The Bug Project 1966 Bug Restoration

[kdfnut]

Check it out. I have started the early stages of my resto and I have started a site to document every step. Please stop by and check it out. http://www.thebugproject.com


Thanks,
Brandon

[stevethefolkie]

Nice '66 - are you converting it to 12V or just leave it 6V? I'm impressed by the condition of the shell - most of AC's around here wouldn't have the bottom of the spare tire well and the battery tray under the seat would be gone (probably with a slab of plywood and some strap steel holding the battery in!) - funny how relative things are - I was looking at a '60 a couple weeks back and your '66 is really deluxe - heck - you even have a fuel gauge (I believe they were first installed across the board in '62) -

[kdfnut]

I am sooo torn on the 6v or 12v thing. I want to keep it as stock as possible and the other half of me wants to up grade for safety. I have had to drive back from a little vw outing that ended after dark and that was scary. The whole way home I had the shadow of my car on the road in front of me, due to the cars behind me with their lights on.

My 6v headlights are a little brighter than a glade candle.

Also at a idle the horn sounds like a sick goat. I have to give a good rev to the engine to boost the power output of the generator to make the horn work.

I think I will put to a vote on http://www.thebugproject.com

[stevethefolkie]

I've found that the main issue with the lights is having the grounds nice and clean - both for the headlights and tail lights - while they'll never be "HID bright" they're OK for the velocities a stock bug can reach.
If you're going to build up an engine for it (like an 1835 or 2180 stroker) I'd convert it to 12V (as I did on one of mine, years ago). The conversion is pretty straightforward. I wonder if you could install a modern socket for, say, osram or sylvania 9004 lights into the 6V bucket/reflector assembly - then you could retain the early fenders .... as the wiring is actually heavier for 6V than 12V you don't need to change it at all - tail and instrument lights - you just swap in 12V bulbs - and use a diode in line to the instruments themselves to drop the voltage -
Guess it depends on what you're looking for - the 6V wipers were pathetic in snow - but pretty good otherwise.
Obviously, if you're restoring the car to show it in a stock class, you're stuck with the 6V -
Did the '66 come with the camber strap between the rear hubs? If not, and if you're going to really drive the car, I'd install one. Helps to keep you from turning turtle (the outside wheel won't be as prone to tuck under).
Dang it - now I'm getting the aircooled itch again - and I know where there's a giha that needs some love ....