1973 vw Bug (BUGSY)

[Bugsy]

Hi there. I recently purchased a grey 1973 bug and in the process of sorting out a few minor issues.

Spent R20K on buying the beetle for the wife, but now she wants an automatic. She wants to get rid of it, but I don't want to let it go. I was not a vw fan (MINI ALL THE WAY) but I have grown to love this car. Engine is excellent and everything is in good condition. ONLY problems are the steering column....I have been looking all over for 1 (indicator and wiper switches mainly) but alas I am not able to find the parts I am looking for and interior which I will sort out in time.

This is really bug-ing me as I am not able to drive the vehicle.

I am located in Durban and will post pics of the car as soon as I take them.

[Tony Z]

Cool, looking forward to the pics.
Glad you made the transition from one classic to the other.
Please put your location into your profile so that we can all see in the future where you are from so we dont point you to someone that you cant visit...

[Bugsy]

Here is 1 picture of the car I have on my phone



I was looking on the net and noticed the 1973 has an alternator.... Is this correct as mine has a generator.

[Tony Z]

not ugly... I like

Generator is entirely possible. SA didnt follow the international updates. We didnt switch to ball joint front suspension and didnt upgrade the rear from the swing axle.
I dont think someone would have downgraded from alternator to generator, so its likely that yours is correct

[jolas]

try calooker (forum member) and Grandslam Auto (Strand) for the indicator stalk, switches, etc as a start ....

[Bugsy]

I have a question on brakes.......I want to upgrade them. Could I use a golf 1 ie velocity braking system or is there other options?

[Tony Z]

there are options available which use citi golf discs and calipers, but the hubs and caliper mounts are made specifically for the beetle

[Bugsy]

Could you send me in the right direction please.....Like I stated I know nothing about bugz

[51splitfanatic]

Bugsy,

Talk to Ivan at Volkspares in Jet park near Boksburg as they sell they complete front Golf 1 disc kits for beetles. You can then use a reverse adapter so you can revert back to using your stock Rostyle rim if you want. Most people fit aftermarket wheels...no judgement....but try and stay with restored Rostyles...they are after all nice rims.

51 Splitfantic

[Bugsy]

Thank You