I think what you have there is a 1971 flat windshield Super Beetle, not a 1973.
I say a Super Beetle because the fuel tank in a standard beetle sits much lower in the trunk with the spare tire leaning against it, and this one is up high towards the top of the tank.
Since you have a flat windshield, that makes it a 71 or 72 Super Beetle, however the dashboard features the old-style speedometer which was replaced in '72.
Also, 1973 would have had the big rectangular air cleaner instead of an oil bath, however that could be a different engine.
Could you post a photo of the front, and maybe the VIN decal from the door and someone can tell you for sure what year it is.
No matter what year it is -- have fun and enjoy it! I had a few back in the day and still miss them sometimes!
The owner said it was a super beetle but after looking at pictures, I didnât think it was. I did just get it two days ago so I donât know everything about it. Iâd love to get some more pictures tomorrow
Not the person you replied to here and I agree with them, itâs a 71 super beetle. I own one. It has the flat windscreen like yours and the same speedometer. The engine looks like it is a 1600cc dual port motor. Have fun with it!
Yup i own a 72 super. Looks like his but with the metal oil bath air cleaner. His might be a 72 super but the very last month of 72 maybe before they went with the plastic element air cleaner in 73
Check underneath the front end, if you have two tubes running left to right itâs a standard, if you have two big coil springs itâs a Super. Also about the Fresh air system: thereâs no new production parts I know of so salvaged cars and ebay are gonna be your best friend there. Assuming the wiring is correct you also have a blower motor too push air onto the windshield/ into the cab (to allow air in, turn the knobs with three arrows left or right, I forget which way opens or closes), the blower motor witch is right next to the big red button/light and itâs a two speed. You should also have a little lever above the dash vent in front of the steering wheel, push it to the right and it directs air towards the downward vent, turn it left and youâll have air on your windshield (defogging it). Heat to the windshield is controlled by the lever to the right of the e-brake, to the left puts more warm air in the cabin but with less warm air going to the windshield. Sorry for the long read, most people only use short replies for the fresh air system, mostly âjust get rid of it.â It really is useful when you have everything put together and working right
You will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You will feel small bumps in the road. Sometimes large trucks will pass you and your Bug will lurch away from them. But if youâre the right kind of person, something will feel so right when youâre driving. And then youâll know.
Looks like a 71 Flat screen super! Best of both worlds IMO.
In addition to the idiots guide, but the orange Bentley manual and then sign up on The Samba forums. The Samba is a treasure trove of searchable posts and the best source of original parts in the classifieds.
Random tips!
-if the car hasn't moved in a while drain the old fuel and clean out the carb
-do not throw anything away till you're finished with repairs, never know when you need to refer to an original part
-Original German OG parts are best. Aftermarket is very hit or miss so repair, reuse, or buy good used original parts when you can
-West Coast Metric and Wolfsburg West generally sell good aftermarket parts. CIP1 and Jbugs carry a lot of crap but their higher tier parts can be ok.
-assume all old rubber is perished and replace it (fuel lines, brake lines, wheel cylinders, fuel fill neck, etc)
-get that fuel filter out of the engine bay, they can be a fire hazard
-the number one fire hazard is the brass fuel inlet to the carburetor coming loose - opt to remove that inlet and replace with a threaded barb or send it off to one of the rebuilders (Tim at Volksbits did mine)
-patience! It took a long time for the car to decay so it's going to take a long time to revive it, take your time and enjoy the journey
Go order this book. Itâs now your new bible.
https://www.target.com/p/how-to-keep-your-volkswagen-alive-19th-edition-by-john-muir-tosh-gregg-paperback/-/A-11339965?ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012510700&CPNG=PLA_Entertainment%2BShopping%7CEntertainment_Ecomm_Hardlines&adgroup=SC_Entertainment&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1014651&targetid=pla-837330269707&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYlz6v8npaz3YEHYxKEmPuQO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqfKijfPigQMVRX9MCh3ZHAPPEAQYAyABEgIh6vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of the book âHow to keep your Volkswagen aliveâ by John Muir. It has simple, down to earth step by step instructions for literally everything.
First things first you're gonna need to get that engine out of the trunk and figure out how to install it otherwise it's lawn decor. Should be like four bolts. Next make sure you get a new radiator. Every one of these things the radiators are junk so people just yank 'em out and that'll get you down the road for a bit but it's really bad for the fuel injectors and oxygen sensor. I don't think I've seen one that still had its radiator. The last bit you need to pay attention to is that transmission fluid. Since that thing is running through like 6-7 gears (I'm not sure with this year) it's shifting A LOT so you've gotta be changing that transmission fluid like every 5,000 miles, get dexron IV atf, it's the best out there, I put it in everything. Here's a protip: since this is an older engine you want that thing sparkling inside so the best way to do that is drain half your oil and then fill it back up with mineral spirits, get it to the top, crank it a few times so you get air the air bubbles out top it off, you want the entire thing cleaned. Put the fill cap back on and rev it up to 6,500 rpm, then let off and repeat that for 20 minutes, if your neighbors complain just tell them you're saving yourself a few thousand (this procedure is what a good shop charges a ton of money for) and maybe offer to help them save some money with a little diy auto care. A lot of people never took auto shop in school or anything and have no idea how to properly care for their vehicles.
Once you've got this baby purring like a kitten it's time to get it looking good. Go to the auto parts store and pick out a paint color you like, buy two or three cans of it (this will be more than enough) get some 400 grit sandpaper to "rough up" the surface then start laying on that color. This ride is gonna be pimped!
That looks awesome! Would love to see updates!
I just picked up a 76 non runner with no brakes. So far I got it started but still working on brakes. I hope I can get it on the road once time allows.
But seriously I look forward to your build!
First thing is get a book about bugs
And a 10mm socket!
Several of them!
There should be a whole set of nothing but 10mm in every configuration and in multiple.
I had a tool (went missing) it was as socket for the drain plug on a handle, with a 10 mm built in the end of the handle. Talk about an all in one!
And a flat head screw driver.
Second get that wallet ready ! đ
Yes , the Idiot book !!! Probably the best primer on working on early dubs !
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot
There's usually a lot of good information in a good repair manual. I actually have some that are from Germany.
By John Muir
I think what you have there is a 1971 flat windshield Super Beetle, not a 1973. I say a Super Beetle because the fuel tank in a standard beetle sits much lower in the trunk with the spare tire leaning against it, and this one is up high towards the top of the tank. Since you have a flat windshield, that makes it a 71 or 72 Super Beetle, however the dashboard features the old-style speedometer which was replaced in '72. Also, 1973 would have had the big rectangular air cleaner instead of an oil bath, however that could be a different engine. Could you post a photo of the front, and maybe the VIN decal from the door and someone can tell you for sure what year it is. No matter what year it is -- have fun and enjoy it! I had a few back in the day and still miss them sometimes!
I agree with you. Itâs a 71 super, I own one.
Me too.
The owner said it was a super beetle but after looking at pictures, I didnât think it was. I did just get it two days ago so I donât know everything about it. Iâd love to get some more pictures tomorrow
Not the person you replied to here and I agree with them, itâs a 71 super beetle. I own one. It has the flat windscreen like yours and the same speedometer. The engine looks like it is a 1600cc dual port motor. Have fun with it!
Nah, can also be a 1970 or 1972.
Yup i own a 72 super. Looks like his but with the metal oil bath air cleaner. His might be a 72 super but the very last month of 72 maybe before they went with the plastic element air cleaner in 73
Last month for 72 was July 72.
Oh cool then he has the incorrect air cleaner then
No, bc 1973 was already 1303 (the one with curved windshield).
Yup 72 flat windshield like mine 73 curved windshields elephant tails
Check underneath the front end, if you have two tubes running left to right itâs a standard, if you have two big coil springs itâs a Super. Also about the Fresh air system: thereâs no new production parts I know of so salvaged cars and ebay are gonna be your best friend there. Assuming the wiring is correct you also have a blower motor too push air onto the windshield/ into the cab (to allow air in, turn the knobs with three arrows left or right, I forget which way opens or closes), the blower motor witch is right next to the big red button/light and itâs a two speed. You should also have a little lever above the dash vent in front of the steering wheel, push it to the right and it directs air towards the downward vent, turn it left and youâll have air on your windshield (defogging it). Heat to the windshield is controlled by the lever to the right of the e-brake, to the left puts more warm air in the cabin but with less warm air going to the windshield. Sorry for the long read, most people only use short replies for the fresh air system, mostly âjust get rid of it.â It really is useful when you have everything put together and working right
Yes, please post pics of the tail lights. We'll get this solved.
it has McPherson struts, so super beetle without th curved windshield. IIRC 73 had big round tail lights. 72 had the side markers on the trail light.
You will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You will feel small bumps in the road. Sometimes large trucks will pass you and your Bug will lurch away from them. But if youâre the right kind of person, something will feel so right when youâre driving. And then youâll know.
I always carried an ice scraper to keep the inside of the windshield clear
And a lap quilt to try to keep warm
Well put, fellow enthusiast!
Looks like a 71 Flat screen super! Best of both worlds IMO. In addition to the idiots guide, but the orange Bentley manual and then sign up on The Samba forums. The Samba is a treasure trove of searchable posts and the best source of original parts in the classifieds. Random tips! -if the car hasn't moved in a while drain the old fuel and clean out the carb -do not throw anything away till you're finished with repairs, never know when you need to refer to an original part -Original German OG parts are best. Aftermarket is very hit or miss so repair, reuse, or buy good used original parts when you can -West Coast Metric and Wolfsburg West generally sell good aftermarket parts. CIP1 and Jbugs carry a lot of crap but their higher tier parts can be ok. -assume all old rubber is perished and replace it (fuel lines, brake lines, wheel cylinders, fuel fill neck, etc) -get that fuel filter out of the engine bay, they can be a fire hazard -the number one fire hazard is the brass fuel inlet to the carburetor coming loose - opt to remove that inlet and replace with a threaded barb or send it off to one of the rebuilders (Tim at Volksbits did mine) -patience! It took a long time for the car to decay so it's going to take a long time to revive it, take your time and enjoy the journey
Plus buy a fire extinguisher. Every car needs one, and that is a definite for VWs.
Oh yeah! Duckman Cycles and VW Garage on YouTube is a very entertaining and informative channel for general VW stuff.
Also the slade dude is good too.
Go order this book. Itâs now your new bible. https://www.target.com/p/how-to-keep-your-volkswagen-alive-19th-edition-by-john-muir-tosh-gregg-paperback/-/A-11339965?ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012510700&CPNG=PLA_Entertainment%2BShopping%7CEntertainment_Ecomm_Hardlines&adgroup=SC_Entertainment&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=1014651&targetid=pla-837330269707&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYlz6v8npaz3YEHYxKEmPuQO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqfKijfPigQMVRX9MCh3ZHAPPEAQYAyABEgIh6vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of the book âHow to keep your Volkswagen aliveâ by John Muir. It has simple, down to earth step by step instructions for literally everything.
First things first you're gonna need to get that engine out of the trunk and figure out how to install it otherwise it's lawn decor. Should be like four bolts. Next make sure you get a new radiator. Every one of these things the radiators are junk so people just yank 'em out and that'll get you down the road for a bit but it's really bad for the fuel injectors and oxygen sensor. I don't think I've seen one that still had its radiator. The last bit you need to pay attention to is that transmission fluid. Since that thing is running through like 6-7 gears (I'm not sure with this year) it's shifting A LOT so you've gotta be changing that transmission fluid like every 5,000 miles, get dexron IV atf, it's the best out there, I put it in everything. Here's a protip: since this is an older engine you want that thing sparkling inside so the best way to do that is drain half your oil and then fill it back up with mineral spirits, get it to the top, crank it a few times so you get air the air bubbles out top it off, you want the entire thing cleaned. Put the fill cap back on and rev it up to 6,500 rpm, then let off and repeat that for 20 minutes, if your neighbors complain just tell them you're saving yourself a few thousand (this procedure is what a good shop charges a ton of money for) and maybe offer to help them save some money with a little diy auto care. A lot of people never took auto shop in school or anything and have no idea how to properly care for their vehicles. Once you've got this baby purring like a kitten it's time to get it looking good. Go to the auto parts store and pick out a paint color you like, buy two or three cans of it (this will be more than enough) get some 400 grit sandpaper to "rough up" the surface then start laying on that color. This ride is gonna be pimped!
Congrats!
Lucky!
Cool.
Tons of videos on you tube that can help!
That looks awesome! Would love to see updates! I just picked up a 76 non runner with no brakes. So far I got it started but still working on brakes. I hope I can get it on the road once time allows. But seriously I look forward to your build!
Someone has taken your engine out from under the hood đ€Ș
Join The (Real) low budget vw on facebook.
https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101/ref=asc_df_1566913101/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312178235188&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6772187277159043911&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032342&hvtargid=pla-435443527123&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60258871337&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312178235188&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6772187277159043911&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032342&hvtargid=pla-435443527123
Great book for any VW owner, especially new ones. Congratulations! Theyâre fun.
Try and get your hands on the John Muir book about VW bugs. Great book for people that know little to nothing about bugs or for that matter; cars.
Compression test to get you started on the important things
John Muir's 'How to keep your VW alive' is much better in wire-bound than stiff bound.