When I bought my bug, I expected some electrical issues. I’ve had a few. From issues with my headlights to some issues with basic grounds. You can come to expect these kinds of things on cars approaching 45 or more years old.
Another issue I encountered on my own beetle was an intermittent starter issue. In this post, I’ll break down how the starter system works electrically and mechanically since this topic has come up a few times with a few friends in recent days.
Thank you to all participants, spectators and sponsors of Bug Out #38. We enjoyed beautiful weather, fun with friends, and a lot of great VW’s. This years event was our largest ever, with 163 cars in attendance. We had 33 vendors this year, also a record vending year.
Congratulations to this years winners at Bug Out #38.
For music in the car, some folks tether their iPod or phone to the auxiliary jack, but that is a poor choice as it means touching a handheld device while driving.
Over the last 10 or 12 years, car manufacturers have seen the need for MP3 audio integrations through the factory car stereos. The car stereos are much more capable than ever.
Early attempts at MP3 integrations were weak, and had very specific USB hardware support, resulting in stuttering audio or USB device restarts, playing music from the beginning, starting at track 1 again. Vehicle restarts would start at track 1….AGAIN! Random, being not really all that random. These quirks are really frustrating and somewhat distracting for the driver.
On the classic VW air-cooled engine, a few things typically go wrong. Since there were so many Beetles, we have a pretty big sample set of potential issues. One thing that commonly goes wrong – engine fires. Continue reading “DIY: Engine Fire Prevention”
I’ve started a new project for my bug this winter. I think I’ve committed to building a new engine. It’s a costly project, and to save some money where I can, I’d like to be able to re-use some parts from an engine that I acquired.
On November 18th we had our club year end banquet. Here are a few photos from our event. There was good food, good prizes and a great evening was had by all that attended!
Here is an article about the Josef Ganz Beetle predecessor – from Hemmings Motor News
Members Joe and Larry passed this link along.
A history of the VW Beetle – over the years in pictures
Volkswagen announced this week that the Beetle would be discontinued again by next summer . This time the “new” Beetle would be retired and plans for the upcoming electric powered Beetle would be in doubt as well.
VW – 6 or 12 Volt Battery Compartment Maintenance
In the ’66 beetle I own, the 6 volt battery sits on the metal floor pan under the rear seat, passenger side. Since I have owned the car (1971) I have performed a bi-annual maintenance on this area. The following describes the procedure.
Hello friends and family of K-W & Area Bug Club.
Its with concern that I send this message along.
One of our members – Ernie Abel, has had a number of shop manuals borrowed without his permission from his shop in Wiarton Ontario.
Five-hundred dollars is offered by Ernie for information leading to the return of the shop documentation.
If anyone has questions or information, please directly contact Ernie. Thanks!
