Hi all,
I'm back after a loooong break! the year's been tough!
owing to my need of a solid knowledge base, i would like to recommend starting a dedicated thread or posts in this thread to make beetles a reliable and comfortable daily drivers.
I know many members in this forum use their beetles as daily drivers, myself included, but I seriously think there is need to help each other, as well as promote enthusiasts to preserve this dying cult. The beetles are really fun to drive and with some TLC, they're more reliable than brand new suzukis of this world!
As a start, let me share my current setup and the objectives:
I have a '74 standard beetle (1200cc). when i bought it, it had many things changed from stock, which i believe made it easier for the seller to dispose off the car since it had a 'modified' look. the changes included:
* front seats (interior upholstered to a more modern style)
* alloy rims installed with PCD conversion plate on the drums (15 inch heavy rims with low profile tires)
* sports steering (small size) installed on original column (via a conversion kit)
* all chrome stripping removed from the body, including the emblems
* passenger side handles removed (dash and roof)
* roof liner changed to match the interior
* aftermarket ignition switch installed on the side as the original is broken
* hood opener cable (inside) changed to the aftermarket one (really ugly)
* sideview mirror, modified bike mirrors installed, but extremely nicely done. so much that many beetle owners stop me and want to know how its done.
Here's my objective and what I have done till now:
Objective:
i bought my beetle to be my daily driver. i want it to be reliable and comfortable enough to be able to do a cross country road trip! (ambitious). I am ok with some mods as long as they do not ruin the character of the car. Here's what I've done till now:
- Installed a concealed A/C (being a daily driver, this was a must. after much planning, the AC does not mess with the interior. the vents fit in the stock radio slot without any cutting.
- left the interior as is. it is nicely done in off-white and gives a retro feel to the car. also haven't changed the steering wheel (although turning is a pain!) as it matches the off white interior
- removed the alloys. since i couldn't find decent original rims, have put in standard honda city rims on the PCD adapter plate. installed tires from mini pajero as they are high profile and not as wide as previous ones (comments to improve required)
- made a replica of the parcel rack. installs without any drilling
Here's what i need help with:
- suspension is screwed up. the car rides stiff which is causing body rattle to develop.
- engine was running nice and smooth till a while back, but continuously knocks now. pickup has significantly reduced and fuel average has gone down the well! i've tried setting the distributor and also reset the tappets but doesn't make a difference. the engine is a lot louder too, as if the clutch is slipping, but got it checked and there's nothing wrong with the clutch.
- steering ball joints need to be replaced / repaired as the car wobbles like an earthquake over 40mph even on a straight drive. would appreciate any tips on this.
- need to install proper, heavy duty sound proofing. I want the car to be absolutely quite even on a highway drive of over 60mph!
- need original sideview mirrors (both sides, chrome ones).
- if removing the PCD adapter plate and installing stock rims will improve the drive, i'd love any leads on them. also suggest replacement tubeless tires options as the original ones don't come now.
thanks for reading and sorry for the rather long post. would really love your comments and guides.
We should make these help guides to benefit existing beetle owners as well as to encourage new owners and give them confidence of the reliability and fun in maintaining and using a beetle for daily drive. I drive my beetle to work, out with family, to picnics etc....although i have other cars but nothing compares to the beetle and i drive it as if its the only car i have!
Looking forward to your responses!
