Re: Typical Type III Squareback problems?

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm2.hf.intel.com>]

Hanno,
You can never ask a lot!  Welcome!

Here's my three cents (i.e. my opinions):
Heating system is weak in cold/very cold climates.
Manual is better than automatic, especially when it comes repair/replace 
time...
Adding a little extra hp to a stocker is just as easy as doing it do a Bug so I 
would recommend avoiding the Type IV conversion.  Although, since T4 are used in
the Porsche 914 and later Buses you could get FI and other performance parts 
(watch the cost).
FI is better than carbs.  If you deviate from stock you may have to get an 
after-market FI system and they run about $1000 and up.
I don't recommend putting a turbo in it due to heat buildup (there's not a whole
lotta space like a Bug).
I see nothing wrong with a sliding roof -- when you can use it you'll be glad 
you got it.  Just like anything else if you keep it in good condition you won't 
have a lot of problems.
Lucky for you there are a couple of Australians who is on this list so they 
could be a good source of info, assuming the two countries get along...  For me 
you can never get too much info so get it where you can.
     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     modified '72 VW Squareback 2.0L
     stock '75 Porsche 914 1.8L


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Typical Type III Squareback problems?
Author:  type-3-errors@umich.edu at SMTPGATE
Date:    1/7/97 7:39 PM

Hi all,

I'm new to this list. When digging in the VINTAGVW database I thought it was
a good idea to contact Greg Merrit on type 3's (or III's) - judging by his
posts to the VINTAGVW mailing list. Well indeed, it turned out he runs the
type 3 mailing list!

Currently I drive a '71 Bug (1300cc/44 hp), and was planning to get my Bug a
better engine. When I realised I also wanted some more room to carry stuff
around, I thought I'd better look into buying a Type III Squareback.

I wonder any of the list members would be so kind to tell me about the weak
spots of these VWs. All tips to look out for when buying one are welcome. I
guess they are largely comparable to Bugs, as that they have rust in the
heater channels, etc.
Are there any models I should avoid and why? (E.g. a sliding roof looks
nice, but will it give more trouble than pleasure?; fuel injection?;
automatic gearbox?; etc.)

I plan to give the Squareback a little more hp. (just to enable it to go
with today's traffic), and have been thinking about fitting a Type IV
engine. What engine will fit without too much alteration (VW 411/412, late
Bus/Vanagon)? Or are there any other ways?

I know I'm asking a lot, but would be very pleased anyone could help me
out.

Thanks in advance!

Hanno Spoelstra
Bloemendaal, The Netherlands