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78 Beetle Project

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 10:56 am
by FunBugs
Hi All

I have just joined this forum and hope to get some inspiration on a beetle project that I want my son and myself to take on together...... Bonding time :)

I bought a 78 beetle and will be doing a complete strip down, respray, change drums to discs and replace the 1600 single port with a twin port.

Not sure on the time frame of the project as this will depend on available moolas :shock:

Many thanks
Dean

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 2:48 pm
by 73type2
Welcome Dean! Sounds like an exciting prospect! Personally I prefer single ports as they are more reliable and not so prone to cracking between the valves and spark plug holes as do the dual ports. Changing plugs with the engine installed seems to be easier with the single port than the dual port. The small increase in power from single to dual port does not justify the expense, in my opinion.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 3:52 pm
by FunBugs
Many thanks for the welcome and appreciate the insight. I am by no means a mechanic but have never let that stop me. There is a wealth of experience out there with people willing to share that knowledge with like minded enthusiasts.

I will certainly bare that in mind. I have a long way to go still and sure many things will change along the way.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 6:32 pm
by Tony Z
Welcome and good luck with your project.
Dont let the guys get you down, twin ports can make good power. And in todays modern traffic, it doesnt hurt be be able to accelerate onto a highway instead of hoping to get a gap

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 7:09 pm
by FunBugs
Thanks Tony
I will play with both as I am in the process of purchasing a twin port motor which I plan to rebuild as time and funds allow

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 7:18 pm
by FunBugs
Hi Guys

So some pictures of my stripped Bug

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Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:19 am
by 73type2
Thanks Dean. The stripping part of a project makes for very exciting times. Its a journey of discovery. Keep the photos coming.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:26 am
by FunBugs
Thank you. It most certainly does. The strip work is the easy part it's now the repair and spray stage whilst doing a shopping list for all the new and replacement parts required for the reassembly. This excluding the motor which will fall to the back of the que due to costs.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 3:14 pm
by 73type2
If the motor is not known to have been seriously out of whack, you can do a cosmetic clean-up whilst throwing in new push rod tubes, seals, and replace the flywheel oil seal if needed. You don't want to put an engine back when there are obvious oil leaks. Although its a relatively simple job, taking an engine in and out isn't always fun.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 3:53 pm
by FunBugs
Have my doubts with the condition of the motor. Leaks oil all over the place and the fins as well as gear box is covered in what must be years of muck. Spent much of the weekend with degreaser and high pressure cleaner and still have not managed to remove the muck on the gearbox and front suspension. The motor will go down to Frans tomorrow and will see what transpires from there. The aim is to get it to where I would like to have it before it goes back in. Plenty of work to be done before then anyway so no rush with that

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:29 pm
by FunBugs
<r>Hi Guys<br/>
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So a little update on my project which I have started.<br/>
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The bug has been stripped of almost everything and the body is off the chassis. My next step is to look for a reputable spray painter and panel beater in Durban for a total respray.<br/>
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Frans from VDub Durban will be assisting me with my engine rebuild which at this stage is still undecided. There are just so many topics on various options in upgrading a motor and unless you have the correct mechanical knowledge is almost impossible to put the right recipe together.<br/>
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None the less, there is plenty that needs to be done before the motor is required so we will soldier on.<br/>
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I will post some pics on current status. All in all the body and chassis are both in reasonable condition with the odd spot requiring some attention but will see if anything jumps out when she gets stripped of all paint.<br/>
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Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:34 pm
by FunBugs
:oops: So not the post I wanted. Lost my actual post loading photos

Will try again

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:35 pm
by FunBugs
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Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:52 pm
by FunBugs
Now let's try again

So my parts arrived during the week from CIP1 and am totally stocked.

1.5QT Sump
76mm Forged CW Crank 8 dowel
AA 94mm slipper skirt piston and cylinder set
Engle W120 racing Cam
Stage 3 CNC ported heads 42x37.5mm with competition dual hi rev springs, SS valves, bronze valve guides
5.5lbs equalizer pulley
Breather box
Chromoly push rods

Shell is in at the paint shot so now I need to complete the stripping of the chassis. The tin work has been powder coated already with my wife's standard 74 beetle tin. Frans at V Dub Durban has replaced the big end and rings, cleaned her up and will be putting the motor back this week. He has done an awesome job with the bug and is very miticulas in what he does.

We have put front discs on, swapped the head lights for the golf 1 head lights, added 4 bulb rear tail lights, changed the ignition to electronic, new 4 into 1 exhaust and cleaned up the engine to look new.

Re: 78 Beetle Project

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 5:09 pm
by Tony Z
looks like you are building a good project with a lovely little engine.