Thanks and appreciation for sharing this, these kind of stories encourages me to keep my Squareback despite the grief I get from family.

The Type 3 was the nicest offering by Volkswagen, especially when in August 1967 launched the 1968 with Bosch D-Jetronic FI, the first mass produced vehicle to have FI. It still had the body on frame of the Type 1, the long block was the same, however, far more cabin and luggage space, plus the front suspension was fully independent.

My Squareback is a 1971 Sunroof, Marina Blau, and still has her FI. The first owner was a German who did a tourist delivery and had a one year work contract at Bell Laboratories, first in Maryland and then San Diego. My Dad's University friend Sue had her 38 years until I bought the Squareback. Being it lived on the coast and has a sunroof, it will need the lower portion of the front pillar replaced plus both rockers (I have the sheet metal). So, I understand they do easily rust, especially exposed to salt like ours were.

And that was a lot of money for fenders, obviously there was at least an appreciation for her. I gladly pay that to get the Beetle a set of NOS German fenders, super hard finding used and most are beat to snot. Maybe even a set of front fenders for the Squareback, both have the infamous rust at the top back corners (replacements so better than what was there).

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Glad you enjoyed my ramblings....I enjoyed sharing them.
I loved that car! So much so, I bought a Fastback to go along with her. That was an automatic and it just didn't have the same "mojo" as my Beige Squareback with the manual trans. IIRC the mileage was a lot higher, had been driven harder (I think) and a lot of parts replaced. Didn't like it at all. The tranny felt like mush, car didn't wanna move and it handled like crap compared the the Squareback. Dunno if that was common or it was just worn out?
I totally relate to the subject of this thread. Save WAY TOO MUCH "stuff".....despite the grief I get from family...LOL It's just human nature, for us, anyway.
Peace

Far from it, I am a mutt consisting of Dutch, English, possibly Friesian, German, Irish, Norman, very strong possibility of Pomeranian, Prussian, Scottish, Swiss, and Welsh. My Paternal side is mostly Germanic and Dad chose for his parents to be called Oma and Opa, which is the familiar form of Grandmother and Grandfather (my Maternal side is the UK portion).

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

My first Type 3 was a beige 1968 Fastback, totally beat to snot and rusted out, so inexperienced, too in a hurry, and too in love got bit hard. I ended up selling it for a fraction of what I paid, plus some used parts, more importantly, got me a friend and into the community where I could do far better with the second.

I never have driven an automatic, I would expect some loss in performance as the automatic does consume engine power to operate the pumps and valves. I bet some of it was being worn, 64 horsepower is not a lot especially if the FI and engine tune is not in top shape. Plus, worn suspension can have a huge impact on the feel of the handling, worn out it is just terrible, even dangerous, however, once everything is new, wow, what a feeling (and was just a short distance as the replacement front beam wouldn't bolt up as turned out the frame was bent).

Even if human nature, do we have to go along with it? Or can we see when it is causing us harm and need to make changes?

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

O.K., you guys asked for it by talking not just about old Beetles but Typ III's too .

I'm one of those who loved the various Typ III's, carburetted as well as the D-Jet equipped ones .

I've owned too many to remember them all but my very favorite as my all original and rust free 1971 Fastback .

It has sun roof, AM/FM/SW radio and the automatic ~ being a VW Mechanic I knew how to tune it so it flew as VW intended .

One of my buddies said "typ III's with automatics are slugs" so I took him for a spirited ride down the Mulholland Highway, bias ply tires and all, he was scared witless .

I foolishly sold that car and regret it ever since .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

That's fine by me so long as the moderator(s) don't mind. Maybe keep this towards the top and someone local will offer to come get the '79 parts.

I don't dislike the early Type 3s, just uncommon and now mostly owned by wealthy and pretentious people who think because they paid thousands to have it imported and have a massive stash of NOS parts (which will only sell at top dollar) that they have something only they have. I do have a soft spot for Type 3 Ghias, however, good luck affording one.

That 1971 Fastback certainly was special, hindsight is 20-20. I bet that was fun teaching him, especially as Type 3s are really fun to drive spirited. I miss driving those Southern California mountain drives, out here nothing close and doesn't seem to be all that many.

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Even the early Beetles were quick (very different than fast) in their day, in 1954 VW introduced the 1192C.C. 36HP engine and it immediately began winning races in it's class around the world .

Read up on the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico ~ the VW Dealer in Mexico City ran a bunch of them, they'd race pretty much bumper to bumper to slipstream...

Amazingly, I young man I know bought an original unmolested Formula Vee with the 40HP engine , 6 volts and all, never did a thing with it and abandoned it what he sold his hobby shop....

He knew I'd have loved it but he's never needed to work a day in his life so he doesn't care about others .

Oh, well .

The early typ III's had huge front drum brakes that worked very well indeed ~ the shoes would up being used on the back of Super Beetles in 1971 .

Pretty good engineering there .

The crappy elitist attitude is the same in any "collector" vehicle ~ in the 1960's I remember old guys acting like the stuff didn't stink because they had a 1928 'T' Model Ford...

Now it's kids with 23 window Typ II's ~ they have NO IDEA what they're talking about, I've crossed America in a stock 1963 # 241 DeLuxe graymarket Typ II with every possible option, towing an old Beetle behind it, using a stock single port 1500CC 60 HP engine, no sweat .

To - day's kiddies think it needs to be fully chromed out, slammed and a long trip is 50 miles .

Sigh .

I've still not looked at your build thread, I saved the link (I hope!) and will in due time .

If the moderator doesn't like this topic drift you can move it or begin anew in the off topic forum .

You can post photos and images there, I'm restricted and no one will tell me why .

I began a build thread in December 2020 about the 2001 Ford Ranger trucklet I bought 12.13 (! Friday) but since I can't post pictures no one has any interest .

I've been tinkering on it all year, it's very nice now .

I hope you begin a VW thread over there .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Dad drove the Beetle spirited in his youth, loved the long first gear as could beat the traffic until second, even one point in the San Diego - Imperial County desert, following a tour bus down a long grade, hit 90MPH! Then down the road, the engine needed a rebuild (he couldn't tell me why, just that it did), and for some reason he switched to the sedate driver. Once warmed up, on a empty road that goes through the reservation, I would like to see how spirited she is, bet pretty quick considering everything.


I did, appreciate letting me know about the race. Interesting had to maintain at least 80KPH, what a creative solution slipstreaming, wonder if changed the lead vehicle. I don't know with today's traffic if I could do a long road trip doing 90KPH the whole way, I much prefer 100KPH (and the speed I drove the Squareback).


What a shame. Hopefully it survived and now being enjoyed.


Nothing wrong with front drum brakes especially in dry conditions. Even some early Type 3 rear brakes were larger than the late model brakes, when I was young and thought I knew what I was doing, tried this, thankfully I was informed before did something stupid.


Yes, that is true, I was just saying I have no interest because of these folks.

As for a cross country trip, I think the current drivers are so self absorbed and inconsiderate, it be too risky to drive Ruby cross country. Dad and I, before they paved the rest of the highway, were going to go to the North side of Alaska, been so long I forgot the name of the road and destination, now it don't seem so special, especially now that he is gone.


I sent you an email, thought of putting the link in again, you want me to sent the link over?


How would I move it?


I had not considered their be any interest on a Mercedes forum, interesting.


I spent 35 minutes going through all your threads and it isn't showing up, you happen to know why?


Over where?

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

HERE : Off-Topic Discussion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

If you look in the drop down radio box it's the next to last forum .

Avoid religion and politics at all costs, that's the last forum and is worthless .

To move a thread, the simplest way is to create a new thread on that other forum and then keeping two tabs open, copy and past ONLY your comments and go from there .

I mis spoke ~ the Rear brakes from the pre 1966 Typ III were what wound up on the front of the Super Beetle in 1971 .

Anyways, you're well advised to be careful about long distance travel in any oldie now, I'm a Motocyclist so I understand better than most the risks and I take them ~ by 2001 Ford Ranger is made if tin foil, I'll die if I get hit in it, almost the same as on my Moto, oh well .

Old VW's were specifically made to be run wide open, pedal to the metal in fourth gear as long as you wanted ~ the owner's manual said "top speed is cruising speed" and if you took care of it it'd last about 150,000 miles on the original engines .

That all came to a screeching halt in 1966 with the almost all new 1300CC engine that made 50HP .

In the 1100 & 1200 days (? dayze ? ) as long as you didn't over rev. the engine going up through the gears they were close to bullet proof .

I need to get my battered 1959 #113 DeLuxe going again, I could drop off dead any moment and I sure like driving old Beetles when they're stock .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Ah, okay I was understanding correctly to start a thread on Ruby in the off topic section.

As for discussing religion and politics, I prefer not to even with my friends, especially as I don't fit anyone's molds.


Interesting. I forgot Type 1s didn't get disk brakes until way late, even after Type 2s IIRC.


I drove as if I was invisible (ex. driving with the headlights on when the sun is low) and still my wonderful W123 wagen was totaled. Because of my medical conditions and that I can't walk the distance to the bus stop, I can schedule the local transporter bus/van to take me anywhere in the county for $4 cash each way, just has to be 24 hours in advance. However, it picks up other people and can take several hours, though I been blessed and not had this happen. Or, I can get a special fare on a taxi, first eight miles is a flat rate (I forget now, haven't been out in ages). So, there been really no reason for me to drive, however, I now would like to have local freedom. Therefore, once the MVD is back to doing inspections and Ruby is ready, will get the title transferred and get her Arizona registration. Then, she will be for local trips and use the bus/van service for the long trips, saving her the risk.


Just because one can means they should. What Dad would say is that there are about now 250,000 miles and almost new compression.


So the 1300cc plus engines can't be run flat out? Mind me asking what changed?


How does one know if they are over revving the engine?


What is keeping this from happening?

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Mom lives in sun city west. I may be taking a trip to visit after the holidays. I’d be interested in helping out where I can so I will PM you when I do.

We are such a bunch of pack rats(Americans). The country of “...just a little more than my fir share.” and a commensurate amount of storage.

I’m feeling a bit ashamed because I basically disassembled an entire car and shuttled it home to a now very cluttered garage where my son and I were going to build a small boat together. Argh! I’m not looking to make a buck off it just build a reasonable inventory and give away the rest.

Nate hit it on the head. It all ends up owning us and cluttering our lives. Giving it away makes it someone else’s problem unless they use it but somethings are worth it. These cars only have value to those who’ve fell in love with them and or have great memories associated with them. We recognize them for their fine engineering, performance, and serviceability but we like our cars are a dying breed within an era. I’ve tried to instill simple values in my kids. My younger son adores my 240D which we call Sadie. In time that may change but the memories and the values passed on will serve him well and who knows, maybe Sadie will remain a part of his life too.
I think the best thing we can do for any legacy is to pass it forward and help those who’ll listen, about why it has value and what that means to you personally. That’s exactly what I see happening here and on many other owners/enthusiast forums. All our stuff will eventually be dust in the wind. It takes hard work, perseverance, and patience to maintain these cars. My kids may never share my interest in the w123 or OM616 but they’ll know what’s important to keep your dreams rolling.

Wow that’s corny! But still..,

Bill, Sun City is about a solid hour drive from here, so that would be a very generous gift which I already appreciate, thank you.


Well, you may think it is corny, however, it is a huge help as to me confirms I need to quit getting hung up on saving stuff for someone that may not even exist. Once I can get out there, get pictures and a list, and see if anyone takes it, say give two weeks and then gone?

I sure hope Sadie gets to stay in the family, time will tell. What age range is he, a young lad?

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

Interesting. I forgot Type 1s didn't get disk brakes until way late, even after Type 2s IIRC.


The USA never got disc brakes on Beetles, only the Karmann Ghia did ~ it is a very simple thing to swap the ball joint front suspension complete from a 'Ghia to any post 1966 (ball joint) Beetle ~ you don't even need to change the brake master cylinder nor add a proportioning valve .



I drove as if I was invisible (ex. driving with the headlights on when the sun is low) and still my wonderful W123 wagen was totaled. Because of my medical conditions and that I can't walk the distance to the bus stop, I can schedule the local transporter bus/van to take me anywhere in the county for $4 cash each way, just has to be 24 hours in advance. However, it picks up other people and can take several hours, though I been blessed and not had this happen. Or, I can get a special fare on a taxi, first eight miles is a flat rate (I forget now, haven't been out in ages). So, there been really no reason for me to drive, however, I now would like to have local freedom. Therefore, once the MVD is back to doing inspections and Ruby is ready, will get the title transferred and get her Arizona registration. Then, she will be for local trips and use the bus/van service for the long trips, saving her the risk.

Mobility is important to your mental as well as physical health . plus, just being out and about is interesting ~ when I'm on vacations I sometimes take the local bus just to see what's what if I don't have my own transport .


Just because one can means they should. What Dad would say is that there are about now 250,000 miles and almost new compression.

O.K., the three things necessary to keeping it running are : hot oil changes and removing and cleaning the screen in the sump, this is critical and surely will not be done unless you're hovering around the shop .

VW's have no oil filter, just a metal wire mesh screen that collects ash, sludge and some wear particles ~ over time it packs up and hinders the flow of oil causing hot running ( = DEATH) and eventually starved bearings that will then fail .

The second thing is : valves checked and adjusted every 3,000 miles or six months - if they're not noisy they're way too tight and ready to fail . I think you told me this particular 40 horse still has the original long stud cylinder heads, that's very hard to believe as most failed, pulling the studs out before 80,000 miles ~ if the rockers are held on by bolts Vs. 13 MM ATF nuts on studs, they've been repaired/upgraded . rockers held on by ( 14 MM ATF IIRC) bolts require larger valve lash gaps, I no longer remember what as the last one I ever saw was in 1973 . most 40 horse engines require .006" clearance, better a little bit loose than snug .

Remember " a noisy valve is a happy valve " .

The third thing is the ignition timing, again, this is critical on several levels . setting it depends on the number of notches in your crank pulley .

Never to exceed 29 degrees BTDC @ 3,000 RPM with the vacuum line connected .


So the 1300cc plus engines can't be run flat out? Mind me asking what changed?

When the 'big block' engines were introduced they made scores of little detail changes, all raised the amount of horsepower and torque far beyond the original design parameters ~ air cooled engines are delicate so originally VW used a single carby and very narrow intake manifold and valve diameters to essentially choke the engine's ability to breathe and create power . simply adding dual carbies to any stock VW engine no matter how old almost doubles the amount of available power and drastically reduces engine life although they're fun to drive and get better fuel economy .


How does one know if they are over revving the engine?

I don't know how to explain this, if you up shift anywhere near the little red roman numeral maximum shift points on the speedometer, you're over revving it .

I don't mind answering questions, if I don't know I won't dissemble .

What is keeping this from happening?[/QUOTE]

Keeping what from happening ?

Bill makes some good points .

I strongly disagree with this “...just a little more than my fir share.” rather, Americans have the ability to work hard and gather things, some collect art, others old motor vehicles and there's not a thing wrong with it .

America is a consumer driven society and so discards a lot of things that are perfectly good, I see no harm in holding on to useful things or in re purposing them .

Of course, I was a farm boy so I was accustomed to have no money and making do , not unlike the children of the great depression .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Well then, certainly shows I am a Type 3 person, only reason I have a Beetle is because it is Dad's and we grew up with her. It's almost like learning a whole new vehicle.


I had not considered that, myself feel prefer the hermit life especially after no one wants an Autistic volunteer. There are a few thrift stores I was wanting to go to and then COVID hit (especially after I have bulked up over about the last year and a half for some reason).


I grew up sitting by Dad while he did the maintenance on Ruby, as he was so busy there was very little time to spend with him. I learned keeping the engine in proper tune, 3,000 mile oil changes, and regular valve adjustments were a must. I don't know what you mean hovering around a shop, I have been twice stupid thinking they knew better than me, then got ripped off (first time I didn't know about the California law that they can't exceed $100 over the estimate and so paid almost $600 for no work). I do all my work, as I know what I did and I am satisfied with it. By the way, this is why I sold my modern vehicle at a loss and bought the wagen, so I could do all the work myself, I am done with ever owning another modem vehicle.


At some point I will be adding a oil pump oil filter setup, by the way. For now, I do as I have always done and thoroughly clean the screen.


I don't ever remember saying that, especially as I did not know there are any differences until the length changed in 1965 or 1966 with the change in heads. All I can remember is the heads are held on with nuts, I can get a picture if so needed.


I had a nice basic timing light I got used ages ago, always been in the same box, however, went to go get it and not there. So I left it static timed and once legally back on the road and have the bread, get an upgraded timing light with readout.


Seems Dad was right about increased power reducing engine service life. Myself have no interest messing with the wonderful simplicity, ruggedness, and reliability of the 1200cc engine, except one day when does get a rebuild to be sure has camshaft bearings and maybe the upgraded heads.


I forgot about those, appreciate the reminder. Good to know those are limit marks rather than instructions.


Okay.


What is preventing progress on your 1959 113? What needs doing before back on the road?


I agree most of America is consumerism and wastes a lot of resources, however, there also seems to be an over attachment to things, look at the multi billion dollar storage unit industry for example.

After having to clear out mounds of stuff Oma, Dad, and I collected at the San Diego house plus then clearing out my own home, I am of the opinion that one can collect too much stuff. I was raised by my Grandparents who grew up rural and during the Depression, so I too save things which still have use, however, now I am organizing them and limiting their amount. The stuff outside is preventing me from having space to have the table saw set up and get after some woodworking projects.

__________________
Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.