AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 3/27/2007 Subject: restoring 71 vw convertible
Question Hi Ron
I have a 71 conv that I bought about 5 years ago. I want to restore it. It has been sitting in my garage since I bought it. I take it out in the summer and drive to the corner store but no further because the conv really isn't attached to anything. My questions is, I want to restore it but I have no idea where to start. I don't know if I should start with the engine or the body. Where can I get information about how to restore a bug. I would like to completely redo everything. The car runs, doesn't cut off and if I simply repaired the top it could be driven. But I want to make it look showroom. Where and how do i start.
Answer The best way to do this is to strip the body bare and have it painted and rust-proofed.
Have the engine compartment painted and leave the rest a primer color.
Install a nice rebuilt engine (and tranny) and than have the car painted.
Some interior work, new brakes, and a new top should get it looking showroom new and ready to cross the country!
