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: 6/18/2007 Subject: vw beetle
Question I'm 16 years old and my parents are looking to buy me an old vw beetle. i am in love with them. what is the mileage? also I've heard that they are very unreliable. how much would a nice, but not too nice, dependable beetle cost? would it be a good investment for a teenager who plans to be driving it through college and beyond?
I'd appreciate any help.
Answer Hi,
You can find reliable VW's on one of the biggest and most reputable sites that I know of:
www.thesamba.com
4K should get you a nice beetle that is reliable. If the body, brakes, interior, tires, are all in wonderful condition.
You can get a rebuilt engine for around 1,000 that will last you for a very long time.
Good Luck, if they are cared for properly, they are very reliable.
Gorgia, the only thing you need to be careful of, is that it is a little car, and you need to drive it carefully and always wear your seat belt.
They don't have all the fancy airbags that newer cars have and the brakes are a bit harder to stop it than the new ones.
So, if you are very careful driving it, and you set a budget of 4-5K you will be fine.
Again, here is the site:
www.thesamba.com
Best of luck, let me know what you decide to get, you'll love it.
