what can i do to make sure my bug stays in good condition? what warning signs should i look out for?...
what can i do to make sure my bug stays in good condition? what warning signs should i look out for?
i would like to keep my car for a long time. slowly restore it because i don't have lots of funds available for the restoration right now. this is my first car. please give me good pointers on how to keep it in good shape. i really love my bug!
Chrissie: A good start is to purchase the book "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" by John Muir. You can get it by mail order at various sites... BFY Obsolete Parts (bfyobsoleteparts.com); Wolfsburgwest (wolfsburgwest.com); or at Mid American Motorworks (mamotorworks.com). It normally sells for $25.00-$30.00. The cheapest is at bfy obsolete parts at $24.99. This is a great start for you. Hope this helps. George
Chrissie: The most important thing about keeping any older vw running is in the motor. Have the valves checked for clearence. They have solid lifters and need checked periodically. If you don't know if it has been done or not, have it done by someone who will stand behind the work, and pay close attention, as its not hard to do and with a minimum of tools. George is right, get a book. Good luck
1. Make sure you have the proper amount of oil in the engine. Contrary to what everyone says, the beetle's engine is not air cooled - it is oil cooled!
2. Make sure you have the proper valve clearance - do this every 5,000 miles. As long as you can hear them clicking you are OK.
3. Buy the book by MUIR. Check it out at:
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101
4. Do not overrev the engine. Do not lug the engine.
5. Enjoy!