1200 Beetle Help Needed

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:31 pm

Hi guys, I recently purchased a 1961 Beetle 1200 with the aim to fully restore it to original condition. However the engime ceased and I am temporarily running a 1600 engine and box. I am desperately trying to get 1200 engine spares and cant seem to find any. I need a crankshaft urgently as the current one has been over ground. I would obviously like to get a complete engine overhaul kit, pistons and cylinders, valves, etc.

Herein lies the problem. The engine is stripped and I have gotten most of the part numbers from the original parts in the engine. Our engine part numbers are different to the ones overseas. The piston numbers con-rod numbers, etc. are all different. I have read that there were early 1200's and later 1200cc engines with some differences. Does anybody know what spares are compatible and where I can get them. I have had no luck with VW South Africa and with Volkspares.

I really want to run the original engine as I want to restore the car to original condition.

Thanks guys.

Miguel

Post by **fig** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:40 pm

Your best bet for parts and stock rebuilds of early engines is probably Ferdi Radel in Pretoria.

Neither VWSA nor Volkspares is interested in supporting stock restoration of ACVWs.

I don't have Ferdi's contact details with me. Anyone?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:47 pm

Thanks Fig! I would really appreciate the contact number for this guy.

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:19 pm

Miguel,

Click my email button and drop me a line - I'll get his details for you.

N.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:09 pm

Hi Miguel, I have a spare 1960 1200 crankshaft and a few other 1200 bits that I would like to get a good home for.

didi · Post by **didi** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:30 am

You can contact Ferdi Radel on 011 805 2507

Post by **IMPI** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:42 pm

I have quite a few NOS 1200 engine spares such as crank, cylinders and abour 4 subs and pieces I am only interested in building complete motors though and will happily restore yours. I also have the info on early and late 1200s The 61 engine was known as the dud and 61s were not considered good buys for many years
The problems mainly related to the cams and heads.
Armand

didi · Post by **didi** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:23 pm

Hey IMPI, you don't happen to have a OKRASA kit lying around?

I have seen a picture somewhere on the forum of a replica you built. I would love to have a setup like that!

vader · Post by **vader** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:20 pm

You guys make me feel all warm and fuzzy when you help a newby out... The Force is strong with y'all.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:26 pm

Thanks guys, I am busy renewing the suspension. I will definately get the engine done as soon as the cash flow is available.

Cheers,

Miguel.

Post by **IMPI** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:12 pm

I have only heard about Okrasa kits in SA and have never seen one
The engine I built for Chris van den heever was copied from Photos to somewhat resemble those early engines
It was actualy not to difficult to construct but it ate two manifolds to make one set
I can do the same again but performance is not shattering it resembles a later 1200 performance wise. you could go further but the crank on those 36 horse engines broke in standard engines......
Armand

didi · Post by **didi** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:49 pm

If I do an engine like that, it will definitely be for the looks, not performance, there is only so much you can do with that engine. There is always a trade off with performance, starting with reliability and fuel consumption. How neat is this

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:30 am

Thats what Im interested in. I'm not looking for a 200Kph 1200

. I want the engine to standard specification or better, in other words as you stated, reliable.

didi · Post by **didi** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:36 pm

IMPI, tell me more about that engine for Chris, did you modify the heads? I am aware of the crank problem. It doesn't take much to brake them.

Post by **IMPI** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:52 pm

The engine I built for chris was cosmetic only
I believe that a crank of a 356 Porsche could be made to fit the 36 horse but I have too little info.
Armand