QuestionI am considering the purchase of a 79 Super Beetle Convertible. It is owned by one of my bosses. It is Porsche red with a fairly new beige top and the interior has been redone. The car looks very nice. The engine is a carbuerated version, as the owner says the fuel injection was problematic. The car is very, very nice.
I am not a total neophyte, as I rebuilt VW engines in high school & actually had a bug and a super beetle, but was wondering if you could tell me what to be careful of as I consider the car. Asking price is $7000.
Thanks.
AnswerI am away on vacation, and noted it my profile. I do not have access to my VW manuals / resources.
I wanted to get back to you just in case you missed that part.
I'll be happy to help you after April 10, 2006.
Off the top of my head Steve, I can tell you the following:
a) The fuel-injection system is more desirable and under proper maintainence, it is one of the most robust systems out in the market-place.
b) The fuel-injection parts are readily available and since 1979 is the last year they built the beetle convertible, they will soon be numbered, limited editions.
c) For you not to have the Fuel Injection system on it, WILL decrease it's value. Simply because, someone buying that car, particularly a VW Officianado, will expect all of it's original equipment intact.
d) If you are to buy the car, I wouldn't pay ANY MORE than 6K for it. Remember, it's a fun ride, but it's also an investment.
If this was a beetle when fuel injection started (1975), or perhaps a 1976, I may be a little more forgiving with the conversion. However, not a good idea to pay 7K on a carb'd out 1979 edition. This is the most desired year, and should have all of it's correct fittings in them.
I say this to you, so you can protect your investment.
One suggestion would be to get the price to 6K (as mentioned before) and e-mail me if the seller agrees. I'll put you in touch with some folks that can get the proper injection parts and literature available for you for under 1K.
Although it's best to remove the engine to place the FI stuff back in, it's not necessary.
Again, the system is extremely robust and very very reliable. I have driven my 1978 Red Convert. Super Beetle from NJ/NY area to Florida on countless occasions, with no problems whatsoever. Actually, I never had a fuel injected problem sinced I owned it, aside from a clogged injector about 18 years ago! Plus, I hum along the street with the Air Conditioning on as well.
Second, I have a 1976 Westfalia Camper Bus with the same exact fuel injection system (AFC). Again, never a problem, except the occasional vacuum line. All simple fixes.
If this didn't convince you --- I just converted a 1971 VW Bus (Which still had the old beetle carb. engine in it) to a fuel injection set-up identical to the way your 1979 should be. It carries the Camper wonderfully through the hills, starts on a dime, and no choke, idle adjustments, or need to press the gas pedal to start it. Simply turn the key, and on it goes.
If you choose to go this route, feel free to e-mail me back, and I'll be glad to put you in touch with resources that has the original bolt-on components to make the fuel injection work.
Also, we can talk about how to test the various components to ensure a life time of happy running.
Don't be fooled, the system is great. I wish I could put it on my 1974 Autostick, but I am doing a completely stock restoration, which called for a carb.
Again, not a wise idea to have a 1979 FINAL YEAR VW Super Conv. with a carb. It seriously should be converted. This way you have a reliable ride, smooth ride, no flooding, better efficiency and most important....IT IS WORTH MUCH MORE.
Best of luck either way.
Should you have any more questions, contact me after April 10th.
Happy Motoring. I hope you join the VW generation. We just want you to do it wisely!
Your Pal,
Ron
