Volkswagen: 1979 Convertable Superbeetle, wheel bolts, window cranks


Question
Good morning. I had a 1979 Conv Superbeetle shipped to me from California
7 years ago. It had been fully restored, (except for perhaps the engine) and
was a beauty. It has alway had an oil leak, and has been adjuted, etc many
times. It is now out of control, and my mechanic, whom I trust and has tried
mending it, says it is time for a new engine. I am having trouble finding a
rebuilt engine for this suel -injected beauty. I am also looking for some
cosmetich details (new over-windshile rubber seal, good black window
cranks (that don't fall off a month after being replace), an rear bumper end-
piece, plastic detail cover for inside outer door handles, cables for the seats,
so they can be tilted forward for rear access, the adjsutment crank for the
driver's side seat,( so that the back of seat can be adjusted), a small black
"VW" cap for outer center of wheel, small black rubber covers for wheel bolts.
Thank you.  

Answer
Lorraine,
 First of all, congrats on having such a cool ride.  I hope you fix it up and are able keep it going forever.
 Now, your engine can be rebuilt with most of the same parts as any other air-cooled VW.  The main difference with fuel injection is the heads; the valves are smaller and there is a tap on the left head for the CHT sensor.  If you can't find a shop to rebuild it, then you might check out GEX for complete engines:

www.gex.com

You can also get most of the parts you desire, as well as complete engines at Mid-America Motor Works:

http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw-remanufactured-volkswagen-engines-1-86-4903.htm...

I have dealt with Mid-America for years and they are one of the biggest, and most professional, IMHO.  They have a nice color catalog for free, and if you get on their list you'll get updates automatically.

Other sources for used parts:
www.thesamba.com  (great Q and A forums too.)
www.aircooled.net
www.jbugs.com

Good luck, Rick