Do this with the fuel pump removed or before you install it on all models with the fuel pump next to the distributor .  Actually, you can’t have the spacer or pushrod installed to deal with the distributor drive gear. They flywheel must be installed. This is the last thing to do when building an engine  but you can do it on an installed engine – usually to correct an improperly installed one . Improper installation may make it impossible […]

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If you have a split bus, use the proper repair kit and opt for reaming of the bushings after they’re installed with the proper reamer. Some repair manuals suggest machining the bushings a bit bigger than they come out of the box in lieu of a proper reamer. Either step is necessary because as they come in the box, the pin will not go through the bushings so they must be either machined or reamed. Only opt for the reamer […]

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If you have the old parts, don’t assume buying a kit will fix it  but this will … The photo speaks for itself. Don’t forget to grease the cable. The washers are brazed onto the link. You’ll still need the springs. Make sure the pedal hinge is greased too. If you have the later style where the pedal engages with a roller, a little grease on the shaft and the roller and the ramp on the pedal goes a long […]

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jalopnik.com/why-the-vw-beetle-is-a-universal-standard-of-weight-and-1518385122

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have the drums turned with wheels still attached. Bolting the wheel to the drum distorts the drum and can cause minor or major pulsation at the pedal (think of the effect a bent wheel on bicycle has on the brakes – you can feel it on the brake operating lever located on the handlebars).  Same effect on a car only it’s at the pedal. Out of round drums are often most noticeable when coming down a freeway off ramp at speed. You’ll […]

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This works for an (the best one available at this time) aftermarket mechanical type sending unit for bugs from 1962 through 1967. Whatever you do, don’t buy the white plastic one unless you like the depression on the top of your tank full of the gasoline that will inevitably leak through the white sending unit. Your gauge won’t read right either. It’s basically junk. I don’t even know why they make it in the first place. Maybe they never checked […]

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Prevention is the key. All studs in any aluminum engine part are installed with an interference fit. This means the hole the stud screws into is just a teensy bit smaller than the diameter of the stud itself. They’re not meant to unscrew ever. If you look at any air cooled VW engine, you’ll find there’s not a single bolt that screws into the engine, only studs. This is because aluminum is real soft and strips easily. It’s not meant […]

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Duct tape won’t work. Any kind of electrical tape won’t work. In fact, only one things works and it’s this …     The top dealy-bob is typical. The second one – this is the only one I’ve ever seen. The bottom one has a small blob of brazing material right were the little point is on the middle one but it’s bigger and it works. The braze engages with the steering column and results long term positive engagement. Positively […]

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Best thing to start off with is a good car in good running condition. Make sure the engine is in good condition. Make sure the clutch is in good condition and is adjusted properly and the cable is in good condition and DRENCHED IN GREASE. Oil leaks known to be at the oil cooler or in the flywheel area are things that need to be fixed before you leave. Massive oil leaks anywhere else can be dealt with with  diligent […]

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  This is applicable to all master cylinder reservoirs in that the same physical conditions apply but is specifically for buses that have the master cylinder reservoir in front of the steering column. The easiest way to successfully change this hose if your original plastic hose is damaged and MUST be replaced is start with  thinking of walking down a trail from the top of  a hill. It’s all downhill except it’s not – there will be places where the trail flattens, […]

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