Volkswagen: Dallas Area - 1975 Super Beetle Convertible, vw world, original system

Question
My husband and I just acquired a 1975 Super Beetle Convertible from his parents.  They have had it for 20 years and maintained it enough to drive it in local parades etc.  We would like to use it for a daily around-town vehicle.  The big question is what to do about the engine.  His parents' mechanic convinced them to have the fuel injection removed years ago when they were having issues with it rather than to repair that part of it.  The mechanic was not overly familiar with Beetles and just kept it up well enough so it would run for them.

We live just north of Dallas and would like to get this sweet thing fixed up and back on the road.

Any suggestions?

Thank you -- Lisa

Answer
Lisa,

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the VW world.  

When it comes to VW's, I am a purist.  I believe that the car was originally equipped with fuel injection, and is best for your investment to eventually return it to that.
It is not an overly complicated system, and ignorance of the parents' mechanic, really isn't a good excuse to convert it.

There are so many incredible sites out there to keep the fuel injection running into the next century, plus parts are readily availble, if you know where to look.

So to summarize my 'rant' clearly:

1) IMHO, I'd eventually work on switching the car back to the original system.  If you don't have the parts, here are some sources:

www.thesamba.com

www.mamotorworks.com

www.superbeetlesonly.com

2) In the mean time, have the car tuned by a reputable mechanic.  

3) The carb set-up should be good for local driving, but not knowing what carb/dist combination and how he ran all the lines...I couldn't advise on long trips.

Best of luck!

Ron