Just bought Kango - Need Answers

[kango]

I have recently purchased a Kango.
I put it through roadworthy last week and it got through first time.
I'm Totally new to the VW scene but can
tell you I 'm having the time of my life. Love the
gears. It was initially intended as "fishing Vehicle " but I'm using
now as my primary vehicle due to the fast response and zippy
acceleration at Robots.

Question 1:
I have been searching the web trying to find out what motor I have exactly.
From what I can work out it is a 1964 1600cc.
my engine numbers is 9139898
Can anyone let me know if this is correct.
My Chassis Number is 1102993360
As I can gather it is a 1970 1600 cc chassis?

Question 2:
If i do have the correct model, where
can I get a Service Manual on this motor. Where I stay,
there is little expertise on Beetle engines if any
I specifically need to get the timing correct and the air &
fuel valve/screw settings for idling - not sure on correct terminology.
Since this morning she keeps on cutting out while idling - irritating at robots.
I'm no mechanic, but before I take her anywhere I want to make
sure I have the specs.

Question 3:
The windscreen wiper arms seem "custom" .
I need to get new ones and all the dealers here
do not have this size. Any suggestions?

When searching about Kango I do not get much info on the web.
Anybody know any sites or history. I'm hooked on this beauty. It is
the only one I'v seen where I stay and performs beautifully on the
challenging mountain passes I use to get to fishing spots.
So glad I found this site

Thanks

[Merlin]

1964 was faaar from 1600 technology.

Calooker, or the others will have the engine number info for you.

You can get manuals from online stores, or perhaps someone here has one for you.

There are also very good write-ups on maintenance online, but I don't have the addresses offhand.

Any scrapyards or scrap bugs in your area may have a set. Most 'yards have VWs lying around.

Cheers, N.

[fig]

Your VIN# is correct for a 1970 Beetle. There should be some letters preceding the engine number, which will identify the engine's original spec.

All SA engines began with SF, followed by one, two or three letters before the number. Do you know if your engine is single port or twin port?

I think I have a spare Beetle workshop manual if you're prepared to come and collect it in Jhb. I always buy them when I find them for less than R50 to pass them on to those in need.

[Thumper]

Welcome to the forum Kango!

[eben]

If you want to buy the manuals you can get them from the Kalahari link at the top of the page.

[Merlin]

*rofl* @ Eben.

[eben]

I needs to eat...

[kango]

Thanks for all the advice.
I have managed to borrow a workshop manual
on just about every beetle ever manufactured
from a friend. The details for the engine no
and chassis where off my roadworthy certificate.
I will check out the rest of the ID when
I get stuck in to the motor.

The junk yard idea is a good one.
Thanks again for the advice.

[Pine]

I've done some research on the whole buggy phenomenon in South Africa, and regard the Kango as a bit of a 'late bloomer' in the range of buggies/kit cars that were available from the mid-sixties to the late nineties. With such a beautiful and practical design, I just feel they came on the market a bit too late.

They first arrived on the scene in the early eighties taking the concept of the earlier 'fun only' traditional type of buggies a lot further to reveal a handsome and hip daily driver that can be used any time for fun as well. They were weather proof, lockable and well designed. The angular, almost skinny design (think Twiggy) of the body almost remind one of the Golf 1, compared to the curvacious, rounded design of the Manx-type buggies (think Pamela Anderson ), which were getting outdated. (Remember this was early 80s. Production of Beetles have stopped only a few years earlier, and technological advancements were on everybody's minds.) I think one of the main objectives of the designer(s) of the Kango was to make it look as ''un'-Beetle as possible. Features like square lights mounted inside the nose, an attractive instrument console, stylish side panels and almost completely hidden engine were completely different from the early buggies.

They were manufactured and marketed by a company called Kango Kit Cars, which also manufactured the 'Model T' buggy, the 'Veep' buggy, Baja Bug Kits and several other accessories like wide Rostyle wheels, exhausts, seats, pully covers etc. I scanned this early black and white ad from a CAR magazine of February 1986 - more than 21 years ago. There were initially two Kango models available - the sporty T-Top (without recessed head lights) and the Kango SS, which was a more enclosed, all-weather buggy, of course with the enclosed head lights. I've also seen a pick-up 'bakkie' version of the Kango. With slogans like 'The most stylish and practical buggy around' and 'Undeniably the world's best looking sports buggy', KKC certainly had and aggresive marketing strategy.



I took these pictures of a beautiful Kango a few years ago in Kimberley:




This Kango, from the Cape Town Wildbuggers Buggy Club, has been very nicely modified to accomodate a radiator for a water cooled engine:



I'm pretty convinced that the Kango has his origins in South Africa (as in Kango Caves), but I recently found this (US?) ad on the site Dune Buggy Archives at http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b372/ ... %20Models/



with this picture (that seems like an old Transvaal number plate, and the buggy is RHD)



A while ago this guy advertised some new spares that he still had available for the Kango buggies (he is in Illovo, KZN)

http://www.stevesbuggies.co.za/index.htm

Hope this info could help a bit!

[Pine]

OOPS!

I almost forgot this pic - suppose it will silence all those who regard a Kango as a 'sissy' street-only buggy

[Merlin]

Notice the distinct lack of seatbelts.

This is definately '80s.

Sorry Pine, you're on your own...that's hideous.

N.

[MINCE]

i dig that model t kit
that could be a load of fun

[Pine]

The Volksworld and Ultra VW magazines actually had a number of articles on 'Baby T' kits in recent issues. Why anyone wants to convert a VW to a Ford, beats me

[Pine]

This Kango belongs to Keith Taylor in London, UK:

[flatfourfan]

I think that they yellow one is great. Very nice example.................