HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: savoia@sw.stratus.com (Rick Savoia)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: Door Handles are a Pain in the *@!
Date: 22 Jan 1993 16:26:04 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: watts.sqa.stratus.com
Keywords: door handles stick

In article <C19Eso.8uC@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca>, jfreder@healthy.uwaterloo.ca (Jody Frederick) writes:
> Hello to all:  I have a problem that I've seen discussed in this newsgroup
> before, but I forget the solution that was suggested.  My door handles of
> my VW Jetta are all sticking and it's happened in every VW I've ever
> owned.  We've never quite known how to fix it, we've adapted.  However, my
> four door is now a 1/2 door (all but the driver's side are completely
> stuck!!).  I'd really appreciate it if some kind person out there would
> please tell me how to fix this annoyance before I have to resort to
> entering my car through its sunroof (no snickering, it's happened before). 
> Thanks a lot!!
> 
> Jody Frederick


Take it to your local mechanic and have him fix it.  
I have the same thing starting to happen to my Jetta.
Fortunately, it's only one door so I'm not too worried
yet.  A friend had this happen to his and took it to a 
mechanic.  Turns out that part of the door mechanism
was rusted and needed to be replaced.  


-- 
==========================================================
Rick Savoia                     | "I'm just very selective
savoia@watts.sqa.stratus.com    | about the reality 
Rick_Savoia@vos.stratus.com     | I accept" - Calvin
==========================================================

Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: hollen@megatek.UUCP (Dion Hollenbeck)
Subject: Re: The FIRE breathing bug!  Help!
Organization: Megatek Corporation, San Diego, California
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 17:32:18 GMT

>>>>> On 21 Jan 93 01:40:36 MDT, slhmz@cc.usu.edu said:


Travis> I just found a 1972 super-beetle, 1500cc, sunroof for $200.

Travis> The engine starts some of the time (not most of the time...), but when
Travis> it does, it has absolutely NO compression and blows flames (yes, actual
Travis> true to life fire) out the right tailpipe.

Travis> The owner (soon to be previous owner) says that it is a ring problem.
Travis> But wouldn't bad rings just burn lots of oil?

Travis> I think it is a really bad valve problem.  What would cause a bug to
Travis> spit fire?  

Travis> Is it worth fixing?  With all my VW engine probs, I've never come 
Travis> across a fire breathing bug!  Help!

Well, I would look at it this way.  You can get a longblock for $800
unless you want something fancy.  You then have $1000 invested in a
sunroof super-beetle.  Not bad.  There will never be any more Beetles
in the US and as they die, there will be less.  Grab onto this baby
and fix it up.  It's worth it.

-- 
Dion Hollenbeck                        Email: hollen@megatek.com
Senior Software Engineer                      megatek!hollen@uunet.uu.net
Megatek Corporation, San Diego, California    ucsd!megatek.uucp!hollen
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: mchaffee@ux4.cso.uiuc.edu (Real Life?!?! HA!!)
Subject: Re: [a] What kind of mileage do you all get on your Beetles?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1993 01:23:02 GMT

wanderer@camelot.bradley.edu (Kevin Murphy) writes:


>well, the summary says it.. what should I expect?

My friend's '62 with 1600cc engine and stock carb usually makes between 27 and
35 mpg on the highway.  Don't know about around town.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael T. Chaffee       | mchaffee@ux4.cso.uiuc.edu  |  ______    
"It has been said - mostly by illiterates and conserv-|  \    /   HATE
atives - that the belief in God is at the base of the |   \  /  is not a
American system, and that the United States is a prod-|    \/  FAMILY VALUE
uct of Christian piety."  -  Leonard Peikoff          |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: hvozda@wilbur.psu.edu (Eric Hvozda)
Subject: Re: Fact or Dealer B.S. - You be the Judge
Organization: Penn State University, Center for Academic Computing
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 22 Jan 93 16:00:07 GMT

In article <1993Jan21.184833.28637@gumby.dsd.trw.com> Judson West <jwest@r3vm.dsd.trw.com> writes:
>I was recently had my '90 Passat in the shop (for the 4th time) for
>transmission problems. When I was driving with the Service Manager and
>explaining the situation I asked what had been done the last time my
>car was in for the same problem. He said that the transmission
>computer memory had been "reset". I asked him to explain what "reset"
>ment. He explained that after a while, the computer "remembers" your
>driving habits and adjusts its shifting patterns to take better
>advantage of them. This is above and beyond either Economy or Sport
>modes.
>
>Is this fact or fiction??

I do not know about a `transmission computer` but I do know that motronic
fuel injection systems that are being used today do remember driving
styles and tune themselves accordingly.  If the battery is disconnected for
a period of time this memory is lost and the car WILL drive differently
untill the style can be memorized again.  This is typically 10 - 20
minutes.  See the text `Bosch Fuel Injection and Engine Management` by
Robert Bentley for more details...
-- 
Ack!                             esh101@psuvm.psu.edu             ESH101@PSUVM
hvozda@vivaldi.psu.edu           hvozda@wilbur.psu.edu            DoD #0217
From: ilh@lcs.mit.edu (Lee Hetherington)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: [w] Vanagon water pump
Date: 22 Jan 93 23:02:14 GMT
Reply-To: ilh@lcs.mit.edu
Followup-To: rec.autos.vw
Organization: MIT/LCS Spoken Language Systems
NNTP-Posting-Host: chicago.ai.mit.edu
In-reply-to: jgladu@bcm.tmc.edu's message of 22 Jan 93 18:20:30 GMT

Mine ('86) is still kicking at 98k (knock wood).  When I recently
replaced the timing belt, I noticed that there wasn't any play at all
in the water pump bearings.  The alternator on the other hand is
starting to show some play.
--

                                Lee Hetherington
                                ilh@lcs.mit.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: kmink@hubcap.clemson.edu (Kenneth S Mink)
Subject: Re: Is this a reasonable price for a '76 Bug?
Organization: Clemson University
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1993 05:27:23 GMT

Here in northern South Carloina a well restored Bug will go for $2000-2500.
If the car is in decent shape, $1300 isn't unreasonable.  Bug's make good
basic transportation, but you need to be prepared to properly maintain the
car.  I bought mine for the same reasons and fell in love with the car.
It takes work keeping it running right, but it has become a labor of love.
Treat it right and it will treat you right.
                                             Ken


**************************************************************************
*   \\   \\  //   //     Kenneth S. Mink Jr.                             *
*    \\   \\//   //   kmink@hubcap.clemson.edu                           *
*     \\  //\\  //  Before there was water there was -- AIR              *
*      \\//  \\// '74 Super Beetle Convertible- and I like Super Beetles *
**************************************************************************

Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: pad@galaxy.nsc.com (Paul Denny x8349)
Subject: cabriolet racks
Organization: National Semiconductor, Santa Clara
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 01:16:36 GMT

Does anyone know whether a roof rack for a vw rabbit cabriolet
exists that will take a 9 foot windsurfer. If so I would really
appreciate replies by email on where they can be obtained.



Thanks in advance - Paul
From: drew@bnr.co.uk (Scooby Doo)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: GTIs good only at high revs?
Date: 26 Jan 93 09:25:21 GMT
Organization: BNR Europe, New Southgate, London.
NNTP-Posting-Host: bnsgs211.bnr.co.uk

In article <C1FIE1.DxC@apollo.hp.com> heff@apollo.HP.COM () writes:
>
>I'm buying an '87 GTI from a guy who claims that the gearing ratios
>they set up for the GTIs are such that you need to rev the engine
>pretty high to get it to go anywhere.  
>
>Now, I'm buying the car anyway, cuz I love it so much, and it's a good
>deal, but I'm wondering if this is a nice myth to protect gunked-up
>fuel injectors.  In the test drive, it was only happy starting from a 
>dead stop when the revs were up there in the 3-4k range.  It could 
>definitely move off the line, but low revs weren't enough.
>
>Are these FIs _really_ gunked up, or does this sound normal?
>
>jeff.

	My GTi (82') has plenty of power to get 'off the line' at low
RPM, though I think it may depend on driving habits to what you compare
it to. I don't often use more than 2000 rpm to start.

	Its true of the higher end though, the engine really starts to
surge at 4000 rpm and goes right up to 6000. Of course, take it to the end
line (6300?) in one gear, drop to the next and you're at 4000 again....
PERFECT!!!

Drew.

-- 

Pretty damn silly place to leave a signature...
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: pmr@daneel.rdt.monash.edu.au (Paul Richardson)
Subject: Name that Beetle!
Organization: Monash University
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 13:00:12 GMT

I'm interested in a better Beetle. I want McPherson strut front end for
increased boot space, disc brakes in front, 4-bolt hubs so I can get decent
wheels and tires, independant rear-end and preferably a flat windscreen
(I don't like the look of the curvy one - it bulges.). 1500cc or larger 
engine is essential - was an 1800 available in the Beetle? How about fuel
injection/electronic ignition?
 
What model Beetle fits most or all of the above criteria? 

(Mine's a '66 1600 with 5-bolt hubs, drums all round and swing axle.)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: sszeller@us.oracle.com (Scott S. Zeller)
Subject: Infamous second letter re: Heater Core Recall
Summary: They'll be in the mail next month
Organization: Oracle Corp., Redwood Shores CA
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 18:35:53 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by an unauthenticated user
              at Oracle Corporation.  The opinions expressed are those
              of the user and not necessarily those of Oracle.

I was talking with my brother last night, and the subject came to VW's and the
heater core recall.  He has an '85 Jetta and I a '90 Golf, so I was wondering 
if he'd received the second notice about the parts being available (the second
notice was promised, in the first letter, to be delivered within a few months).
He hadn't heard anything.

Since his was the first year to be recalled, I wasn't surprised that I hadn't
heard anything, but I was annoyed at VW's slowness (not that it was unexpected,
mind you).  So I gave a call to their consumer line this a.m. and asked about
the second letter.  I was told that they'd be going out starting next month,
and starting with '85 (and eventually working their way to '91).  

At this rate, I might get the unit replaced before I get a new car.

Regards,
Scott 

Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: kwatson@kwatson.mentorg.com (Keith Watson)
Subject: GTI 16V Upgrades? (was Re: Addendum...)
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 23:52:24 GMT
Organization: mentor
Keywords: 
Followup-To: 

In article <1993Jan16.012342.24996@cc.umontreal.ca>, soubyran@ERE.UMontreal.CA (Soubyran Richard) writes:
|> I come to you once again... just to clarify a few things... What I
|> meant in my early post was this: I own a 1987 Golf GTI 16V. What I
|> am thinking of doing is this: Should I sell the one I have and buy
|> a 1992 Golf GTI 16V or should I stay with the one I have and
|> upgrade it?
|> 
[stuff deleted]
|>
|> Richard Soubyran
|> soubyran@alize.ere.umontreal.ca

I tried sending e-mail but it bounced.  Looks like our mailer doesn't
know about Canada.

Regarding what to do with your 87 GTI 16V.  I have an 87 GTI 16V also.
I have been looking for ideas on how to upgrade it.  I figure that I
can upgrade it to exactly what I want and overall it will have cost
less than buying something new.  Here is what I have looked into:

  Saw an article in "European Car" about swapping in a Corrodo G60
  motor.  Nuespeed has aftermarket items which take this motor to
  200hp.  I started drooling.  I estimate the cost to be well over
  $6000.  :-(  $3000 for the motor, <$1000 for Nuespeed parts, over
  $2000 for installation.

  Ordered the Techtonics Tuning catalog hoping they would tell what
  pieces would enhance performance by how much.  It doesn't.  They
  do mention that they took a Mexican 2.0L GTI 16V to 178hp.  It
  doesn't pass emissions though.  They also don't give many details
  about the motor.  It sounds like getting between 160hp and 170hp
  is the upper end in a street application.

  There was an article in "European Car" about a ported 16V head by
  Techtonics.  It isn't in the catalog yet.  $1000 for the port which
  adds about 17hp.  It can be used on either a 1.8L or 2.0L.  They
  mentioned that Techtonics regularly gets 2.0L motors to 150hp.

  A racer friend of mine said racers were getting 180hp out of 2.0L
  16V's.  He might be able to get a 2.0L bottom end for me.

My current plan is to probably get the 2.0L bottom end, find out about
having my current 16V head ported, find out about cams, and other
necessary items.  I already have Leistritz muffler.

I'll also eventually get progressive rate lowering springs and
adjustable gas shocks.

Let me know what other people say because I would be interested.

For the rest of you out there, what other pieces should be looked at?

-- 
Keith Watson              Mentor Graphics Corporation (Wilsonville, OR)
kwatson@mentorg.com       keith_watson@mentorg.com
87 VW GTI 16V             85 VW Golf H Production race car
From: amiller@almaden.ibm.com (Alex Miller)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: (w) 83 Rabbit almost scorched by dip-stick shorting alternator
Date: 25 Jan 1993 12:40:54 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

On Thursday evening I got my car back from the shop -- I had just gotten
my 90K-mile major service and everything was supposed to fine for the
next 15K miles.  Driving to work on Friday morning, my engine dies.
I try to start it again, but nothing happens.  My voltmeter doesn't
register at all.  "Maybe a battery connection came loose?"  I thought.

I opened the hood and notice my DIP-STICK was ON FIRE.  Well, actually
some oil and grease on and around my dip-stick was on fire.

I blew-out the fire within seconds using an old jacket, then found a
stick to separate the still glowing dip-stick from an uninsulated
bolt on the side of my alternator.  I'm really glad I caught this
in time, because this fire would have destroyed my water hoses, then
spread to the fuel lines, etc...

After I calmed down, I was happy that I could still start and drive
the car back to the shop (where I planned on doing some major damage.)
Actually, I calmed down and the shop straightened out the dip-stick
and said that no damage had been done.  I think I'll get a second
opinion on this, because it would be in this shops interest that
nothing be wrong.

The shop didn't have a insulator to put on the alternator, but I
found a plastic bottle cap that does the job well enough.

***see my next note:  "There's a hole in my intake manfold"

Alex
amiller@almaden.ibm.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: ejv2j@Virginia.EDU ("")
Subject: 94 Turbodiesel?
Organization: University of Virginia
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 18:35:55 GMT

Before I get started I want to thank everyone who responded to
my "Those annoying lights" post -- many helpful suggestions
were sent and I appreciate them all.

Now on with the post.  I had heard that VW would offer a 75-hp
turbodiesel as part of the new generation Jetta awaiting
importation, but other conflicting reports said the diesel was
being consigned to history.  a dealer I talked to BS'ed his way
out of the question, so I wonder if anyone here has any info?

Also, how do earlier Jetta/Quantum turbodiesels (esp. '84-86) fare?
Given all the pluses (bulletproof engine, gas mileage) and minuses
(power? what power?) unique to diesels,
do the turbos fare any better or worse in durability or
reliability? 

erik velapoldi
ejv2j@virginia.edu
no sugnature, just erik dammit!
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: bdboyle@erenj.com (Bryan D. Boyle)
Subject: Re: Good VW mechanic in Central N.J.
Organization: Exxon Research and Engineering Co., NJ
Distribution: nj
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 16:48:48 GMT

In article <1993Jan25.141219.16884@nntpd.lkg.dec.com> pzl@remulak.unx.dec.com (Pete Lega) writes:
>
>	I've been going to David Micheal in Freehold,
>	but recently, there I've experienced too many
>	fishy repairs cropping up. 
>
>	Eggentons garage in Plainfield is a real
>	VW place, definately not a dealer, but they
>	have debugged and fixed problems dealers have
>	had 3 tries at. As soon as my warantee runs
>	out, im using them. They even have a VW graveyard
>	for parts. My wife bought a rebuilt scirroco
>	from them, and Ive had them successfully debug 
>	some wierd gti problems that the dealer failed on.
>
>	We should start a note "Stupid dealer tricks"
>	so we can share  some of these dealer 
>	service tactics. I'm livid.
>--
>--------------------------------------------------------------
>Pete Lega, Digital Equipment. Manalapan NJ.
>--------------------------------------------------------------
>Don't use reply, send explictly to:
>lega@unxa.enet.dec.com 
>work: 908-577-6025
>--------------------------------------------------------------

Add to that: Albert & Son on Rt. 22 (westbound side...) in 
             Readington, NJ.  All they work on is VW (and 
             the rare audi...)-european-trained, follow the
             schedules, and are real knowledgable about the
             cars.  I trust them...

As for Shrewsbury: bought a diesel there, would never do that again.
       Handy:      been known as a rip-off since the 70's...
       DeFeo:      took 4 trips and 700.00 to diagnose an Oxygen
                   sensor-would never go there again.
       Princeton:  Out of business now (it is a rice-burner dealer
                   now...), but used to be the best I knew of: had
                   used them since 1973 until they sold out in '91)
       David Michael: no experience-bought my last Golf from them, and
                   would never go there again-turns out the odometer was
                   clocked, there were electrical problems with the 
                   car that were caused by their mechanics...ICK!
                   (they're more interested in selling Mercedes and
		   Honda garbage anyway...)
       
There is a dealer in flemington (Sutton-Denbigh), but I don't know about
them; besides, it is too freaking far to drive and then get up here to 
Clinton (wish they would change the name of this town...).


-- 
\   Bryan D. Boyle            \           _         ______ |
 \  Senior Engineer            \        /   \___-=0`/|0`/__|
  \ Exxon Research & Engineering\_______   N7068W  / | /    )
  / 908 730-3338                /        `/-==__ _/__|/__=-|
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: cower@csli.stanford.edu (Richard Cower)
Subject: Off road VW's - some questions
Organization: CSLI, Stanford University
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 23:06:28 GMT


I'm thinking of picking up one of those tublar frames, adding a bug
engine (I have a Super bug with a good engine), bug front-end and
some kind of trans-axle. I don't want to race it, just drive it
around off-road. I'm very good with VW's, having owned them for over
25 years and always done all my own work. I have some questions:

1. What are these things called?
2. Is the older bus trans-axle, with the reduction gears the one 
   normally used in these things? I have a 62 bus with 50k miles on
   the original engine/tranny that I could use.
3. do these things take a bug front end?
4. Who makes a good frame? How much do they cost?
5. how much ground can one of these things be made to clear? (and not
always be rolling over).
6. are there any gotcha's in building one of these things?

thanks...rich cower
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
From: dans@panix.com (Dan Simoes)
Subject: [w] Splitfire plugs, misc
Organization: Panix Public Access Internet & Unix, NYC
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1993 16:23:24 GMT


I am looking for a source for the Bosch splitfire plugs everyone is talking about, as well as the part numbers for an 86 GLI.

On a separate note, I still have for sale a stock Audi radio (Wiesbaden model)
which works perfectly and is rich in features.  Email me for details...

Yet another item: I may be able to make my uucp system (danix) available for email requests of the tech archives.  I'll post more info soon on this, after
I've conferred with Jan.

Later,

| Dan |
-- 
Dan Simoes                                       Voice: 914.747.2900 x415
Danix Consulting                                 email: dans@panix.com or
Yorktown Heights, NY                                     dans@danix.uucp
From: jgladu@bcm.tmc.edu (grungy (John F. Gladu))
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: The FIRE breathing bug!  Help!clo
Followup-To: rec.autos.vw
Date: 26 Jan 1993 18:04:42 GMT
Organization: Systems Support Center, BCM
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: j.ssctr.bcm.tmc.edu

In article <1993Jan25.151708.63170@cc.usu.edu>, slhmz@cc.usu.edu wrote:
 
> There is something else strange with this super-beetle as well.
> It has a flat windsheild!  I thought that all supers had angled windscreens!
> Whats the deal?  NO work has EVER been done on this car, from what I can see
> and from what the previos owner says.

The '71 and '72 Super had (almost) flat windshields.  If you look close,
it's not really 'plate' glass - it has a slight curve to it.  The '73 was
the first with the *really* curved windshield.

bcnu - grungy '61 dddpanel, '68,'69 Bugs, '90 Vanagon
          former: '71,'72 SuperBeetles
From: Ralph.C.Lindenfeld@dartmouth.edu (Ralph C. Lindenfeld)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: New Beetles- NOT
Date: 21 Jan 93 12:39:37 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0b3@newshost.dartmouth.edu

Hmmm... I wonder if NAFTA will change our chances of importing a VW
from Mexico (w/ less hassles than it takes now)

Ralph Lindenfeld
1960 VW Panelvan
From: 01ksdavis@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu (Rebel without a pause.)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: (A) one piece front end
Date: 26 Jan 93 04:06:39 GMT
Organization: BSU Journalism Dept.

In article <1993Jan22.230742.2023@novatel.cuc.ab.ca>, rfarrow@novatel.cuc.ab.ca (Ron Farrow) writes:
> Hi There,
> 
> 	I might be totally out of my mind, but has anyone heard of 
> a one piece front end for Beetles.  For some reason I can't get mine
> to seal, I have the hole front stuffed with insulation now but I
> still get cold air coming through the radio, speaker, and fuse holder.
> If one piece front ends are out there I would like to know where they
> are avalible.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Ron
> 
> 
	Well, have you checked out the recent issue of the Kit Car magazine?

	It had an article about brand new fiberglass VW Bug body kits, in 
various styles, including convertibles and split window coupes.

	Kyle
From: heff@apollo.HP.COM (Jeff Oesterle)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: GTIs good only at high revs
Date: 26 Jan 93 20:51:59 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company, Chelmsford, MA

> If its a 16V they (1.8) are short on the bottom end though not as weak as  
> your statment. The 8V have more bottom end. But that was fixed with the  
> 2.0 16V

It is an '87 GTI 16v.  The problem wasn't to the point where I thought it pathological, just worse than I would have expected for 'gearing' reasons.

Your explanation here sounds good.  I'll be tossing in FI cleaner, for sure.
I get the car tonight, so I'll be able to test it out and see how much of a
problem I have.

Thanks for all the feedback, folks.

jeff.