/r/beetle

Photograph via //r/beetle

Welcome to /r/beetle!

OK:

  • Anything related to the original, Type-1, air-cooled, Volkswagen.
  • Cousins of the Beetle (Buses, Square/Fastbacks, Manx Buggies, other derivatives are also welcome here.)

NOT OK:

  • Most content related to the New Beetle. (Non air-cooled, Jetta-based, modernized, 1997–Present, etc.) (Most original Beetles were made pre-1978.) Won't get removed, but will likely get down-voted.

  • Overtly NSFW and off-topic content, spam, dealer advertisements, racism, bigotry, hate speech or hate symbols. Will get removed.

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/r/beetle

22,449 Subscribers

16

Dream car

1 Comment
2024/12/04
00:41 UTC

340

Simple but elegant

11 Comments
2024/12/04
00:04 UTC

32

I just installed a new electronic ignition distributor and now it won’t start

I just installed a new empi electronic ignition distributor and now the car won’t start. The starter will go but just won’t start. What should I do?

20 Comments
2024/12/03
22:34 UTC

133

Beetles on Instagram

I’d love for our beetle Instagram to follow lots of other beetles to gain inspiration from. If you have a beetle follow me and l will follow back. I will put the link in a comment :)

5 Comments
2024/12/03
20:33 UTC

229

First time oil change. Need help! 74’ super beetle

Which oil do you all recommend? I live in Southern California so the weather is nice all year round!

26 Comments
2024/12/03
18:59 UTC

0

Broken Bug

I have a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. Yesterday heading home I felt it jerking. That’s nothing unusual since last year I’ve been having problems with it jerking. I’ve taken it to the shop at least 4 times this year. The problem was the ignition coils needed to be replaced. They replaced them each time but I was still confused as to why it continued to happen. Anytime the engine and traction control light would come on I would take it to auto-zone on the paper once it stated something about the gear shift and about the coils but we got that fixed. I do have trouble with my gear shift it doesn’t like to go into drive it’ll say it’s in drive or reverse but when I mash the gas it doesn’t go so I have to readjust the gear shift. I digress. Back to yesterday the engine light came on and like always I stopped by auto zone while they were hooking it up to the computer the traction control, brake and ABS light all came on. Now the brake light coming on is something new. The paper said power train system EVAP System leak detection pump control circuit high. Has anyone had these problems before or have any advice? I’m tired of having money put into a car that seems to tear up every other month.

12 Comments
2024/12/03
17:29 UTC

5

Valves won't pull through head

I took the springs and keepers off the valves, but all of the ridges are mushroomed and the valves won't push through the head. Should this be a cause for concern? Also, how should I get them out?

11 Comments
2024/12/03
03:55 UTC

146

Anyone know what the first year for balljoint front end on Beetles were in Brazil?

4 Comments
2024/12/03
01:52 UTC

6

72 super b

I have a 72 super b for sale. It was my dad’s project car. He died suddenly in June. I’m relocating and can’t take it. It’s the shell and new floor pan rite now. Have everything that goes on the car. New chrome. New window seals. New lights. Have tranny and engine as well as lots of extra parts.
$2,500 obo. Paris,Tx. 9034955228

3 Comments
2024/12/02
23:50 UTC

4

I know I won't get much, but how much could I sell my project Baja Bug for?

Recent life events have forced my hand and I gotta get rid of my '64 Baja Bug. It's in rough condition, but I'm hoping to maybe squeeze $500 out of it.

Here's a post I made about it before, condition is the same. It currently doesn't run, but with a new battery and fresh gas it should fire right up, which I will be doing here very shortly since, I assume, that'd get me a c-hair more money from it. Rear tires will hold air, but not for long. There's an oil leak someone said is likely due to the chrome valve covers fitting poorly, and the rear axle leaks on the driver's side. Transmission works, but it's rough, sometimes reverse refuses to work, and you can shift from 2nd to 3rd without needing to use the clutch on occasion. It's not super important but it has an engine from a 1971 Thing, not sure of the mileage.

I'm not sure how to value this at all considering it's condition and that it's a Baja. Any thoughts or advice? Located in western Washington.

4 Comments
2024/12/02
21:47 UTC

8

engine diagnosis?

mate this 68' is hesitating like nothing before, the yellow generator caution light is acting up aswell.

The car barely gives off gas when i half or full throttle it.

The engine's sound is looking really uneven, slow and not how it usually is.

I had this overall'd by a mechanic over 2-3 weeks ago. I called him up and he'll check this issue in the coming days but i hope you guys can help me have an idea wht the issue is so i can look for it when hes checking the car.

I really want a reliable car over anything and i wanna be able to know what the issues are just incase.

Im pretty young so this is my first car im working on, anything i should be on the lookout for?

3 Comments
2024/12/02
07:23 UTC

13

Would you buy a Baja bug?

Looking into buying a bug for the first time. Seeing some cool Baja beetles on the market, even one that's 1965 and in super good shape it seems. Just curious what the opinions are in this community in Baja builds and if it is advisable to buy one or if it is recommended to go with something kept more stock. Thanks!

17 Comments
2024/12/02
02:04 UTC

5

green vw bug <3

1 Comment
2024/12/02
01:09 UTC

315

Today was our VW club Christmas Party 🙂

I thought it was cute how they lined up the holiday colored ones. Happy holidays bug lovers!

9 Comments
2024/12/02
00:12 UTC

8

1500 miles trip towing my beetle. I need advice

I am towing my Beetle from TX to MI, a roughly 1500-mile trip. I decided to use my 2002 Grand Cherokee and a Uhaul trailer because I don't trust towing services, and reputable car shipping companies are crazy expensive. My Cherokee is in pretty good mechanical condition, and I plan to drive slowly. I am debating whether to use a tow dolly or an auto transport carrier.

Here are some useful numbers

Bettle weight: ~1800 lbs

Cherokee weight: ~4000 lbs

Cherokee towing capacity: 6500 lbs

Dolly weight: 750 lbs

Auto transport trailer weight: 2200 lbs

My beetle has decent tires but has been sitting without driving for a couple of years. I will pull more weight if I use the auto transport carrier, but the beetle is completely off-ground (and safer?).

What do you think, dolly or auto transport? Any recommendations?

15 Comments
2024/12/01
20:53 UTC

866

My Herbie

My ‘66 Herbie.

35 Comments
2024/12/01
14:57 UTC

16

beetle as my first car

the title say's it, I really have always adored them for their simplicity and the beautiful interior. I obviously won't have the budget to get a really clean example but I'm willing to work on it by myself a stuff too, can some of you tell what their common issues are and what things to keep in mind when in buying one and yk such things, appreciate your time!

15 Comments
2024/12/01
14:18 UTC

341

spotted

15 Comments
2024/12/01
05:45 UTC

214

fresh

1 Comment
2024/12/01
05:20 UTC

70

Engine Diagnosis Help?

TLDR: 1500 engine turns over but does not start after driving 3+ hours. Possible diagnosis? Where to start? I’d appreciate any and all tips.

Long story: I’ve driven this car 8+ hours multiple times with a few stops with absolutely no issues. Before those 8+ hour trips, I had a tune up (valve adjustment, oil change, etc.) so my engine was in top shape before this problem occurred. The day this problem started, I had driven the car 4 hours and stopped for a view. After about 30min-1 hour, I attempt to start the car. I will admit I was in a bit of a rush to start the car as there was other cars waiting, and my first thought was to attempt to start by giving it gas rather than just turning the key. The car would not start, so I tried giving it gas (half throttle) another time, and still no go. Stupid me, I tried a third time and still no go. At this point I panic and wait 5 more minutes before trying again. Stupid me, I hold the gas pedal halfway again and attempt to start. It did not (the motor was turning over but no start). At this point, I decide to patiently wait an hour and try again, no go. I get the car towed 100 miles (2 hours) and before I make the second call to get the tow home (AAA), I thought to try to start it again. I give it half throttle and she starts right up and drove home 2 hours flawlessly. This happened nearly a year ago and the car will start every time if driving local (less than 2 hours worth of driving, if starting 2-3 times) and I still have yet to get this issue fixed. The car starts cold flawlessly, it’s only when the motor is really hot when it acts up. Anyone know where to start on diagnosing this? I am fairly new to VWs and have only taken my car to one mechanic who rebuilt the engine (engine now has 10k miles), but he has been fairly busy with rebuilds and restorations and has not had the time to look over this small (big to me) issue. I’d like to actually enjoy this car and take it on 8+ hour trips without worrying if it’ll start on me. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Picture is of engine. Thanks in advance.

25 Comments
2024/12/01
02:30 UTC

352

It's that time again...

Obligatory Christmas Tree on a Bug pic.

6 Comments
2024/11/30
20:53 UTC

10

'79 super beetle brake warning light troubleshooting

Apologies if this has been beaten to death and I just haven't looked enough. I have a '79 sb (convertible) that I bought in june of 23 and have been working on myself for as much as I can. I owned the same vehicle as a teenager and had a bus for a while, so I am comfortable with limp-along repairs. After I bought the car I had a bunch of work done at the shop to get it as close to inspection as possible. The issues remaining are that they couldn't get toe in adjusted and some electrical issues (turn signals, plate light).

About 3 weeks ago the Interior brake light caught my attention. Was that the first time I'd seen it? Had it always done that? I can't really tell if there has been a degrading of stopping power, but also I could talk myself into it maybe?

I've pulled the driver's side front wheel off and looked around. Everything looks very dry. I learned I had drums front and rear, so that was exciting. I think things look ok(?).

So, what next? I saw a samba post about maybe ebrake, so i was going to chase that down before i did anything else.

Right track?

1 Comment
2024/11/30
19:10 UTC

6

Investing in a '73 . . .

. . . as a daily driver! Help!

I've had a '73 Super Beetle for a year now and have used it as my daily. Aside from a minor hiccup here and there, it's treated me very well.

I've decided to invest into the car what I would spend on a new car to restore this thing into something that will last me a lo-o-ong time.

I have dual carbs right now, otherwise everything is "original".

If you were to invest $15,000 into a Beetle over the next 5 - 10 years, what would you do? What order would you do it in. What upgrades should I make?

Thanks so much! Can't wait to hear from everyone . . .

5 Comments
2024/11/30
04:37 UTC

281

lavander

8 Comments
2024/11/30
03:35 UTC

1,091

Vintage 50s

38 Comments
2024/11/30
03:12 UTC

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