“How do you gauge what the engine is doing” simple answer. Wind it up until the power falls off then upshift. When it lugs, downshift. Check the oil routinely. -Owner of a ‘68
Andrew Samy - not in my experience - they do leak though. The bigger issue is that because they are air cooled if you get low on oil you will over heat quickly. When the motor is real hot you know from the smell - it’s not a stench per se, just a distinct hot metallic smell
As a lover of air cooled VWs, that Super just sounds like the victim of typical neglect that these cars have suffered since the 80s. Exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, the fuel vapor line leak is very common and it sits right in front of the dash and will leak fuel into the cabin. Common issues that are easy to fix. A 1600 dual port with the later 3.88 ring and pinion will comfortably cruise at 70mph and do 90+ all out, even if the engine "sounds" like its gonna explode it won't. So the question is, if the neglect issues were fixed, what would Mr. Regular think of it then?
I was thinking the same thing. It kinda hurts to see him review a pile of neglected rust like this one. I've driven some very fun, solid and easy to drive VWs. Plus I used to own a VW based dune buggy that made me fall in love with the platform. It was a rail buggy but on vw suspension and with a built up single port, single carb 1776cc engine making a whopping 63hp. And because it only weighed 900 pounds, it was fast and fun to drive. But I had big disk brakes, good high quality fuel lines, filter and pump, a Scat shifter and skift linkage and the buggy was an absolute pleasure to drive. I learned to adjust the lifters with every oil change at 2500 miles and simply love the engine and transmission from the beetle. And I have been wanting my own beetle ever since. Fully intending to add disk brakes, and other mild mods to get the most from the car.
i had the same opion on his Porshce 944 review, he got like the worst example possible, with vacuum leaks and engine troubles, along with a clutch that was going.
There's a lot of arcane knowledge that Beetle/Super Beetle owners know about their Bugs. Like... 4th gear is a slight overdrive, and only suitable for highway driving. There are tiny little marks on the speedo at the various shift points, so having a working one is very helpful. And driving one at speed is all about energy management - you don't want to lose too much speed in corners. And a bunch of other stuff. (Like that it _does_ have self-canceling turn signals; this car is in rough shape in so many ways, and the turn signal lever is just one of them.) - Former owner of a 1971 Super Beetle that's still in the family
I drove a '74 Super Beetle during college in the early 80's. Please find a better maintained example before finalizing your view of the original Beetle. Mine would cruise all day long at 70 mph.
Totally agree - he really roasted it in the review, which I think was totally unfair as he didn't take into account how bad off this one was. I daily a '73 Super, and it could do 75, even 80, no problem - even before I put the turbo on it. It's probably one of very few cars that old that still makes a good daily.
Those old Bugs always smell like fuel, with or without leaks. When the carb is directly below the rear window shelf - and that shelf probably isn't exactly sealing the car's interior from the engine compartment - the result is that "eau de olde car" smell. :-)
I thought the shell sealed really well - hence why they float. Also there used to be, decades ago, an urban myth that said if you shut the door with the windows closed you could temporarily knacker your hearing because of the air pressure!
Yup. I learned to drive on one & drove them for years & they never smelled of gas. Of course, my Dad maintained them and he was a super careful aircraft mechanic. Great fun to drive!
This thing is very rough, and not sure if it's a super thing or something. We used to have a 1200 model back in the day, roughly the same year of production and it had no issues at all, not with shaking, tuning or overheating, ran like a champ. The heating was horrible though, there are 2 vents down at the passengers feet that bring the heat from the engine into the cabin. Takes ages to get confiy in the winter. I feel this car is just neglected as fuck both the way it looks and runs, a well maintained one should be a much better experience.
I can't help but think the same. This is a rough example. And I wish it wasn't a super. My standard 70' bug has a 1300cc motor and runs much cooler. The 1600cc motor is widely rumored to run much hotter.
I have a '73 Super that I've put a lot of restoration effort into. This one is in really rough shape, in good shape the Super is a great car. 1600 doesn't necessarily run hot, just can't expect it to go straight up mountain passes at full speed (couldn't really expect that of any car of that vintage, air or water cooled). In good shape, the Super handles amazingly well. His final review of it was really unfair, as he didn't even seem to consider it's rough shape and thought they were all crappy cars.
He is a contrarian at heart and see this as an over appreciated car from an enthusiast's perspective. Beetle's are slow and handle poorly. You expect nothing but sappy praise and milked nostalgia but he delivers opinionated yet informed reviews.
@@flashfilibuster5382 Yeah, I'm not in love with VW Beeltes either but I expected a much, much more informed, historical review considering the undeniable success of it. This one just seemed lazy, like anyone can point out why the cars are now shit. Maybe that's in context to the "Super" and not the orig?
I’ve owned half a dozen air cooled bugs. If you know what your doing and take care of them properly they are cheap reliable cars, I daily drove them for years, The only thing that ever stranded me for 5 minutes was a snapped throttle cable. I never had gas smell in any of my bugs, replace your fuel tank sender seal and breather hoses. Idk how this guy had a vw and had all these issues, literally the easiest car to work on. Love is all it takes to keep a Aircooled Volkswagen happy, the first lesson John Muir explains is the key to your volkswagens heart is in your toolbox. Side note I also had an oil bath air cleaner fall off and dump oil onto the engine and catch fire, don’t be an idiot always keep a fire extinguisher, never use plastic fuel filters in a engine compartment.
The fuel smell is from not replacing the fuel lines to the gas tank in the front depending on the year there are a few lines in there to check and replace when it smells once u do that it doesn't smell like gas. Replace the 12-1600 CC stock motor with something like a 1776 or higher make sure if it doesn't already have IRS suspension to get IRS installed replace the tires with thicker ones and if ur really concerned disc brakes on all 4 not just the front and you'd have a pretty decent daily driver if you can get over not having an airbag just drive like your driving a motorcycle and you'll be fine. :)
That car looks pretty rough. I drove a '69 Beetle in high school. The brakes actually were self-adjusting, and generally stopped pretty well. His adjusters are probably frozen. It also didn't smell like gas all the time. It seems as if his tank vent is not working properly. I did have problems with the wiper motor, and the heater definitely wasn't great.
I'm not aware of them ever having self-adjusting drum brakes, my '73 Super didn't have them and I never read anything about any having self-adjusters. It required occasional adjustment - or frequent adjustments if the tabs were broken, and the adjusters (manual) were prone to seizing. This was one of the cost-saving things they did on them, similar to how it requires periodic valve adjustments. I eventually converted mine to discs all around, partially because I was tired of adjusting them and partially because I wanted better stopping power. Very worthwhile upgrade, install and forget until the pads wear down.
I've heard it's supposedly rated for cruising at 79. I don't think he was topping out at 45, that was just the fastest he could go on these roads, barely getting into 4th. Though this car was obviously in bad shape.
If your speedometer not working and there are no markers on speedometer for gear changes you listen to your engine.....simple. Look, this aren't racing cars but you can really enjoy driving them and get most of that engine by precise gear changing. Like any other car, if you don't keep up with maintenance? those issues will make the experience less enjoyable. I think if you really loved playing with toy cars as a kid and making broom broom and race car noises you will totally get rear engine aircooled cars, specially a classic VW. That was a great little ride on a beetle.
I owned a '68 which I bought in '71 for 7 years. They were and are great cars. Simple to keep up. It taught me how to shift and it had no problem with 65 mph. I would get 35 mpg at 55 and 28 mpg at 70. It took me all over the country. I still drive a manual to this day and have never burned out a clutch. I maintained it and the only repair was new brushes for the generator. It broke down one time and that turned out to be that the points closed. that was it.
My first car was a '73 Superbeetle, so this is a real memory trip for me. Most of his complaints are easy maintenance items, and it's obvious from the video of the rear end that the muffler is totally shot (presumably heater boxes too). They're fun cars that drive like a go-kart, and dead simple to maintain. it really was a perfect gateway to car mechanicals. When i blew the engine in mine i replaced it in our driveway in about 2 hours.
1967 bug was my 1st car $300 towed it home w/a pickup load of parts it was dissembled. I bought it the weekend before I started high school. In 6 months I rebuilt 1600cc engine & had it running. The whole sound of a Bug is the 2 chrome exhaust extensions coming out of the muffler A Bug Is like driving a go cart & it will corner really well. You just need to give it more throttle bringing your RPM up much higher before you shift. 4th is for cruising not for Accelerating. Bugs are Great Fun to do Donuts in because the passenger feels like it's going to flip & you can yank the emergency brake & Spin/Whip it Around
Fantastic cars once you get the hang of it. Upgrading the power is a slippery slope you'll end up having to do everything suspension brakes, rollcage, wheels etc. Best love it for what it is near stock, ex owner of a 1956 model :-)
Mr. Regular not sure if you’re going to see this, but I just came back from watching Ol’ Heller’s eulogy again. I find myself watching it when I get far back in the first seasons of RCR. It never fails to make me feel a bit sad. As French existentialism says, all things end in death, but I’m glad you were able to give that car its meaning through placing value in it. That video carries meaning with me, and I’m so glad that so many others believed you guys to be worthy enough to keep RCR going through the donations and the eventual purchase of Silicone Sally. I’ve loved watching you guys grow as a channel and can not wait to consume more of your content in the future. Take care Roman and Mr. Regular! -A thankful fan
My buddy Jeff in WI Dells makes wiring harnesses for Subaru to VW swap under the name Autoventures LLC. He's by far the best. There is a lot of variation on Subaru harnesses from year to year, so if you build one yourself make sure you know the year your working with and get the correct pin out diagrams. From what I've heard a Subaru in a beetle with some suspension to match is a hoot to drive.
So in this video he seems to really like it, while in his review he sounded like he hated it. As an owner of one, they really are a lot of fun, and there's a lot of ways to make them more powerful that are easier than putting a Subaru engine in as that requires installing a radiator in a car with no place for one. I put a turbo on mine, and that makes it a total blast to drive, works surprisingly well. And that's my daily. The excessive swaying could be due to worn shocks, from the review he did on this car it sounded like it was in pretty bad shape. The Super Beetles actually handle really good.
Yeah this thing needs a lot of work. I get my mechanicals completely sorted on my vintage cars before tackling or even maintaining aesthetics. There’s no rewarding to owning a classic if it drives in a terrifying manner.
Try driving one for the first time when you're not used to driving a clutch/stick. That's what I'm doing, slowly learning with a 40HP 64 baja. And it has an on-off-on switch for the turn signals.
It would have been advantageous to test a car in decent condition. In Germany this example would never pass its HU / MOT / roadworthiness test in such deplorable condition.
@@1SaG To be fair, I look for either another Ford-era Jaguar or a Mercedes of a similar vintage in Germany right now . Not a single car on sale in my area has been properly maintained throughout its life. It is atrocious what people do, or not do, to their cars! Having the money to buy a car should also mean having the money to properly maintain it.
@@FuelInjectionSucks That's unbelievable! I assume rust (thanks to salted roads) is just as much as an issue as it is in Southern Germany (where rust actually did our last car in)
Dude, I'm born and raised in Florida but my whole family is from your area. Its awesome to hear Summit Station (I inherited a farm on Fair rd there) and Kutztown and goddamn I miss kowaloneks !!
That's what it was like when I drove a SmartCar, every time I reached for the gearshift I would grab my passenger's knee. I'm sure he thought I was coming on to him...
my first car was a 72 Beetle purchased in 78 for $450 with 30k miles...loved it!, yes it was great to drive, yes it was quirky, the shifter is vague and all that made it still my favorite car and with the Autobahn you think Germans would make a car that can't handle highway driving? c'mon
So you’d never driven a Beetle before that Karmann Ghia review? Do you realize how unusual that is? Most Millenials and younger Gen Xers aren’t even aware that the Karmann Ghia existed, there aren’t that many of them left on the road.
Shift into second at 20 mph 3rd around 30mph and 4th at 50 mph. Strong smell of fuel could be a leak or running super rich. Fix that speedo it's a simple cable from speedo to the front left wheel
I had a beetle with fuel injection, it even had a fancy script badge; it was pretty quick compared to what I've heard about these. Maybe it had some performance modifications, i don't know; I junked it when the floor rusted out so bad the door gaps were a lot bigger at the bottom than the top.
5:43 the left windshield wiper´s spring is off its hook.. that´s the only problem. Lift up the arm, hook it again and problem solve... I have similar ones on my (argentinian) '77 Falcon..
The owner should sort out the fuel fume issues😐. This is the type of guy who runs his cars into the ground and doesn’t give a fuck about maintaining them. Doesn’t deserve to own a bug.
Kinda fun to watch younger people try to figure Beetles out. This guy needs to check the fuel lines and the thermostat that controls the flaps for engine cooling.
That the harmonics from the tires. (A.k.a. Tire noise) Causing that hum sound. At a curtain speed. It causes some sympathetic harmonics is the car somewhere else. A tire change for something else could change that. Talk with the VW communities online to figure out what tires could eliminate that.
Crappy review. It's how people used to get around. My mom thought nothing of loading my bro in me in our '62 and taking a 200 mile round trip to the nearest shopping center, and the trip also involved going over a mountain pass with a 2500' vertical rise (Jackson WY to Idaho Falls ID and back). When that bug (actually, a super beetle) was on the showroom floor, people bought it because it did what they wanted it to do - get them from A to B and back. They lived more basically, and were more self-reliant/less needy.
smells of gas, no speedo, wipers not working, funny noise at rear at 35 mph, dynamo not charging around town, back firing engine, what else? Get it fixed and tuned up Justin, they are super driving cars this is a bad example with simple faults letting it down. Despite that the driver is digging it!
My 1972 Citroen makes 35hp from a 2 cylinder 600cc engine. That has a 3 cylinder 1600cc and only makes 60hp! The French certainly had a one up over the Germans on this one.
There's a broad range of opinions about all sorts of things to select from in the grey area between "awesome" and "sucks" and there are many vehicles that I think might be fun to drive one time that I wouldn't want to own or drive regularly.
I does suck. But it’s little. Light. Had Responsive steering. And has no balls. So you really have to milk it to get up that upcoming hill. And charge it from way back at “ramming speed” So that’s what make it it’s engaging. When you have to prepare and anticipate every stop or hill so much more because everything sucks it make it much more engaging to drive. And not so much expected to handle everything pretty well like a modern car can. So it makes Newer cars just feel to boring. And basically just A to B transportation in comparison. Where as through a small sh!tbox making you pay attention to everything wakes you up and feels more enjoyment. Let me ask you this. What makes you feel more exited a drive at 20% a cars limits? Or driving a car at 80-90+% of a cars limits? Because just daily driving this car in today’s traffic is pushing it 80-90% everywhere you drive. All of the time. Making it much more eye opening adrenaline pumping of a drive than a new 185hp sedan. So yes it suck at handling hills, highways, and stops. So it’s a horrible car by comparison. However it’s that same “suck” that makes it so damn engaging and enjoyable that your making it work. Or that you safely mad it to your destination. (Or around the corner at 40mph...lol)
Everything you describe (complain about) is a classic poorly maintained beetle. p.s. That car *has* an alternator. It was easily noticeable in the review video. Generators are cylindrical, the Bosch alternators are "lumpy" behind the pulley.
My dad has a 1958 bug. I have been a beetle guy since my youth and the smell of feul, the engine noise and the simplicity don't bother me. If you don't like those things. Than a bug isn't for you.
Hahaha, my first car was a baby blue '67 (I think? It was a long time ago... Actually I'm told now it was a '72) Super Beetle and boy howdy did watching this take me back... I was a Chinese Food Delivery Boy in High School so that thing got ALOT of fucking miles put on it and everyone knew me.
It's interesting how Americans regard Vochitos in a much more mystical aura, while most Mexicans merely saw them as just another daily driver, and taxis.
I love how people go to war to defend this car.. Honestly by 70s beetle had no chance no space no heat no power loud as hell and over all design was laughable with buggy like seating postion engines are meh yeah simple but not exactly dead reliable..
“How do you gauge what the engine is doing” simple answer. Wind it up until the power falls off then upshift. When it lugs, downshift. Check the oil routinely. -Owner of a ‘68
Do these engines eat oil?
Andrew Samy - not in my experience - they do leak though. The bigger issue is that because they are air cooled if you get low on oil you will over heat quickly. When the motor is real hot you know from the smell - it’s not a stench per se, just a distinct hot metallic smell
@@mikederucki doin god's work mate
my first car was a 68 beetle. bought it for 300 in 78 and sold it for 600 4 years later. only car I ever made money on
Agreed. Even the 34 PICT carb is gonna limit the power before you strain it.
-currently own a bus and 2 bugs, have had 12 other bugs
As a lover of air cooled VWs, that Super just sounds like the victim of typical neglect that these cars have suffered since the 80s. Exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, the fuel vapor line leak is very common and it sits right in front of the dash and will leak fuel into the cabin.
Common issues that are easy to fix. A 1600 dual port with the later 3.88 ring and pinion will comfortably cruise at 70mph and do 90+ all out, even if the engine "sounds" like its gonna explode it won't. So the question is, if the neglect issues were fixed, what would Mr. Regular think of it then?
I was thinking the same thing. It kinda hurts to see him review a pile of neglected rust like this one. I've driven some very fun, solid and easy to drive VWs. Plus I used to own a VW based dune buggy that made me fall in love with the platform. It was a rail buggy but on vw suspension and with a built up single port, single carb 1776cc engine making a whopping 63hp. And because it only weighed 900 pounds, it was fast and fun to drive. But I had big disk brakes, good high quality fuel lines, filter and pump, a Scat shifter and skift linkage and the buggy was an absolute pleasure to drive. I learned to adjust the lifters with every oil change at 2500 miles and simply love the engine and transmission from the beetle. And I have been wanting my own beetle ever since.
Fully intending to add disk brakes, and other mild mods to get the most from the car.
i had the same opion on his Porshce 944 review, he got like the worst example possible, with vacuum leaks and engine troubles, along with a clutch that was going.
There's a lot of arcane knowledge that Beetle/Super Beetle owners know about their Bugs. Like... 4th gear is a slight overdrive, and only suitable for highway driving. There are tiny little marks on the speedo at the various shift points, so having a working one is very helpful. And driving one at speed is all about energy management - you don't want to lose too much speed in corners. And a bunch of other stuff. (Like that it _does_ have self-canceling turn signals; this car is in rough shape in so many ways, and the turn signal lever is just one of them.)
- Former owner of a 1971 Super Beetle that's still in the family
I drove a '74 Super Beetle during college in the early 80's. Please find a better maintained example before finalizing your view of the original Beetle. Mine would cruise all day long at 70 mph.
David Vanderson yup I agree!
Drove one during my college years in the late 80's too.
Totally agree - he really roasted it in the review, which I think was totally unfair as he didn't take into account how bad off this one was. I daily a '73 Super, and it could do 75, even 80, no problem - even before I put the turbo on it. It's probably one of very few cars that old that still makes a good daily.
That fuel leak should be fixed as soon as possible before the car ends up in flames.
No kidding.
He wisely sold it already.
Taunuslunatic afraid of him having one hot beetle?
Those old Bugs always smell like fuel, with or without leaks. When the carb is directly below the rear window shelf - and that shelf probably isn't exactly sealing the car's interior from the engine compartment - the result is that "eau de olde car" smell. :-)
I thought the shell sealed really well - hence why they float. Also there used to be, decades ago, an urban myth that said if you shut the door with the windows closed you could temporarily knacker your hearing because of the air pressure!
Yup. I learned to drive on one & drove them for years & they never smelled of gas. Of course, my Dad maintained them and he was a super careful aircraft mechanic. Great fun to drive!
This thing is very rough, and not sure if it's a super thing or something. We used to have a 1200 model back in the day, roughly the same year of production and it had no issues at all, not with shaking, tuning or overheating, ran like a champ. The heating was horrible though, there are 2 vents down at the passengers feet that bring the heat from the engine into the cabin. Takes ages to get confiy in the winter. I feel this car is just neglected as fuck both the way it looks and runs, a well maintained one should be a much better experience.
I can't help but think the same. This is a rough example. And I wish it wasn't a super. My standard 70' bug has a 1300cc motor and runs much cooler. The 1600cc motor is widely rumored to run much hotter.
To be fair, a well maintained anything is a better experience than a horribly maintained one.
I have a '73 Super that I've put a lot of restoration effort into. This one is in really rough shape, in good shape the Super is a great car. 1600 doesn't necessarily run hot, just can't expect it to go straight up mountain passes at full speed (couldn't really expect that of any car of that vintage, air or water cooled). In good shape, the Super handles amazingly well. His final review of it was really unfair, as he didn't even seem to consider it's rough shape and thought they were all crappy cars.
"I dig it, I totally like this thing!" REVIEW: SLAM!!!!!!
To be fair, the drive bits are filmed before the reviews, so the initial high wears off in time to be more realistic.
He is a contrarian at heart and see this as an over appreciated car from an enthusiast's perspective. Beetle's are slow and handle poorly. You expect nothing but sappy praise and milked nostalgia but he delivers opinionated yet informed reviews.
@@flashfilibuster5382 Yeah, I'm not in love with VW Beeltes either but I expected a much, much more informed, historical review considering the undeniable success of it. This one just seemed lazy, like anyone can point out why the cars are now shit. Maybe that's in context to the "Super" and not the orig?
Mr. Regular has always liked to tear the cars the everybody likes apart. Thats just his style.
@@flashfilibuster5382 No he does not know what he is talking about and drove a pos
I’ve owned half a dozen air cooled bugs. If you know what your doing and take care of them properly they are cheap reliable cars, I daily drove them for years, The only thing that ever stranded me for 5 minutes was a snapped throttle cable. I never had gas smell in any of my bugs, replace your fuel tank sender seal and breather hoses. Idk how this guy had a vw and had all these issues, literally the easiest car to work on. Love is all it takes to keep a Aircooled Volkswagen happy, the first lesson John Muir explains is the key to your volkswagens heart is in your toolbox. Side note I also had an oil bath air cleaner fall off and dump oil onto the engine and catch fire, don’t be an idiot always keep a fire extinguisher, never use plastic fuel filters in a engine compartment.
DiabloDrift Exactly!! I have owned many, never an issue!
Sempai!
1:46 the perfect car for making a move
A move toward getting rear-ended by a car going the speed limit! 8-)))))
My friends beetle doesn't smell like gas, so that one might be thinking of going ferrari
I think the gas smell usually comes from the gas cap not being tightened down all the way so the gas smell leaks out
The fuel smell is from not replacing the fuel lines to the gas tank in the front depending on the year there are a few lines in there to check and replace when it smells once u do that it doesn't smell like gas. Replace the 12-1600 CC stock motor with something like a 1776 or higher make sure if it doesn't already have IRS suspension to get IRS installed replace the tires with thicker ones and if ur really concerned disc brakes on all 4 not just the front and you'd have a pretty decent daily driver if you can get over not having an airbag just drive like your driving a motorcycle and you'll be fine. :)
alexander maines The 1776 is a great daily engine! Dependable and nice power
" 2:13 "Man, that smell of fuel, I'll tell you what" -Hank HIll
That car looks pretty rough. I drove a '69 Beetle in high school. The brakes actually were self-adjusting, and generally stopped pretty well. His adjusters are probably frozen. It also didn't smell like gas all the time. It seems as if his tank vent is not working properly. I did have problems with the wiper motor, and the heater definitely wasn't great.
I'm not aware of them ever having self-adjusting drum brakes, my '73 Super didn't have them and I never read anything about any having self-adjusters. It required occasional adjustment - or frequent adjustments if the tabs were broken, and the adjusters (manual) were prone to seizing. This was one of the cost-saving things they did on them, similar to how it requires periodic valve adjustments. I eventually converted mine to discs all around, partially because I was tired of adjusting them and partially because I wanted better stopping power. Very worthwhile upgrade, install and forget until the pads wear down.
The 1600 DP is speced to run continuously at 68 MPH. If you can only get 45 in 4th something is wrong
And with the 3.88 ring and pinion a 1600 will do 90+
I wrapped the speedo with a sloppy 1641 in my super beetle.
@@daftend 3.88 at 90 is well north of 5k RPM. Without a better crank you are into serious valve float and risking crank detonation
@InfiniteMushroom honestly, it seems like a perfect representation of the current average beetle. And I say that as an owner of a nicer one....
I've heard it's supposedly rated for cruising at 79. I don't think he was topping out at 45, that was just the fastest he could go on these roads, barely getting into 4th. Though this car was obviously in bad shape.
@@quillmaurer6563 79 in a 1600dp is pretty rough on the engine to do continuously. That is basicaly full on redline on a stock car
If your speedometer not working and there are no markers on speedometer for gear changes you listen to your engine.....simple. Look, this aren't racing cars but you can really enjoy driving them and get most of that engine by precise gear changing. Like any other car, if you don't keep up with maintenance? those issues will make the experience less enjoyable.
I think if you really loved playing with toy cars as a kid and making broom broom and race car noises you will totally get rear engine aircooled cars, specially a classic VW.
That was a great little ride on a beetle.
I owned a '68 which I bought in '71 for 7 years. They were and are great cars. Simple to keep up. It taught me how to shift and it had no problem with 65 mph. I would get 35 mpg at 55 and 28 mpg at 70. It took me all over the country. I still drive a manual to this day and have never burned out a clutch. I maintained it and the only repair was new brushes for the generator. It broke down one time and that turned out to be that the points closed. that was it.
My first car was a '73 Superbeetle, so this is a real memory trip for me. Most of his complaints are easy maintenance items, and it's obvious from the video of the rear end that the muffler is totally shot (presumably heater boxes too). They're fun cars that drive like a go-kart, and dead simple to maintain. it really was a perfect gateway to car mechanicals. When i blew the engine in mine i replaced it in our driveway in about 2 hours.
I don't think a poorly maintained bug is fair...
Also, as I said in the other video... That car *DOES* have an alternator! You can see it in the engine pics, plus alts were factory for super beetles.
@@DurocSharkis there a version that used a generator? If not why would he just pull that out of nowhere?
1967 bug was my 1st car $300 towed it home w/a pickup load of parts it was dissembled.
I bought it the weekend before I started high school.
In 6 months I rebuilt 1600cc engine & had it running. The whole sound of a Bug is the 2 chrome exhaust extensions coming out of the muffler
A Bug Is like driving a go cart & it will corner really well.
You just need to give it more throttle bringing your RPM up much higher before you shift. 4th is for cruising not for Accelerating.
Bugs are Great Fun to do Donuts in because the passenger feels like it's going to flip & you can yank the emergency brake & Spin/Whip it Around
A '74 came with an alternator, not a generator.
was about to say...i owned a 74 super bug and it had an alternator
eric p Yup I have a 73 and it has a alternator
You can clearly see the alternator when they look at the engine
I learned how to drive in a 1970 VW Beetle and it was a fun little car to drive on country roads.
Fantastic cars once you get the hang of it. Upgrading the power is a slippery slope you'll end up having to do everything suspension brakes, rollcage, wheels etc. Best love it for what it is near stock, ex owner of a 1956 model :-)
Orange is a very '70s colour, most cars from the '70s I've seen are either 50 shades of brown, Orange or Green...
Mr. Regular not sure if you’re going to see this, but I just came back from watching Ol’ Heller’s eulogy again. I find myself watching it when I get far back in the first seasons of RCR. It never fails to make me feel a bit sad. As French existentialism says, all things end in death, but I’m glad you were able to give that car its meaning through placing value in it. That video carries meaning with me, and I’m so glad that so many others believed you guys to be worthy enough to keep RCR going through the donations and the eventual purchase of Silicone Sally. I’ve loved watching you guys grow as a channel and can not wait to consume more of your content in the future. Take care Roman and Mr. Regular!
-A thankful fan
I daily drive a 66 beetle and it sounds NOTHING like that lol
falconlover 157 They make great daily drivers
My buddy Jeff in WI Dells makes wiring harnesses for Subaru to VW swap under the name Autoventures LLC. He's by far the best. There is a lot of variation on Subaru harnesses from year to year, so if you build one yourself make sure you know the year your working with and get the correct pin out diagrams. From what I've heard a Subaru in a beetle with some suspension to match is a hoot to drive.
So in this video he seems to really like it, while in his review he sounded like he hated it. As an owner of one, they really are a lot of fun, and there's a lot of ways to make them more powerful that are easier than putting a Subaru engine in as that requires installing a radiator in a car with no place for one. I put a turbo on mine, and that makes it a total blast to drive, works surprisingly well. And that's my daily. The excessive swaying could be due to worn shocks, from the review he did on this car it sounded like it was in pretty bad shape. The Super Beetles actually handle really good.
I had one with a 120 hp motor in it. Was a death trap 😂
Yeah this thing needs a lot of work. I get my mechanicals completely sorted on my vintage cars before tackling or even maintaining aesthetics. There’s no rewarding to owning a classic if it drives in a terrifying manner.
Try driving one for the first time when you're not used to driving a clutch/stick. That's what I'm doing, slowly learning with a 40HP 64 baja. And it has an on-off-on switch for the turn signals.
It would have been advantageous to test a car in decent condition. In Germany this example would never pass its HU / MOT / roadworthiness test in such deplorable condition.
Yup. Americans like to really neglect their cars, then complain that the cars are unreliable when they break down ... :D
@@1SaG
To be fair, I look for either another Ford-era Jaguar or a Mercedes of a similar vintage in Germany right now . Not a single car on sale in my area has been properly maintained throughout its life. It is atrocious what people do, or not do, to their cars!
Having the money to buy a car should also mean having the money to properly maintain it.
This car is in decent shape for a Pennsylvania car, classic bug or not. There is some real garbage here that we are just used to driving.
@@FuelInjectionSucks
That's unbelievable! I assume rust (thanks to salted roads) is just as much as an issue as it is in Southern Germany (where rust actually did our last car in)
@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X they started using a salt "brine" liquid. There are late 2000s vehicles breaking in half from rust here.
Dude, I'm born and raised in Florida but my whole family is from your area. Its awesome to hear Summit Station (I inherited a farm on Fair rd there) and Kutztown and goddamn I miss kowaloneks !!
That's what it was like when I drove a SmartCar, every time I reached for the gearshift I would grab my passenger's knee. I'm sure he thought I was coming on to him...
I thought any passenger climbing into a smart would expect some leg touching and maybe a handy.
I'm glad people are beginning to agree this Beetle in particular was a very poor example to use.
True
You talked it down so much in the official video but here you straight up lovin it!
If you're not doing hwy driving this thing is awesome, lol.
my first car was a 72 Beetle purchased in 78 for $450 with 30k miles...loved it!, yes it was great to drive, yes it was quirky, the shifter is vague and all that made it still my favorite car and with the Autobahn you think Germans would make a car that can't handle highway driving? c'mon
1:28 is how my friends describe my 1973 vw super beetle sounds lol
The Super Beetle is almost not a classic Beetle...it was an almost completely different car!
open up the little windows and that helps with getting rid of the gas smell inside
it sounds like a combination of a Subaru and a lawnmower
It's a flat four after all.
its a porsche for the massess
Back in the '80s, Subarus used to sound like lawnmowers as well.
So you’d never driven a Beetle before that Karmann Ghia review? Do you realize how unusual that is? Most Millenials and younger Gen Xers aren’t even aware that the Karmann Ghia existed, there aren’t that many of them left on the road.
Shift into second at 20 mph 3rd around 30mph and 4th at 50 mph. Strong smell of fuel could be a leak or running super rich. Fix that speedo it's a simple cable from speedo to the front left wheel
I had a beetle with fuel injection, it even had a fancy script badge; it was pretty quick compared to what I've heard about these. Maybe it had some performance modifications, i don't know; I junked it when the floor rusted out so bad the door gaps were a lot bigger at the bottom than the top.
5:43 the left windshield wiper´s spring is off its hook.. that´s the only problem. Lift up the arm, hook it again and problem solve... I have similar ones on my (argentinian) '77 Falcon..
The owner should sort out the fuel fume issues😐. This is the type of guy who runs his cars into the ground and doesn’t give a fuck about maintaining them. Doesn’t deserve to own a bug.
Facts
Yay for getting afterfires right! Most people still call them backfires.
That humming noise they talk about is from the roof rack.
Kinda fun to watch younger people try to figure Beetles out. This guy needs to check the fuel lines and the thermostat that controls the flaps for engine cooling.
That the harmonics from the tires. (A.k.a. Tire noise) Causing that hum sound. At a curtain speed. It causes some sympathetic harmonics is the car somewhere else. A tire change for something else could change that. Talk with the VW communities online to figure out what tires could eliminate that.
That makes sense, it started when I put those tires on it.
Crappy review. It's how people used to get around. My mom thought nothing of loading my bro in me in our '62 and taking a 200 mile round trip to the nearest shopping center, and the trip also involved going over a mountain pass with a 2500' vertical rise (Jackson WY to Idaho Falls ID and back). When that bug (actually, a super beetle) was on the showroom floor, people bought it because it did what they wanted it to do - get them from A to B and back. They lived more basically, and were more self-reliant/less needy.
I own and drive a 1971 bug great fun!
It’s so terrible that now I want a Bug
@InfiniteMushroom but the rebuild parts are pocket change cheap haha
@InfiniteMushroom "rebuilding completely" is like 4 bushings, a ball joint, tie rod ends, and a steering damper lol
smells of gas, no speedo, wipers not working, funny noise at rear at 35 mph, dynamo not charging around town, back firing engine, what else? Get it fixed and tuned up Justin, they are super driving cars this is a bad example with simple faults letting it down. Despite that the driver is digging it!
the other guy reminds me of Carl from Slingblade... mmmhmm
I had a '74 Super Beetle... it was a fun piece of shit to drive, I miss it sometimes.
Mmm hmmm.
@@afrosheenix biscuits and mustard... mmmhmm
@@DaveSomething reckon you got any of them fried taters in there?
Looks fun to drive.
Owned a '66 beetle. Video reminds me why i've never missed it.
You're worried about highway-driving? Try driving an old Beetle in the rain .... :D
its terrifying 🤣
78 rabbit is a similar experience.
I have hydroplaned a Karmann Ghia. More than once. Ended up facing backwards on an LA freeway. Fun times.
Those throws are exceptionally long
My 1972 Citroen makes 35hp from a 2 cylinder 600cc engine. That has a 3 cylinder 1600cc and only makes 60hp! The French certainly had a one up over the Germans on this one.
A bug definitely has a 4 cylinder
How the fuck do you build a 3-cylinder boxer engine, genius?
In the review posted today you said that the beetle is basically trash, here you are enjoying the ride... I don't understand.
MAXEL trash is fun sometimes
There's a broad range of opinions about all sorts of things to select from in the grey area between "awesome" and "sucks" and there are many vehicles that I think might be fun to drive one time that I wouldn't want to own or drive regularly.
I does suck. But it’s little. Light. Had Responsive steering. And has no balls. So you really have to milk it to get up that upcoming hill. And charge it from way back at “ramming speed” So that’s what make it it’s engaging. When you have to prepare and anticipate every stop or hill so much more because everything sucks it make it much more engaging to drive. And not so much expected to handle everything pretty well like a modern car can. So it makes
Newer cars just feel to boring. And basically just A to B transportation in comparison. Where as through a small sh!tbox making you pay attention to everything wakes you up and feels more enjoyment. Let me ask you this. What makes you feel more exited a drive at 20% a cars limits? Or driving a car at 80-90+% of a cars limits? Because just daily driving this car in today’s traffic is pushing it 80-90% everywhere you drive. All of the time. Making it much more eye opening adrenaline pumping of a drive than a new 185hp sedan. So yes it suck at handling hills, highways, and stops. So it’s a horrible car by comparison. However it’s that same “suck” that makes it so damn engaging and enjoyable that your making it work. Or that you safely mad it to your destination. (Or around the corner at 40mph...lol)
If the steering is touchy, it is because the front tires are over inflated.
These 2 are great together, I wonder when Justin got rid of the rabbit
I live 5 minutes from this guy. only rcr could provide this
Everything you describe (complain about) is a classic poorly maintained beetle.
p.s. That car *has* an alternator. It was easily noticeable in the review video. Generators are cylindrical, the Bosch alternators are "lumpy" behind the pulley.
My dad has a 1958 bug. I have been a beetle guy since my youth and the smell of feul, the engine noise and the simplicity don't bother me. If you don't like those things. Than a bug isn't for you.
5:09 No, you're describing the original Porsche 356.
Looks fun
now you need to drive some vintage subarus!
What a time capsule:)
I still want one 😅
Hey guys, never top speed with a beetle on a highway my Dad's Bug burned by doing that
I think u really need to drive a well sorted one, it may differ your opinion on them. Or maybe not
Hahaha, my first car was a baby blue '67 (I think? It was a long time ago... Actually I'm told now it was a '72) Super Beetle and boy howdy did watching this take me back... I was a Chinese Food Delivery Boy in High School so that thing got ALOT of fucking miles put on it and everyone knew me.
Poor example of a beetle
“Smells like gas inside” hahaha sniff sniff
have all the Toronto videos posted?
What is that white stuff in the corners of the windshield? my beetle also has that.
Likely delamination of the safety glass' plastic layer
LOL "Speedometer currently not giving me any data"
The car you see at every car show, but in reality, you're never actually excited to see.
In reality, it's what I'm looking for against the backdrop of pro-street winga dingas
O, I didn't know Nissan made the bug dash
can you fix the cooling on your classic car pls
Fill the oil and check the gas, you get used to it...
7:57...that's called a 911 :)
Gotta love how someone who calls himself a "car reviewer" can't tell the difference between an alternator and a generator 🙄
Isn’t that the guy from fuel injection sucks. He’s the guy with the diesel Rabbit.
It's interesting how Americans regard Vochitos in a much more mystical aura, while most Mexicans merely saw them as just another daily driver, and taxis.
Sounds like a Subaru without those chirpy pipes.
Can you find an alfa romeo 105 coupe to do a re view on please.
Come drive my 16v GTI. It does not smell like crayons or radiator fluid!
Car tells you no smoking!
Why the hell did Justin buy this thing. lol
I love how people go to war to defend this car.. Honestly by 70s beetle had no chance no space no heat no power loud as hell and over all design was laughable with buggy like seating postion engines are meh yeah simple but not exactly dead reliable..
Sounds like it has a wheel bearing going bad.
*They're really good off road
Car VSauce!
Dodge uses orange.
👍
Thats 70s i prefer 60s
I've always liked the sound of these. I would never own one though.
The 70s bugs were not built as well.