If you were going to get a VW bug, which year would you get?

[Brother]

I'm contemplating getting a bug so that I can do a restoratation. The goal would be just to better my skills before I get another Porsche.

Are there any years that you need to avoid? Are there any years that are better than others?

Any opinions would be appreciated.

[s_morrison57]

Don't know that info but from hanging out here I'd get a VW truck, have seen some real nice ones

[Burnin' oil]

Talk to Thom (widebody)

[Tobra]

'74 Super Beetle. Superior front and rear suspension, still had carb for simpler resto. you can even put the rear suspension and brakes off a 944 on a SB without too much trouble.

Watch for strut tower and frame head rust, in addition to battery and usual areas for standard bug

[herr_oberst]

I'd buy a nice '67, first year for 12 volts. But talk to other enthusiasts, and you'll get other opinions, all valid. Oval Window, Super Beetle, so this is just my two cents.

[myamoto1]

Depends on what you're looking for. Like Porsches many parts can be utilized across a number of years. Swing axle cars go up to '68. '68 and newer are IRS, however you can convert swing axles to IRS. 5 lug hubs are preferred if you're looking to put in a little "git up 'n go" in the back, but again, 4 luggers can be converted to 5 (not a mandatory upgrade).

To me the ultimate bug, would be a split window rag top. Next up would be an oval window rag top. Stay away from the Super Beetle ('73 and newer), as they are not what I would consider a classic bug. They have mcpherson struts and a curved windscreen.

However, if I were to get a classic VW today, I'd skip the bug and go for a double cab. Check out The Samba for more than you'll ever want to know about VWs. Here's their dictionary page to get you started: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/dic/index.php

[Tishabet]

Originally Posted by Burnin' oil

Talk to Thom (widebody)

+1, Thom is a guru on VWs.

I've restored a '73 (full body-off) and learned a heck of a lot as it was my first ever restoration. As I'm sure you know, bugs make wonderful restoration projects as they are simple and parts availability is great.

In my opinion, you should familiarize yourself with the various body style changes and engine/mechanical changes and make your decisions from there. As with the 911, the engines became progressively bigger and more powerful as time went by, and each has its own quirks etc. Similarly, the body changed year over year with some of the most visually obvious changes being the evolution of the back window and engine lid, the running lights and brake lights, and the bumper style. If you're considering later years there was also the super beetle, which had much improved front suspension and a more modern (but in my opinion less classic) dash.

Good luck!

[trekkor]

I second the '67.


KT

[The Gaijin]

Yes, the '74 super beetle. Keep as a daily driver.

My favorite is a '61 - '63. Modern lights and blinkers and not as expensive as earlier bugs.

In '64 the glass got bigger and it body lost it's roundness..

After '66 and you lose the five lug wheels. After '67 and you lose the flat headlights...

Earlier ones are swing Axel and less horsepower.

[john walker's workshop]

i like the oval window rag top sunroofs. with a 1600, later trans and 12V conversion. the 36hp is cool, but you need something that keeps up with traffic. trouble with bugs is that i feel so vulnerable driving around in a sea of SUVs and other larger vehicles that were not around way back when i was into them. i got a 67 bug several years ago and decided i was a bus guy pretty quick. a 71 bus has disc brakes and still has the more dependable 1600 bug engine. love the splitties, but again, no good for travelling much of a distance.

[The Gaijin]

Ground up restoration? How about a '70-something era beetle (non-super beetle) pan - with the better brakes and bigger engine and stuff.

And then use a earlier oval window body shell?

That would be cool.

[trekkor]

After '66 and you lose the five lug wheels.

I thought '68 was the first year of the 4x130 bolt pattern.


KT

[herr_oberst]

Nope, '67 - 4 bolt wheels, flat hubcaps, 12 volt electrics, sealed beam headlights, first year of the wider license plate light on the engine lid, but it still has the nice bumpers and the steel dash with no crash pad.

[The Gaijin]

'66 is the 1300. You have the 5 lug wheels, but hidden under an ugly flat cap. The earlier "moon" cap is nicer..

I love them all. See "mexibeetles" on TV all the time, I want a new one too..

[widebody911]

'46

[Nostril Cheese]

1966 with a 1600DP and IRS fitted.

Other than that, a 1973 Super Beetle.

[targa911S]

That's really a tough question. 66 for the old school look, 67 for 12 V and it really is a model unto it's own. 68 had all the right stuff. Other than a car for the classic look and value, if I were building a bug (and I have built many) I would build a 68 or 69. Start with a 1600 DP and build it out to 1835cc. Pushing it to 2180cc is a bit much for that case. It will go like hell but not for long. Think 2.7 P motor. If you build an early car, remember a 1600 Super P motor will drop right in with a little grinding inside the bell housing. Ask me how I know.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by trekkor

I second the '67.


KT

Caution on '67.

The '67 has a LOT of one year only parts that can be difficult to find.

The wheels, brakes and even hubcaps are from porsche - 1 year. They are 4 lug.

Decklids are 1 year only, etc.


66 was the last year for 5 lug wheels.


In '68 only the automatic had IRS. '69 all cars had IRS.

'68 was the first year for the 'impact' bumpers.

Not a super beetle fan here.

I've restored 2 '69 verts and a '69 Ghia vert.

[targa911S]

I completely agree with you. A lot of 67 parts only fit a 67. Even the fenders are different on 67's. My choice would be a 69. "impact bumpers" in the real sense did not come out until the 70's cars and super beetle.

Stay FAR away from super beetles, for a LOT of reasons.

[VINMAN]

Ive had a 67 , 69, 70, 72, 73. and a 64 bus. I agree with astaying away from the super beetles especially with the autoshift.

Heres my '67 Not exactly a restoration.