lomomike:
Ahem I don port to this thread to enjoy all the benefits of this thread.

**spreads mat, brings out popcorn, guguru, and groundnut + lacasera**

GAZZUZZ:
I love this.



Carry on denn I'm following

tmanis:
WOW!❗

Denn:
Engine picture

Denn:
I raised a point earlier in the rear wheels having a '\ /' position instead of being at 90 degrees to the road.

A lot of people have said it's a normal vw Beetle character and I should leave it like that.

I am not satisfied however and belive it didn't leave the factory in that position.

I would like to correct the 'problem'.

Please who can advise on what to do.

In addition, where can I get the exact new tires locally in Nigeria? I want to retain the Oem wheels albeit they being tube tires.

cc siena, CityNG, lomomike, ikenna, nurey, nissparts, and everybody...

Opinions are appreciated

CityNG:


1) Alignment Specs

The first thing that you need to do is get your hands on the factory alignment specs. I don't know what it is for Bugs, it's been a while since I owned one but I attached a pic of what I found online.

But be warned that this may lead to a path of expense. I foresee changing stuff like joints, shocks, springs and even up to rewelding shock tops.

2) Tires

I've never restored any of my classics to be period correct because it's insanity. I always try to use modern and hence more safer products on my rebuilds to ensure that the vehicle is as safe as possible compared to a modern car.

I will never use a tube in any of my cars. It's a matter of preference.

Edit:

After looking at the pics of the specimen above, I believe that the rear was raised by 9ja mechanics for ground clearance. Please get under the car and show pictures of the rear suspension.

Siena:
Just the sort of threads I love, I'll be following.

The positive camber at the rear is common to the Volkswagen Beetle, Igala, Rio, Type 2 and all air-cooled Volkswagen of that generation, including the Bus. It occurs when the rear suspension is raised, either deliberately, or due to longer dampers being fitted. Don't forget these cars have torsion bars, and swing axles at the rear. Raise the rear of the car beyond it's design limits, and the wheels angle inwards at the BOTTOM.

In the same way, depress the rear of the car beyond it's ideal working limits, and the rear camber becomes negative - the wheels angle inwards at the TOP..

If you need any uprated parts, or any stock items you can't get hold of locally, give me a shout. There's quite a large following of these iconic cars here, and virtually every part is readily available new.

Siena:
Another point of note...this was the final version of Volkswagen Beetle assembled in Nigeria. So circa. 1979 - 1983. It's a Brazilian model from Volkswagen Do Brasil.

The bodyshell is actually based on the 1960's pressings, with the thicker pillars and smaller glass area. So if you're after certain body parts, the equivalent European items won't be a direct fit. A 1981 Nigerian Volkswagen Beetle will be the equivalent of a 1968 European model, with some mix and match in the Nigerian / Brazilian model. The front suspension does not line up with the same year in Europe either.

If you need any advice on what fits what, just holler.

Denn:
I however noticed striking differences (dashboard and chrome bumpers for example). I wont mind assistance in getting fitting parts....

That dashboard with square instruments was ONLY ever fitted to the Brazilian Volkswagen Beetle. The same goes for the deck lid, with the cooling vents deeper on the outside, and the distinct spacing between the inner ones (left to right).

My first car in Nigeria at the age of 17 was a brand new Volkswagen Beetle 1303S. This was a twin-port 1600, with the curved front screen and MacPherson front suspension.

Siena:


That dashboard with square instruments was ONLY ever fitted to the Brazilian Volkswagen Beetle. The same goes for the deck lid, with the cooling vents deeper on the outside, and the distinct spacing between the inner ones (left to right).

My first car in Nigeria at the age of 17 was a brand new Volkswagen Beetle 1303S. This was a twin-port 1600, with the curved front screen and MacPherson front suspension.

nurey:
Since I am not tech savvy on cars I don't have much input I can give but I learned quite a lot from siena and city-ng just by following this thread.

As a lover of the movie HERBIE during my teen years especially when the car split into two I have been a lover of that classic 1500 ride though my generation call it BUG, there is one recently in my area with polished wood colour can't really tell what colour. The only thing I want from Mr Denn is to let me have a go at him/her when he/she's ready.

Denn:


Thanks for your response.

As regards the alignment, i will be posting pictures of the underside soon.

My choice of OEM similar tires reside on the availability of a matching tire. First the tires on the bug were manufactured by Dunlop Nigeria (only God knows when), the tires also have unfamiliar size descriptions not similar to the conventional ones i know of. In addition, the tires on the vehicle are slim corresponding with the steel wheels. I wont mind an advise on a conventional size i can use. I do not mind using tubeless as long as it will fit...


**** i knew you would have owned a beetle before.... how was the experience then? did it come at a time when star lager was sold in cartons? when condensed peak milk and uncle ben's rice was the standard purchase at Kingsway? Did you service the vehicle with AP Visco SAE 40 Engine oil....so many questions...

Denn:


Thanks for your response.
As regards the alignment, i will be posting pictures of the underside soon.

My choice of OEM similar tires reside on the availability of a matching tire. First the tires on the bug were manufactured by Dunlop Nigeria (only God knows when), the tires also have unfamiliar size descriptions not similar to the conventional ones i know of. In addition, the tires on the vehicle are slim corresponding with the steel wheels. I wont mind an advise on a conventional size i can use. I do not mind using tubeless as long as it will fit...


**** i knew you would have owned a beetle before.... how was the experience then? did it come at a time when star lager was sold in cartons? when condensed peak milk and uncle ben's rice was the standard purchase at Kingsway? Did you service the vehicle with AP Visco SAE 40 Engine oil....so many questions...