.

[Jason37]

If it’s rust free, then go for it. Body parts aren’t reproduced, but there always seems to be a good selection of used in the classifieds.

[KTPhil]

Depends on price and condition, and how handy you are. They are a little tougher to work on, but not much, especially if you are good with electrics (simple stuff, wiring, connectors, VOM operation). '71 is a good year! Several 1-year only parts, but there are workarounds for just about all of them.

Is it still FI? Stick or automatic?

Pics and price?

[gt1953]

Like you am a type one guy. In March came across a 72 squareback parked for ten years. Lots of similar stuff if you are familiar with VW's. It is all about the rust or lack there of. This one is an Aridzona car and no rat or mice chewing wires in the car either so I made the purchase.
Read this and look at my photos. It is a slow process.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695324
_________________
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})

[Xenophek]

If you like to drive, yes you should. They’re a little more of a pain to work on than a T1, but they drive like a Cadillac and they’re more comfortable than a bug.

[tvtommy]

Good info on all. Thanks everybody!

I spoke to the owners rep on the phone this morning. Sounds like it's in decent shape, well maintained by a local shop. Still has the FI on it, and it needs FI hoses. Family owned since new, the owners are too old to drive it, and she needs to go. I eyeballed it a few days ago, and its got typical rust, but the metal work seems to be original. I haven't opened the doors to see if the A pillars are still attached. Looks like original paint....faded red. Could be fun to play around with.

[Bobnotch]

If you do buy it, be sure to post up some pics of it. We like pics.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[tvtommy]

Ok,

I looked it over really good this morning, and made an offer. One other person before me is interested, so we will see.

From the inspection:

The floors are rock solid. For the exception of a so-so repaint several years ago, she looks great. Everything is there, headliner is great, interior is great. typical rust spots on the lower fenders near the doors. The lower edges of the doors are solid. Wheel wells are solid. It has 44k miles on it.

She looks like a keeper, waiting on the reply to my offer.

[tvtommy]

I own it. Offer accepted.

[KTPhil]

Looks pretty clean and unmolested!

I see the common lower front fender rust, something to look into soon before it migrates to the inner panels.

How do the interior and engine look?

[Jason37]

Congrats!

[tvtommy]

Interior is great. Engine bay is great.

Yes on the unmolested. Older ladies car since new.

She needs a name, and a brake master cylinder.

Question for the group, should I have her buffed? Or leave it like it is?

I have no plans to do any mods except maybe a nice set of wheels and tires.

Glad to be here!!

[KTPhil]

Stock dull silver color on those wheels will make it look fresh, and it's relatively cheap.

I'd buff it, since it looks so good (at least in the photos). Patina on late models just looks funky, not vintage.

Great news on the interior and engine!

Now think about replacing all soft brake lines, and certainly all fuel lines. Then check your filler/vent hoses because those are entry points for water and dirt that will muck with the FI.

There are then about a dozen cheap or free things you can do to make it more reliable and safe. But first things first!

[gt1953]

Do add some more photos of the interior, engine bay. Yes wash it wax it source out some beauty rings for the wheels. Do not cheap out on the master cylinder.
_________________
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})

[Max Welton]

Very nice! Yes, more pictures!

See if that paint will come back to life with some buffing.

Max
_________________
1967 Type-3 Fastback
Under the Knife https://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=151582
Home Stretch https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=767836

[Bobnotch]

Looks real good. Very nice.
Contact Jim Adney about his master cylinder rebuilding services. He's also got correct length new brake hoses, and offers a fuel tank vent and hose kit you'll be interested in. Try to keep it out of the salt. It'll last longer.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[tvtommy]

The last 3 I have. I’ll put up more after I return from a work trip.

The interior is pre-cleaning, as bought. It’s the “before” pic.

The passenger side fender rust is the worst spot on the car.

[KTPhil]

Dash pad is in amazing condition!

[tvtommy]

Hannah is on the road!

After a brake job, hoses and a good buffing, she's on the road....she's wonderful.

Everything works except the clock. The heater controls all work, and she makes heat!