First vw drive today 🙂 I've tried to get a vw going 3 different times over the last 12 years but always had no money and no room .... Not this time, she's a runner.
Man, I love those old VW's, too. I also had a 70 that I picked up in Detroit for 50 bucks. Took a while to get it running, and it had an engine that was mostly useless, but man, it was fun to drive for sure. You are absolutely correct. Your wife will love it just like mine did !❤
Luke.....I love yer channel and the content you post!!...While living in Mexico I had a Vocho !! Of course it was almost the same color as yours ( more an Electric Blue!) ,lowered 3 inches, 19'' wheels and mine was apparently 1 of only 280 that had factory air condition that year ,,,,,1981 I think??...
My understanding is that those pre-1927 Kenwood AM/FM stereos are highly collectable especially since FM wasn't invented for another 6 years. You have a gold mine right there.
I had the same radio for over 10 years. Someone gave it to me used. It was stolen from my truck one night. I really liked that pressing the right side knob seeked to the next station.
VW guy here...I have a '68. Your bug looks really nice! If you want to find out the actual year of your car remove the spare tire...the car's body tag will be behind it. If your VIN starts with 118 it's a 68, 119 it's a '69. Those reflectors on the rear lights might indicate it's a 1970 though. If the body tag isn't there lift up the rear seat...the VIN is stamped on the tunnel towards the back.
I was looking at some of those things too. At the newest, it's 1970 since there are no crescent vents behind the window, but it does have a 72+ engine lid. Still a great looking car regardless.
ANY VW fan can tell you that you have a 1970 Beetle there, although the engine lid either came from a 1972-77 beetle (or a 68-72 convertible). Even if you meant in the title that it was 'restored' in 1972, that would mean a restoration on a NEW car, so whatever story you were told was a load of hogwash! The VIN plate will tell you when it was made, as would any still-original glass or signal lenses.
Appears to be a 1970. I've not seen a 1927 Beetle yet. Those reflectors were not found on a 68 or 69. Any 68 with manual shift will have swing axles unless it's been converted over from the auto-stick. Auto-stick all had CV joints.
The ignition switch works as designed, it has a lock function that is intended to prevent hitting the start position when running. I have that exact same model in the convertible . The engine in the 69 was a 1500 single port. The distributor is an original SVDA (single vacuum dual advance) which is what You want. They are great. The 009 is more for industrial applications and always have that annoying flat hesitation during acceleration. If you’re not familiar with history on it, it would be a good idea to check the valve adjustments just to be sure. That is a good sounding engine. 👍👍🇺🇸
My ‘06 GTI ignition worked the same. Not sure if my ‘19 Jetta does the same. It’s a Volkswagen thing, you wouldn’t understand!😂 Awesome car though, none the less.
@@Metal3983 It's standard on all cars. If you have an ignition key that's able to start into a running engine, your ignition lock is broken. Which can happen.
Hey Luke really glad to see you making videos once again. There's just something about you that puts a person in a great mood really makes the guy feel good again about life so truly appreciate all your videos thank you
I'll bet he paid a LOT for it! That Bug looks pretty sweet, and solid...engine seems cherry.... Even not running and or with a bad engine, that Bug would probably go for a good price.
@@moosehand8721 Yes, and even for those prices, this one would still be a bargain, between the way it looks and the way the engine sounds. Even looks like someone had redone the suspension. I can't remember the last time I've seen a Bug sitting up so nice and high like that!
The pulley was not initially marked incorrectly for TDC, then correctly marked. The pulley was marked 180 degrees opposite TDC for ease of valve adjustment. Worked at a VW shop as a teenager. Almost all customer vehicles had the pulley marked just as yours. If a car came in once in awhile without a little paint mark 180 degrees from the TDC notch, we would put a little paint mark there to make all future valve adjustments easier.
Feb. 30, 1926: 11:32AM: Unknown to historians, an FM signal was broadcast from Joe Kenwood's basement for the sole purpose of providing buyers of his stereos with something to listen to. Feb. 30, 1926 11:33AM. Joe receives the first know telephone call to an FM station, by someone requesting 'Stairway"..... :)
So easy to adjust valves. feeler gauge, box wrench and screwdriver.. Every 3K miles. I didn't even have to lift the car. Lay down, Pop valve cover spring ant pull the valve cover right off. Right about putting mark on pulley 180º for valve adjustment. Just made it even easier.
My first car was a 1966 VWB. I got it in 1978 from my uncle, the original owner. The thing was beat and tired, but it got me to work. It had little to no heat and barely made it up the hills of Rte 1 to work in Topsfield, Massachusetts, but I loved that tin can. I gave it to my brother, and he totaled it months after ownership. He hit a large rock driving it across a field of tall weeds. He tore the front right wheel off, and then we had to tow it with my pickup on the remaining three tires. It was probably not the smartest or safest thing, but we made it home.
Thunderface? 🤣 It's always a special treat when you post a new video. I know it's time-consuming for you and I really appreciate the combination of entertainment and education you provide when you take us through your projects. Thanks again!
That color of the gas was normal in the 80s. I miss the old gas, it didn’t go bad in week like this new watered down crap. It didn’t clog up carburetors and I honestly believe all engines got better gas mileage on the old gas.
Drove a 67 through college at georgia tech. Had to tune it every weekend, burnt oil, but started every time. Got it for $400 but after $25 in bondo and rattle can to hide the dents and scratches from a roller accident .... That thing got me 600 miles there and back several times. Youre right, its a unique ride withe equally unique sounds and smells. Yes, i miss it. The most minimal driving experience available in 1976. Yours is a beauty.
I got my first VW at 17 years old (1970) and have owned 11 over the years. Your Bug has been well cared for and that engine is smooth. Previous owner(s) did a nice job on the seats/paint[ etc. That Bug is definitely a keeper! Do a few performance mods to it and let your wife drive it like she stole it!! Enjoy!!
Beetles are not actually my cup of tea, but this blue one, and with the high pitched tone classic of the 1300s really brought childhood memories. They are TANKS, surprisingly good off road, go far beyond many 4x4s thanks to the added traction due to the weight of the engine on the rear axle, and withstand quite a lot of punishment without missing a beat. Here in Brazil they still are everywhere
They have the beetle George Washington drove to Valley Forge. He liked them because they did so well in the snow. He contributed his VW in helping win the revolutionary war...
What fun! I learned to drive in a '62 Beetle which had been abandoned at my Dad's auto/motorcycle/Chrysler outboard/boat/moped shop in 1977...about $75 bucks in new parts (gas tank, exhaust tips, new battery), and it went from non-runner to passing the D.C. inspection first try...Not fast or quick, but so low-geared that hills were never a problem, and aside from the driver's seatback flopping backwards periodically, it got me around the D.C./Arlington/Metro area just fine that Summer...A lot of fun for only 1200cc and 40 BHP!
Its because Beetles have flat undersides. Its the reason the WW2-era Kubelwagen (a Beetle derivative) and its descendant the Thing are excellent runners in sand and snow.
Beetles were designed to have difficult shutting doors as it was meant to be air tight. On a good one you had to open the little side window to allow the air to escape when you shut the door.
I bought a brand new 67 VW for $1711. I beat the hell out of it and it just kept on running. Put studded snow tires on it for our Massachusetts winters. I swear it would climb Mt Everest on those tires! A VW dealer mechanic told me, pull out the exhaust tips, drill out the spot welds, push out the guts with a broom handle and replace the empty tube for and extra 3 HP. When you only have 53 HP, you can really feel the extra 3, and it sounds better.
Oh, Luke mentioned probably should not do anything I say. lol, But let me tell you Luke's tech advice is always spot on. Timing, Carb adjustments, Valves adjustments, Vacuum adjustments etc.and more! My 67 Mustang Gt has never ever ran as good as it does listening to Luke's advice and tech. I am sure all you guys and gals know this too by now. When Luke teaches, Listen to him! So Thanks Luke for all you do for our car community!!! Much Love and blessings to you and yours. Cheers from Michigan.
Glad I was able to help out 🙂 I just try to be the resource I wish I had when I was trying to figure things out - the internet was much younger then, granted I was lucky to have it at all
I've heard some really stupid things from people over the years, but never from you. One guy once said that his car quit running when it started pumping oil through the spark plug wires. REALLY. I'm pretty sure it was just a "joke" he was playing, but what utter garbage.
The classic old VW sound when the engine is SWEET sounds like a chirping bird when the engine is revved up. This one sounds great! Hope it is a ‘68. Your wife is going to love this!!!
Great to see you back on this car, looks like a '68 to me since it's a single port engine (if it's original). A few rookie mistakes: put the vacuum back on the venturi port, that is where it is designed to run, adjust the valves (stone cold engine), the key was working exactly as it was supposed to, you should check the timing with the vacuum advance disconnected, and next time you need to drain the tank just take the passenger front tire off and the bottom of the tank and the fuel line will be right there, just disconnect the gas line and let it drain, replace all fuel lines the correct size is 7mm. The brakes likely just need bled and probably adjusted since those soft lines looked pretty new, these drum brakes are manually adjusted so you will have to periodically adjust them from the back with a screwdriver.
Not a 1968; 1968 and 1969 did not have black dash panels. Engine lid is from 1972-on (1970 and 1971 convertibles had engine lids with all vents of equal size). Distributor is from 1971-on, was never used with single port engines. I'm thinking it's 1970 with assorted other parts.
Parts onterchange so much. It's a 009 distributor which is standard replacement but usually they remove the vacuum advance. The tail lights look 68 the body is late 60's as the pan looks as well. 4 lugs started 68. Couldn't see if it was swing or irs as 69 went irs. The deck lid is definitely early 70's with the excessive vents. Bumpers look late 60's 70 were thicker and 73 or 74 they went with the shock absorbing mounts.
That is a very good looking Bug! My late mother bought one brand new in Germany in 1971 and drove it all over Germany and Europe. Then she had it shipped to the California Bay Area where we lived. She picked it up in San Francisco.
That's going to be a great car, you couldn't ask for a cleaner one. Even if it took a few bucks to make the mechanicals daily material, she's great looking and worth it.
I’ve been working on VW’s for over 30 years. I’ve restored mine nut to bolt. And I worked at a Beetle restoration shop for 10 years. I would t say I’m an expert but I kinda am. But most of my UA-cam channels are about Old American cars. But I love seeing guys work on beetles for the first time.
70. One year only 1600 single port and big turn signals on the front fenders. Also, I noticed it has the deck lid from a converible. Sedans had two vents.
... And it is BLUE. We discussed your 'thang' for blue vehicles in the past. How am I NOT surprised. Never owned one but have always wanted a 'bug'. My eldest brother had a '68, think he got me into the "people's car". Congrats on this one!
As someone who always enjoyed the souped up car thing when i grew up in HS in the 1970s , watching your videos really takes me back to those days. Love your channel and respect your wrenching judgment calls and how you make the best of whatever situation car-wise you find yourself. Good Luck and kudos to you/wife.
My first showroom new car was a shiny red ‘68 Type 1 VW. Cost me a nickel less than $2K. Loved that car and drive it for over 6 years and only traded when our little family started to grow.
Most people think the Bosch 009 is a Porsche racing distributor, but it is not. It is a industrial motor distributor and that’s why it doesn’t have vacuum advance. Industrial motors sit at one RPM for long duration. Installing an 009 on a passenger car motor can often result on a dead spot on acceleration. You want the distributor with mechanical and vacuum advance. And the vacuum advance does go to the carburetor vacuum port unless it’s dual controlled, but that’s only in very late beetle production and a similar distributor in water cooled cars.
Afaik Luke tried to reach out before and didn’t even get a response. His videos might help, but I think Luke has enough general engine know-how and can google the specialty stuff 😅
Hey, this is Mark. I really enjoy your channel. I’m a big Volkswagen guy and I’m watching your Volkswagen video and I was a Maverick guy for 25 years. I wish I still had one.
Owned 3 of those in my life. 1. Get you a JC Whitney catalog for spare parts. You can make a VW from a JC Whitney catalog 2. BE SURE to keep a spare generator/fan belt 3. Wear a good coat and gloves in winter, you essentially have no heater.
The funny thing about those bugs is that if you didn't have your engine compartment sealed off and you didn't have all of the tins on the engine and you didn't have the heat exchangers on then you weren't going to get no heat and if your running boards were rusted out then you wouldn't have no defrosters the defroster channel is the running board. I've always made sure of every one of those points when I bought a bug and I've never had any problem with heat or defrosting❤
@richwiebe8084 I went to Jc Whitney/Warshawskis in Chicago in the 70's, huge warehouse had everything. They had decent parts along with the junk, just had to find them.
When I was very young about 45 years ago I saw my father and uncle drop the engine from one of those cars and put in a new engine. They had the car in a field on concrete blocks 😂. I think they were putting a bigger engine from 1100cc - 1300cc or something like that. They had it all done in about five or six hours
That’s an awesome bug and that is the last good year of bugs, after this year, they got fuguly. You lucked out on getting it, I wish I still had my 2 babies.
Congrats: I guess third time's the charm? That is a very nice color, too (I'm partial to dark blue). I love Bugs. Neighbors had them (1960s/70s), and they run in my family on my Dad's side. It was our family car when I was born, and every one of my cousins on that side owned at least one (each). Cheap to maintain, reliable, and fun! I wouldn't mind owning one, in good condition (too old to be interested in restoring one myself).
Man running it in the garage must of hit you hard ... 1927 in the title still loopie on exhaust when uploading lol. You make me nervous turning it over with your hand and having your fingers inside the belt, they can pop off randomly if the ignition is hot. Great uncle lost a finger doing something similar. VW and airplanes always assume the ignition is hot. Great video as usual. That bug is probably worthy of pulling the engine and resealing, making a really nice driver for the wife.
I’ve come to learn from experience, once you get into the brakes on a Beetle, replace everything that contains brake fluid at one time. It’s not expensive and it can prevent the eventual brake failure that will happen. It can all be bought brand new and cheap. It’s not too expensive to convert to front disc brakes if you hate adjusting drums.
trucks, hotrods and beater vw's. never liked vw's til i drove one. something about seeing that rear fender in the side mirror while cruising around that got me hooked, ive had many got into alot of shenanigans with them but you just dont see them anymore. nice find
12 years old in 1972 my aunt let me drive her 1969 VW bug around the block, 4 speed, it was a blast, I was a big 12 year old and my mother let me drive around the neighborhood all the time, the thing about VW bugs was the smell of the engine, anyone who drove one will know what I'm talking about, they had a unique odor while running.
Awesome video dude👍 I'm always happy to see a classic beetle having its second (or 53rd lol) chance at life. Personally I'm a old school Ford and Honda nerd but there's just something about the simplicity of classic Volkswagens and I'm still waiting for the day I finally get to work on one for the first time.
Luke, what the- Im so jealous... Edit: That things a Gem, the raintray is still installed in the rear hood, Those were always removed. Its still running the original style key, and yes, you have to turn it back to restart. I'm incredibly jealous now😂
Luke, great video, really nice beetle , back in the mid 70's we all got our driver licenses within 4 months and one of buddies Dwayne, his family always had VW's and he got a 66 beetle as his first car and we all helped fix it up to get road worthy, it only took 2 weekends, safety on Monday and driving on Tuesday, a freaking amazing car , went anywhere and everywhere in winter he put used snow studded tires on it , never any issues in the snow, pretty much never got stuck and our parents always new we'd get home, it always started in -30 weather and took awhile to warm up, we could buy complete engine with transaxle assembly from the wrecker for $40 and drag it home and change it out with hand tools in under 2 hours easy we did quite a few of them over our teenage years and we got one car that the gas heater actually worked good for 2 winters before having to fix it, greatest of times boy, you can't put a price on them, Dwayne was a great driver, he use to driver down a main drag in town with a centre boulevard and run a slalom course down it through the trees and lucky for us we never got caught and laughed like hell each time we did this and we did it allot and let me tell you beetles are good hill climbers stock , you don't need anything special, we'd throw 5 bucks in the tank and drive until 2 or 3 in the morning and coast home to park on the front street so not to wake our parents, we all lived 3 doors apart from one another, I now have my first VW 2002 Golf GLS thats really clean car, since the 70's, had it a few years now and its been sitting in the driveway and this spring I will finally get ti on the road, funny thing when i brought it home in 2021 in the fall i put half a tank go gas in it that i will now drain out as you did and its pretty easy, remove the back seat and the access panel is right there and drain into a transfer tank i have in the garage, luckily i have a good friend who is a VW specialist, his feather use to own shop here until he passed away a few back, they did work that the dealership could not solve for new VW's under warranty, all the mechanics were real German old time mechanics and always solved the problems , it just goes to show what good schooling can do for you and your customers in the endVW Canada even approached them to take over the local franchise and declined the offer, smart man his dad, I can hardly wait for the future video on the beetle I am an old Volvo 240 nut myself and been driving them over 43 years now and love these old bricks, they are reliable and built like tanks and have heaters like wood stoves and the best heated seats mine finally gave up the ghost this winter and have a good used one to replace it with 👍
Growing up, My father drove nothing but POS heaps...so when I was in the Service (USAF) 82-86), everybody asked me about keeping thier heaps moving around. Tech literature was my friend...and I could usually help my friends, once they had some good tech Lit. One thing I remember about the early aircooled bugs was you could set static timing with just a test light...and, once I learned that, I used it on EVERYTHING I worked on, if it had points...amazingly simple...got it within Two degress, during a tuneup...eventually, I owned a proper Timing light...but CONTINUED to use the test light deal, just so wasn't so much fiddle farting, once we popped the thing off.
Thank you. Pretty good video. Great gas mileage those little cars get , not to bad in the snow also . Alright go to town rig .Keep us informed on what you're up to. Keep on making great entertainment and video's they are great
Luke those Volkswagens all the way up until the 90s you got to turn that key all the way off and then all the way back on to get it to start they're all that away and I don't know why it was a design that way my 91 Jetta was that way . I like what you do so keep it up, I wrinched a good 40 years and you do the way as I've done most of my life lol. Good job man .
I like muscle cars, I like trucks, I like ricers, I like quirky cars. The slug bug falls into that category of cars I would drive. Please don't let your wife put eye lashes on the head lights.
I have never seen a dust cover inside the distributor of a VW (including a new one). Apparently you can purchase such dust covers, but they are not normally used for VW's. I guess it depends on your environment and how much you really need such protection and added complexity. I had or worked on 3 (many years ago). First was 1961 (about 2 years old), and I took my driving licence test in that car - first time "successful" (and I have been driving ever since), the new one was about 1963, and the 3rd was a few years later, perhaps 1971 (and it was about 5 years old).
Your ignition switch is actually working properly. It only allows you to turn to the start position one time, after that you have to roll the key all the way back and try again. Its kind of annoying but I think they did it to make engaging the starter with the car running impossible.
if you buy a bug, there's things that you buy that you don't see. you also get a thousand stories about his cousin or her babysitter or sometimes the trip to Montana. another thing that you get is an old friend and a lot of smiles. it is well worth the price.
My neighbor who passed away last year was a VW mechanic, he knew them beetles inside and out, I would watch him use a test light to set base ignition timing, I never see him use a timing light on them but use to watch him rebuild those engines and get them running and sent on their way!!!
You can definitely use a test light to set initial with points. You don't know the rest of the timing events, but back in the day stuff was stock and not wore out, so it matched the book quite closely
Old Ronnie was very well versed in them old VW Beetles and micro buses he could have a engine out in 20 minutes and not think twice about it@@ThunderHead289
Great lookin beetle. Front trunk lid is called the bonnet. The lid over the engine is called a deck lid. A rubber floor mat over the battery will stop it from shorting out on the seat springs.
I've always hated tiny tinny cars...but yet I'm always on the verge of wanting to buy an old Bug, just because I so love the beauty of it's simplicity. One man with a minimum of tools can basically do ANYTHING to a VW- even a total restoration. They truly were 'der people's car'. VW today is the total antithesis of all that, with their special fasteners on everything, cheesy plastic everywhere, and gads of delicate electronics. Imagine if we in the US didn't live under a totalitarian regime, and car manufacturers were free to make cheap simple cars like this today!
I used to have a 64 VW Beetle. Lord I miss that car. Wanted one ever since I saw the Herbie movies as a kid. 63 through 67 are the best years of the beetle. I bought my Beetle with intent to restore. But I couldn't afford it. So I had to resell it years later. Mostly just drove it around the farm. I did take it out to go after my dad and brothers when they were on the ATVs once. I came out of nowhere and chased them down. My dad said he wished it could have been filmed.
Wish you a lot of luck with that one. 👍 There's no issue with your ignition key you get one shot to start it and then you have to go back to the key insert position every time... It's a VW thing.
One thing neat about VW, you can't push the lock on the drivers door, shut the door and it is locked. To keep from locking the keys in the car, you must lock the drivers door with the key from the outside. If you are in the car you lock it by pushing lock inside, neat. Another thing you get use to when starting it, if you take it out of the start position you must turn it off to start again. Keeps from grinding the starter on the flywheel while it is running. Really neat cars.
I had a Cavalier once. One day, in Las Vegas traffic, I stepped on the brakes and they went to the floor. Found out my rubber line hold back broke and the rubber line was sticking out in the wheel well and every time I would turn, the tire would rub the rubber line until it wore through it. Well only ONE place in Vegas had the line and it was 20 miles to the other side of town. I drove there in that car with no brakes all the way in Vegas traffic. I put the line on in the parking lot and drove home without bleeding the brakes and they worked fine.
I have worked on those, and driven them. Have helped swap engines, more than once. Not a terrible job. I remember my grandmothers bug, of similar vintage, and it drove well and rode fairly well. I do recall that it didn't like hills. I recall having the gas pedal to the floor a lot on one trip. It managed 45 or 50 mph up some of those hills. It definitely wasn't over powered but it got great gas mileage. I definitely remember the Volkswagen whistle from the exhaust. Looks like it is in great shape. Hope you have a lot of fun with it.
First vw drive today 🙂
I've tried to get a vw going 3 different times over the last 12 years but always had no money and no room ....
Not this time, she's a runner.
When are carb cheaters gonna be available.
so, $120.00 would get you the brake lines/hoses you need?
@@68vforvendetta sometime in April - we have had a few unforseen part supplier hurdles coupled with supplier changeouts.
Man, I love those old VW's, too. I also had a 70 that I picked up in Detroit for 50 bucks.
Took a while to get it running, and it had an engine that was mostly useless, but man, it was fun to drive for sure. You are absolutely correct. Your wife will love it just like mine did !❤
Luke.....I love yer channel and the content you post!!...While living in Mexico I had a Vocho !! Of course it was almost the same color as yours ( more an Electric Blue!) ,lowered 3 inches, 19'' wheels and mine was apparently 1 of only 280 that had factory air condition that year ,,,,,1981 I think??...
Bugger me, I didn’t think they were making them in 1927 😆
I screw around a little bit in this video 😄
Thunderface289😅
Danged Lysdexia!
My thoughts exactly. All of my history just went out the window 😂
It's actually a Tartus... did not you see Luke using the sonic screwdriver to adjust the "CARB" -aka Chronometer Advance Retard Barometer
My understanding is that those pre-1927 Kenwood AM/FM stereos are highly collectable especially since FM wasn't invented for another 6 years. You have a gold mine right there.
The Volkswagen was originally a time machine.
I had the same radio for over 10 years. Someone gave it to me used. It was stolen from my truck one night. I really liked that pressing the right side knob seeked to the next station.
They all need new mainsprings by now. Winding them up does nothing.
VW guy here...I have a '68. Your bug looks really nice! If you want to find out the actual year of your car remove the spare tire...the car's body tag will be behind it. If your VIN starts with 118 it's a 68, 119 it's a '69. Those reflectors on the rear lights might indicate it's a 1970 though. If the body tag isn't there lift up the rear seat...the VIN is stamped on the tunnel towards the back.
Cool Info.
I was looking at some of those things too. At the newest, it's 1970 since there are no crescent vents behind the window, but it does have a 72+ engine lid. Still a great looking car regardless.
ANY VW fan can tell you that you have a 1970 Beetle there, although the engine lid either came from a 1972-77 beetle (or a 68-72 convertible). Even if you meant in the title that it was 'restored' in 1972, that would mean a restoration on a NEW car, so whatever story you were told was a load of hogwash! The VIN plate will tell you when it was made, as would any still-original glass or signal lenses.
Also, '68's and '69's have body color metal glove boxes. '70 and younger all have black vinyl.
Appears to be a 1970. I've not seen a 1927 Beetle yet. Those reflectors were not found on a 68 or 69. Any 68 with manual shift will have swing axles unless it's been converted over from the auto-stick. Auto-stick all had CV joints.
The ignition switch works as designed, it has a lock function that is intended to prevent hitting the start position when running. I have that exact same model in the convertible . The engine in the 69 was a 1500 single port. The distributor is an original SVDA (single vacuum dual advance) which is what You want. They are great. The 009 is more for industrial applications and always have that annoying flat hesitation during acceleration. If you’re not familiar with history on it, it would be a good idea to check the valve adjustments just to be sure. That is a good sounding engine. 👍👍🇺🇸
It connects to venturi vacuum on the side, pretty sure. 8)
I was wondering if that’s what was going on with the switch. My forklift does the same thing
My ‘06 GTI ignition worked the same. Not sure if my ‘19 Jetta does the same. It’s a Volkswagen thing, you wouldn’t understand!😂 Awesome car though, none the less.
@@Metal3983 It's standard on all cars. If you have an ignition key that's able to start into a running engine, your ignition lock is broken. Which can happen.
Correct😊
Hey Luke really glad to see you making videos once again. There's just something about you that puts a person in a great mood really makes the guy feel good again about life so truly appreciate all your videos thank you
I second that !!! 🤘🤘🤘🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
You would be shocked at how much that bug would sell for.
It's looking pretty pristine.
I'll bet he paid a LOT for it! That Bug looks pretty sweet, and solid...engine seems cherry.... Even not running and or with a bad engine, that Bug would probably go for a good price.
Yes sir, that would go for at least 4500 to 6500 or even higher in Oklahoma or TX region on marketplace.
@@moosehand8721 Yes, and even for those prices, this one would still be a bargain, between the way it looks and the way the engine sounds. Even looks like someone had redone the suspension. I can't remember the last time I've seen a Bug sitting up so nice and high like that!
Dude, don’t you own a compressor to inflate those tires.
The pulley was not initially marked incorrectly for TDC, then correctly marked. The pulley was marked 180 degrees opposite TDC for ease of valve adjustment. Worked at a VW shop as a teenager. Almost all customer vehicles had the pulley marked just as yours. If a car came in once in awhile without a little paint mark 180 degrees from the TDC notch, we would put a little paint mark there to make all future valve adjustments easier.
Feb. 30, 1926: 11:32AM: Unknown to historians, an FM signal was broadcast from Joe Kenwood's basement for the sole purpose of providing buyers of his stereos with something to listen to.
Feb. 30, 1926 11:33AM. Joe receives the first know telephone call to an FM station, by someone requesting 'Stairway"..... :)
So easy to adjust valves. feeler gauge, box wrench and screwdriver.. Every 3K miles. I didn't even have to lift the car. Lay down, Pop valve cover spring ant pull the valve cover right off. Right about putting mark on pulley 180º for valve adjustment. Just made it even easier.
My first car was a 1966 VWB. I got it in 1978 from my uncle, the original owner. The thing was beat and tired, but it got me to work. It had little to no heat and barely made it up the hills of Rte 1 to work in Topsfield, Massachusetts, but I loved that tin can. I gave it to my brother, and he totaled it months after ownership. He hit a large rock driving it across a field of tall weeds. He tore the front right wheel off, and then we had to tow it with my pickup on the remaining three tires. It was probably not the smartest or safest thing, but we made it home.
Thunderface? 🤣 It's always a special treat when you post a new video. I know it's time-consuming for you and I really appreciate the combination of entertainment and education you provide when you take us through your projects. Thanks again!
Maybe I should start a channel called thundercunt 😂
“I’m a V8 American manual transmission hot rod guy.”
That’s why we love and respect you and your knowledge.
That color of the gas was normal in the 80s. I miss the old gas, it didn’t go bad in week like this new watered down crap. It didn’t clog up carburetors and I honestly believe all engines got better gas mileage on the old gas.
Drove a 67 through college at georgia tech. Had to tune it every weekend, burnt oil, but started every time. Got it for $400 but after $25 in bondo and rattle can to hide the dents and scratches from a roller accident .... That thing got me 600 miles there and back several times. Youre right, its a unique ride withe equally unique sounds and smells. Yes, i miss it. The most minimal driving experience available in 1976. Yours is a beauty.
I got my first VW at 17 years old (1970) and have owned 11 over the years. Your Bug has been well cared for and that engine is smooth. Previous owner(s) did a nice job on the seats/paint[ etc.
That Bug is definitely a keeper! Do a few performance mods to it and let your wife drive it like she stole it!! Enjoy!!
Beetles are not actually my cup of tea, but this blue one, and with the high pitched tone classic of the 1300s really brought childhood memories. They are TANKS, surprisingly good off road, go far beyond many 4x4s thanks to the added traction due to the weight of the engine on the rear axle, and withstand quite a lot of punishment without missing a beat. Here in Brazil they still are everywhere
I keep meaning to get my 1843 VW running again, maybe this video will inspire me
Aah Haa - ye olde VWe ..........
Must be hard to find parts for a pre civil war VW especially the Confederate states models
@@juliancrooks3031 Yep, esp with that sumbitch Whig Tyler in the White House!
They have the beetle George Washington drove to Valley Forge. He liked them because they did so well in the snow. He contributed his VW in helping win the revolutionary war...
I adore my 71 Super Beetle. Really simple to work on and reliable as anything one their fixed up. I also hit my head on the trunk regularly.
Yes you have to turn the key all the way off before you can crank it again 😂 ❤ your videos
What fun! I learned to drive in a '62 Beetle which had been abandoned at my Dad's auto/motorcycle/Chrysler outboard/boat/moped shop in 1977...about $75 bucks in new parts (gas tank, exhaust tips, new battery), and it went from non-runner to passing the D.C. inspection first try...Not fast or quick, but so low-geared that hills were never a problem, and aside from the driver's seatback flopping backwards periodically, it got me around the D.C./Arlington/Metro area just fine that Summer...A lot of fun for only 1200cc and 40 BHP!
I grew up in Orange County Ca and all the surfers drove these because they don`t get stuck in the sand as much as other cars do.
Its because Beetles have flat undersides. Its the reason the WW2-era Kubelwagen (a Beetle derivative) and its descendant the Thing are excellent runners in sand and snow.
Beetles were designed to have difficult shutting doors as it was meant to be air tight. On a good one you had to open the little side window to allow the air to escape when you shut the door.
That's awesome. Not practical, but awesome.
That makes them great for a couple 6x9 speakers in the rear deck. Good bass!
They were meant to be able to float@@LifeisGood762
I agree, they are pretty airtight and have a big fat seal, open a window and they usually shut decent.
They ran ads that showed how well the Bugs float. They were built to be watertight.
Brings back many memories, as a young guy I had 8 of those. I restored many of them. I wish I had one again!
My wife and I had a '68 Type 3 when we got married in 1974. What a hammer! Wouldn't die.Your video brought back memories (mostly good) 😄
Wow! That Beetle is almost a hundred years old! Amazing!
I bought a brand new 67 VW for $1711. I beat the hell out of it and it just kept on running. Put studded snow tires on it for our Massachusetts winters. I swear it would climb Mt Everest on those tires! A VW dealer mechanic told me, pull out the exhaust tips, drill out the spot welds, push out the guts with a broom handle and replace the empty tube for and extra 3 HP. When you only have 53 HP, you can really feel the extra 3, and it sounds better.
wow!
Oh, Luke mentioned probably should not do anything I say. lol, But let me tell you Luke's tech advice is always spot on. Timing, Carb adjustments, Valves adjustments, Vacuum adjustments etc.and more! My 67 Mustang Gt has never ever ran as good as it does listening to Luke's advice and tech. I am sure all you guys and gals know this too by now. When Luke teaches, Listen to him! So Thanks Luke for all you do for our car community!!! Much Love and blessings to you and yours. Cheers from Michigan.
Glad I was able to help out 🙂
I just try to be the resource I wish I had when I was trying to figure things out - the internet was much younger then, granted I was lucky to have it at all
I've heard some really stupid things from people over the years, but never from you. One guy once said that his car quit running when it started pumping oil through the spark plug wires. REALLY. I'm pretty sure it was just a "joke" he was playing, but what utter garbage.
The classic old VW sound when the engine is SWEET sounds like a chirping bird when the engine is revved up. This one sounds great! Hope it is a ‘68. Your wife is going to love this!!!
Great to see you back on this car, looks like a '68 to me since it's a single port engine (if it's original). A few rookie mistakes: put the vacuum back on the venturi port, that is where it is designed to run, adjust the valves (stone cold engine), the key was working exactly as it was supposed to, you should check the timing with the vacuum advance disconnected, and next time you need to drain the tank just take the passenger front tire off and the bottom of the tank and the fuel line will be right there, just disconnect the gas line and let it drain, replace all fuel lines the correct size is 7mm. The brakes likely just need bled and probably adjusted since those soft lines looked pretty new, these drum brakes are manually adjusted so you will have to periodically adjust them from the back with a screwdriver.
Not a 1968; 1968 and 1969 did not have black dash panels. Engine lid is from 1972-on (1970 and 1971 convertibles had engine lids with all vents of equal size). Distributor is from 1971-on, was never used with single port engines. I'm thinking it's 1970 with assorted other parts.
Parts onterchange so much. It's a 009 distributor which is standard replacement but usually they remove the vacuum advance. The tail lights look 68 the body is late 60's as the pan looks as well. 4 lugs started 68. Couldn't see if it was swing or irs as 69 went irs. The deck lid is definitely early 70's with the excessive vents. Bumpers look late 60's 70 were thicker and 73 or 74 they went with the shock absorbing mounts.
The door looks to be an early 70's with the large plug screw in the door mirror.
That is a very good looking Bug! My late mother bought one brand new in Germany in 1971 and drove it all over Germany and Europe. Then she had it shipped to the California Bay Area where we lived. She picked it up in San Francisco.
That's going to be a great car, you couldn't ask for a cleaner one. Even if it took a few bucks to make the mechanicals daily material, she's great looking and worth it.
That air pump!! It was like filling a bath tub with a teaspoon!! 😂
I’ve been working on VW’s for over 30 years. I’ve restored mine nut to bolt. And I worked at a Beetle restoration shop for 10 years. I would t say I’m an expert but I kinda am. But most of my UA-cam channels are about Old American cars. But I love seeing guys work on beetles for the first time.
70. One year only 1600 single port and big turn signals on the front fenders. Also, I noticed it has the deck lid from a converible. Sedans had two vents.
... And it is BLUE. We discussed your 'thang' for blue vehicles in the past. How am I NOT surprised. Never owned one but have always wanted a 'bug'. My eldest brother had a '68, think he got me into the "people's car". Congrats on this one!
As someone who always enjoyed the souped up car thing when i grew up in HS in the 1970s , watching your videos really takes me back to those days. Love your channel and respect your wrenching judgment calls and how you make the best of whatever situation car-wise you find yourself. Good Luck and kudos to you/wife.
I appreciate that, not everyone likes my methods of doing things - thank you for the positive feedback 🙂
I looks from the beginning *where i am right now, that someone really put a fair amount of love and care into the restoration of that thing.
That Bug sounds great my friend! I would change the oil, plugs and wires, fix the brakes and call it a day!
My first showroom new car was a shiny red ‘68 Type 1 VW. Cost me a nickel less than $2K. Loved that car and drive it for over 6 years and only traded when our little family started to grow.
She’s a beaut, Clark.
Most people think the Bosch 009 is a Porsche racing distributor, but it is not. It is a industrial motor distributor and that’s why it doesn’t have vacuum advance. Industrial motors sit at one RPM for long duration. Installing an 009 on a passenger car motor can often result on a dead spot on acceleration. You want the distributor with mechanical and vacuum advance. And the vacuum advance does go to the carburetor vacuum port unless it’s dual controlled, but that’s only in very late beetle production and a similar distributor in water cooled cars.
Mustie is a goodmine of VW information. I'm sure you're familiar, but if not look his channel up.
Afaik Luke tried to reach out before and didn’t even get a response. His videos might help, but I think Luke has enough general engine know-how and can google the specialty stuff 😅
Excellent video Luke! I've always wanted one of these.
Same, it only took 3 attempts 😅
Hey, this is Mark. I really enjoy your channel. I’m a big Volkswagen guy and I’m watching your Volkswagen video and I was a Maverick guy for 25 years. I wish I still had one.
Owned 3 of those in my life.
1. Get you a JC Whitney catalog for spare parts. You can make a VW from a JC Whitney catalog
2. BE SURE to keep a spare generator/fan belt
3. Wear a good coat and gloves in winter, you essentially have no heater.
@eddiehuff7366 Last JCWhitney catalog I had there was no VW section at all anymore . . .
JC Whitney was the Temu of 80’s VW parts. Their catalogs were fun for entertainment only, most heavy parts were pot metal.
JC Whitney still exists……well I’ll be BUGggered
The funny thing about those bugs is that if you didn't have your engine compartment sealed off and you didn't have all of the tins on the engine and you didn't have the heat exchangers on then you weren't going to get no heat and if your running boards were rusted out then you wouldn't have no defrosters the defroster channel is the running board.
I've always made sure of every one of those points when I bought a bug and I've never had any problem with heat or defrosting❤
@richwiebe8084 I went to Jc Whitney/Warshawskis in Chicago in the 70's, huge warehouse had everything. They had decent parts along with the junk, just had to find them.
When I was very young about 45 years ago I saw my father and uncle drop the engine from one of those cars and put in a new engine. They had the car in a field on concrete blocks 😂. I think they were putting a bigger engine from 1100cc - 1300cc or something like that. They had it all done in about five or six hours
You are so lucky, you've found a real GEM!
That’s an awesome bug and that is the last good year of bugs, after this year, they got fuguly. You lucked out on getting it, I wish I still had my 2 babies.
Congrats: I guess third time's the charm? That is a very nice color, too (I'm partial to dark blue). I love Bugs. Neighbors had them (1960s/70s), and they run in my family on my Dad's side. It was our family car when I was born, and every one of my cousins on that side owned at least one (each). Cheap to maintain, reliable, and fun! I wouldn't mind owning one, in good condition (too old to be interested in restoring one myself).
This makes me miss my 71. Not fast, not even quick but super fun to throw around. 0-60, eventually 😂
Miss mine too. It's how I learned to drive in the snow.
@@stepheninge2173 I learned in a 72 Plymouth Scamp with bald snow tires and a 318. Fun stuff when you're invincible 😂
Please don't let it catch fire. It looks to be in great condition. Very nice looking car.
The first car I bought was a 1971 Volkswagen Karman Ghia with 1600cc dual port engine. This video brought back a lot of great memories! Thanks.
Time travelling Bug. 🤣🤣
Love Beetles and this color is great
I dunno why but really vibing on the original beetle recently
Excellent save on this
The VW crowd calls that exhaust sound the "Fweem". Looks like a solid ride. 👍🏼
Man running it in the garage must of hit you hard ... 1927 in the title still loopie on exhaust when uploading lol.
You make me nervous turning it over with your hand and having your fingers inside the belt, they can pop off randomly if the ignition is hot. Great uncle lost a finger doing something similar. VW and airplanes always assume the ignition is hot.
Great video as usual. That bug is probably worthy of pulling the engine and resealing, making a really nice driver for the wife.
I’ve come to learn from experience, once you get into the brakes on a Beetle, replace everything that contains brake fluid at one time. It’s not expensive and it can prevent the eventual brake failure that will happen. It can all be bought brand new and cheap. It’s not too expensive to convert to front disc brakes if you hate adjusting drums.
trucks, hotrods and beater vw's. never liked vw's til i drove one. something about seeing that rear fender in the side mirror while cruising around that got me hooked, ive had many got into alot of shenanigans with them but you just dont see them anymore. nice find
12 years old in 1972 my aunt let me drive her 1969 VW bug around the block, 4 speed, it was a blast, I was a big 12 year old and my mother let me drive around the neighborhood all the time, the thing about VW bugs was the smell of the engine, anyone who drove one will know what I'm talking about, they had a unique odor while running.
Awesome video dude👍 I'm always happy to see a classic beetle having its second (or 53rd lol) chance at life. Personally I'm a old school Ford and Honda nerd but there's just something about the simplicity of classic Volkswagens and I'm still waiting for the day I finally get to work on one for the first time.
Since this is an air cooled engine these are happy running a little rich for cooler combustion temperatures.
100%
Luke, what the- Im so jealous...
Edit: That things a Gem, the raintray is still installed in the rear hood, Those were always removed. Its still running the original style key, and yes, you have to turn it back to restart. I'm incredibly jealous now😂
Always enjoy your content but as a VW guy, it’s good to see a VW on the channel.
Luke, great video, really nice beetle , back in the mid 70's we all got our driver licenses within 4 months and one of buddies Dwayne, his family always had VW's and he got a 66 beetle as his first car and we all helped fix it up to get road worthy, it only took 2 weekends, safety on Monday and driving on Tuesday, a freaking amazing car , went anywhere and everywhere in winter he put used snow studded tires on it , never any issues in the snow, pretty much never got stuck and our parents always new we'd get home, it always started in -30 weather and took awhile to warm up, we could buy complete engine with transaxle assembly from the wrecker for $40 and drag it home and change it out with hand tools in under 2 hours easy we did quite a few of them over our teenage years and we got one car that the gas heater actually worked good for 2 winters before having to fix it, greatest of times boy, you can't put a price on them, Dwayne was a great driver, he use to driver down a main drag in town with a centre boulevard and run a slalom course down it through the trees and lucky for us we never got caught and laughed like hell each time we did this and we did it allot and let me tell you beetles are good hill climbers stock , you don't need anything special, we'd throw 5 bucks in the tank and drive until 2 or 3 in the morning and coast home to park on the front street so not to wake our parents, we all lived 3 doors apart from one another, I now have my first VW 2002 Golf GLS thats really clean car, since the 70's, had it a few years now and its been sitting in the driveway and this spring I will finally get ti on the road, funny thing when i brought it home in 2021 in the fall i put half a tank go gas in it that i will now drain out as you did and its pretty easy, remove the back seat and the access panel is right there and drain into a transfer tank i have in the garage, luckily i have a good friend who is a VW specialist, his feather use to own shop here until he passed away a few back, they did work that the dealership could not solve for new VW's under warranty, all the mechanics were real German old time mechanics and always solved the problems , it just goes to show what good schooling can do for you and your customers in the endVW Canada even approached them to take over the local franchise and declined the offer, smart man his dad, I can hardly wait for the future video on the beetle I am an old Volvo 240 nut myself and been driving them over 43 years now and love these old bricks, they are reliable and built like tanks and have heaters like wood stoves and the best heated seats mine finally gave up the ghost this winter and have a good used one to replace it with 👍
19:00 I'm keeping the points on my 71 C10. I like the old school ness of it. And the simplicity.
Growing up, My father drove nothing but POS heaps...so when I was in the Service (USAF) 82-86), everybody asked me about keeping thier heaps moving around. Tech literature was my friend...and I could usually help my friends, once they had some good tech Lit. One thing I remember about the early aircooled bugs was you could set static timing with just a test light...and, once I learned that, I used it on EVERYTHING I worked on, if it had points...amazingly simple...got it within Two degress, during a tuneup...eventually, I owned a proper Timing light...but CONTINUED to use the test light deal, just so wasn't so much fiddle farting, once we popped the thing off.
Yup!
The two marks on the main pulley are for TDC for each cylinder while adjusting the valves
Thank you. Pretty good video. Great gas mileage those little cars get , not to bad in the snow also . Alright go to town rig .Keep us informed on what you're up to. Keep on making great entertainment and video's they are great
Luke those Volkswagens all the way up until the 90s you got to turn that key all the way off and then all the way back on to get it to start they're all that away and I don't know why it was a design that way my 91 Jetta was that way . I like what you do so keep it up, I wrinched a good 40 years and you do the way as I've done most of my life lol. Good job man .
The purpose of that design was to prevent accidentally engaging the starter if the engine was running. Really not a bad idea.
@@brianw8963 your absolutely right Brian it saves on the starter bendicts that's for sure.
@@cecilrose I’ve heard that chill inducing grinding noise when that happens. Of course I’ve never actually done it myself! 😃😃
Looks and runs good
Just need to work the bugs out of the bug and you’ll be fine.
Your mixture needs to be on the rich side. When the engine heats up, it will run better than when it's idling in the shop.
Great video bro. Probably one of the cleanest examples I have seen and that blue colour is amazing. Keep it up bro 👍
I like muscle cars, I like trucks, I like ricers, I like quirky cars. The slug bug falls into that category of cars I would drive. Please don't let your wife put eye lashes on the head lights.
I have never seen a dust cover inside the distributor of a VW (including a new one). Apparently you can purchase such dust covers, but they are not normally used for VW's. I guess it depends on your environment and how much you really need such protection and added complexity. I had or worked on 3 (many years ago). First was 1961 (about 2 years old), and I took my driving licence test in that car - first time "successful" (and I have been driving ever since), the new one was about 1963, and the 3rd was a few years later, perhaps 1971 (and it was about 5 years old).
My first superheated had one until I did my first tune up and lost it.
Your ignition switch is actually working properly. It only allows you to turn to the start position one time, after that you have to roll the key all the way back and try again. Its kind of annoying but I think they did it to make engaging the starter with the car running impossible.
What a great find!! A little more work and some cleaning and she will be about as nice as they come these days.
I love the 20’s version of the Bug🤣
I'm starting to make fun of the cliches once in awhile - I get a little loopy editing a video at 2am 😅
if you buy a bug, there's things that you buy that you don't see. you also get a thousand stories about his cousin or her babysitter or sometimes the trip to Montana. another thing that you get is an old friend and a lot of smiles. it is well worth the price.
What a great find! Would love to find a blue '68 in that condition.
Thanks for the video Luke. It is a cool looking little car.
60s Beetle but parked in 1927? This man is a time traveler!
You missed one of the most important checks - Does the radio work? 😉 Nice looking car. Should be a fun project.
Pop in Hotel California, screw the brakes, and go cruizin.
Eagles? Nah, that should be reserved for a Mercedes-Benz, since the song said so. For a Beetle, its any Beach Boys song!
@@kristoffermangila Or the Beatles:-)
My neighbor who passed away last year was a VW mechanic, he knew them beetles inside and out, I would watch him use a test light to set base ignition timing, I never see him use a timing light on them but use to watch him rebuild those engines and get them running and sent on their way!!!
You can definitely use a test light to set initial with points. You don't know the rest of the timing events, but back in the day stuff was stock and not wore out, so it matched the book quite closely
Old Ronnie was very well versed in them old VW Beetles and micro buses he could have a engine out in 20 minutes and not think twice about it@@ThunderHead289
Had a 63 road racer one seat roll bar close ratio trans bus brakes and real wide tires it was like driving a slot car, what a blast.
Noone hates a Beetle...❤...ITS a lovely little car😊
0:54 pretty accurate. (Not my first language, but I live in Germany and I’d say it like this 😅)
Great lookin beetle. Front trunk lid is called the bonnet. The lid over the engine is called a deck lid. A rubber floor mat over the battery will stop it from shorting out on the seat springs.
I have to admit they are a blast to drive
You know it's gonna be a good day when a new Thunderhead289 video is uploaded!
How can you not like them. They are easy to work on and are fun to putts around in.
I've always hated tiny tinny cars...but yet I'm always on the verge of wanting to buy an old Bug, just because I so love the beauty of it's simplicity. One man with a minimum of tools can basically do ANYTHING to a VW- even a total restoration. They truly were 'der people's car'. VW today is the total antithesis of all that, with their special fasteners on everything, cheesy plastic everywhere, and gads of delicate electronics. Imagine if we in the US didn't live under a totalitarian regime, and car manufacturers were free to make cheap simple cars like this today!
Right off the bat that color blue is outta site......I dig it!
That caught my eye also as I just did my 69 with metallic blue single stage from Summit. Looks about the same color.
We need more videos from you. We need more uncle luke. Always love your videos, brother.
Thanks for the content, Thunder. Beautiful bug! I wish cars could have kids sometimes.
Oil and gas... All VW's need in life.. great content. I got a 62 bug .... Glad your getting your channel back up Bro...💯🔥
I disappear mpst winters now and then come back to some capacity for 8 months in the spring summer fall 🙂
I used to have a 64 VW Beetle. Lord I miss that car. Wanted one ever since I saw the Herbie movies as a kid. 63 through 67 are the best years of the beetle. I bought my Beetle with intent to restore. But I couldn't afford it. So I had to resell it years later. Mostly just drove it around the farm. I did take it out to go after my dad and brothers when they were on the ATVs once. I came out of nowhere and chased them down. My dad said he wished it could have been filmed.
Wish you a lot of luck with that one. 👍 There's no issue with your ignition key you get one shot to start it and then you have to go back to the key insert position every time... It's a VW thing.
One thing neat about VW, you can't push the lock on the drivers door, shut the door and it is locked. To keep from locking the keys in the car, you must lock the drivers door with the key from the outside. If you are in the car you lock it by pushing lock inside, neat. Another thing you get use to when starting it, if you take it out of the start position you must turn it off to start again. Keeps from grinding the starter on the flywheel while it is running. Really neat cars.
I had a Cavalier once. One day, in Las Vegas traffic, I stepped on the brakes and they went to the floor. Found out my rubber line hold back broke and the rubber line was sticking out in the wheel well and every time I would turn, the tire would rub the rubber line until it wore through it. Well only ONE place in Vegas had the line and it was 20 miles to the other side of town. I drove there in that car with no brakes all the way in Vegas traffic. I put the line on in the parking lot and drove home without bleeding the brakes and they worked fine.
I have worked on those, and driven them. Have helped swap engines, more than once. Not a terrible job. I remember my grandmothers bug, of similar vintage, and it drove well and rode fairly well. I do recall that it didn't like hills. I recall having the gas pedal to the floor a lot on one trip. It managed 45 or 50 mph up some of those hills. It definitely wasn't over powered but it got great gas mileage. I definitely remember the Volkswagen whistle from the exhaust. Looks like it is in great shape. Hope you have a lot of fun with it.
I like that dusty old AMC Gremlin in the background. I had several.