Re: T3 newbie wants advice...

[HP2BSQ@aol.com]

Carl,

  I'd love to tell you that TIII parts are easy to come by, that they are
completely interchangable with Bugs, and that they never rust or have
problems . . . . .but I would be lying. The TIII is however, the nicest
overall effort presented by VW in an air cooled model, whether it is a
Fastback, Squareback (my favorite) or Notch. As for interchangeability, the
1600 engines are nearly identical internally(TIII has more power . . .) as
are the transmissions( TIII has better gearing . . ), and aside from the
cooling system and generator( on a TIII: break a fan belt and you can keep
driving . .   try that in a Bug!!), most external engine parts can be used on
both TIs and TIIIs.
   Body panels are unique to TIIIs, as are many interior parts.(some late
model ['70 and up] TIII parts are interchangeable with late model KG's such
as tail lenses and such). What I can tell you is that anyone can get a 'Bug'
, I've had three so far . . . (here come the letters!), but a TIII is almost
a 'one of a kind' car in a crowd. It took me over 12 years to find the exact
Sqareback I wanted ('71 w/30k original miles, CA  car, 1 owner, etc . .
.needs a little TLC, not ER care!), but it was well worth the wait. If you
can get one for a 'song', I'd start singing, you wont be disappointed by this
Type of VW.
   I'll get off my soap box now, hope this provides some insight.
   Any questions I can help you with, let me know . . . . 

Dan
HP2BSQ@AOL.COM
' 71 TIII Squareback