1974 VW Beetle

1974 VW Beetle questions and answers

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Q: Does a 1974 VW Beetle(not a Super Beetle) have a catalytic converter?
Does a 1974 VW Beetle(not a Super Beetle) have a catalytic converter? we have yes and no answers, can anyone cite any source to verify their answer?

A: No. The first cars in North America with catalytic convertors were GM products around 1975-76. Unleaded gas (necessary for the function of a catalytic convertor) wasn't widely available until 1975. "1975 U.S. domestic cars install catalytic converters to cut emissions."

Q: should I trade in my 2000 Dodge Stratus for a 1974 VW Beetle?
I found a 1974 VW Beetle that has been restored and has around the same original miles on it as my 2000 Dodge Stratus. The problem with my Dodge is that I have to replace alot of the same parts every year because they break and they are known for certain things breaking. Also, Dodge Stratus parts are really expensive. I just think that it would be cheaper to maintain a bug then my Stratus

A: Oh yea old beetle! Hail....ermmm yea..

Q: What kind of stereo will fit into a 1974 VW Super Beetle?
Hi, I am finishing up a restoration of a 1974 VW super beetle. I got wider fenders on the front and back, along with wider tires and wheels, lowered 4-5 inches, and has a $17,000 paint job on it. I am now toward the end of the build, and am in need of a stereo that will fit into the stock spot. I want something loud! Thanks!

A: It is difficult to estimate what size and type of stereo would fit into the stock spot, as there are so many different brands and models. To ensure that the stereo would fit exactly into the space on the dash, it is advisable that you take the car to a stereo shop & get them to find one that will fit into the space. The "loudness" would depend on the power of the speakers, and that too could be checked out if you go personally.

Q: Where can I need to find videos on how to repair my 1974 vw beetle?
I have a 1974 Volkswagen Karman Ghia convertible.

A: as answered by anne... bugmevideo.com is the only place i know that sells repair videos. But wouldn't it be better to buy books instead? I would recommend. John Muir's "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" book. It's considered the bible of VW enthusiasts.

Q: What is the difference between a 1970 and a 1974 VW Beetle engine?


A: Nothing! They interchange!

Q: I recently bought a 1974 VW beetle. Occasionally it won't start, it "grinds" the starter. What may I do?
After 2-3 attempts the car will start. Today, it went dead. I jumped it and got it running, but it did not charge. I cuurently have the car running in hopes of building a charge. I spoke to a chap at a local Phoenix VW shop and he mentioned a "hard-wire starter wire." Does anyone have an idea as to what I can do?? Thanks...

A: do not replace the started and the alternator.......that would just waste your money, you should first find out what is wrong and i assure you it is not both the starter and the alternator. i have never heard of a "hard-wire started wire" but it is a vw lol. does it grind the started when you are turning your key multiple times bc it wont start, if so then thats just bc you are turning the started off and on to fast and it is gringing its gear with the flywheel. first i would put the battery on charge and try starting it with a good battery. if the battery is old and you are unsure if it is the problem then i would take it and get it checked, they will do it for free at many local autostores. once you know you have a good battery i would check all the wireing and make sure it is all good, a loose connection or a bad wire can cause alot of problems. If everything checks out then you might consider removing the starter and having it checked, they can also do that at some autostores. if it starts up fine with a good battery but then after driving it goes dead then you should check the alternator....bc that is what you will see if it is the problem. good luck

Q: how to install a carburetor on a 1974 vw beetle?
i have dual dellorto's and i want to put the original carb on it and want to know what i need for it i know the basic hardware but also where perhaps the fuel cutoff wire will go or if i even need it? please help i am trying to make the right decision.

A: on the basic carb on a 74 beetle all you have coming from the front is the foot feed. If you don't want to put the fuel cutoff wire on, you don't have to, and I don't know where you would put it on an old carb anyway.

Q: Is it easy to work on a 1974 VW beetle?
I was thinking of picking one up for 2 grand in great condition. Are they easy to work on if something goes wrong? Are parts inexpensive for the most part? What commonly goes wrong with these cars? I'm pretty good with working on cars but have been all domestic. I'm a little scared to purchase this car. Any info on these cars would be appreciated.

A: Anyone with a decent metric tool set & a good manual can work on their Type I Beetle. I recommend "How to keep your Volkswagen Alive" by John Muir. BTW...V-Dubs don't leak oil: they mark their territory. And 90% of the time, if they do leak, it's from the pushrod tubes.

Q: WHERE CAN I FIND A DIAGRAM FOR A 1974 VW BEETLE?
SOME ISSUES I'M HAVING ARE WITH THE HEATING BOXES AND STEERING. BEEN SEARCHING FOR A SITE TO VIEW A DIAGRAM BUT UNABLE TO FIND ONE. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

A: What problems are you having? You need a Bentley manual, 1971-1974. You can get one at your local library.

Q: How much antifreeze should I put in my 1974 VW Beetle?


A: Humorous, simply humorous. You might want to check your muffler bearings too.

Q: I'm thinking about getting a 1974 VW Beetle, are they good cars?
If you they are can you please specify what is good about them?

A: The VW Beetle is a terrific car (as are all the old VW's) !! First, they're easy to maintain, their mileage is almost as good as anything built TODAY with the exception of hybrids and some Honda & Toyota's. Parts were easy to get and reasonably inexpensive, at least 10 years ago when I last owned one. Our family had 4 Beetles, 5 Microbus', a Square-back, a Fast-back, and a Karman Ghia... as well as a Scirroco and Dasher. I'm actually looking for a Beetle again... or a Micro-bus

Q: What VW instruction manual would be the best to describe replacing a 1974 VW Beetle (NOT Super Beetle)?
My previous question was short because I had not used this site before for auto shop work. I am ready to purchase Volkswagen the Official Service Manual by Volkswagen of America, How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive by John Muir, and How to Rebuild Your Volkswagen Engine by Tom Wilson. Can you tell me which one describes in best detail how to remove and replace the clutch? I heard there was a book by Bentley but I do not know the title. Is it any good? I think the Muir book does not describe this job. Replacing the Clutch. What is the name of the Engine Service manual? The local high school is doing the job for me.

A: Bentley is the name of the publisher of the VWOA official service manuals, so basically the first manual you listed is a Bentley. And for my vote the best book for your money, as well all the information is from VW (who better knows the car?). A lot of people love the John Muir book, but it's more narrative than technical, as well tons of the specs in the manual are just plain wrong and the information can be outdated and/or counter to official vw manuals. If you are going to use it, use it for supplemental info, not as your main source. Personally I think it's a waste of money and sites like thesamba.com will provide you better info for free. Now for the Tim Wilson book, great information for engine rebuilds, but since that's not what you’re looking to do kind of a waste of money at this point. If you want the Bentley check out amazon.com for them, they are usual even cheaper than ordering it directly from Bentley, plus they have free shipping. As well you can find them on eBay for great prices, the original ones from pre-1980 have color wiring diagrams which the new ones don't and are very nice for electrical problems in the future. For the other guys: I think you mean the 1971 bus, which the shop manual list it as only having one upper bolt. I have a 71 bus, but neither my trans nor engine are original so I can't confirm this. Here are the pages from the manual: http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/patrickm2213/Misc/1.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/patrickm2213/Misc/2-1.jpg Never hurts to look into what people say to actually see if what they say has any truth behind it, before publicly calling them a moron and jackass.

Q: Where can I find front hood springs for a 1974 VW beetle?


A: NEVER go to jcwhitney its the worst junk you will ever spend money on (known from personal experience) and they will plague you with catalogues for years. check out vwvortex.com or just go to empi Theres a place around my way called peak performance thats all vw not sure if they have a website tho.

Q: I have a just bought a 1974 VW beetle, there are no seatbelts in the back?? is this legal??
none have ever been fitted, and its passed previous mot's,is this to do with the age of the car?

A: I work in the motor trade & I see old cars like this all the time.. So you dont need to worry about it being legal..

Q: I'm looking at buying an old 1974 VW Super Beetle. Apparently, the breaks need loosening. How do I do this?
Is this something I can do on my own, or does this need to be done by a licensed mechanic?

A: look behind the drums and see if there is a access hole.if theres then use a screwdriver and turn the adjusting wheel so the shoes will come away from the drum.