Re: [T3] Lots of questions...

[Mark Fuhriman <mfuhriman@earthlink.net>]

Tad, You have certainly gotten yourself into quite a project!  A few quick
things to help with all the questions:

1.  You need a good manual.  The best ones (Bentley and Haynes) are still in
print.  You need these.  The Type 3 List can help a lot, but your efforts
will be largely wasted if you don't learn how the car works on your own.

2.  Brakes:  Don't bother fussing with the engine anymore until you get this
sorted out.  Study the manuals to learn how the e-brake works (your e-brake
question is not specific enough to get specific help...).  If the system has
been sitting with no fluid, you will probably need to get the calipers
(front) and the rear cylinders rebuilt.  Kits with the seals are still
available for these parts.  Ditto for the master cylinder.  And change all
the rubber lines.  Based on your description of the general conditions, I'll
bet they have swollen shut on the insides (they might look OK from the
outside but still be shot internally).  The right rear rubber hose is hard
to find.  Take the old one in until the parts man finds one that's close
enough.  Raybestos makes one that will fit.

3.  Engine:  If yours is a U.S. car, it originally had fuel injection.
Based on the fuel tank set-up you described, it sounds like there is a very
good chance you no linger have the stock fuel system.  Or maybe not even a
Type 3 engine.  What do you have?

4.  Windows:  Rear pop-outs on the Fastback are very difficult to come by.
Keep your eyes open in junkyards.  Sometimes I see them listed for sale on
the internet.  I think stationary rubber is still available if you want to
make the windows non pop-out.

5.  Leaks in the rear.  Leaks in the rear luggage compartment of a Fastback
are often caused by a leaky rear window seal (that's been the case in the
two Fastbacks I've owned).

This will get you started.  ..and get a manual.

Mark Fuhriman
'69 Fastback

-------------------------------------------------------------------
List info at http://www.vwtype3.org/list | mailto:gregm@vwtype3.org