The $50 bug - need some help! - Cut-Weld-Drive Forums

71vdub · May 12th, 2012, 04:22 PM

Hey guys. picked up a 1302A 1971 Super beetle for $50, that needs some love. Its in overall good condition and the only rot on the pans is the battery tray. Everything is solid, but the motor is stuck. No worries on that, I have a plan... He has the title in his name and were signing it over shortly, but he lost the key, and the steering lock is on... Yeah, that was hell getting it on the trailer, especially with 4 locked wheels (which unlocked when winching it on the trailer). My question is, how can I bypass the locking mechanism on the ignition switch so I can turn it with a screwdriver? Or, how can I bust the steering lock? Pics will be up tomorrow when theres some daylight to take em.

**purplemyth** · May 12th, 2012, 04:28 PM

http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_...placement.html

71vdub · May 12th, 2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplemyth

http://www.vw-resource.com/ignition_...placement.html

I was thinking something more simple, Could I drill out the locking mechanism with a power drill and then use any key or screw driver to turn the ignition? If so, what size bit should I use?

**purplemyth** · May 12th, 2012, 05:05 PM

Well, if you don't plan on using a vw column and are just gonna tear up the insides drilling it, just ~

**Double D** · May 12th, 2012, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71vdub

I was thinking something more simple, Could I drill out the locking mechanism with a power drill and then use any key or screw driver to turn the ignition? If so, what size bit should I use?

Hammer a screw driver in the key slot and turn it untill the assembly snaps off! Bout as simple as is gets!

71vdub · May 12th, 2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

Hammer a screw driver in the key slot and turn it untill the assembly snaps off! Bout as simple as is gets!

Which assembly? As in, will it snap the whole thing off the steering columb? or just the locking portion of the switch itself?

**Unkl Ian** · May 12th, 2012, 07:17 PM

Search for the secret phrase:

"How to steal a car "

**jkien65** · May 12th, 2012, 07:49 PM

on my 73 bus, the locking mech has been removed, there are a couple of little arms in there that keep the sterring wheel locked. i moved them easily with a flat blade screw driver and the steering wheel is free to move.

**Unkl Ian** · May 12th, 2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unkl Ian

Search for the secret phrase:

"How to steal a car "

Or unbolt the whole column, and take it to a locksmith.

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 03:10 AM

MAYBE, if you had read the link I posted, you'd understand.

Been there, tried that, just take it apart.

71vdub · May 13th, 2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplemyth

MAYBE, if you had read the link I posted, you'd understand.

Been there, tried that, just take it apart.

I did. it told me a needed a key to turn the ignition to "start" to remove it from the column. I don't have a key.

VOLKSWAGNER420 · May 13th, 2012, 07:50 AM

And I thought I did good on my $50 compressor! If you plan on driving it any time soon drill the lock. If you are going to park it for a while and tear in to it just unbolt the whole coulomb, it was WAY easy on my 71 Beetle. And like I said on the PM's if you need me to cut or weld anything for you just bring it over, I am like 30 min away from you.

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 07:51 AM

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/sea...search_forum=3

read~

VOLKSWAGNER420 · May 13th, 2012, 07:54 AM

Reading is for people who drive stock Bugs..... Just nut up and try somethin'! lol For real tho the SEARCH option IS your friend!

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 08:21 AM

Ya know, I haven't always been here, and when hubby and I first got into bugs 9yrs ago, we didn't have a book and did not really have internet skills to search this stuff. It was go to the garage, grab a bunch of tools and figure shit out.

It still just peeves me that people come in and straight off expect an easy answer.

And I drive a stockish bug and a bay thank you very much~ But I also read!

(it's MY day, I can say wtf I want

)

71vdub · May 13th, 2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VOLKSWAGNER420

And I thought I did good on my $50 compressor! If you plan on driving it any time soon drill the lock. If you are going to park it for a while and tear in to it just unbolt the whole coulomb, it was WAY easy on my 71 Beetle. And like I said on the PM's if you need me to cut or weld anything for you just bring it over, I am like 30 min away from you.

Were gonna be getting to the cutty cutty weldy weldy soon

. The motor is free now, but only rotates so far before it stops. Like its in gear. I'm turning it with a wrench on the harmonic balancer. Its not in gear though, so I dunno why I can't turn the motor past a certain point (clockwise or counter clockwise). I'm just gonna drill the lock on the ignition, just need to figure out what size bit to use.

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 08:29 AM

So beyond getting the ignition switch out, what are your future plans for this Super?
I'm just curious~

71vdub · May 13th, 2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplemyth

So beyond getting the ignition switch out, what are your future plans for this Super?
I'm just curious~

Topless 2 seater roadster pickup truck. Flat black paint, red rims, white wall tires, and stock chrome center caps. Then, dual stack exhausts coming up behind the car/truck.

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 08:38 AM

Ok.....

Is it done yet?

doopsx3 · May 13th, 2012, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71vdub

Were gonna be getting to the cutty cutty weldy weldy soon

. The motor is free now, but only rotates so far before it stops. Like its in gear. I'm turning it with a wrench on the harmonic balancer. Its not in gear though, so I dunno why I can't turn the motor past a certain point (clockwise or counter clockwise). I'm just gonna drill the lock on the ignition, just need to figure out what size bit to use.

you could have some rust at the top of the cylinder(s)...my daughter's 1303 would only turn so far and stop...I yanked the mill out and pulled one of the heads and found a good amount of rust toward the top of the #3 jug....honed it out and put it back together and it now runs...gonna rebuild the motor but I just needed the Bug to be able to move under its own power for now

71vdub · May 13th, 2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doopsx3

you could have some rust at the top of the cylinder(s)...my daughter's 1303 would only turn so far and stop...I yanked the mill out and pulled one of the heads and found a good amount of rust toward the top of the #3 jug....honed it out and put it back together and it now runs...gonna rebuild the motor but I just needed the Bug to be able to move under its own power for now

That makes sense. I'm gonna tow it behind my mower on the driveway in gear and see if I can knock it loose. Since these motors are so damn cheap to rebuild I'll probably rebuild it anyway.

**Unkl Ian** · May 13th, 2012, 08:52 AM

Just like the TV ad:

Sometimes you need a little finesse,
sometimes you need a lot.

**purplemyth** · May 13th, 2012, 08:53 AM

Put some marvel mystery oil or tranny fluid in the cyls, it will help break up rust too.
Just rock it back and forth, let it sit, do it again after awhile.
Take the valve covers off and make sure things in there appear ok too.

doopsx3 · May 13th, 2012, 09:01 AM

yeah...check under the rocker covers B4 you give her the lawn mower yank.....could have a stuck open valve and that might wind up disasterous if you force things....just my 2c

also the marv oil will help...if it is really imbedded rust you can bust ring lands on the slugs

Timbo · May 13th, 2012, 09:22 AM

Something ( a nut or washer) could have been dropped in the carb and made it's way into the cylinder. You could bust a piston or fudge up a head by pulling it in gear, not to mention breaking the trans or your mower.Since they are cheap, go to the walmarts and git ya a nutter one.

Tim