Volkswagen: 1970 problems, ground cables, secondary cable

Question
Hi Ron,

So glad I found this website, and thanks to all of you experts for all your help for people
like myself.  

Ron, you replied to a previous question

(http://experts.about.com/q/Volkswagen-801/Electrical-Question.htm)

identical to the problem I'm having with my 1970 vw standard bug

I'm confused about how to fix the problem.

The person had already bought a new cable, but you stated :

"Run another thick ground cable" and  "Run your new secondary cable to the same bolt-on area as the transmission ground strap. "

Are you saying to bolt the new ground cable to the transmission ground strap rather than
the old location of being bolted to the chassis, or are you saying run (2) ground cables  ?

I sure hope this is the problem, as I was told I needed to have a new wire harness installed,
for $600 I don't have. The car is running, but I'm afraid to drive it for fear of it completely
dying in the middle of an intersection again, and having to pay for an expensive tow.

Also, I know VW's have a little play in the steering, but this one seems to have more than
normal, more than another 1970 bug I had in 1973 for example.

Any idea what could be the problem, as a women who knows next to nothing about cars,and can't afford
major expenses with a fixed income, and don't want to get ripped off either.

Any and all help greatly appreciated.

Robyn

Answer
Hi Robyn,

One ground strap goes to the transmission and than to the chassis.

Google:  Mid-America Motorworks.  They have this for less than $10.00

One ground strap goes from the battery under the seat to a bolted area under the seat as well.

What are the symptoms of it dying?

The steering box is adjustable to an extent to eliminate some play.  You could have a local garage check it out. (not the one that said you need a new wire harness!)

Take Care,

Ron