From: rgolen@UMASSD.EDU
Subject: Re: '72 vw beetle info needed...
Reply-To: rgolen@UMASSD.EDU
Organization: UMASS DARTMOUTH, NO. DARTMOUTH, MA.
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 1992 13:33:42 GMT

In article <1992Dec24.005802.158@midway.uchicago.edu>, newark@befvax.uchicago.edu (Tom Newark) writes:
>
>I just acquired (by accident) a '72 vw bug (along with my '64 corvair convert, 
>this means I'll never have to buy anti-freeze again) and I had a few questions
>
>1) are gas heaters still availiable for these cars? and if so where could 
>   I get one in the u.s.a.
I don't believe there are any new ones...a couple of days ago someone
posted an offer of a used Eberspacher unit. Check the archives.


>
>2) the car seems to have a rear window defroster, but I can't seem to find 
>   the switch for it... does anyone know anthing about these?  Is it an 
>   aftermarket product or were they an option and does anyone know how 
>   to use it?
Rear window defrosts were manditory by federal law since 1968 or 1969. Try
feeling around the bottom of the leading edge of your dash for the
swithc.

>
>3) there is a little red light/button next to the fan switch which lights 
>   up when pressed.  It is marked with a letter B.... The light goes out 
>   when it is released... what is this for?  I've pressed it and nothing 
>   seems to have happened.
>
This is the brake system warning light. It lights up when you press it
to see if its working...it lights up on its own when there is something
wrong with your brakes.

>4) the car handles very badly at 50+ mph.  It rattles something terrible and
>   is very hard to keep from drifting around...Is this just how they handle
>   or will it clear up when I get new tires and a front end alignment and 
>   possibly new struts?
>
Jack up the car, pull off the front wheels, look for leaks on the struts,
if they are wet, or, with the tires back on the car, you can push down
the front end of the car a number of times in succession and you stop,
but the car doesn't, you need struts. Also works for the rear.

Safe bet...replace all shocks/struts/tires and do an allignment

>5) how do you use the windshield wiper fluid?  I know about the hose to the
>   spare tire (what a great idea) but where is the button for it.  My wind-
>   shield wiper knob is missing the center and I assume you probably pressed
>   it to activate the fluid... Is this right?
You are right.

>
>I really want to keep the car, and have had very little time between 2 jobs
>and the holidays to look it over.  Besides its too damn cold now to do much 
>work on it....
>The engine and carb were just rebuilt, so I know that mechanically the car is
>in good shape.
>
>Also, any info on winter driving would be appreciated...how well do these
>things plough through snowy weather?
>
Contrary to old VW ads of the 60's & 70's, get some snow tires.

>Thanks in Advance
>
>Tom Newark
>
>@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@
>#@ Tom Newark    System Manager/Programmer                             @#
>@# Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology                   #@
>#@ University of Chicago  --  newark@befvax.uchicago.edu               @#
>@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw