1971 Volkswagen Squareback - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #1 05-18-2021, 03:35 PM

Not sure how many be interested in seeing progress getting the Squareback on the road? I know VW Nate is, been encouraging me to get after it.

When I was sick, somehow the key went missing (I always put in the key dish though possible so full got knocked out and since had a rubber keychain the puppy made off with it), so can't get anything done without that.

Being a delightfully cool morning (as of now only 89 degrees F), figured this be a great day to start. First, pulled out the few things in her, thoroughly vacuumed the trunk, noticed the failed trunk seal was holding debris so removed that, put all the stuff into the trunk so out of the way, then vacuumed the interior. Didn't find the key, however, now have a little more pleasant work environment.

I have ordered a replacement key, supposedly only takes a day or two to ship.

Next is to drain the EvapoRust from the tank, clean it as best as I can, and maybe coat it depending if have cleaner and only going to put in a gallon of fuel, this ethanol fuel seems to go bad very quickly. New fuel hoses, install new filter, and new fuel pump.

Once have the key, can check the electrics. There was a pile of blown fuses on the floor and remember there was some issue with the fuel pump not coming on.

Here are pictures of her in Sue's Barn, the second owner since September 1972, back in September 2007 (when I was young and inexperienced, maybe even naïve). The first owner was a German, who was an engineer who came to work at Bell Laboratory in Maryland and then San Diego. The Squareback was either a converted German or a tourist delivery, not clear and there are a few differences in the wiring than a USA specification. Can give more history if anyone is interested.

muller · #2 05-18-2021, 08:19 PM

Cool project

Adriel · #3 05-18-2021, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muller

Cool project

Thank you.

Adriel · #4 05-18-2021, 09:16 PM

This evening decided to get after the fuel system.

I swear bought the cube filters, not finding them. Not horrendously expensive, however, there is a bigger concern.

Plan was to remove the tank sender to do a quick inspection and this happened... Apparently the EvapoRust depite being well used and weak did its job converting corrosion.

The tank doesn't look bad, especially the pickup bowl, just need to pull the tank and clean.

t walgamuth · #5 05-18-2021, 11:36 PM

Keep up the good work!

Lovely color on it!

Tony H · #6 05-19-2021, 01:23 AM

I have always liked the Type 3 VW's, I had a buddy with a notchback Type 3.

Adriel · #7 05-20-2021, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Keep up the good work!

Lovely color on it!

Thank you.

This morning before my appointment to see about removing a glass shard from my finger (got it when putting on the Beetle's wheels) got the tank out, washed out, yet there was aluminum "sludge" stuck inside the filler neck, and white sticky smutz. Set it out in the sun until this evening when filled the fuel bowl in the tank with new yet unusable brake fluid figuring if eats through paint and being an alcohol see if it cleans it.

The color is Marina Blau and when not sun faded has a touch of green. Desperately needs a re-spray, though Dad's Beetle probably be first, and before that, rather to practice on Opa and Oma's 1946 all steel bedroom set which also needing a re-paint. On the bedroom set, not going to go to all the work of replacing the original faux grain, go with green. Thinking experiment with green primer and see if makes a difference, if so, shoot the Squareback in green primer to deepen/enhance the green of the Marina Blau. Open to help, of course.

Adriel · #8 05-20-2021, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony H

I have always liked the Type 3 VW's, I had a buddy with a notchback Type 3.

Notchbacks are rare since grey market. Early or late?

Tony H · #9 05-20-2021, 01:31 AM

It is a '65. Looking through BAT type 3's are fetching healthy prices.

Adriel · #10 05-20-2021, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony H

It is a '65. Looking through BAT type 3's are fetching healthy prices.

Sorry about loss of friendship. I am more a late model enthusiast, though being friends with members of the 1500 Club, have seen and ridden in some stellar early models.

As for prices, the market value has gone up, theSamba and Blue Book show this.

This is one reason why I want to get Baby (PO named) running, to move her into the back. Most of the neighborhood has now been taken over by south of the boarder renters; used to be LDS owners since built. My neighbor had his Grandmother's pot belly stove stolen off the porch and I had my air compressor stolen. Both her and Ruby (Dad's Beetle) are attracting too much attention, so need to go somewhere out of sight.

vwnate1 · #11 05-20-2021, 10:20 AM

5.20.21

I just found out about this thread and will come back to read it soon .

Adriel · #12 05-20-2021, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

5.20.21

I just found out about this thread and will come back to read it soon .

I sent the invitation. Still plenty of cold root beer, please join the fun.

Also, the party hasn't started with Ruby.

Idle · #13 05-20-2021, 10:55 PM

I don't remember when these came to the US but they were sold though US VW dealers. I have seen at least one US delivery car with the twin Solex carbs although I think most of them sold here had a D-Jet system.

A lot of engine parts and fuel injection are the same as found on the Porsche 914. I think the fuel sending unit might be the same VDO as you showed in the photos.

my83300cd · #14 05-23-2021, 02:01 PM

Mom had a fastback semi auto in Johannesburg in the early 70's, she never had learned to drive stick. The wagons are super cool.

vwnate1 · #15 05-23-2021, 02:37 PM

The "Saxomat" semi - automatic transmission was only in Beetles, no other VW had them .

The Typ III's were available with a fully automatic three speed .