typical weak spots, retrofit FI (was: Typical Type III Squareback problems?)

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

Wow, this list is great! The feedback I've got on "Typical Type III Squareback problems?" was overwhelming.
Many thanks to Larry Edson, Jason Renville, Toby Erkson, Tim Dapper, Jim Adney (not Kepner, sorry), Graham Thomas, Theo Thepen, Mike Jones, Greg Merrit and others, for all your very useful input.


I plan to do the following:
-       buy a late model Squareback with as little as bodywork as possible (so
        probably without sunroof).
        Judging by the numbers sold, chances are it'll be one fitted with a manual
        transmission a 1,6-l. dual carb engine (FI was only an option over here).
-       drive it for a while as is, sort out little (or big) problems. Get to
        know it really;
-       in the meantime source the following, to be rebuilt at a leisurely pace:
        -  a 1.8-l. Type 4 engine (possible a late type 2.0-l. with hydraulic valve
           lifters). I have yet to decide on FI or carbs;
        -  72/73 type 3 (or type 4) front brakes and Porsche 914 rear ones
           (if really needed, I don't plan to build a dragster);
-       fit an LPG fuel system (after the engine swap).


What I still would like to know are typical weak spots to look for when
looking at Squarebacks for sale. I guess the heater channels rot in
the same places as on Bugs, but what about the fenders/mudguards/wings?
Are there locations that can be checked (without having to take them off),
that will tell you there is rust underneath?

Re. FI or carbs: is it difficult to fit a fuel injection system to a car that was 
originally built with a carburettor engine? I know everything can be done if one 
wants, but apart from the mods to the engine: is it merely a matter of adding 
high pressure fuel lines to the tank, or is there much more involved?

I'm asking all this stuff so that I can buy the right Squareback. But to
prevent me from embarking on a never-ending my project car on which I 
have to carry out every known air-cooled modification, I want to prepare
as much as possible for my goal: a stock looking type 3 Squareback,
modified into a comfortable car for daily use. This includes short as well
as long distance (80-90mph, ideally) trips. I think I'll need the extra engine 
and braking power to keep up with that sort of traffic.


Thanks for reading this,