Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Thing.

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WaterDawg
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Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Sun Sep 10, 2017 5:31 pm

Hi All,

While I had prior experience with my old 78 Westie "Sandy" I don't with the Bug.
Looking for opinions on this 1978 Super Beetle Convertible

My plan:
I need to get a vehicle here in NY to get me through the winter - though I don't need to drive IN snow storms.
Then in April, I plan on driving it cross country to San Francisco or Portland Oregon hauling my bicycle and I'll sell it once I am out there.
So I'm looking for something that will get great gas mileage, can haul my bicycle and, most importantly - BE FUN

Full Disclosure, I'm looking at two vehicles. The Super Beetle and a 1973 Fiat 500L Both are the same price. :scratch:
1978 VW Super Bug Convertible 4-cyl. 4 Speed Manual, Fuel Injected!

This was a Canadian Car so it has the rare option of a auxiliary gas heater under the hood!
43,847 km = 27,245 Original Miles!!

Solid Floors and Very Clean, Has been garage kept.
Attachments
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Fiat 500L .jpg
Larry Jensen
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whc03grady
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by whc03grady » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:20 pm

Looks clean and unmolested.

How're you gonna haul a bicycle with it?
Ludwig--1974 Westfalia, 2.0L (GD035193), Solex 34PDSIT-2/3 carburetors.
Gertie--1971 Squareback, 1600cc with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection from a '72 (E brain).
Read about their adventures:
http://www.ludwigandgertie.blogspot.com

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WaterDawg
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:20 am

whc03grady wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:20 pm
Looks clean and unmolested.

How're you gonna haul a bicycle with it?
On the VW, I'd find/build a receiver hitch and then use a hitch mounted bike rack that I already have. Nice part about that is it folds down for access.

On the Fiat - no clue. Still trying to research receiver hitches there.
Larry Jensen
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whc03grady
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by whc03grady » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am

Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
Ludwig--1974 Westfalia, 2.0L (GD035193), Solex 34PDSIT-2/3 carburetors.
Gertie--1971 Squareback, 1600cc with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection from a '72 (E brain).
Read about their adventures:
http://www.ludwigandgertie.blogspot.com

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WaterDawg
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:54 am

whc03grady wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am
Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
That Fiat is pretty cool and gets over 45mpg
It's what actually got me to think about the Bug
Larry Jensen
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WaterDawg
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:54 am

whc03grady wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am
Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
That Fiat is pretty cool and gets over 45mpg
It's what actually got me to think about the Bug
Larry Jensen
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whc03grady
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by whc03grady » Mon Sep 11, 2017 11:29 am

Fix It Again Tony

(ACvee dubs require plenty of maintenance, I know, I know)
Ludwig--1974 Westfalia, 2.0L (GD035193), Solex 34PDSIT-2/3 carburetors.
Gertie--1971 Squareback, 1600cc with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection from a '72 (E brain).
Read about their adventures:
http://www.ludwigandgertie.blogspot.com

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Amskeptic
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Sep 11, 2017 11:18 pm

whc03grady wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am
Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
LOL,
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Sep 11, 2017 11:19 pm

WaterDawg wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:54 am
whc03grady wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am
Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
That Fiat is pretty cool and gets over 45mpg
It's what actually got me to think about the Bug
No, but seriously. Charm is totally a different thing than utility. Focus.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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WaterDawg
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:38 am

Amskeptic wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 11:19 pm
WaterDawg wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:54 am
whc03grady wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:43 am
Well, if you're at all serious the first step would be to forget about that Fiat.
That Fiat is pretty cool and gets over 45mpg
It's what actually got me to think about the Bug
No, but seriously. Charm is totally a different thing than utility. Focus.
Colin

Well, I'll still trying to get a time set up to see the VW before making a decision, but I was hoping to get some ideas as to what to look for on the Bug when I do go see it - it's a 2 1/2 hour drive one way so I want to be well prepared.

Aside from forgetting about the Fiat, any tips on the VW? Anything you see in the pics that should be of concern? Anything specific I nneed to look at?
Larry Jensen
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Amskeptic
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by Amskeptic » Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:51 am

WaterDawg wrote:
Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:38 am

Aside from forgetting about the Fiat, any tips on the VW? Anything you see in the pics that should be of concern? Anything specific I nneed to look at?

Well, the bug is a charming car, but convertibles need to be thoroughly checked for water damage and proper window sealing with the top. The fusebox area is a real pia to work with. Water damage near the battery box/ electrical wires under the seat can be problematic. There is a metal guard that must be in place inside of the fan belt to protect the AAR hose. Check front end for shimmy or looseness in the steering. When they run well, they are great cars.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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wcfvw69
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by wcfvw69 » Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:10 pm

Convertible bugs are like boats. The best days of ownership are the day you bought it and the day you sold it! :)

On a serious note, they are great cars once they are sorted out and made mechanically sound. The key is to buy a rust free example. They rusty ones will suck your wallet harder than you and believe. Ask me how I know..
1970 Westfalia bus. Stock 1776 dual port type 1 engine. Restored German Solex 34-3. Restored 205Q distributor, restored to factory appearance engine.

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tommu
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by tommu » Tue Sep 12, 2017 4:46 pm

The only thing with 500cc I'd drive out of town would be a motorbike.

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WaterDawg
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by WaterDawg » Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:32 pm

So it sounds like the Convertible could be problematic with what you're telling me.

I spoke to the seller today. The car "belongs to his friend.
They replaced the Distributor as it was worn.
There is a repair patch on the driver side floor pan.
A few cracks in the top, but otherwise in good shape.
Paint isn't original. He believes it has been repainted the original white at least once, but it is time for another reshoot :/
It's never been "restored"

I'm starting to think I should stay away from the convertible if I need something to get me from the East to West Coast this Spring.

By the way, what kind of MPG are these Super Beetles getting?
Larry Jensen
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Amskeptic
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Re: Thoughts on this Super Beetle

Post by Amskeptic » Tue Sep 12, 2017 7:46 pm

WaterDawg wrote:
Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:32 pm
So it sounds like the Convertible could be problematic with what you're telling me.

I spoke to the seller today. The car "belongs to his friend.
They replaced the Distributor as it was worn.
There is a repair patch on the driver side floor pan.
A few cracks in the top, but otherwise in good shape.
Paint isn't original. He believes it has been repainted the original white at least once, but it is time for another reshoot :/
It's never been "restored"

I'm starting to think I should stay away from the convertible if I need something to get me from the East to West Coast this Spring.

By the way, what kind of MPG are these Super Beetles getting?
Why? Your list of concerns are not even relevant to getting across the country. The suggestions offered to you had more to do with you being able to budget your fixes to your eventual sale. Nothing on that list relates to getting across the country.

And what is the deal breaker? 23 mpg (143 gallons) versus 26 mpg (126 gallons)?

I personally would suggest that you stay away from Volkswagens until you feel the burning commitment to cherish one.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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