Author |
Message |
bw65vw Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2020 Posts: 149 Location: Tennessee
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 6:33 pm Post subject: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
My wife and I inherited her father's 65 beetle about a year ago that he had very slowly been working on for nearly 20 years. It has been completely disassembled and he painted the chassis, had the trans-axle rebuilt and has drop spindles with disc brakes on the front. The body is in great shape and primed ready for paint. Probably 90% of the parts are there so we plan to have it painted in the next few months and start assembly. This will be a huge learning curve for me as I am new to beetles and have lots of boxes of parts to figure out where to go. I am looking for ideas advice to change as it won't be completely stock.
Things I am considering are:
1. Switching from generator to alternator. Where 65 bugs 6 or 12 volt and how can I tell? What would need to be changed for 12V?
2. Electronic ignition? Have read some pros and cons on here
3. Camber compensator/sway bar on rear
Any other ideas of things you guys may have done or wish you had.
Thanks in advance! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76937 Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
bw65vw wrote: |
1. Switching from generator to alternator. Where 65 bugs 6 or 12 volt and how can I tell? What would need to be changed for 12V?
2. Electronic ignition? Have read some pros and cons on here
3. Camber compensator/sway bar on rear.
Thanks in advance! |
1, they were 6volt
2 setting dwell is no harder than setting valve lash. Electronic modules are just not as reliable and the ads say. _________________ 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 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
rcooled Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2008 Posts: 2506 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
|
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 9:02 pm Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
bw65vw wrote: |
Camber compensator/sway bar on rear |
Not really needed unless you plan on driving the car aggressively and cornering hard.
bw65vw wrote: |
What would need to be changed for 12V? |
An alternator with matching stand & back plates to replace the 6V generator & regulator, the battery, starter solenoid (6V starter works fine on 12V), ignition coil, electromagnetic cutoff jet and choke heating element on carb, instrument lights in speedo & gas gauge, the two warning lights and high beam & turn signal indicators in speedo, the radio, cigarette lighter if present, bulb for interior light, headlights, tail lights, license plate light, and turn signal bulbs and flasher.
A 6V horn will work on 12V.
You’ll also need to swap the fuel pump for one that’s designed to use with an alternator and install a 12V armature in the windshield wiper motor. _________________ '63 Ragtop (current)
'65 Ghia coupe (totaled)
'67 Ghia convertible (current)
'69.5 Ghia convertible and
'62, '63, '65, '69 Bugs (all long gone) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bw65vw Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2020 Posts: 149 Location: Tennessee
|
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 4:22 am Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
Thanks for the info. I guess alot more things than I would have thought about for the 12V conversion. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dschup Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2008 Posts: 299 Location: Kyle, TX
|
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 11:37 am Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
Converting from 6v to 12v isn't too bad, and most of it is simple replacement. If the engine is in the car, putting in the alternator is probably the most intensive and if it has an internal voltage regulator, there will be a slight change in wiring from the battery. Definitely do some reading and you will find info on what exactly you will need to order and the specifics on how it is installed.
Make sure your wiring harness is complete and that the connections are clean.
When you change the fuel pump to an alternator style, be sure to use the correct size fuel pump rod, they are specific for generator or alternator style fuel pumps. The alternator style pump just gives more clearance for the alternator which has a wider diameter than the generator.
The wiper motor conversion is pretty easy, just make sure your motor is compatible with the conversion armature.
All of this info can be found on thesamba, good luck! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bw65vw Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2020 Posts: 149 Location: Tennessee
|
Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:35 am Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
dschup wrote: |
Converting from 6v to 12v isn't too bad, and most of it is simple replacement. If the engine is in the car, putting in the alternator is probably the most intensive and if it has an internal voltage regulator, there will be a slight change in wiring from the battery. Definitely do some reading and you will find info on what exactly you will need to order and the specifics on how it is installed.
Make sure your wiring harness is complete and that the connections are clean.
When you change the fuel pump to an alternator style, be sure to use the correct size fuel pump rod, they are specific for generator or alternator style fuel pumps. The alternator style pump just gives more clearance for the alternator which has a wider diameter than the generator.
The wiper motor conversion is pretty easy, just make sure your motor is compatible with the conversion armature.
All of this info can be found on thesamba, good luck! |
All good info! Thanks guys! I definitely have lots of reading to do before assembly of my giant puzzle. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
viiking Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2013 Posts: 2668 Location: Sydney Australia
|
Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: General project tips/advice/recommendations |
|
|
And whatever you do:
1. Take lots and lots of before and after photos or videos- you'll be glad you did a year down the track when you think you remember where that bolt went. These days it's really easy with phone cameras. I have many hundred photos of every part I removed especially where each of the main wires went.
2. Bag and tag all bits if you remove them. Ziplock bags and a marker are your saviour.
3. If you do go to 12V, keep all of your 6V stuff in case you ever change your mind and want to go back to stock. It's amazing how many times people change their mind during a project. At some time in the future you WILL know what you want to do and can decide on whether to keep them or give/sell the parts to someone who really wants original parts for 6V.
4. Don't throw away old or rusty parts until you have new ones fitted AND are working perfectly. It is amazing how many times you have to refer back to the old bits after buying some aftermarket garbage to see what they should have looked like or fitted.
5. Don't be afraid to ask the really simple and "stupid" questions here on SAMBA. We have all been in the same situation as you. Some with lots of experience, some with little. We all learn something each day. We all are here to help -Just ask! _________________ 1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|