There is something about these cars that I can't help but smile every time I see one, I mean seriously, they ain't exactly a fancy sports car or something like that, but something... *SOMETHING* in them makes me happy.
I wasn't the 1st owner nor do I know what number I was to a 1971 AutoStick VW Beetle and I saw so many people smiling and waving as well as a regular supply of horn beeps as a sign of enjoyment. My car was in need of extensive floor & heater channel/boxes coming out of Nordic nation's were one's of good heat and durability Vs Mexico, Central & South America's not as resilient to deterioration in places where snow is common. Hagerty never disappoints in classic car restoration video!
Part of it is Herbie, part of it is just the design. So many cars are designed to look tough or angry, the Beetle was designed to look cheerful. The bumper and headlights look like a happy smiley face.
Boy I haven’t driven one in over 42 years! My brother used to own one in the 70s! And that’s the car I first learned how to drive. Every time I see one, it brings me fond memories!👌😎👍
Owned several beetles through the 1970s and 1980s. The last one was a 1961 rag top I sold in 1990. What many fail to mention is the maintenance these require if you are going to use one as a daily driver. Every 3,000 miles you have to pull off the valve covers and adjust the valves. While you are at it adjust the points in the distributor and check the timing. If the belt is loose, tighten it. These are not fuel injected and that carburetor needs to be adjusted and dialed in. How is the clutch? Too much travel in the pedal? There is a cable that you can wrench on to tighten it up. When the brake pads wear down jack up the car and pull off the wheel. There is a little star you can turn with a flat head screw driver that brings the shoes closer to the drum. It is not a huge deal, but all this stuff needs to be done routinely for as long as you drive the car. Keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying your first one.
I used Hagerty to buy my '78 VW convertible. They were very helpful. A vintage VW is a good first classic car because parts are still widely available and they are fairly simple cars...not much can go wrong with them. When you have a classic car, you get to meet so many interesting people who are interested in your car and most people who like old cars are very nice people. Just about everyone says "oh I used to have one back in the 60s/70s....and I wish I would have never sold it.". The car makes everyone happy.
Here in the Philippines we call it Bao (turtle). Kids and teens salute when a beatle passes by. If one fails to salute, they donk on that kids head. It's a fun car.
Im 65 and recently retired. I found myself needing a project, so I just bought my 1st bug 3 weeks ago. Im tickled pink whenever I drive it. It's just fun. The car needs a little work here and there but I have all the time in the world to get back looking showroom new.
I am looking at buying one after many years of not owning a beetle, this beetle is a 1976 model and has been parked in a shed for about thirty years! For some strange reason, it is missing the two front seats!
Beautiful bug! I own a 67 1500 single port! And I agree there is absolutely no reason not to own a vw bug. The smiles and conversations these cars stir up going down the road is worth way more then the 3k I paid for it! Can't help but be happy while driving one! I'm 28 years old and appreciate the hell out of the humble, simplistic, all around tuff easy to work on car that doesn't break the bank to restore :)
@@doloresberry3144 Actually as long as the heater channels are in good condition the heat in the front works very well. It takes a little while to heat up and the faster you drive the more heat you get.
I learned how to drive in a '71 Beetle at the age of 14. On German roads. In 1976. With a pillow on the seat. My father said: "Don't drive too far on the right side of the lane. Aim more to the middle of the lane. Otherwise the other cardrivers or police would think, that i'm a beginner-show no fear- do it." That's impressive! Meanwhile my father is gone. End of story. Now i have to change the battery of a '71 Beetle from my father
Excellent review. I've owned a '53, '56, and now a '67 beetle. I agree with virtually everything this author states except about the rust; "If you find rust, walk away." You are not going to find a rust-free VW bug that is unrestored. Rust is pervasive, and therefore prevalent. You are wise to document "where" as this will significantly impact your purchase cost & your cost of repairs. I wish I still had my '56 pullback ragtop Salmon PInk...almost identical to this specimen.
Terrific advice on what to look for when buying a vintage Beetle! My wife and I both had Beetles when we got married many years ago. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. They ran terrifically and were cheap to own and maintain. At times I wish I could get another vintage Beetle.....I always seem to be keeping my eyes open for one that might come available. Keep up the terrific videos!
I had three beetles over my lifetime. Just happened all were white. The 1967 deluxe was absolutely the best. Could possibly be the best car I've ever owned.
One thing that wasn't pointed out that has ALWAYS been part of my pre-purchase inspection is to check crankshaft play on the engine. Too much wear and you'll get to see exactly what goes into an aircooled engine. Grab the crankshaft pulley (bottom one) with your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Now, pull the pulley towards you and then push it away from you. You should have a very small, if almost indistinguishable amount of movement. Any more than that and you have wear. There is a small amount of play that, while is greater than perfect, is still deemed acceptable and not too much to worry about. A lot of play and you'll get to start tearing the engine down to replace parts.
My wife and I both had Beetles when we first got married. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. We drove them until we moved to Germany for work, and we bought another one while there. We loved them. They were very dependable, and you're right, they were great in the snow. I really would like to have another one to tinker with and putter around town in.
Yes, a few thousand gets you not much of a VW, but they are still inexpensive compared to other classic cars. We have a '71 VW convertible (in great shape) and a '78 Westfalia (in decent shape), both I would never, ever give up. They are not the "classic" VW's, but they are far more fun than any car today. On the '71, we went down for breakfast in Bristol, VT (we live in VT) and a new Lotus parked next to us, the Lotus was ignored, not the beetle. They are cars that are relatively inexpensive to purchase but you do need to make sure you are getting a decent one. Once you know that, parts are, for the most part, plentiful, some are hard to find, and once it's back in good working condition, it doesn't take much money or time to keep it going. Still, no winters, both of ours need to be put away properly and by doing that, they will keep going for another generation.
We own a '68 Type 1. She's got good bones, but needs restoration. Currently in use daily as my commuter to work and back, about 60 miles a day. Thank you for making this video. They're fun to drive, reliable and get good mileage.
Probably the car that I miss the most from my young adult years. I had a bright yellow '73 Super Beetle. A little bigger. A little more powerful than a standard Beetle. Took the Kentucky hills and snow like it was nothing. Ran well. Sold it when I moved to Florida. I keep telling myself I'll get another one one day.
My father has a 66 Volkswagen Beetle that is tuned up to the point where it goes zero sixty in 4 seconds. The beetle's engine is the most tuneupable beefupable engine ever made.
Wow! I remember the 1980s Porsche 930 turbo did 0 - 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Your Dad's beetle is impressive. Must surprise other drivers when they get dragged off the line at traffic lights!
Several things to watch out for on old air-cooled Beetles are the heater boxes on the exhaust manifolds (they are usually rusted and/or stuck in full on or full off position), oil leaks around the valve covers and pushrod tubes, and worn king pins in the front suspension (or ball joints/struts if it is a Super Beetle model).
Bought my first car in the mid 1970s. Was a 1960 VW beetle. same motor as this 1956 model. The beetle motor in those days was 1100cc (not 1200cc which first came out in 1962). 1100cc - Almost no acceleration. Top speed 69 miles per hour! took the crash bars off one day and the top speed increased to 72 MPH! No windscreen washer, no fuel gage, heater was good though! This 1956 and later beetles til 1961 had pretty much the same motor (1100cc) same with the war time Beetle, Schwimmwagen and Kuebelwagen but with a little more power. These beetle work well in bad road conditions and rough forest roads with the weight over the drive wheels. Cos of their light weight 3/4 ton, takes a lot for the wheels to get bogged.
I just bought ‘64 Beetle on Bring a Trailer for $17,500 so they have gone up in value. The day after I bought it, Car and Driver magazine awarded it it’s “Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day”! It’s now in a shop in Austin, Flash Drive Motors, for electric conversion.
The Scandinavian version of the Beetle had such heating that the windshield was tearing apart from the temperature. Yes, 1200 "small windows" are the most beautiful models. I have been dealing with VW for 23 years ...
Back in the 60's my dad had a 1963 Beetle. Here in N.E. Ohio the winters can get pretty bad especially with lake effect snow off Lake Erie and I remember it was good in the snow and yes not very warm.
I love Beetles because, it is Extremely Reliable, simple, cute, they are economical, easy to fix and use, i know they do not have a lot a power, but they are funnier to drive than other cars that have more than 100 HP.
Owned a '74 beetle with the large windscreen about 20 years ago. One of several I have owned over the years. Looking at buying a 76 model at the moment, been stored in a shed for about thirty years! Covered in years of dust, but no rust!
I grew up with FOUR of these starting in 1956. We would drive to Florida from Pittsburgh every Christmas. We FROZE to death the first 30 minutes before the heater would finally catch up. First two had no fuel gauge and my dad kept meticulous records but still remember once he had to twist a lever to drop the last gallon in when it started too sputter.
While checking for body panel rust, look also at the front axle area. Most (all?) years had a twin beam that ran all the way across from one wheel to the other. The metal at each end used to rot, right near where the shocks anchored. Very unsafe if you find this condition. The part can be replaced, or in some cases welded to restore the integrity, but I once saw one where it had rotted so badly that the shock was completely missing from one side. The guy had done some nice body work, but was actually going to sell it in that condition without disclosing a major safety problem. Again, fixable with time and expense, but bear in mind that if this is rotted, then you're probably also looking at needing to replace the floorboards as well. This car in the video is excellent -- my Dad had a '57 back in the early sixties.
I would really would love to own one of these for myself, preferably a super beetle though. I love driving manual transmission, and these cars are iconic, so I would really enjoy one of these. Thanks for all the tips of what to look out for when buying one.
The engine is not a 40 hp but a later dual port engine is around 55 to 60hp. It may not sound like a lot more but believe me, it makes a big difference. The engine's also showing a alternator so it's most likely converted to 12 volts, another big difference.
Others have cemented a put pulley end play. Others have commented about rust. Others have commented about semi automatic. Most of the rusting parts can be bought and replaced. Brand new they were usually less than 2 thousand bucks. Heat would work as long as you cracked the vent window. This 56 has bullet turn signals and not semapbpres.
Diane there is a big difference between your 65s heater and that on a 56. On yours when the engine is cold more air is forced through the heater boxes (fresh air system). The 56 has a stale air system which takes air that was used to cool the motor. When your engine is cold the thermostat restricts the cooling air which also allows less warm air to enter the car.
You know your stuff Sir! from memory, the later system came into use with year model 1962 or maybe 1965 with the F series beetle motor - (1300c). My 1960 beetle I owned decades ago, had the stale air model you describe. Better than nothing though!
Great points on the rust spots. though maybe a bit too early car to use as example. The car shows a 12V alternator, instead of a stock 6V generator. Nothing wrong with that mod, as it is one of the very first upgrades to an early VW, though not mentioned. The fan housing is only not stock, but the hose on the right side is not connected, but laying behind the alternator. The hose is by itself not much of a requirement, but plugging the on the fan housing hole is, if you don't want some cooling air not reaching the jugs and the right head. If I'm not mistaken, '56 bug had a 36 horse engine. Can't remember when the 25 horse went away. Otherwise, great video and a cool gem. I've own 6 VWs buses and bugs, 4 pre 67, and two 67s.
I’m not exactly buying one, rather a 72 that was my grandfather’s and has been in a garage for the past 30 years and a labor of love between my Grandad and Father restoring it in the last decade before they both passed away was given to me for my birthday a couple weeks ago by my aunt who didn’t want to mess with it. I only have to finish the restoration that’s about 80% there.
I hope you completed the project. I am looking at buying 1976 beetle which also has been kept in a shed for over thirty years, no rust! But missing the front seats.
You should mention that until 1967 the beetle was 6 volt electrics. Headlights were poor. I had a 1966 1300 in 1969. The heater was excellent in mine and it cruised nicely at 70 on the motorways in the UK at that time. A very cool skeletonised ignition key that turned heads in the pub.
You are correct on the headlights for the 6 volters. I ended up getting driving lights added mounted to the front bar overriders of my 1960 beetle. In the 1970s an option was to put an 8 volt battery in the pre 1968 6 volt beetles, the higher volts made the headlights brighter, but did not cause any electrical problems. I remember those six volt model skeleton keys!
Well after this video I’m rethinking buying a Beetle. If they rust to quickly then that would have to be addressed. I would probably MacGyver that by stripping all the paint off and gut the entire car and then paint it and seal it with Heavy Duty Industrial Marine Paint that they use on Boats & Ships. Use galvanized or stainless steel so nothing rusts. Also insulate the inside of the car
With every bit of design of every beetle there is just something about them. If a car had a smile or sense of emotion, it would be the vw type 1. Especially any of the ones from the 60s with the hooped bumpers!
The best reason to buy a Bug was they were cheap and they float. The best reason not to buy a Bug is the REQUIRE regular maintenance. Save yourself a ton of grief and get an electronic ignition. An electronic distributor, one without points, is a life saver. Have your local Bug guy put one in and never look back.
Like the comments on the heater. As I recall, weren't gas/fuel heaters available aftermarket? My friend put a converter and hair dryer in his car for icy/snowy days. Kept the windshield clean and you'd eventually have to open the side vents to keep from getting cooked.
In reverse, A bug will climb almost everything.. even trees. I learned how to drive in a Beetle. If you can drive a Beetle, you can drive about almost anything
If you buy any VW Beetle, you have to keep in mind once you buy one. You'll have to manage it, so doing it up is 50% your problem, but most VW Beetle buyers no doubt take into equation that they need money to buy an old bug. while the other half or percentage is used to do it up/customize accordingly!
Eternity? yup, because if you get hit, you will be dead forever!
4 роки тому
You have to check the heater channels they tend to rust away.Also check under the battery tray for rust.When I drove my beetles on remould tyres i still got anywhere in thick snow.Engines run for ever.
Okay, I hope this doesn't sound too smart-ass but I have to put this out there. Any of you who have these continued doubts about the VW Beetle heating system, please feel free to get into whatever other vehicle you have that keeps you so toasty warm and drive down to Knoxville, TN sometime around January or February and look me up. I will be more than happy to take you for a spin around town in Wanda, my 1972 Super Beetle, and show you just how good a properly maintained air-cooled VW heating system and and should work.
Well said, beetle heaters are excellent, unless someone has monkeyed with them. And came standard on VWs back when heaters were an optional extra on other higher priced cars! From an aircooled VW and Porsche nut Down Under.
John Grytbakk i have a dedicated fb page showing photos of all the updates, i havent updated it in a while but in the near future i am going to make another, its here if youre at all interested.. ps done mind the scabby house lol facebook.com/61bugresto/
:D bloody hell not you again ;) hahah jk it's so awesome that we bump into each other so often the this vast expanse of the internet, we must have near identical interests in cars lol
You forgot to mention the floorboard inspection. My first car was a 66, and a friend of mine had a 67. We never saw Bugs back in the 80s that had intact floorboards. I hate to imagine what they look like now.
There is one thing that is constantly underrated in veteran vehicles.....everything rubber....on windows...on doors....a perfect renovation for me ALWAYS has all rubber parts replaced....
I bought a bug recently, it's my first car, a red '83 Jeansbug. It's not perfect in any way, paint isn't great, some little spots here and there but overall... Just a great car, you can get 'em cheap, just get one.
I hope you achieved your dream. I recommend buying the idiot book, first written in the 1970s for any non mechanic who wanted to do his own work on his beetle. the book full title is How to Keep your Volkswagen Alive, the Step by Step procedure for the compleat idiot; by Muir, who passed away some years ago. As far as I know it is still in print. I still have mine from when I bought it in the 1970s. From a beetle nut, down under!
Any one buying an air cooled beetle, I recommend buying the 'Idiot' book. Been in print since the 1970s - How to keep your Volkswagen alive, the step by step procedure for the compleat idiot' by Muir who passed away some years ago. The book is still in print though. It is written for non mechanics to understand! I still have my 1970s edition and a much later print!. It also lists the chassis numbers by year by which you can be sure the beetle you are buying can be verified is as describe. Year models - though this may not be the case for early models, from about the mid 1960s the third digit, is the year model, so a chassis number beginning with say 117, meant beetle, year model 1967. The configuration of the beetle with determine if it is 1967 or 1977 - such as the shape of the crash bars. Rounded til 1967, square in 1977. Thats my two cents worth!
Except for the colour this is my very first car that I bought in 1965 for $195.00. Unfortunately, the Ontario winters were hard on cars in those days and it was already rusting away at only nine years old.
Horse poop! You can keep warm in a beetle! As a matter of fact the heaters work incredibly well, IF you know how to use them! First, think about how the bug was marketed, they were so air and water tight that they floated! That being said, you can only shove so much air into the cabin of the car before it becomes pressurized and the heater stops working. The solution, crack open the wing windows, or if you’ve got them open the rear quarter windows slightly! This allows the pressurized air to escape and allows the heat to flow freely from the very effective heater boxes into the car. I’ve owned five beetles and live in the upper Midwest where temps drop well below freezing regularly in the winter and have had zero problems with any of my beetles when it comes to keeping warm and the windows defrosted! Know your car and it’s design and you’ll never have a problem like this ever again!
Volkswagen Beetles have the best heat of any car in the world comes on instantly and will cook you out of there if everything is connected and operating proper
If it is in fact a 1200cc engine it has been modified with dual port heads. The distributor has been replaced and upgraded to a 12v system with an alternator. Also, not the stock air cleaner. Just nit picking, but a very nice looking beetle just the same.
I loved my beetle . It never left me on the side of the road. I will say the brakes did suck. You to plan ahead for breaking , panic stops were a complete joke. But I do miss the fun of driving one.
There is something about these cars that I can't help but smile every time I see one, I mean seriously, they ain't exactly a fancy sports car or something like that, but something... *SOMETHING* in them makes me happy.
ROAD TRIP! Reminds me of herbie, that’s what makes me like it
ROAD TRIP! They take where you want to go !!!
I wasn't the 1st owner nor do I know what number I was to a 1971 AutoStick VW Beetle and I saw so many people smiling and waving as well as a regular supply of horn beeps as a sign of enjoyment. My car was in need of extensive floor & heater channel/boxes coming out of Nordic nation's were one's of good heat and durability Vs Mexico, Central & South America's not as resilient to deterioration in places where snow is common. Hagerty never disappoints in classic car restoration video!
Same here reminds me of herbie the love bug
Part of it is Herbie, part of it is just the design. So many cars are designed to look tough or angry, the Beetle was designed to look cheerful. The bumper and headlights look like a happy smiley face.
Boy I haven’t driven one in over 42 years! My brother used to own one in the 70s! And that’s the car I first learned how to drive. Every time I see one, it brings me fond memories!👌😎👍
Owned several beetles through the 1970s and 1980s. The last one was a 1961 rag top I sold in 1990. What many fail to mention is the maintenance these require if you are going to use one as a daily driver. Every 3,000 miles you have to pull off the valve covers and adjust the valves. While you are at it adjust the points in the distributor and check the timing. If the belt is loose, tighten it. These are not fuel injected and that carburetor needs to be adjusted and dialed in. How is the clutch? Too much travel in the pedal? There is a cable that you can wrench on to tighten it up. When the brake pads wear down jack up the car and pull off the wheel. There is a little star you can turn with a flat head screw driver that brings the shoes closer to the drum. It is not a huge deal, but all this stuff needs to be done routinely for as long as you drive the car. Keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying your first one.
I used Hagerty to buy my '78 VW convertible. They were very helpful. A vintage VW is a good first classic car because parts are still widely available and they are fairly simple cars...not much can go wrong with them. When you have a classic car, you get to meet so many interesting people who are interested in your car and most people who like old cars are very nice people. Just about everyone says "oh I used to have one back in the 60s/70s....and I wish I would have never sold it.". The car makes everyone happy.
Here in the Philippines we call it Bao (turtle). Kids and teens salute when a beatle passes by. If one fails to salute, they donk on that kids head. It's a fun car.
Bon Bon this is true men .. thats how we roll here in cebu part of phils .. funny right? hahaha
You sure? Cause here in manila, all of them laugh because of how "small" they look compared to other cars
In indonesia we called it frog( kodok)
@@gentasepriandi999 yes if it is in color green it looks like a frog too.
Im 65 and recently retired. I found myself needing a project, so I just bought my 1st bug 3 weeks ago. Im tickled pink whenever I drive it. It's just fun. The car needs a little work here and there but I have all the time in the world to get back looking showroom new.
I am looking at buying one after many years of not owning a beetle, this beetle is a 1976 model and has been parked in a shed for about thirty years! For some strange reason, it is missing the two front seats!
Beautiful bug! I own a 67 1500 single port! And I agree there is absolutely no reason not to own a vw bug. The smiles and conversations these cars stir up going down the road is worth way more then the 3k I paid for it! Can't help but be happy while driving one! I'm 28 years old and appreciate the hell out of the humble, simplistic, all around tuff easy to work on car that doesn't break the bank to restore :)
Hi Ram! Cool~ I absolutely adore my Beetle! Only seen 3 in my city which makes me super cool~ lol Beetle lovers unite
As I said above, the '67, I think, was the best year ever. I was a parts manager in a VW dealership for a while.
Beautiful car! Heat in mine works very well. Sometimes I've gotten too warm and have opened the window in the winter.
Yeah ok
I've heard the heat works so well it can melt stuff in the back seat, the front heating ain't great tho
@@doloresberry3144 Actually as long as the heater channels are in good condition the heat in the front works very well. It takes a little while to heat up and the faster you drive the more heat you get.
@@THolzAquariums ah ok, I've never actually owned one but always loved them since I was a wee lad, thinking of getting one soon!
@@doloresberry3144 Get one !! You’ll be glad you did. They are fun little cars.
I learned how to drive in a '71 Beetle at the age of 14. On German roads. In 1976. With a pillow on the seat. My father said: "Don't drive too far on the right side of the lane. Aim more to the middle of the lane. Otherwise the other cardrivers or police would think, that i'm a beginner-show no fear- do it."
That's impressive!
Meanwhile my father is gone.
End of story.
Now i have to change the battery of a '71 Beetle from my father
Excellent review. I've owned a '53, '56, and now a '67 beetle. I agree with virtually everything this author states except about the rust; "If you find rust, walk away." You are not going to find a rust-free VW bug that is unrestored. Rust is pervasive, and therefore prevalent. You are wise to document "where" as this will significantly impact your purchase cost & your cost of repairs. I wish I still had my '56 pullback ragtop Salmon PInk...almost identical to this specimen.
Terrific advice on what to look for when buying a vintage Beetle! My wife and I both had Beetles when we got married many years ago. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. They ran terrifically and were cheap to own and maintain. At times I wish I could get another vintage Beetle.....I always seem to be keeping my eyes open for one that might come available. Keep up the terrific videos!
Go on Hemings there are plenty there. Wish you luck on finding one.
A Davis yes go to germany
A Davis~ Get a new Beetle! I love mine! 2016...best car I've ever had~
ingrid Yea the interior of the new ones look practically the same as the old ones with new tech it's really cool
I had three beetles over my lifetime. Just happened all were white. The 1967 deluxe was absolutely the best. Could possibly be the best car I've ever owned.
1956? I salute you, I got a 1959 great pan and body,paid $25!
A great buy
Bought my first Bug 14 years ago(senior year in High School) and still drive it today!
One thing that wasn't pointed out that has ALWAYS been part of my pre-purchase inspection is to check crankshaft play on the engine. Too much wear and you'll get to see exactly what goes into an aircooled engine. Grab the crankshaft pulley (bottom one) with your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Now, pull the pulley towards you and then push it away from you. You should have a very small, if almost indistinguishable amount of movement. Any more than that and you have wear. There is a small amount of play that, while is greater than perfect, is still deemed acceptable and not too much to worry about. A lot of play and you'll get to start tearing the engine down to replace parts.
My wife and I both had Beetles when we first got married. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. We drove them until we moved to Germany for work, and we bought another one while there. We loved them. They were very dependable, and you're right, they were great in the snow. I really would like to have another one to tinker with and putter around town in.
Yes, a few thousand gets you not much of a VW, but they are still inexpensive compared to other classic cars. We have a '71 VW convertible (in great shape) and a '78 Westfalia (in decent shape), both I would never, ever give up. They are not the "classic" VW's, but they are far more fun than any car today. On the '71, we went down for breakfast in Bristol, VT (we live in VT) and a new Lotus parked next to us, the Lotus was ignored, not the beetle. They are cars that are relatively inexpensive to purchase but you do need to make sure you are getting a decent one. Once you know that, parts are, for the most part, plentiful, some are hard to find, and once it's back in good working condition, it doesn't take much money or time to keep it going. Still, no winters, both of ours need to be put away properly and by doing that, they will keep going for another generation.
at 5:47 he turns into kermit the frog XD
i was just going to say the samething Xd
Lol that’s my counterpart
Hahahaha
We own a '68 Type 1. She's got good bones, but needs restoration. Currently in use daily as my commuter to work and back, about 60 miles a day. Thank you for making this video. They're fun to drive, reliable and get good mileage.
Probably the car that I miss the most from my young adult years. I had a bright yellow '73 Super Beetle. A little bigger. A little more powerful than a standard Beetle. Took the Kentucky hills and snow like it was nothing. Ran well. Sold it when I moved to Florida. I keep telling myself I'll get another one one day.
My father has a 66 Volkswagen Beetle that is tuned up to the point where it goes zero sixty in 4 seconds. The beetle's engine is the most tuneupable beefupable engine ever made.
Zero to sixty in 4 seconds you say, I had a 1970 timed zero to sixty with a calendar.
sleeper ?
Wow! I remember the 1980s Porsche 930 turbo did 0 - 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Your Dad's beetle is impressive. Must surprise other drivers when they get dragged off the line at traffic lights!
In rust we trust
Several things to watch out for on old air-cooled Beetles are the heater boxes on the exhaust manifolds (they are usually rusted and/or stuck in full on or full off position), oil leaks around the valve covers and pushrod tubes, and worn king pins in the front suspension (or ball joints/struts if it is a Super Beetle model).
I've owned a 68 and 73. Gas and go. Never a problem, summer and winter.
Bought my first car in the mid 1970s. Was a 1960 VW beetle. same motor as this 1956 model. The beetle motor in those days was 1100cc (not 1200cc which first came out in 1962). 1100cc - Almost no acceleration. Top speed 69 miles per hour! took the crash bars off one day and the top speed increased to 72 MPH! No windscreen washer, no fuel gage, heater was good though! This 1956 and later beetles til 1961 had pretty much the same motor (1100cc) same with the war time Beetle, Schwimmwagen and Kuebelwagen but with a little more power. These beetle work well in bad road conditions and rough forest roads with the weight over the drive wheels. Cos of their light weight 3/4 ton, takes a lot for the wheels to get bogged.
I just bought ‘64 Beetle on Bring a Trailer for $17,500 so they have gone up in value. The day after I bought it, Car and Driver magazine awarded it it’s “Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day”! It’s now in a shop in Austin, Flash Drive Motors, for electric conversion.
I know a guy who works at Hagerty's. It sounds like a fun gig. Thanks for the video.
I always love the front the looks like it's lterally smiling
That engine is not a 1200 cc. Due to its dual port intake it is likely a 1600 from a much later year.
Well spotted! He also said the motor was a 1200 which did not come out til the year model 1962. But still a good vid.
...and driving a VW Beetle means kids can still hit each other and yell "SLUG BUG". LOL
We called them punch buggies.
+Violent.... slow bug is also acceptable
talfacprez purchase a yellow one and they'll yell "YELLOW SLUG BUG" if thats even a thing.
Wolfox when I was a kid we would give a punch on the arm every time we saw a beetle. I forget what we would yell ,but yes it's a thing.
Hajahajahajahajha
The Scandinavian version of the Beetle had such heating that the windshield was tearing apart from the temperature. Yes, 1200 "small windows" are the most beautiful models. I have been dealing with VW for 23 years ...
Imagine listening to Rammstiens du hast in one of these :)
i recenty got a 1974 super beetle with very minor rust planning on doing a full restoration on her
Back in the 60's my dad had a 1963 Beetle. Here in N.E. Ohio the winters can get pretty bad especially with lake effect snow off Lake Erie and I remember it was good in the snow and yes not very warm.
I love Beetles because, it is Extremely Reliable, simple, cute, they are economical, easy to fix and use, i know they do not have a lot a power, but they are funnier to drive than other cars that have more than 100 HP.
I got a 74' beetle and theyre very popular in egypt, europe and brazil i love them❤️
Owned a '74 beetle with the large windscreen about 20 years ago. One of several I have owned over the years. Looking at buying a 76 model at the moment, been stored in a shed for about thirty years! Covered in years of dust, but no rust!
I grew up with FOUR of these starting in 1956. We would drive to Florida from Pittsburgh every Christmas. We FROZE to death the first 30 minutes before the heater would finally catch up. First two had no fuel gauge and my dad kept meticulous records but still remember once he had to twist a lever to drop the last gallon in when it started too sputter.
While checking for body panel rust, look also at the front axle area. Most (all?) years had a twin beam that ran all the way across from one wheel to the other. The metal at each end used to rot, right near where the shocks anchored. Very unsafe if you find this condition. The part can be replaced, or in some cases welded to restore the integrity, but I once saw one where it had rotted so badly that the shock was completely missing from one side. The guy had done some nice body work, but was actually going to sell it in that condition without disclosing a major safety problem. Again, fixable with time and expense, but bear in mind that if this is rotted, then you're probably also looking at needing to replace the floorboards as well. This car in the video is excellent -- my Dad had a '57 back in the early sixties.
diddlytube Yes a common problem the pre 66 models which used king pins had heavier struts and resisted corrosion better.
Me living in Australia, 1:35 yep that a check on the no rain we’re on day 53.
I love the curved bumper bar, it looks like the car is smiling
I would really would love to own one of these for myself, preferably a super beetle though. I love driving manual transmission, and these cars are iconic, so I would really enjoy one of these. Thanks for all the tips of what to look out for when buying one.
The engine is not a 40 hp but a later dual port engine is around 55 to 60hp. It may not sound like a lot more but believe me, it makes a big difference. The engine's also showing a alternator so it's most likely converted to 12 volts, another big difference.
Well spotted. Every dual port 1600 I have ever seen are all 12 volt, the alternators were standard on beetles from about 1975 but certainly from 1976.
Lol, every issue Stefan warned about, I've seen in almost every second hand Beetle. This is a particularly pristine example.
My 71 SuperBeetle still runs 😊
Others have cemented a put pulley end play. Others have commented about rust. Others have commented about semi automatic. Most of the rusting parts can be bought and replaced. Brand new they were usually less than 2 thousand bucks. Heat would work as long as you cracked the vent window. This 56 has bullet turn signals and not semapbpres.
Probably can't afford one but I would love to test drive that beetle
Diane there is a big difference between your 65s heater and that on a 56. On yours when the engine is cold more air is forced through the heater boxes (fresh air system). The 56 has a stale air system which takes air that was used to cool the motor. When your engine is cold the thermostat restricts the cooling air which also allows less warm air to enter the car.
You know your stuff Sir! from memory, the later system came into use with year model 1962 or maybe 1965 with the F series beetle motor - (1300c). My 1960 beetle I owned decades ago, had the stale air model you describe. Better than nothing though!
Great points on the rust spots. though maybe a bit too early car to use as example. The car shows a 12V alternator, instead of a stock 6V generator. Nothing wrong with that mod, as it is one of the very first upgrades to an early VW, though not mentioned. The fan housing is only not stock, but the hose on the right side is not connected, but laying behind the alternator. The hose is by itself not much of a requirement, but plugging the on the fan housing hole is, if you don't want some cooling air not reaching the jugs and the right head. If I'm not mistaken, '56 bug had a 36 horse engine. Can't remember when the 25 horse went away. Otherwise, great video and a cool gem. I've own 6 VWs buses and bugs, 4 pre 67, and two 67s.
"If the engine has some issues you can drop it quckly......" Dropping $3000.00 for the rebuild for hurts a little more buddy.
Still...that is not even half of what you would pay for a more conventional engine.
I have a 1992 vw bug, is my daily drive and it's amazing, my plan is to fully restore and keep it for many years.
Made in Mexico?
I’m not exactly buying one, rather a 72 that was my grandfather’s and has been in a garage for the past 30 years and a labor of love between my Grandad and Father restoring it in the last decade before they both passed away was given to me for my birthday a couple weeks ago by my aunt who didn’t want to mess with it. I only have to finish the restoration that’s about 80% there.
I take it back. No where close to 80 percent. Basically back to square one. At least they kept the poor thing in the barn.
Sorry about your loss, but once you have it where it’s supposed to be, you will be thankful for it!
I hope you completed the project. I am looking at buying 1976 beetle which also has been kept in a shed for over thirty years, no rust! But missing the front seats.
@@keithad6485 Nope. Economic conditions forbid me getting that off the ground, right now, either, unfortunately.
@@WizardClipAudio If it is your dream, hold onto your dream and I wish you well in working towards your dream!
You should mention that until 1967 the beetle was 6 volt electrics.
Headlights were poor.
I had a 1966 1300 in 1969.
The heater was excellent in mine and it cruised nicely at 70 on the motorways in the UK at that time.
A very cool skeletonised ignition key that turned heads in the pub.
You are correct on the headlights for the 6 volters. I ended up getting driving lights added mounted to the front bar overriders of my 1960 beetle. In the 1970s an option was to put an 8 volt battery in the pre 1968 6 volt beetles, the higher volts made the headlights brighter, but did not cause any electrical problems. I remember those six volt model skeleton keys!
The hubcap in the spare tire was actually a tool kit, for some years, on the older bugs!
Well after this video I’m rethinking buying a Beetle. If they rust to quickly then that would have to be addressed. I would probably MacGyver that by stripping all the paint off and gut the entire car and then paint it and seal it with Heavy Duty Industrial Marine Paint that they use on Boats & Ships. Use galvanized or stainless steel so nothing rusts. Also insulate the inside of the car
With every bit of design of every beetle there is just something about them. If a car had a smile or sense of emotion, it would be the vw type 1. Especially any of the ones from the 60s with the hooped bumpers!
The best reason to buy a Bug was they were cheap and they float. The best reason not to buy a Bug is the REQUIRE regular maintenance. Save yourself a ton of grief and get an electronic ignition. An electronic distributor, one without points, is a life saver. Have your local Bug guy put one in and never look back.
that beetle is immaculate.
Like the comments on the heater. As I recall, weren't gas/fuel heaters available aftermarket? My friend put a converter and hair dryer in his car for icy/snowy days. Kept the windshield clean and you'd eventually have to open the side vents to keep from getting cooked.
Good advise but in must cases I'll be a proyect car rolling or not thank you great advise
That red bug is beautiful! wow.
It's orange
36 hp of raw hill climbimg power... especially if you attack the hill in reverse
ironically, it went where no Jeep ever went before...
Jim E mine has never failed to climb hills, especially offroad :)
In reverse, A bug will climb almost everything.. even trees. I learned how to drive in a Beetle. If you can drive a Beetle, you can drive about almost anything
860kg :p
actually 50 it has a 1600 dp not a 1200 converted to a 12 volt
If you buy any VW Beetle, you have to keep in mind once you buy one. You'll have to manage it, so doing it up is 50% your problem, but most VW Beetle buyers no doubt take into equation that they need money to buy an old bug. while the other half or percentage is used to do it up/customize accordingly!
Once in your life! Perfect! Been there done that and thanks for the reminder.
Design for eternity. Wonderful.
Eternity? yup, because if you get hit, you will be dead forever!
You have to check the heater channels they tend to rust away.Also check under the battery tray for rust.When I drove my beetles on remould tyres i still got anywhere in thick snow.Engines run for ever.
It's crazy how much I miss my 74 Bug.
Magestuoso Vocho!🤩
Gracias Matt Dammon por la reseña! 😁👍
thank you. i love beetles, and am in the market for a decent one. classic beetles.
Unos de los mejores autos de todos los tiempos mis respetos👏👏👏
Wonderful colour ... and beautifully shot!
Okay, I hope this doesn't sound too smart-ass but I have to put this out there. Any of you who have these continued doubts about the VW Beetle heating system, please feel free to get into whatever other vehicle you have that keeps you so toasty warm and drive down to Knoxville, TN sometime around January or February and look me up. I will be more than happy to take you for a spin around town in Wanda, my 1972 Super Beetle, and show you just how good a properly maintained air-cooled VW heating system and and should work.
Well said, beetle heaters are excellent, unless someone has monkeyed with them. And came standard on VWs back when heaters were an optional extra on other higher priced cars! From an aircooled VW and Porsche nut Down Under.
Fozzy bear is alive and well
Sir u made it so clear, please do another one for 1960 semi auto beetle details upload.
Thank u.
nice! im currently doing a body restoration on my 1961 beetle
do you show your progress in videos?
John Grytbakk i have a dedicated fb page showing photos of all the updates, i havent updated it in a while but in the near future i am going to make another, its here if youre at all interested.. ps done mind the scabby house lol facebook.com/61bugresto/
Josh Briggs so what does it have about 500 horsepower?
Josh Briggs dang, we meet again!
:D bloody hell not you again ;) hahah jk it's so awesome that we bump into each other so often the this vast expanse of the internet, we must have near identical interests in cars lol
5:47 kermit the frog?
If you close your eyes, this becomes a very informative video voiced by Ray Romano.
I am in lusty kinky love with this Beetle. And this guy sounds like Ray Romano.
You forgot to mention the floorboard inspection. My first car was a 66, and a friend of mine had a 67. We never saw Bugs back in the 80s that had intact floorboards. I hate to imagine what they look like now.
There is one thing that is constantly underrated in veteran vehicles.....everything rubber....on windows...on doors....a perfect renovation for me ALWAYS has all rubber parts replaced....
I bought a bug recently, it's my first car, a red '83 Jeansbug. It's not perfect in any way, paint isn't great, some little spots here and there but overall... Just a great car, you can get 'em cheap, just get one.
A really nice car . I’m looking to buy one . Any suggestions as to where to start ? Thanks
That is an absolutely gorgeous Beetle you've got there :3
The peoples car! You got questions regarding drivetrain, we can help!
I learned how to drive in a beetle back in 1989 in the back yard.
A dream car. ....so nice.
Right now I'm 14 and I've been learning how to drive and I'm planning on buying one when i turn 16, I'm saving up right now so we'll see how it goes
I hope you achieved your dream. I recommend buying the idiot book, first written in the 1970s for any non mechanic who wanted to do his own work on his beetle. the book full title is How to Keep your Volkswagen Alive, the Step by Step procedure for the compleat idiot; by Muir, who passed away some years ago. As far as I know it is still in print. I still have mine from when I bought it in the 1970s. From a beetle nut, down under!
I love that beetle my favourite colour
My Dad bought a brand new 1974, the color was " Indian Red" if I remember correctly...
I used to ride in the "package shelf" @ 2:38 when I could fit back there as a kid. Now, not so much.
You can if you put the seat down 😜👌
Then no one else could ride back there but me. Plus, I’d have to turn into a pretzel to fit nowadays.
Any one buying an air cooled beetle, I recommend buying the 'Idiot' book. Been in print since the 1970s - How to keep your Volkswagen alive, the step by step procedure for the compleat idiot' by Muir who passed away some years ago. The book is still in print though. It is written for non mechanics to understand! I still have my 1970s edition and a much later print!. It also lists the chassis numbers by year by which you can be sure the beetle you are buying can be verified is as describe.
Year models - though this may not be the case for early models, from about the mid 1960s the third digit, is the year model, so a chassis number beginning with say 117, meant beetle, year model 1967. The configuration of the beetle with determine if it is 1967 or 1977 - such as the shape of the crash bars. Rounded til 1967, square in 1977. Thats my two cents worth!
Except for the colour this is my very first car that I bought in 1965 for $195.00. Unfortunately, the Ontario winters were hard on cars in those days and it was already rusting away at only nine years old.
Had a 1966 Bug and got 33 miles to the gallon by hitting max RPM in the first 3 gears. Michigan Winters are rough in a VW.
The 1967 model year is the best beetle to own.
Horse poop! You can keep warm in a beetle! As a matter of fact the heaters work incredibly well, IF you know how to use them! First, think about how the bug was marketed, they were so air and water tight that they floated! That being said, you can only shove so much air into the cabin of the car before it becomes pressurized and the heater stops working. The solution, crack open the wing windows, or if you’ve got them open the rear quarter windows slightly! This allows the pressurized air to escape and allows the heat to flow freely from the very effective heater boxes into the car. I’ve owned five beetles and live in the upper Midwest where temps drop well below freezing regularly in the winter and have had zero problems with any of my beetles when it comes to keeping warm and the windows defrosted! Know your car and it’s design and you’ll never have a problem like this ever again!
Volkswagen Beetles have the best heat of any car in the world comes on instantly and will cook you out of there if everything is connected and operating proper
If it is in fact a 1200cc engine it has been modified with dual port heads. The distributor has been replaced and upgraded to a 12v system with an alternator. Also, not the stock air cleaner. Just nit picking, but a very nice looking beetle just the same.
Those are great upgrades!
I loved my beetle . It never left me on the side of the road. I will say the brakes did suck. You to plan ahead for breaking , panic stops were a complete joke. But I do miss the fun of driving one.
I like how the thing looks like its smiling
Definitely has more personality than a ferrari
yeah the VW in 70's took away the rounded top and flattened it to make the beetle longer, the Super Beetle, and the head room was lower.
I always wanted one..almost did when I was 19 yrs old but it did not pan out! Now at 56, made up by owning a VW Golf and two Jetta's..lol
Buy one for "a few thousand dollars"? Any that I've seen that are half way decent condition go or $15K and up.
Informative, Nice Neat Presentation, Photography Excellent!