Restoration Project: '68 VW Beetle (o\ _!_ /o)

[murtaza_murti]

The mechanic needs a battery which I have already bought, and 4-5 liters of petrol which I will get tomorrow, for the initial start-up.

After that the engine, suspension, brakes, gearbox, steering and all other mechanical componets will be checked and tested. Once all that is done, Blue would be handed over to uncle Harry for the final paint.

[a_k]

So Finally it is coming out in fresh air

[murtaza_murti]

So Finally it is coming out in fresh air

Yes, I can't wait to drive her!

[murtaza_murti]

So, I delivered the battery I bought yesterday and 3.5 liters of petrol (that's how big the canister I had was :P).

I asked when would she be fired up, the mechanic replied with tomorrow or Monday.

I'll visit the workshop tomorrow if I get the time or will go on Sunday morning and take proper pictures of all the upholstery work that has been done till now

[AsadIshaque]

I gave the ignition switch for key making and switch making. The switch was free and had no turning point, got that fixed. But now the problem is that, one of the points for one out of the four wires is missing. How many wires are in the switch in total? I don't know which one it is do anyone of you guys know?

P.S: The point that is missing is encircled

I am 95% sure on this.....this switch should have only 3 wires. Id have to fish out a switch and check it physically to see what the 4th point is for/might have been.

As I was telling you over the phone, there are numbers signifying what terminal has a wire going where......the three terminals on this switch should be:

50: to starter self solenoid.

30: Live from battery via cut out/regulator and Head light switch.

15: To fuse box (this is the switched live feed ie this wire would be live when the ignition switch is on)

 The above numbers are universal accepted codes for the automotive circuit.

 Do remember that to correctly wire a VW, by the book, no bl**dy electrician in the country would do. Only and only possible if you are yourself involved with him, on the ground and ready to spend a good five to six days with the average electrician.

[fedd]

I guess Asad has pointed out correctly. Similar issue discussed here, might help.

[AsadIshaque]

I guess Asad has pointed out correctly. Similar issue discussed here, might help.

Thanks Fedd for providing the valuable link.

 The post 72 switches are quite different from the 68-70 setup.71 (maybe 70 also) had a slightly different switch having more wires, not 4 though, 5 or 6, I cant recall. 

 Post 72 had a plug.....something like the plug you see on the back of headlight bulbs if most cars. Very convenient if you wanted to disconnect the switch and take off the whole indicator assembly. 

 Exception to this rule are the local standard model 74s which continued to have the older setup switches, so there are no rigid rules to stick to.

[murtaza_murti]

I am 95% sure on this.....this switch should have only 3 wires. Id have to fish out a switch and check it physically to see what the 4th point is for/might have been.

As I was telling you over the phone, there are numbers signifying what terminal has a wire going where......the three terminals on this switch should be:

50: to starter self solenoid.

30: Live from battery via cut out/regulator and Head light switch.

15: To fuse box (this is the switched live feed ie this wire would be live when the ignition switch is on)

The above numbers are universal accepted codes for the automotive circuit.

Do remember that to correctly wire a VW, by the book, no bl**dy electrician in the country would do. Only and only possible if you are yourself involved with him, on the ground and ready to spend a good five to six days with the average electrician.

Thank you Asad bahi for the reply, I really appreciate it.

The empty 'point' has a 'P' written on it's side, which I don't think stands for anything related to the actual ignition points. Since you're 95% sure that the ignition switch only comes with three points then I'll take your word for it and let the guy know on Monday.

Yes, exactly they would do things their own way and say it's all good now. I hope I can get a good electrician for Blue.

[murtaza_murti]

BTW Dr.Sahab how is Ol' Red doing now? What happened to her Blue sister?

[murtaza_murti]

The engine starter motor somehow got burnt when the mechanic 'test' started it. It was sent for repairs on Monday and was received today.

I hope he doesn't burn it this time.

[NaveedRizvi]

The engine starter motor somehow got burnt when the mechanic 'test' started it. It was sent for repairs on Monday and was received today.

I hope he doesn't burn it this time.

Dear Asad

Where the hell have you sent the kid? I think the mechanic is way past his shelf life.

[murtaza_murti]

After a long time of hassle, got both the door handles and the ignition switch made by Shahid bahi. The guy is a professional at his job, he can fix the simplest of padlocks and reprogram the smart key of a Bentley as well.

He took a lot of time on this because he wanted the original VW ignition to be made he didn't even suggest me to get fit any non-OEM switch. Got the two OEM blank keys I had made for both the door handles and the switch. The key for the decklid is different however.

Here are some pictures of the door handles and the ignition switch.

Key inserted

On, or as we Pakistani's say 'switch'

Start

[murtaza_murti]

Dear Asad

Where the hell have you sent the kid? I think the mechanic is way past his shelf life.

I wouldn't blame Asad bahi. The mechanic himself is very lazy at his work, doesn't do as told, finds the easy way out at times.

[lazeez]

I wouldn't blame Asad bahi. The mechanic himself is very lazy at his work, doesn't do as told, finds the easy way out at times.

About time you find your way out too.

[NaveedRizvi]

I wouldn't blame Asad bahi. The mechanic himself is very lazy at his work, doesn't do as told, finds the easy way out at times.

But he was recommended by Asad...I have been seeing a 74 Corolla standing at his workshop for almost two years just covered in base coat. Asad's own RT has been standing nearby for I dont know how long...

and just by calling him Uncle Harry and Uncle Potter you guys make him sound holier then the pope...

I still strongly believe that VW mechanicals and denting are an art but not rocket science...and there are still quiet a few if not many capable denters, painters, electricians and mechanics around who can do the job without so much fuss ...

[fedd]

The engine starter motor somehow got burnt when the mechanic 'test' started it. It was sent for repairs on Monday and was received today.

I hope he doesn't burn it this time.

How did he crank it? Overcranked it perhaps? Or faulty wiring? Get to the cause first before your mechanic tries to start it again with a motor redone. Starter Motor should not be cranked for more than 5 secs, try a couple of times then wait... 5-10 mins for the Starter to cool down. If it fails to spark, inspect other possible causes for not getting the spark, or fuel flow. If everything seems to be fine, pour a little amount of Gasoline into the Carburettor and try to start it again, it should get the spark. But don't let your mechanic go on with cranking repeatedly and that too, for too long.

And for wiring, I hope you're getting it done by a reputable VW Electrician and not the mechanic himself.

Keep us posted with the updates...

[murtaza_murti]

About time you find your way out too.

That will be the happiest day in my life.

But he was recommended by Asad...I have been seeing a 74 Corolla standing at his workshop for almost two years just covered in base coat. Asad's own RT has been standing nearby for I dont know how long...

and just by calling him Uncle Harry and Uncle Potter you guys make him sound holier then the pope...

I still strongly believe that VW mechanicals and denting are an art but not rocket science...and there are still quiet a few if not many capable denters, painters, electricians and mechanics around who can do the job without so much fuss ...

Yes, exactly that '74 Corolla belongs to an uncle it's been there for about four years.

LOL, that cracked up me. I call them 'uncle' because of their age, otherwise I would just call them Harry and Fredrick.

You're right in every way, if I knew this was going to be such a big headache I would have sent it to Rahim for a complete body-off resto. But one learns from his/her experiences, I learnt the hard way.

I am just waiting for the engine to be started up, the paint-job to be completed and the important electrical work to be done. I can do other small bits and stuff when the car is on the road and in my custody.

How did he crank it? Overcranked it perhaps? Or faulty wiring? Get to the cause first before your mechanic tries to start it again with a motor redone. Starter Motor should not be cranked for more than 5 secs, try a couple of times then wait... 5-10 mins for the Starter to cool down. If it fails to spark, inspect other possible causes for not getting the spark, or fuel flow. If everything seems to be fine, pour a little amount of Gasoline into the Carburettor and try to start it again, it should get the spark. But don't let your mechanic go on with cranking repeatedly and that too, for too long.

And for wiring, I hope you're getting it done by a reputable VW Electrician and not the mechanic himself.

Keep us posted with the updates...

He didn't crank the motor, he said he started the switch. Could be faulty wiring, will tell him what you've mentioned.

Wiring is pending, will get it done from someone reputable of course don't want any Pappu/Dabbu messing around with the electrics.

I am tried of people screwing up and running away.

Will hopefully update you guys with good news tomorrow.

[murtaza_murti]

Reached just in time to the workshop today to see the engine test start. I had no idea the mechanic will start it up today. They didn't even bother to to let me know they will be starting up the car today

Anyways, the test start was a fail due to the starter motor. I made a video, check out the link below.

Blue's ('68 Beetle) first engine test start - YouTube

The mechanic says that the 'switch' can be faulty. He said that the repair guy didn't open up the solenoid. What the hell did he do then? This will be the third time the starter motor will go back for repairing.

On other hand, @AsadIshaque told everyone at the workshop that people on the forums are blaming him. Whereas the painter is telling me that the delay is because of me. I messaged @AsadIshaque when will he plan on going to the workshop, I want to talk to him in person.

I honestly don't want to create a fuss about blaming and pointing fingers at each other.

[murtaza_murti]

Here you go,

//youtu.be/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlY5iu88ngU&feature=plcp&context=C42f7727VDvjVQa1PpcFPlxT70eZZDcX2MnmxQY7MwABhv_IkqrFo%3D

[lazeez]

Now that's a bummer!