1300 Beetle head gaskets

['57 Oval]

Does anyone know where i can find a head gasket set for a 1300 beetle?

After removing the heads there was clear evidence that it was not sealing properly, probably because there were no gaskets in place. This is not normal correct?

[Tony Z]

nope, that is normal.
The VW head doesnt use gaskets.
You need to get the head machined flat and then lap the barrels into the heads with grinding paste or form a metal on metal seal.

Otherwise you could probably find copper gaskets which will seal easily. Will also lead to less power, poorer fuel economy and eventually detonation. But they will seal and act as head gaskets

['57 Oval]

Ahahh, Thanks Tony!
No wonder i couldn't find the gaskets for sale

I have found second hand heads that i will clean up and use instead seeing that the current ones are cracked. On the second hand heads there were gaskets in place as in the picture, hence the question. So you don't advise that i use these but rather get the head machined? Detonation is not really my goal here so i would rather go that route then i guess....

[fig]

I can't see the picture, but the "gasket" is most likely a spacer to ensure correct compression ratio after flycutting the heads.