From: jbc@linus.mitre.org (John B. Campbell)
Subject: Re: '72 vw beetle info needed...
Organization: Research Computer Facility, The MITRE Corporation, Bedford MA
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 1992 20:28:24 GMT

In article <1992Dec24.005802.158@midway.uchicago.edu> newark@befvax.uchicago.edu (Tom Newark) writes:

[...]



>   1) are gas heaters still availiable for these cars? and if so where could 
>      I get one in the u.s.a.

Gas heaters were made by South Wind (??part of Bendix maybe??) in the
mid sixties, before the exhaust erxtracting heat exchanger.  They
reappeared -this time standard equipment -- on the 1974 "Thing".  I
know people who had Microbuses and Vanagons were able to order them as
options, as they are eally needed to heat such big volume in cold
climates.

I modified one built for 6 volt operation to run on 12 volts.  But I
didn't have the special timing sequencer that runs the blower for abit
when turning it on before firing the spark plug.  It blew up when I
touched it off and luckily it was outdoors.  I vowed never to install
a potential bomb that close to my face.  It takes up space in tghe
trunk you can ill afford.  My advice -- make sure the extractor system
works, the ducts and rocker panels are clear, the gates and levers are
all working.  There should be enough heat to at least warm the
windshield.  Dress warmly.

>   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?>

Look under the back seat.  Next to the voltage regulator box and
inboard a fot or so you *should* see a little relay cube about an inch
in size, wired to the regulator.  That relay runs to the rear
defroster. If you don't see one, somebody might have replaced your
back window once with a wired replacement.  I seem to remember the
switch (on my `68 superbeetle) was a rocker switch on the dash.  If
you can't find the relay you probably won't find the switch.

>   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.

That's a brake pressure warning light.  It has a little electronic
circuit behind it.  Pushing it just tests the bulb. You wouln't see it
light up unless the fluid runs out (your fluid reservoir probably has
a little float switch inside.)

>   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?

Have the sway bars up front checked.  If you mentioned rattling, I
would think the cross-mounted steering shock damper might be dry
(cheap replacement.)  Yep, bad tires and improper inflation can cause
handling problems.  Alignment and strut replacement should help
drivability at all speeds.

>   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?

The windshield wiper switch has a button in its center.  That button
is really a valve. If you look at the back of the switch (from the
trunk side) you should see both wires and hoses attached.  The hoses
go to the jets and to the reservoir.  In my experience, it frequently
malfunctioned.  (the valve part of it.)  Also, there's a pressure
differential valve between the tire and the reservoir that is intended
to not deflate the tire all the way.  You do best by over-inflating
the tire, so it will keep the system pressurized longer before that
switch cuts the air off.

[....]

>   Also, any info on winter driving would be appreciated...how well do these
>   things plough through snowy weather?

   
I disabled the auto choke on all my Beetles.  (round adjustment on
the side of the carb: loosen the 2 screws that hold its retaining rim,
and turn it counter clockwise in the direction opposite to the
engraved 'rich' legend.) In suoper cold weather, you mash the
accelerator to prime it with raw gas, and keep mashing it to keep it
running after it cranks.  After a half minute it'll idle just fine,
you will save gas, it wil not flood, plugs'll not get fouled with gas.

Let it idle to get the interior warm before you start out.  I know
that is not a view everybody shares but the heater works best at
standstill when there's no cold airstream cooling the engine and
making the thermostat decide not to circulate cooling air which gets
to you.

Beetles are magnificent in the snow with decent tires.  They'll get
you through when everybody else is stuck.  The only time you may ever
be stuck would be trying to get out a driveway through snow that is
*so* deep that the bug's floor pan rides up on the snow, which takes
the weight of the car off the wheels.  Carry a shovel for those rare occasions. 

--
****************************************************************
*                                      *                       *
* John B. Campbell                     *   This space          *
* MITRE Corporation                    *                       *
* Bedford, MA 01730                    *   intentionally       *
* (617)271-3434                        *                       *
* <jbc@mitre.org>                      *   blank.              *
*                                      *                       *
****************************************************************
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw