Thankful for TheSamba

[ebenasky]

I have been into the aircooled VW's for a long time and had done a lot to my current '64 daily driver. However, it never ran "just right" until now.

With the research I did on TheSamba and the forums, along with information from
Oldvolkshome https://oldvolkshome.wetwesties.org/ignition.htm
Rob & Daves http://www.vw-resource.com/index.html
Chris Valone videos
1967 VW Beetle https://1967beetle.com/
and the many TheSamba sellers I was FINALLY able to get a matched set of carb to distributor that works well for me.

I also learned how to completely clean the carb (along with taking out the check balls) and refreshing distributors (after sourcing the correct fiber washer and shims). I have learned a WHOLE lot more by getting in there and doing it.

I appreciate all the sellers for rebuilt distributors and carbs for those that don't have the time and patience that it took me to do this.

My bug runs a stock 1500, but now has a correctly matched 113-905-205T distributor, and a 30 PICT 3 (flange 226-1). I am very happy with the way it now runs without bogging down or lack of power.

It took a bit, but not being afraid of getting my hands dirty has helps me understand things a lot better and having such a great resource (and people) to reach out to for information.

Thank you all!
_________________
"I don't fix 'em to look at 'em, I fix them to drive."

- '60 Beetle "Ruby"
- '70 Beetle "Peace"

[KTPhil]

I've been working on VWs since the mid-'70s. Back then parts and repair shops were everywhere, and the cars were relatively new. It was not hard or expensive to keep an old Bug going.

Then the 90s came, and parts dried up, shops closed, junkyards stopped handling VWs, and times were rough!

Then the internet, and in particular The Samba came along, and in many ways it's like the "old days" where the knowledge and parts are flowing again, as we form a community from afar. The combination of the knowledge base of the Samba, and youtube videos, means I now have far more expert advice and access to parts than ever before! It is why my cars are still running today. If you can, please donate to the samba!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/donate.php

But there is a dark side to this... the internet didn't make new parts, it led us to the remaining stashes of them. So we are draining the supply faster, not necessarily enlarging the supply.

We may find the hobby getting more expensive some day, not too far off. Hoarding may become more common.

[bobhill8]

I found thesamba before I bought my first VW 5 years ago and have been on here almost every day since. It's a bit like a soap opera sometimes, but there are a lot of great and intelligent people on here and I would have sold my Westy and Squareback a long time ago in complete frustration/failure if it wasn't for all of you.
_________________
1986 Westy
1971 Squareback

[ebenasky]

I forgot to add that I followed the suggestions and changed out my main jet from 112.5 to 120 since I live at 4000 feet and the stock jet was WAY too lean.
_________________
"I don't fix 'em to look at 'em, I fix them to drive."

- '60 Beetle "Ruby"
- '70 Beetle "Peace"

[Cusser]

[Big Bill]

This is so true, I also have been into VWs since the late 70s. They helped me get through the Fuel Shortages of the time and became a hobby/obsession even today. For me information was very hard to obtain in the early years, not so much the mechanical part but just general information about correct colors, VIN info and production numbers. I can remember when the Samba started up and being computer handicapped I fought it until just after the 2000s began, I check in here almost everyday...Thank You EV for starting and continuing to keep The Samba alive and well.

[Zundfolge1432]

[KTPhil]

[Abscate]

If you thank the Samba without the yellow star, you’ve just stolen from the Church bar.
_________________
.ssS!

[Zundfolge1432]

Thanks to Jen and Everett 😀

[tasb]

Agree completely with the sentiments above. I got into distributors by finding an original one in front of me one day and digging into it for my own benefit. Then a good friend suggested that I should do the same for others and there you go. Mid 1970's was the beginning for me too. Seen and done a lot in that time. I had that yellow star next to my name for many years but times have gotten tough for me and I've had to make due without for the better part of the last year.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

[Jennepher]

[Tram]

[Tram]

[tasb]

Actually Tram, I did get a reminder email from TheSamba notifying me that my premium membership was about to expire.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

[iowegian]

[Zundfolge1432]

Now you are a good boy, it’s official

[Tram]

[Tram]

[EverettB]