Cowboy Garage
Cowboy Garage
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VW engine identification | What have we found here?
Today we go through the process of finding and decoding the engine identification numbers on four air cooled VW engines. Along the way we discover a rather unusual engine number, just what will it be?
Переглядів: 11 132

Відео

Autobody Basics | must have tools
Переглядів 3327 місяців тому
In this video I talk about the must have tools for getting into the hobby of old car restoration. I also give a few tips for saving money and alternatives to the more expensive normal tools.
1961 VW Restoration | Frame Head part 2
Переглядів 4,1 тис.7 місяців тому
Replacing the frame head on a 1961 VW beetle as part of a budget restoration in a small shop.
1961 VW Restoration | Frame Head replacement - part 1
Переглядів 3,9 тис.8 місяців тому
Removing the frame head from my 61 VW beetle and prepping it for the new head. I also compare the original parts to the current aftermarket replacements.
How points work | replace and adjust
Переглядів 4248 місяців тому
Here's an overview of what points are, how they work and how you change them out and set them on old cars and trucks. It's not vehicle specific but I'm using a 1971 K20 to demonstrate.
1961 VW restoration | Broken Frame Head & suspension removal
Переглядів 2,1 тис.9 місяців тому
The 61 VW Beetle project hits a new snag. The frame is broken and we're tearing it apart to see just how bad it is and what can be done to fix it.
1961 VW restoration | Removing the body
Переглядів 3,7 тис.9 місяців тому
Removing the body from a vintage VW beetle is a pretty simple job. It can even be done solo and without specialized equipment if you're a tad creative. This body was already stripped down so that made this a simple 20 minute job.
Is the new project the best car ever?
Переглядів 2509 місяців тому
Today we drive across the state to pick up a new project. What exactly will it be?
Wind River Canyon sunrise drive-along.
Переглядів 509 місяців тому
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the auto route through the canyon I decided to take a sunrise drive and share it with you folks. The tunnels we pass through are the originals that opened January 6th, 1924. Thanks for watching and please comment with suggestions for places to drive or improvements. It was dark when I started and I didn't notice the windshield needed cleaning...
Alaskan Camper | Pirelli Seal Replacement
Переглядів 27311 місяців тому
Short video of replacing the front outer Pirelli Seal on a 1969 Alaskan Camper, 8' NCO.

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @smokepeddler
    @smokepeddler 7 днів тому

    Split the cases, have them checked and align bored . Re size the rods and refresh the motor. Those are magnesium cases, be careful.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 днів тому

      Very good input. I’m a machinist at my day job so I’ll definitely mic everything out and align bore as needed. Thanks!

    • @smokepeddler
      @smokepeddler 7 днів тому

      @@CowboyGarage end play on a fresh motor is .005. Check it with a dial indicator from the flywheel side. If it's over .010 then it probably needs a refresh. These cars are super fun. Congrats.

  • @gabe5946
    @gabe5946 Місяць тому

    That oil was black!!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage Місяць тому

      It definitely wasn’t new, but for an engine that hadn’t been ran in around 45-50 years it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Amazingly enough it was right on the full mark and after spinning the engine over and rechecking it I was shocked to find that it had no water. I guess I expected worse for an engine that last ran before I was born!

  • @drummer4hire12
    @drummer4hire12 3 місяці тому

    Great informative production!!!

  • @pd1jdw630
    @pd1jdw630 3 місяці тому

    Oh boy, am I glad I found your channel. Cause I bought me a challenge and I need some ideas on how to get it all together in one piece.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 3 місяці тому

      Thank-you! My videos stalled out this summer due to a heavy workload of paying projects, but I’m finally starting to get back to work on the VW project. New videos will probably start dropping in another week or two.

    • @pd1jdw630
      @pd1jdw630 3 місяці тому

      @@CowboyGarage well I’ll look forward to seeing them. Specially on how I might align a frame with no heater channels and no structural support welded in them.

  • @janestanfield-xj7mx
    @janestanfield-xj7mx 4 місяці тому

    I Know you can make it happen .when you can it will be driven.

  • @busterstravels1534
    @busterstravels1534 4 місяці тому

    Cowboy are you from the New England area. Reason I’m asking was wondering if you’ll be at TerryVille ct. show Father’s Day????

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 4 місяці тому

      No sir, I’m up in central Wyoming. If I ever make it back your way I’ll be sure to reach out and buy you a cup of coffee.

    • @busterstravels1534
      @busterstravels1534 4 місяці тому

      Oh yeah, I remember that now. I was hoping we would get to meet. I would love to see your side of the country someday. Ok Bud have a great weekend.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 4 місяці тому

      @@busterstravels1534 anytime you find yourself heading west just let me know.

  • @derekhightower1903
    @derekhightower1903 5 місяців тому

    DANG RIGHT IT WILL RUN,turned over easy over fill oil ,turn motor over as much as u can ,for a few days,get pistons good an oil soaked

  • @garagechronicles9008
    @garagechronicles9008 5 місяців тому

    Nice video sir. I'm doing a 61 beetle conertible.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 5 місяців тому

      Thank-you. I’m still learning the video process and trying to improve. A ‘61 convertible would be a very sweet ride, enjoy your build!

  • @pdejesu2737
    @pdejesu2737 5 місяців тому

    1200 engines are easily identified. Just look at the intake manifold and the way they are attached to the cylinder head. 1300 - 1600 single port intake manifolds are different.

  • @prodabpaul8736
    @prodabpaul8736 5 місяців тому

    Really like the cream and forest green

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 5 місяців тому

      Thanks! That’s my favorite as well. My wife likes the Turquoise best so… we’ll see 😁

    • @prodabpaul8736
      @prodabpaul8736 5 місяців тому

      @@CowboyGarage well I think that's the second best. But we know a saying happy wife happy life haha

  • @janestanfield-xj7mx
    @janestanfield-xj7mx 5 місяців тому

    love to see work from older cars

  • @janestanfield-xj7mx
    @janestanfield-xj7mx 5 місяців тому

    enjoy watching

  • @richardpedersen9189
    @richardpedersen9189 5 місяців тому

    THANKS!!

  • @Scott-eo7lj
    @Scott-eo7lj 5 місяців тому

    Great video

  • @Attentiondefisomething
    @Attentiondefisomething 6 місяців тому

    “This is either a really good idea, or a really bad idea.” I’m pretty sure I’ve heard those words before. 😅

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      I’m sure you have! It’s good to hear from you old friend.

  • @tippysprojects4280
    @tippysprojects4280 6 місяців тому

    Nice video! My engine code comes up as B3138165. The body is a Karmhann Ghia but I can’t seem to confirm. Could this have been swapped from a beetle to a ghia or vice versa, or even a bus? Can you suggest year/make of my serial number? Thanks

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      Thanks! When I’m back to my office I’ll see if I can nail down your engine for sure, but these are all mostly interchangeable so engine swaps are not only possible, but they are actually very common. I’ll have some kind of answer for you tonight or tomorrow

  • @dog01b52
    @dog01b52 6 місяців тому

    What happened to the fuel line, it was dangling in the way and then removed?

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      Nice attention to detail. After fighting with it in the way for a bit I decided that I should probably replace the fuel line while I'm doing everything else and so I just removed it from the tunnel. I had filmed a bit about that and then the footage came out awful so I cut it and simply forgot to mention it in the voiceover. I'm still new to all this and learning as I go so I'll miss stuff like that from time to time. I appreciate your input and helping cover all the little details that I miss.

  • @dog01b52
    @dog01b52 6 місяців тому

    Guess I missed why the reason was to remove the rear transaxle? Weight reduction for the hoist? Didn't need to remove the transaxle for the frame head removal.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      It absolutely wasn’t necessary for the frame head repair, but it was going to happen anyway before I sandblasted the pan and as you deduced, the weight reduction (and balance) certainly didn’t hurt. I should have clarified that aspect when I was making the video, it was just one of the details that slipped through my tiny brain 😁 Thanks for pointing it out though, I appreciate the feedback.

  • @dog01b52
    @dog01b52 6 місяців тому

    As you probably have already figured it out, if the red beetle is actually a 1961 Beetle the engine code shown according to The Samba website is a 1960 engine manufactured in November of that year not as your illustration shows. I inherited my dad's 1964 Beetle and thought it was all numbers matching as he purchased it new in 1964. I found out that the engine was period correct but sadly not the original engine it was manufactured with when it left the factory. Some unsavory shop changed it while in for body work. I had purchased a VW Birth Certificate from VW Germany and found out that it was not the original engine and like I mentioned it was period correct. That's the only way to know, VW Germany will tell you if it's not the original engine but will not give you the original engine number to stop serial number fraud. I found the place that did the poor body work and the engine swap but not knowing the serial number I world not be able to locate it. Also to many years have passed when that happened. Good luck, I think it will run again.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      The red one is definitely a '61, but all I know about it's history is that it was crashed in 1970 and has supposedly been sitting ever since. There are a few sources of the ID numbers, but the one I used on the engine in that red bug was actually the engine page from the Samba and the other engines I took a screen shot from another site that listed both US and international market numbers. I did notice that the Samba page that includes VIN and front axles numbers shows it as a November 1960 engine like you pointed out. I'm not an expert on the subject matter, but my big book says that engines for the '61 production cars were made starting in August of 1960 and can be identified from late 1960 year model engines by the removable generator stand, as well as a few other details, but that's the easiest to see. It's a great question though and I may have to send off for a birth certificate just for the sake of learning. Thanks for bringing it up, I'll be sure to follow up on this and see if we can get a more definitive answer in the future. As to starting the engine, it clicked, but wouldn't turn over. The cables are terrible so I'm going to slap some new cables on it and try again, but first paying jobs have to get caught up! Maybe next week. Thanks again for the insight and have a great day.

  • @angelosmyth7186
    @angelosmyth7186 6 місяців тому

    Great idea with the engine hoist and the straps! Since the front of the body has less mass than the rear part of the body, you might have put some ballast up front to make life a bit easier - lengthening the forward straps was a good call!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 6 місяців тому

      Thanks! Sometimes you just have to get creative. Next time I’ll have a better idea of where the balance point is, but you gotta learn as you go in life. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

  • @michaelrobledo4916
    @michaelrobledo4916 7 місяців тому

    Good job interested in doing my own body work. Basics will work for me, tools setting up welder, metal gauge, etc

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Thank-you sir. Bodywork is a great thing to learn. It doesn’t take any super skills, just some patience and persistence. I appreciate you taking the time to check out my slowly growing channel.

  • @KANGBEWOK96
    @KANGBEWOK96 7 місяців тому

    Terima kasih sudah berbagi ditunggu vidio vidio selanjutnya

  • @ericknoblauch9195
    @ericknoblauch9195 7 місяців тому

    When we were kids mother had two VW's. One was a 1965, and had a 1500 engine. That 1500 would go from 135,000 to 180,000 miles. Her engine was rebuilt three times during the 27 years of ownership. Some people would just go and get a rebuilt exchange engine and install it. The VW engines were changed all the time, and I know people who put a lot of miles on them. One person I know was a VW mechanic, and put over 1,000,000 miles on a 1956 Beetle. When that Beetle rolled over the million mile mark he did say it was on the seventh rebuilt short block. The engine in the Beetle is also easy to remove. You can do it in a half hour if you are experienced, and know what you ate doing. A tune up on the Beetle was about $49.00 at the time, and there was none of the $500.00 tune up like we have on cars today.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Times have certainly changed since we were young! Thanks for sharing.

    • @boidsen
      @boidsen 7 місяців тому

      A 1965 surely had no 1500 engine, for the 1500 was introduced in 1966.

  • @ocavant
    @ocavant 7 місяців тому

    There’s no possible way you would ever rub those numbers off with a plastic brush and brake cleaner you could scrub till the end of time and those numbers would still be there😂

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      You are correct. That’s why I use the plastic brush. I’ve seen numbers rubbed off when using a steel brush on brittle magnesium cases before. The worst was watching a guy use a steel brush on a drill, it was like an eraser 😂

  • @northeastexpanse
    @northeastexpanse 7 місяців тому

    Good job man, brake cleaner and elbow grease is a magic combo!

  • @martinharris5017
    @martinharris5017 7 місяців тому

    Don't get too excited: The factory rebuilds had a reputation for rattling themselves to bits as they didn't torque them up or run them in properly. Lets put it this way: I'd pass it up in favor of one that needed rebuilding and do it myself.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Good to know. I will definitely be building the engine that I’m using. Thanks

  • @MarkBrighton-nb8je
    @MarkBrighton-nb8je 7 місяців тому

    That's what power washers for .that will clean up nice 👌! 😊😊

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      That’s definitely the easiest way!

  • @MikeMoose67
    @MikeMoose67 7 місяців тому

    Yeah, I agree that new frame head is not a dealbreaker, but I would be disappointed in those little imperfections myself

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Yes sir, disappointed is definitely the appropriate description. Some of them are somewhat understandable from a cost perspective, but some of them would not have cost any extra or at most they would have cost a couple minutes extra labor. I guess the worst part of it is that over the years I have come to accept substandard parts as the "normal" when working on old cars. To make it even worse I've found that you can pay extra for the same part and get the exact same quality as the cheap ones more often than not. Dealing with the "quality" of aftermarket parts is really a sad aspect of restoring old cars and trucks.

  • @MikeMoose67
    @MikeMoose67 7 місяців тому

    Great video. !!!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Thanks! I appreciate your feedback, have a great day!

  • @MikeMoose67
    @MikeMoose67 7 місяців тому

    I really appreciate this kind of video. Thanks for the help

  • @TimsWorkshopTJY
    @TimsWorkshopTJY 7 місяців тому

    I have a original D 40hp with no X. Took it apart and measurements look good still n the crank and case. Just replacing the bearings and lifters first and polishng the crank. The getting a stock piston and jug kit for the long block. Next build will pick up a 1600 and if good build a performance engine

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Right on, what vehicle is your 1200 going in? These are fun little engines to build and I really appreciate the modularity of the VW design philosophy. I’m mostly into old American cars and trucks, but everyone needs an old VW or two in their collection 😁

    • @TimsWorkshopTJY
      @TimsWorkshopTJY 7 місяців тому

      Just the engine for now. I grew up working and owning classic cars and trucks. 65 GMC truck, 68 vw bus, 65 Chevelle Malibu SS, 68 firebird, 67 fastback mustang 2+2, 72 Camero, 65 mustang couple and a couple 70 mustangs one for parts

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      @@TimsWorkshopTJY I was just browsing your channel, you seem to have quite the eclectic mix of projects, just like what I'm used to. I have a variety of old cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles along with the normal newer stuff that keeps the place running.

  • @benkanobe7500
    @benkanobe7500 7 місяців тому

    It'ill run!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      I’m betting it will, but it’ll be fun to find out either way. The car was last registered in 1977 and has supposedly been sitting ever since.

  • @every-istand-ophobe6320
    @every-istand-ophobe6320 7 місяців тому

    The only reason it's not common to find the exchanged engines is because most of these cars either ended up in the crusher or rotted into the ground somewhere.. because I can promise you there were a ton of these factory installed reman engines installed back in the day

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Absolutely, they were common enough back in the day. Besides the cars ending up in the crusher, another reason they are less common now is that the factory exchange program died long ago and aftermarket builders have continued to this day. Thanks for the input and have a great day!

    • @ericknoblauch9195
      @ericknoblauch9195 7 місяців тому

      I still see a lot of them on the road today in California. In California the weather did not rot cars like it does in the midwest or eastern United States. I know someone who put over 1,000,000 miles on a 1956 Beetle. During the million mile mark the engine was exchanged with a rebuilt short block 7 times.

  • @GeorgeSTANFIELD-ju5gd
    @GeorgeSTANFIELD-ju5gd 7 місяців тому

    You make it look simple. I am watching to see that engine run. I bet you can do it without much trouble.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Thank-you sir. It helps that I had a great father teaching me about cars ;)

  • @Slothman11
    @Slothman11 7 місяців тому

    I think it’ll be a challenge to get that engine running, but I’m sure you can make it happen! Then again, running and drivable are not exactly synonymous :)

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      You’re not wrong! As long as it has compression (no valves stuck open) then I’m sure I can feed it enough gas and spark to make some noise!

  • @CowboyGarage
    @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

    Howdy folks, if you need help finding the engine ID info, here is where I pulled the info for this video: www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/engine_letters.php

  • @georgestanfield7395
    @georgestanfield7395 7 місяців тому

    Talking about the age of your tools really makes me feel old. Another reason for using jack stands is that blood makes metal rust.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Yes sir, both are very valid points and it definitely makes me feel old to think about how I have coworkers who are younger than most of my tools.

  • @JosesGaraje
    @JosesGaraje 7 місяців тому

    Yes, frame restoration entails much work. I'm restoring a 78 FJ40 frame to use in a project to make a FJ45 pickup with vids on my new channel. To have a really good frame base I'll need to take out the inner frame rails, lots of rivets, to get to the inside of the outer frame rails.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 7 місяців тому

      Sounds like a fun project, those old FJs are really nice rides! I’ll have to check out your channel, thanks for stopping by 😁

    • @JosesGaraje
      @JosesGaraje 7 місяців тому

      I've been working on FJ40s since 2003, even had a FJ40 used parts business for twenty years. The beauty is that from 58-83 lots of parts are inter-changeable, @@CowboyGarage

  • @CowboyGarage
    @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

    A heads up for future content. I am putting together a series on autobody / restoration basics and techniques. This will not replace the VW project, but rather supplement the channel by adding some additional content especially focused on those who are learning the trade and/or hobby of restoring cars. If there is something you'd like to see more detailed in a future video PLEASE let me know in the comments and I will add it to the list. Next week's video is about the bare minimum tools you will need to get started along with a few money saving tips. Thank-you very much for watching and I hope you have enjoyed the content.

  • @gerikbensing
    @gerikbensing 8 місяців тому

    Smart move using that perfectly good section from the old frame for the extension. I imagine that strap idea would have taken a lot longer than theorized to make work.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      Thank-you. I try to make use of as much of the offcuts as possible. It’s often easier (like this example) and it’s just more economically and environmentally responsible to reuse/recycle when possible. Thanks for your input!

  • @Slothman11
    @Slothman11 8 місяців тому

    I see a lathe in the background that wasn’t there before. Are you making parts for the VW or is that for motorcycles? :)

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      The lathe is indeed a new addition, but not for any particular purpose (other than turning metal of course). It’s a small hobby lathe (10”x22”) so not something particularly useful for automotive work other than perhaps a spacer or some such gizmo. It might make an appearance in a future video, time will tell. Thanks for your interest!

  • @busterstravels1534
    @busterstravels1534 8 місяців тому

    Cowboy, Great job

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      Thank-you sir! I appreciate your support.

  • @Slothman11
    @Slothman11 8 місяців тому

    Good video, simple explanation of what I always thought was a complex system.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      Thanks! I simplified and omitted a few minor details just for the sake of making a video about the basics, but even if you add in the other details they really are simple systems that work well.

  • @Slothman11
    @Slothman11 8 місяців тому

    That was quick! I never knew it was that easy to pull off the body.

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      To be completely fair, this one started off stripped completely in the video. If the car was fully assembled you would have a bit more work to do, but they are simple cars regardless.

  • @CowboyGarage
    @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

    If you're working on a project and you don't have a manual then a good all-around point gap is 0.020" set with a feeler gauge. Back in the day we'd use the cover of a matchbook to set them. In a future video I'll show you some road side repairs on a points distributor to get you back up and going in the event you have a failure while out driving your classic.

  • @gerikbensing
    @gerikbensing 8 місяців тому

    Very straightforward video on how to do this. Never had to work on points before so I learned something new!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 8 місяців тому

      Thanks! I appreciate your feedback.

  • @JohnMartini
    @JohnMartini 9 місяців тому

    I had a 72 super beetle that had the frame head rot off, just like yours. My guess was that it was many years of Wisconsin road salt that did it in. I have a very pristine 66 now, always wondered about frame head replacement on that old bug, will be fun to watch your progress!

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 9 місяців тому

      Thanks! I’ve never replaced a head, but I’ve replaced hundreds of different weld in panels over the years so I’m pretty confident in the results. Thanks for watching :)

    • @JohnMartini
      @JohnMartini 9 місяців тому

      I think you absolutely made the right choice to not try a repair but replace it. I'll be curious to get your impression of the strength of the new metal vs the original. @@CowboyGarage

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 9 місяців тому

      @JohnMartini in the next big video I’ll be doing just that, along with measured thickness, weld quality and fitment quality of the replacement. Thanks for watching.

  • @hasiholansiregar790
    @hasiholansiregar790 9 місяців тому

    Please continiu your project,sir more video,,,,

  • @hasiholansiregar790
    @hasiholansiregar790 9 місяців тому

    In my country ,your frame still used,😅

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 9 місяців тому

      Greetings! Thanks for your interest. What country are you from, if you don’t mind my asking.

  • @uwusmolbean
    @uwusmolbean 9 місяців тому

    Car was run hard over rough roads a good while, (a frontal crash will damage that area also) the frame heads may still be available as a bodyshop repair piece 😊

    • @CowboyGarage
      @CowboyGarage 9 місяців тому

      The front apron shows signs of a decent impact, I agree with the crash theory. Thanks for your input!