1967 Volkswagen Beetle Std from North America - Comments

Immediately after purchasing the engine over heated on the way home. After having this little issue fixed the accelerator return spring broke as I pulled out of the repair shop. The car later died on an exit ramp for no apparent reason other than that I had yelled at it earlier. This problem resolved I then drove it regularly for about a year, but when the brake master cylinder seized I parked it in the barn and forgot about it.

Around 1 1/2 years ago I started cleaning out the barn and re-discovered my forgotten bug. I rolled it out, put some gas in the tank, connected a new battery, and turned it over. At first nothing happened, but as soon as fuel got into the carburetor it sputtered, coughed, blew two black wads out the tail pipes, and started up. I have never since seen a car sit for ten years and start on the first try. For some reason now the bug has a bit more punch in the bottom end then it did when I used to drive it and since I fixed the brakes no other problems have surfaced.

Now about the Bug:

The car was undercoated when new and stored for nearly 18 years before I bought it so it has zero rust. The engine was custom built in 1985 so I have no idea what's in there, but it looks pretty stock even though it doesn't run like it. Steering is tight and straight and the transmission can stand up even to my abusive driving habits. (went through a Subaru clutch in 6 months...4wd burnouts are fun :P) The seats are amazingly comfortable which helps dampen the awful ride. (real nasty dirt roads here) It doesn't handle very well especially at speed. I've had the rear get loose on me numerous times, but it does recover well and I'm yet to spin it out. The fuel economy is great and will run for what seems like ages on one tank of gas. It gets plenty of looks around here in American car territory. If any one is looking to buy a classic car I recommend a beetle, there simple, inexpensive, easy to maintain, and though temperamental, are blast to drive.

It sounds like you do not appreciate the rarity of your vehicle or the monetary depreciation that you are very likely to cause to this vehicle based on your driving habits.

1967 was a transition year for Volkswagens. Many features of your Beetle are unique to only that year. You may find out how difficult it is to find replacement body parts for this highly collectible and valuable vehicle, that you are now trashing.

As an experienced driver, in regards to the handling of the Beetle, I think I'm in my rights to say you're "just not used to it". Rear wheel drive with a rear engine affords very unique handling, and many people don't appreciate that there are further differences still between mid and rear drive.

I've heard people comparing the Porsche 911 (usually they mean a 930 or later, and don't know about real model numbers) with Ferraris and Lamborghinis - Midmount cars (especially LP-engined examples) have very neutral handling, whilst rear engine, rear wheel drive cars are more active, and front engined cars more passive. Don't even get me started on people who comment that "Front wheel drive is superior". Bah.

Anyway, when you lose the rear end at speed, you may be experiencing an occurrence known amongst Porsche drivers as "Stuttgart Syndrome". It's the active handling of the car coming into play, and pushing the car further into the corner. If carried you can drift the car (though not very easily with a Beetle).

Regardless of this, Beetles have excellent, well balanced handling, and I stand by my comment of "You're not used to it" - Given time and a little fun on the Gymkhana, you may appreciate rear-engined handling a little bit better.

- Porsche 930 (3.3t) owner, experienced club-racer.

Response to comment 1:

What gave you the idea that I was thrashing my Bug? I just wanted to see what it could do and it just surprised me when I opened the throttle and it took off like a bullet. (and came up to the corner A lot faster then I expected) Yes I know the '67 was a transition year and I have already run into the problem of finding parts for it. I am by no means being hard on the Bug. In fact I am in the process of ordering all the parts necessary to completely restore the car from the bottom up.

Response to comment 2:

What can I say? You're right, I'm just not used to it. I race front engine, RWD sedans not Beetles. (pure stock, dirt oval if you're wondering)

I agree with the writer of the first comment.

You stated that the transmission has stood up to your "abusive"... habits. That sounds like you're "trashing" the car to me.

I owned a 1967 Beetle and I wish that I had parked it in the garage and was able to now drive it again. I can tell you that if I still had it, I wouldn't be beating on it.

Have you guys ever actually rode with the guy, do you know how "abusive" he is to the car? It's his car, let him do what he wants. Although, Beetles can be a little tempermental when treated hard.

I just bought a '67 Beetle from the original owner's wife (he passed away several years ago). Like yours, it was in storage for many years, but turned over with a few turns of the key after I charged the battery. It's a great little car, and certainly the best year VW had. I was surprised to find out mine was built on August 1st, 1966, the first day of production for the '67. Glad to hear you're restoring yours like I am mine.

I just want to say that I also have a 67 and love it to death. You said you yelled at your bug, and then it quit well have you ever seen what happens when you yell at Herbie the love bug? The way I see it if you are good to your bug your bug will be good to you. Call me crazy, but everyone knows that the beetle has a human and life like personality.

Good for you for taking the old bug out of the garage after 10 yrs. A lot of people wish we were that lucky to have a rust free 67. Ignore these "haters" who have their trailer queens. Beetles (or any car for that matter) were meant to be driven. Drive it and drive it your way man. Enjoy the car! Wish I still had my 67...

I just bought myself a 1967 Volkswagen bug (last December) ; I have wanted one for years and finally got one. My little guy who is 9 years old, wants it so bad, he is asking me when I will die so he can have it...

There is nothing like the sound of the engine, the burr of the exhaust; I have had more people stop me to talk about their experience, it is incredible.

One old timer, watching me fill the tank ($35) said in 1967 he could have driven across Canada for that.

I will never part with it.

I picked up a 1967 beetle 2 years ago. I rebuilt the top end to 1641cc, put in a new clutch and pressure plate, new brake system and welded the chassis and got new tires. It's now my daily driver, has given 2 years of reliable service, handles very well, and easily keeps up with modern traffic. I cruise comfortably at 75mph, but have never taken it beyond 82. With the big bore kit I estimate it could reach about 92 or 93, but hey, it's 40 years old! I love it. I removed the front seat a la Ted Bundy to suit my Irish Terrier Buddy. I can't decide if I want to paint it brushed aluminum with black air scoop or pale green with brown interior or teal? or black with cream doors. It's a keeper, everything works, little by little I'm gonna turn it into a porsche, upgrading as things work. or maybe I'll keep it stock... but I'll definitely be driving it. a lot.

Jackpot!! - My father owned a 1967 beetle in the mid 70's -approx 1982. He had a bumper sticker that said "A hot car for a cool cat". I took my road test in it in January in a snowstorm and passed! Always scanned the paper for a 67. Finally got an amazing car. Owned 30 years by a little old lady. Garaged, never driven in bad weather. Bought buy a dentist for $6k and spent another $8k restoring. He owned it for 10 years putting a total of 800 miles on it during that period. Garaged under a car cover. Everything original. Looks like brand new. Savannah Beige, perfect chrome... I could go on and on... Love that horse hair smell!!!

Dan.

I received my 1967 Beetle about 2 years ago. My Aunt and her daughter purchased it new, and in 1972 the title was changed into just her daughter's name. So I am actually either the second or third owner.

The last it was driven was about 15 years ago. It was always parked in the garage, but still has a bit of rust around the passenger's side headlight.

I put a new battery in it several months ago, drained the old gas and put in new. It turns over but doesn't start. I don't have a lot of time to work on it (and limited knowledge), but would like to get it running. Any suggestions?

I was thinking the carb needs rebuilt or the ignition.

npurcell@ptd.net