Type III Squareback + Type IV engine (was: Typical Type III Squareback problems?)

[Hanno Spoelstra <H.L.Spoelstra@wbmt.tudelft.nl>]

Just got off the phone with a fellow VW club member who turns out to be the
owner of a modified Type III Squareback. Here are the main features of his
'72 VW 1600 LE Variant (type 365):

-       1.7-l. FI engine from a VW 411 Variant;
-       gas heater (from same type IV), fitted above the transmission;
-       automatic transmission from a type III Fastback, modified to handle the 
        power from the 1.7-l. engine;
-       5,5Jx15 rims with 185R15 tires on the rear;
-       towing hitch (for a caravan);
-       aluminium roof railings from VW Passat;
-       rear window wiper from VW Rabbit;
-       other refinements include: seats w/integrated headrests, extra
        instruments (for temperatures, pressures, etc.), rear trunk cover (extra
        sound deadening), etc.

I have yet to go over to him and to see his Squareback, but it sounds
exactly like what I want: a comfortable and dependable car to travel longer
distances with. Although the 1.7-l. engine was able to get the car to a
maximum of 185 kph/115 mph when it still had the manual transmission, it is
normally not driven at that speed as the brakes are unmodified. It does give
the car a useful power reserve, however.
The owner told me the type IV engine fitted right in his Squareback,
although ideally "you should use early Type IV suspension arms".


I'll find out more about it and keep the list posted in due time.

Regards,
Hanno Spoelstra <H.L.Spoelstra@WbMt.TUDelft.NL>
Bloemendaal, The Netherlands