Classic VW BuGs Top 5 Reasons You can Still use a Beetle to Daily Drive

[@manfredrichthofen2494]

I have a 1973 1300S Beetle with a factory 1600 engine..got it before l had kids. Now,l am 70 years of age and still drive the same Beetle .. The bloody bug will outlive me but it will surely be driven by my grandkids.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Manfred Richthofen That’s great to hear!!!

[@timmyasikin3953]

Super awesome....

[@dustbuggy]

I LOVE my daily driver bug!! Wouldn't trade it for the world, even when I'm broke down on the side of the road 😂😄

[@ghalibabubaker88abubaker87]

Same here with my 56 vw panel van

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Dust Buggy I’ll always own a Beetle!

[@jimmymolina4300]

Are they problematic??

[@dustbuggy]

@@jimmymolina4300 lol yes and no. Yes because they are so old and many have not been maintained as much as they should have been. No because when they are fresh they run very well and are very reliable! 👌

[@slomango7927]

Dust Buggy this really hit home! I was broke down in my super beetle two nights ago 🤣

[@Ill_look_back_on_in_disgust]

Inherited a 1963 hard top beetle from my dad in 2012 and it's been sitting all this time because I've been nervous about getting my license. I literally just got back from the DMV 1 hour ago with my paper license. I've been watching your videos for years and I plan to make my beetle my daily driver. Thanks Chris.

[@MisterItchy]

It will break down on you so learn how to fix it. Grats on your license!

[@mikeobrien5702]

Yesssssssss❤️

[@akishot6735]

Take it slow

[@bartbutkis]

Yessir! Way to go Chris! 😁

[@greasycock455]

Good girl gets wishes, . Never Sell. no price is too mush. Never Sejuv.tell you. fact.

[@gnwmon]

these cars are a time capsule...few months later me , my wife and the 1966 beetle..going a trip up the mountains..no mobile reception, no gps ..nothing..i felt like i was in the 60s or 70's..great experience

[@vandersonvicentin4413]

Hi Chris, I’m from BRASIL and I have a 1978 Beetle we call “Fusca” here. Brazilian people loves this car. Here in BRASIL if you have Beetle you will make new friends every day, because everyone will talk to you. So the #6 reason here would be “make new friends on the road”

[@alexandrepaixaodasilva7487]

Vanderson Vicentin , yes friend ! I always make new friends in the road too ... Fusca in Brazil is loved ... I use drive my 81 1300 cc to go everywhere.

[@Xelo2020]

The community only gets bigger and bigger!!! In Bolivia we have a lot of classic vw groups (here the Beetle is called "peta" 😁) and we love to share experiences or help others when they're in trouble 👌🏾

[@weiwu1442]

didn't they make those in Brazil up into the 90s?

[@vandersonvicentin4413]

Kris Yes, actually they were made until 1986 then after 7 years VW starts producing again the last one was made in 1996.

[@snugbug5067]

Yes !! A smile a mile 😀

[@patricdanley7317]

I know they're not the most popular but I drive a 74 super every day and I'm 17! Love the thing to death.

[@renragged]

My daughter has a 73 super beetle in my garage. I've gotta get that thing running again so I can drive it around. Bugs are just so much fun to drive!

[@duffysullivan2794]

Patric Danley How popular that year bug is has nothing to do with it. It's all about how much you enjoy it!

[@ggsyegeg4546]

@@duffysullivan2794 I'm 16 and have a 1970 vw beetle single port 1500

[@jimmydean8589]

I love my 72 super hate all you want most reliable car ive owned

[@allexojeda91]

I've never got why they aren't as liked. I want one to dd and would prefer a super model since they have the McPherson struts. Figured it would be more tolerable

[@EpicVitto]

I wasnt really a beetle fan and was not mechanically inclined at all, but my wife had a 73 beetle project that her uncle gave her. I was able to learn by fixing that car it was super easy and now I have the knowledge to fix my chevy too. Great feeling to understand cars. First chance I get tho im selling the chevy for a beetle cuz I absolutely fell in love with the car while I brought it back to life. There are a ton of great books, online resources, and you wont find a better community anywhere let alone around a car.

[@eliasandersson413]

I'm 16 years old, from Sweden, and I love those old vw bugs! I have 2 of them already, one from -64 and the other from -65. I would never even think of buying a new car! I have to do a lot of work to them before I can drive them though... But I have 2 years left before I can get my license anyway.

[@akishot6735]

Elias Andersson That is Awesome!!!!

[@owenready7043]

Elias Andersson Lucky you!

[@tacoman864]

I love Sweden

[@brianchisnell1548]

My 1st car was a '64, In 1975. 45 years later, I have another '64 sunroof bug. I drive it almost everyday. I spent the money and time getting all of the crap parts off of it and making it reliable. Low tech. 28 pict-1, big cap vac advance dizzy and peirburg fuel pump. 40hp is the perfect engine for me. 31 mpg. It's a blast at the gas station as I have the only one around and it gets a lot of comments. Good luck Elias! From Texas, USA

[@tacoman864]

@@brianchisnell1548 i love my 70

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Chris, you're so right. People are forgetting about the driving experience. I've driven VWs all my life, Bugs, Karmann Ghia, Crew Cab and Transporter Type 2's. And I mean driven. They require attention, but deliver fun.

[@classicvwbugs]

Hell yeah man!

[@duffysullivan2794]

I had several classic beetles in the 1970s and 1980s. My last was a 1961 rag top I sold in 1990. Chris is right, they are a cool and dependable daily driver. When you drive a beetle you are in control 100% and anything high technology is out the window. My '61 did not even have a gas gauge, lol! But as a daily driver you need to understand you are going to be wrenching on it on a regular basis. Regular maintenance is part of owning a bug. Every 3,000 miles you have to pull off the valve covers and adjust the valves. While you are at it adjust the points in the distributor and check the timing. How is that pulley belt? Too loose, too tight? Set the tension so it is perfect. That engine is not fuel injected. The carburetor / fuel mixture needs to be adjusted and dialed in. Too much travel in the clutch pedal? There is a cable you can wrench on that closes it up. Brakes need adjusting? Jack up the car, pull off the wheel. There is a star you can turn with a flat head screw driver that will bring the shoes closer to the drum. Chris mentioned being handy with basic tools, but that really needs to be highlighted, especially if you are looking to buy your first bug. Regular maintenance is not an option and you need to keep up on it for as long as you drive the car.

[@emilycarter128]

I just sold my 2012 Beetle, because restoration on my 1969 Beetle, after several years, will be complete. My 1969 will be my 'new' daily driver! I cannot wait! Your videos have been so helpful, for so many things, from wiring, to headliner replacement, etc.

[@josecamacho5966]

Hi Chris I'm from Puerto Rico, learned to drive a 1969 bettle my dad had, eventually bought a 1974 super bettle that I drove till I joined the Army in 1981. Arrived In Germany in 1983 the first thing after getting my German license, bought a 1966 which I drove for 4 yrs. Currently own a few bugs, no regrets the best car ever, thanks for the video.

[@classicvwbugs]

Jose that is awesome! Would love to see your cars one day.

[@merilynfrancis5472]

Loved your video, makes me appreciate my dear old bug, it's a 1970, 1500S, I need a slap on the wrist for not taking it out more often, ... you've given me some solid reasons for getting it out from under it's blanket and into the sunshine....thank you!

[@VallonesRCHobby]

you are very welcome!

[@quillmaurer6563]

Agree 100% with everything you said! I have a '73 Super Beetle, which I've had a lot of fun with, been daily driving for the past 9 years. It is a bit of a hassle, requires constant upkeep, but nothing particularly difficult, and almost always quite cheap as I do it all myself. My big word of caution is that one must know that it's a lot of upkeep, and if you take it to someone else for all the work that needs doing it's going to be a money pit. But if you are willing to learn the basic skills to keep it going, and are willing to put in such effort, it's great. The overall costs are quite low, I would say that I've spent no more on it than anyone would on a newer car, not counting depreciation. Counting that, I could probably make back almost everything I've put into it over the years (excluding consumables like gas and oil) if I sold it, which I'd never do - try that with any modern car! Kids getting into them? I bought mine as a 16-year-old, hoping to get a car that I could learn to work on, something I couldn't do with a modern car. Good in snow? The lack of front skis and rubber tank-tracks make it look a bit different from the traditional snowmobile, but it performs just about as well. I live in Colorado, where it does snow a good bit. I have chains, but have never needed to put them on - I've always wondered what it could do with them, I'm guessing straight up a green ski slope would be no problem, blue would be questionable. I had a Prius as a second car for a little while, and it became useless in half an inch of snow, part of my motive for selling it. Upgradeable? That's the thing I love most about it, you can do anything to them, and they're not rare or priceless enough that anyone cares. Mine has all those upgrades mentioned - LED headlights (actually pretty much all LED lights), all-around disc brakes, and I'm currently in the process of installing seats out of a junkyard Honda Accord, which I'm also putting those heating pads into - will be nice on those frigid days. I also have a fully modern Electronic Fuel Injection system I installed myself (Microsquirt ECU, Mexibeetle manifolds) and distributorless LS coil ignition, runs great and gets 30 MPG. And most important, a thumpin' sound system. I've also built a custom wood dashboard and door panels, making the car truly my own. Low-tech? My mom's Tesla Model 3 drives me insane! Can't even turn the (supposedly automatic but sometimes malfunctioning) windshield wipers on and off without going into some menu on the screen. The problem in my mind isn't the dashboard with way too many switches, it's the ones with basically none and one big touch screen that requires you to take your eyes off the road to do anything - not just annoying but seriously unsafe. What I like about the Bug is that, given the upgrade potential previously mentioned, I can add whatever modern tech I want and not have anything I don't want. Want heated seats like a modern luxury car? Add them. Want a great sound system? Install it. Don't like that modern "infotainment" nonsense? It's not there, and you can keep it that way.

[@brez9091]

What a refreshing video, from a knowledgeable and well spoken classic Beetle enthusiast. Thanks! I bought my first 1950's bug, when I was 15, for $100. Learned how to drive a standard, by driving it home. After which I took my girlfriend and I, to Quebec City, from Boston. Soon after my return, I turned 16 and was able to get a permit and drivers license. I could never recommend that sequence of events. Especially nowadays, with big brother in your shirt pocket. And always on your arse. I'll be 68 in September and it's time to get another bug, while I still can. Hoping to find a strong 1970-71 daily driver here in Boston, or nearby.

[@MarkAStuart]

simplicity is beautiful! the newer cars are beyond too complex-simplicity is valuable to me-thanks

[@lesliemello7358]

My Daily driver is a 2019 Model 3 and I actually miss a combustion engine. The shifting, smell, and sound. That is why I started restoring my 1968 VW. Wish me luck!

[@russlehman2070]

You know, I fully understand the necessity of moving to electric cars: The only realistic alternative is doing away with cars altogether. But I will never like it. I'm 65 and I'm going to keep my gas-powered pickup truck running as long as I possibly can. I deeply fear that if it dies before I do, I will have to replace it with some electric POS.

[@spoolyboi9434]

Great video I'm 25 now and grew up hearing my dad and uncle talk about their old VWs and I'm hoping to get one of my own within the next year or two.

[@classicvwbugs]

Excellent!

[@squid667]

They work very good. My daily car is a 1200 beetle from 1963. Still with a 6volt electrical system. The 6volt works pretty good if it is properly maintained. The only modification I have done is to put in an electronic relay for the turn signals. Now they blink at a consistent rate even when idling. I am also planning to put in an extra relay for the headlights. A guy in my club has a 1950 6volt beetle where he has put in a modern cigarette lighter socket that he uses for various chargers. He claims that it works good since a lot of electronics only require 5 volts to charge. I can't confirm it, but he clamims that it works. These cars drive very good in the snow but I put the beetles away from mid November until late March / early April. Where I live we put salt on the roads in the winter and the old german lady doesn't like salt.

[@thomascrow8289]

Thanks Chris got my 71 Super Beatle convertible running smoothly. It's my only car ,an drive it daily since 1980 when I bought it, would not trade it for a new Corvette ! Thank you.

[@nakreuger]

Just got a 63 this past summer. Have learned more about cars then I ever have. So im quite happy. :)

[@VWLifeVW]

awesome!

[@mmokri1]

I have got 4 of them, 3 are classics, 66 dble. crew cab, 71 beetle, 72 baja, 77 is a camper. My family enjoy them. Thanks for your 5 great reasons.

[@gretel1015]

Chris, I used to love my VW Bug. I used to have a 63 and then a 1965. When I retire in a year or so I am going to get a VW to kick around in. Thank you for the channel

[@carportchronicles1943]

I can't say I drive my '78 convertible every day, but it does get used several times a week, year round, regardless of the weather. The biggest problem I've had with my bug in the year and a half I've owned it is the starter took a dump, though I was able to get it going again, and get it back home so I could fix it myself. I recommend Beetles to people for the same reasons you mentioned: They are currently inexpensive but appreciating. They are easy and inexpensive to maintain. Parts are inexpensive and readily available. They are reliable when maintained properly. They are great cars to learn vehicle repair and maintenance. And finally, people love them.

[@Nick_Catania]

Sentiments exactly on all the gadgetry. It's overkill and it makes people bad drivers because they're relying on parking assist, lane departure, etc. The car drives itself. One thing that I love about the old bugs...NO ECU and SENSORS!!

[@Nick_Catania]

@jackthegamer I agree. And if it has a sensor, it’s ridiculously expensive to replace.

[@EarlRoark]

Just bought a 71 super beetle and I love it!!!

[@egrono1]

GREAT video. I'm 51 and live in Wisconsin. I'm thinking of going back to basics. Great explanation of the pros and cons!

[@thomosburn8740]

Former Super Beetle owner here. I think it's the personality of the car that draws me in. It's like the "Happy Mac" icon you used to see at startup on a pre-OSX Macintosh. When the car or computer smiles at you every morning, how could you not fall in love with it? Also the horsehair filling in the seats, it's a wonderful, friendly organic smell inside a Beetle.

[@CTmoog]

Hey Chris, I agree. Hope to have a daily driver soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@horshak1]

I've had my '63 bug for 22 years. Built a single port 1600 for it as the engine was worn when I got it. I drove it to work for years now I'm retired and have another car but thats only driven when I need more space or there is snow (salty roads kill them in St Louis). Modern accessorys? My bug has a FM radio, gas gauge and a small fan sitting on the passenger floor. I burned a piston last year (dumbass hot rodding) had to pull the engine and put in a 1641 top end, had new seals put in the transmission, floor pan under the battery and put a new steering box in it. So that was like $2000 and it's going to be around for as long as I'm around. Here I am watching videos like this to keep her on the road watched your video on adjusting valves yesterday. I've done that 100 times but watch to see if someone can teach me something new. Thanks for the great videos.

[@classicvwbugs]

very cool man

[@mattinsley1721]

Very cool insights. I am the proud owner of a 79" Karman convertible Super Beetle. It is a great daily driver. The Bosch EFI on it is a little hard to get parts for but it runs like a champ and has all original paint and interior. I live in Huntington Beach CA. so it's a perfect car for weekend cruises. I make new friends every time I pull up at a light.

[@almirlimaj4354]

Just bought my first beetle couple of days ago ('71 Super Beetle). Super excited to get it running again after I instal the fuel lines. Love your channel!

[@masonrickert967]

I have a 71 super beetle I'm getting kinda discouraged about I'm 17 and seems like I find something else wrong everyday but it's one of those thing that I hate I love the thing thank you for always putting videos that encourage to keep trying to get it going

[@classicvwbugs]

A bug will do that to you

[@O_BRASA]

Great, great, great!! You can't be any more precise Chris. I have an aircooled VW of my own (I'm from Brazil and have a 1979 VW Brasilia in great shape, as a weekend driver) which I've been owning and enjoying over the past 15 years. I just had 2 "modern" cars so far in life, and even tough they were not sooo modern (heck, what to expect from an econobox? Haha) I'm getting tired of them, they are just too boring. I prefer the real machine feel and the therapeutic noise of my aircooled engine instead. I don't care about the lower grip of the bias ply tires, the ingnition points, the big unassisted steering wheel and whatsoever. I just love feeling back in time inside my VW. Cheers from Brazil!

[@boomerguy9935]

"therapeutic noise of my aircooled engine" Yes!!!!! I love all aircooled boxer engines. They have a special sound.

[@tecate9408]

2022 just relocated To Hilo, Hi. with a 62 VW bug and meeting all kinds of cool folks who love the VW's just as much or more than I do!! Wish I still had my 59' and 66' but happy I got my 62.

[@krispysweekendgarage6892]

Watched this video because I'm thinking about purchasing one. Have loved german cars for a while. I have a bmw z3 and a GTI and these seems so laid back for cruising and driving around town. This definitely got me wanting one more. Thanks!

[@murraystewartj]

Appreciate your little shout out to John Muir's book. i had two beetles and two Type 2s back in the day. The "idiot book" got me through those (including a total engine rebuild in the middle of a cross-Canada trip). I still have that book, and the grease stains on the various pages are a testament to maintenance and emergencies both. I may still be a "compleat idiot", but I can say that with an old Volksie, basic tools, and a copy of the best auto repair manual ever written, you have daily driver nailed. Before I die I hope to be able to use that book for its intended purpose. Thanks for keeping the dream alive.

[@peterharrison5833]

John Muir's book was great! I bought it when I was stationed @ Ft. Meade, MD in 1981-1984 and had a '78 Beetle, and then a '78 Bus. Did a lot of work on those cars, but they were a lot fun!

[@Bugmason]

Thank you @ChrisVallon this video put me a new feeling of confidence of my favorite car as a kid. My brakes locked up, I have dice breaks on my 1963 vw bug.

[@charlesmartin7347]

1963 version bug Casper my chilling, thrilling, ride. One thing to remember if a woman sticks with you with a older bug rain ,sleet, or snow she my friend is a KEEPER . Just like the bug .

[@jonasthies2263]

Charles Martin haha damn that’s so trueb

[@rang123yea5]

It took me 3 years and a lot of women to find who dosen't care about AC. '73 conv. Super in South Florida. Hell yeah I'm keeping her and the bug!!!!!

[@snugbug5067]

Casper..the friendly ghost, or I mean bug. That's a cute name ! 🙂

[@ImnotgoingSideways]

I recently got a 62 running and started driving it to work to see if I had any wrinkles to iron out. Then drove it to work more because I just wanted to. I have an 04 SRT10 which drives like a rocket powered brick and a 17 Outback that seems to be designed to make me forget I'm driving... in the worst way. I'm comfortable with all the tech. Though, touch screens worry me. But, it's when I get into the little cupcake that I feel like I'm actually driving. One thing you really left out though, is that it makes people smile. Myself, included. It's like a little rolling therapy session coated with nostalgia. And, I'm convinced that EVERYONE has a 'Bug story'. Anyone Gen-X and older has some sort of memory of a Beetle in their life, family, or whatever. I often see faces light right up as I'm tooling around. It's like the automotive equivalent of a basket full of puppies and kittens.

[@suckmydingledong]

Everyone and their aunt sat in the little compartment behind the rear seat as kids!

[@TeeKoon]

fishing trips and driving those trails like a Jeep, Overtaking a car was a suicidal feat! A car that need a skilled driver if you drive today small cars only be carefull if u try one!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Great Video! My first Beetle was a 1968, when I was 16, quite a while back! I have owned 5 of them. And buying one more very soon. Very well done video!

[@stitch756]

I love my two little beetle’s. I find it very funny to see a modern car broken down on the side of the road and I just cruise on by running perfectly because I do not have anything fancy to break down like everyone else. I enjoy driving my 74 super everywhere. It is a very enjoyable ride every time. When something breaks I can fix it and be right back in action quickly. I wish cars were not going the way they are. I honestly do not want to buy any modern cars at all. They are not appealing to me at all. Keep the great videos going I love them.

[@H10.]

Keep the excellent work up, it is rare these days to see passionate people that takes their enthusiasm to a whole new level

[@classicvwbugs]

Thanks so much!

[@mariusberger3297]

Daily drove my 64 beetle for over 5 years, it was my first car. Last fall, a lady ran a red light and wrecked it. I'm currently rebuilding her but it will be a while before I get to enjoy my bug again

[@classicvwbugs]

Oh wow no way!!? Please keep us posted on the rebuild. I wanna hear that lil one come back to life.

[@krispysweekendgarage6892]

Been daily driving mine to work 18mi. for about 10 months now. So far so good, if you keep up on the maintenance and have some mechanical sympathy when you drive it, she should never leave you on the side of the road in my opinion. Not many components that can fail. I havent had to pull on the side of the road yet lol.

[@EmanDeluxeVLOGS]

Great video Chris, reminders of the reasons us enthusiasts are resurrecting or bringing these beauty's back to life.

[@harrystutey1962]

When it comes to Volkswagens Chris you are the man you have the best videos out there keep up the good work I have a 74 Super Beetle that I bought from someone in Albuquerque trying to get it up to par little by little they sure would love to give it to you to do a body off Resto but I know I can't afford you I have owned 5 Volkswagens in my time my first one I bought out of the showroom in 1968 and the rest of them were used keep up the good work have a good day Chris

[@classicvwbugs]

I appreciate that so much, thank you!

[@ReynaSlugBug]

I have my 1971 VW Super Beetle, I drive mine everywhere. Love it.

[@gmultimedio]

So agree with all 5 reasons. I Own a 79 classic Beetle and i do use it as my everyday car. Love the simple tech it has. I can understand it, repair it. And if i want a modern car gadget there is always a way to put it into a VW bug.

[@christopherruff4001]

I have a 1962 beetle for my daily driver. It’s been updated to 12-volt and disc brakes in the front. Other upgrades include electronic ignition, scat pulley with idler wheel, seat belts and headrest seats. I did a gloss black paint job with no chrome to evoke a KdF look as those were the most Teutonic VWs! I drive this every day to and from work. When the Powers that Shouldn’t be ban gasoline cars, I’ll try to convert it to Woodgas!

[@richrocketlll]

Mom taught me to drive in a 67 bug.That was in 1972. I found a 67 bug several years ago and started work on it, now I drive it all the time. I get asked is it for sale? You can't sale a memory. Thanks for your videos. They helped me get the bug running and the memories fresh.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

My first car was a 1978 Cabriolet that I bought in 1981. It's suffering from Stage 1 cancer but, I still own it. I expect to get it restored to daily driving status soon. The point that I would add is: You will become the most recognizable and most popular person in your community. People will want to know about your VW, want to buy your VW, or tell you their past experience with a VW.

[@vwmountainman9701]

All good points !!! Another bonus - Antique or Vintage registration. Depending on the state you live in.

[@MrJ6504]

Hello there, José from Ecuador. I have a 78 Mexican VW Beetle with 1600 engine. It runs great, it is very reliable, easy to work on and yes, nothing like travelling back in time and going back to basics. In a Beetle, you really drive!

[@isaillis]

VW Beetle will definitely survive. Throughout this 20 40 years, I 've had 6 beetle. Everytime I told myself this is going to be the last one, I kept coming back. My present beetle is a 1973 Karmann convertible very original and even with the original top in pristine condition.. This is a piece of motoring history. It's nice to drive a classic car daily knowing it's not left behind after 40 , 50 yrs old., and maybe still on the road years later. My target on classic is exactly the above goal, A/C is also a must (except convertibles not harshly used) VW beele can carry A/C with ease if properly installed, ( Nowadays a lot of kits available tks to the rotary pumps) You can be "someone" on the road though you are actually nobody driving a neat and clean 50 year old car, enjoying the comfort of A/C in conjunction with 2023 cars on the road. You can see other motorists driving boring cars dropping their jaws! Good thing as you are entertaining them while they got too bored driving their new tin boxes, that is controlling them, not they controlling the car itself! So long live VW Beetle and DO NOT DRIVE BORING CARS ANYMORE that includes electric cars!!!

[@dreamur2002]

Hi im 19, from Sri lanka. I own a 1972 beetle. Been an enthusiast since i watched herbie fully loaded 2005😆. I daily drive it to classes, grocery shopping and other errands...every time i drive it feels like the first time or even better.

[@coripuckett5596]

I daily drive my 74 beetle and use it for Doordash almost daily.... i love it, it might not be the fastest or warmest especially in the winter but ive always driven a beetle since i began driving over 29 years ago...

[@classicvwbugs]

Ha thats awesome!

[@navids6827]

I just upgraded from an Audi R8 Spyder to a 1972 VW Beetle convertible, couldn't be more excited! :)

[@baritonebynight]

I love my '78 but it is pampered and stays in the garage unless the weather is nice. However, when a school bus hit my regular car and it required a month in the shop....my '78 was my daily driver...in the month of February! It rose to the occasion.

[@CaptTylor]

I miss driving my 68 every day. I have to finish installing a 1641 dual port. I was lucky to find it and in the end got it pretty much for free. Had to sell a rail buggy that had the rebuilt engine in it. A man wanted his son's toy out of his barn. The son told me that he and some friends built the engine and used it for a summer. Both the dad and son work for a dealership, and run a farm, so I am not concerned with the engine being a bad build(they were co-workers of mine). I am just trying to get some parts switched out to make it more of a stock engine. I sold the buggy for what I paid for it, without the engine. (Lucky!) A VW shop had stolen my old engine and swapped it for a broken one. Found out from the shop owner's son, that his dad had done this to make a quick buck, before he closed his shop, so it left me with a bad engine and no funds. I wish I still had my 1500 single port, since it was a really good running strong engine. Thanks Mr. Vallone, I wish I could get a car from you someday, and thanks for all you do and share. Bless you and your family. I hope that you continue to have more success with your business. Logan Smith

[@forestchicken3302]

I have a 79. Finally have it back on the road. 60,000 original miles.

[@aircanuck]

I'm on the fence about pulling the trigger. This was the car that began my fascination with cars as a child, it's just a max smiles per mile car that I think I would love to have.

[@richlijacanacua]

Awesome tips. Yes Volkswagen Beetle Air-cool is a car for all seasons and for all generations! Easy to drive and maintain.

[@mattvonoesen4105]

Fellow new Yorker with daily driver, love the video. I did my body off "fix" last year in 2 months time and sealed under side w/raptor bed liner, nothing fancy all work done by myself w/help from fellow old timers. Speaking of days of old my job sent me up with a phone, cell phone. I haven't had a phone in over 15 years. Still don't have a use for it. My bug goes all over been down to one of your rides the one fall enjoyed the cookies. Work takes me from Sparrowbush to Marlboro. Sucks on high windy days like we had these last weeks. Take it camping with my Kamparoo tent trailer, yes stock 1600 pulls trailer ok. Also have state of the art Harbor freight trailer to get big stuff from stores like on big shopping days in Middletown. Yea I have bugs on and off since I was 12 so it is family to me. Don't feel right without it. Hope to see again maybe Flanders this year. Thanks again for being there.

[@stevemertz2504]

Great video Chris! Makes all the sense in the world to keep these cars on the road.

[@davidwhocares3293]

Hi Chris , Love your videos, I have been driving these cars for over 30 years, You forgot to mention HOW DARN FUN THEY ARE TO DRIVE !! you used to be able to get them for 200 bucks or even FREE ! I remember buying 21 window busses in the 80's for 1500 bucks !

[@classicvwbugs]

Ahhh I mention that here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_coo2nr7CWsLs

[@koltonl8353]

I’m 16 years old and daily drive my 1967 vw beetle and I live in Michigan. 14 degrees and snow the other day when i cold started it and drove it a half hour away to school. Haha

[@koltonl8353]

And I just bought another 1964 transition beetle. It’s basically a 65 with the big windows.

[@youtoobe169]

You still drive it?

[@randallringwald5059]

Thanks Chris for the tips! I have been on the lookout for a 68-74 classic Beatle. I've 🕵 spotted a green 68 in Boone, NC at a pawn shop. Hopefully the owner will make a deal. We had an orange/powder blue 73, years back.

[@tracyoffutt8496]

i have been daily my bug since the 90s {not the same one} here in north San Diego county, when my kids were little we took it to Albuquerque a number of times to visit family. yes its slow but back then the speed limit was 55 so when we went 65 we were flying!!! I have been all over SoCal in my current bug {67} beater. I do have a couple more modern cars but speedy the 67 is my daily, and for sure when I have to do some work on it and its out of action for a week or two its a bummer. keep up the good work and keep the instructional videos coming you help me live the simple life

[@matthewshambler2644]

I agree with you 110%! As with Mk1 Golfs (my other love) these cars are “bulletproof “ and easy to live with. Yes, they are not as safe as modern cars but I feel a Beetle etc. puts you in a different state of mind, more relaxed and therefore less likely to speed- built in safety feature!

[@ericdrews5050]

My very first new car was a 1968 beetle. I was 22 and over the moon 52 years later I’m driving a Mexico built 1999 and I am still over the moon.

[@TMC1877]

I'm 17 and daily my 1966 bug, I've put a performance motor in it and she's pretty quick haha

[@tattoojosh1]

I have a 69 that I got in 2019 for $1,000. It was running and driving when I picked it up. I put maybe $2,000 into it. Not going to lie to y'all, She (the Jezebel) tests my patience once a month or there about. Of course I still have things to do to her. All and all I consider myself lucky to be her beneficiary. BTW the Jezebel is my daily driver. She is stock with 12v converted, still has generator. I put LED's for all lights with day runners, halo turn signals. No issues with the engine, as I am constantly tightening and cleaning it.(flame thrower package, new carb, took oil bath off(probably putting it back on because I cleaned it completely dushed today) Other than turbo would be cool. I would like to add both roof and deck lid racks for my fly fishing and Tattoo equipment when I'm on the road this summer, probably drop spindles, Monroe air shocks front. Not sure how to go about the rear. Any ideas/recommendations guys or Chris? My most pressing issue is a leak via front, rear, or both window seals. I cruise at around 60-70 mph on the highway.

[@gregscheyd4131]

COULD NOT AGREE MORE !!!! I HAD 3 67 BUGS .... AFTER ONE OF THEM DIED I DISSASSEMBLED IT ALMOST TO THE ATOM .... AND IT WAS A WORK OF GENIUS !!!!! TRY DISASSEMBLING SOMETHING TODAY TO LEARN HOW IT WORKS !!!!!!!

[@mrbadx19]

i've had the tracker for 2 years, i run mostly A's the tracker uses your cell phone. my first car was a '65 beetle, swapped the engine in 90 minutes with 2 jack stands , floor jack and hand tools at age 19. very easy to work on. my dad's first new car was a '60 beetle. if i could find one that wasn't a rust bucket, i'd buy it in a minute. 12 volts is the way to go.

[@biimbobeee]

I'm 16 and my ma was sending me things for this and I told her i wanted an old school one, I'm going to be so happy if I can get one :))

[@classicvwbugs]

Very cool man

[@stormfur19]

The beetle has always been my favorite car ever since I saw herbie as a kid

[@kathyoneill3980]

I'm an Aussie just found your videos I'm 52 and I love driving from 75 Volkswagen L (blossom) replacing front shocks 🇦🇺🙃

[@russlehman2070]

It's been almost 40 years since I've driven an air cooled, rear engine VW, but I drove four of them. The fourth, a 411 wagon was the worst I ever got burned on a used car, but the to beetles and the Karmann Ghia I had before it were gems. The Type I air cooled VW'S (beetles and Karmann Ghia's) were masterpieces of simplicity. They were also possibly the easiest to drive of any manual shift cars ever made. They didn't have power steering or power brakes, but they were so light that they didn't need them. The two things that were bad about them were that the heaters were worthless, and they were a bit underpowered. Not horrendously underpowered, mind you. I could pull any uphill on I-70 in colorado at 50 - 55 mph -- at full throttle in third gear-- but you would never win a drag race in one.

[@69mag]

Chris! You didn't even mention the "fun factor". #1 reason to own an old school vw, in my opinion..

[@ryan_noon]

Im 18 and daily drive my '69 bug, so much fun ;)

[@geothon]

Working toward making the '66 my daily. 10 miles to work and back home in style.

[@EthanTheIdioticTankengine]

6. they're beautiful

[@adamjohnson531]

I'm 20 and own a 1970 standard beetle I picked up for 2800 and drove it home tagless. Drove it for about a year and now it's in for somewhat of a new engine. I've already been offered 8k for it so I think I did pretty good. Don't think I'll ever sell it for under 10k though.

[@aaronsanford6824]

I agree with everything you said, and i am 17 and own a 72’ super beetle 😃

[@EastCoastGal66]

I love my VW convertible bug , it’s a 2004 Turbo 5 speed and just received a new engine, it’s totally sweet! 🚙

[@vittorio5062]

Hi Chis! Very nice video! And I fully agree with you! In my garage there are three Beetles, here in Italy: - 1949 Standard 1.1 liters 25 PS - 1975 Standard 1.2 liters 34 PS - 2012 Beetle 1.2 liters 105 PS The first and the second run very well. I can drive them all day long. And I make maintenance and repair by myself. Only one time I had consultation with an old VW Mechanic about the cable brake system of the first. The third runs good as well but now it has the catalyst warning light some days on and some days off. I can't make anything. I can only go to the VW work shop.

[@germanboy5392]

I used one for 3 years on the coldest Cleveland Winters....loved scraping ice off the INSIDE of the window as I drove...pure luxury lol...

[@jpartieda]

Omg yes I love old cars. So simple to work on and fun to drive!

[@cristiancastro8402]

I've been daily driving my '67 bug since I was 16 and now I'm 18. Still my first car :)

[@wcube2747]

I've have had a daily driver 1974 Karmann Ghia since 1994 and it is more dependable than the postman/woman. I was so pleased with air cooled VW's I found a barn find 1973 Super Beetle and brought it back to life instead of purchasing a 'new' desposible 2020 something. I am totally pleased with my old school VW.

[@seanmartzall4017]

In a couple days I’m gonna go look at a 70’s beetle, so far it looks amazing, but just have to look at it first

[@classicvwbugs]

I love 70, great year!

[@ivorwm2291]

I look forward to rescuing my friend's Mom's 1960 Karmann Ghia that she got when she was 18. I am retired and I don't want a new car with all the distractions. Thanks for posting

[@Vectif]

Awesome video man! Funny you mention young people, I'm 19 and I'm really interested in getting a Beetle as a project car to keep and use for my daily life. It seems like a very chill and relaxing car to be in, it sure puts smiles on people's faces, and it seems like you can maintain it yourself, and I'd very much like doing that. I'm not very mechanically inclined to become a mechanic myself, but the Beetle seems like a car I can learn to handle myself. I really like the whole low-tech vehicle, and I'm not that much into new design of cars and all the extra technology they have, and so on so forth. Not to mention all you can do to a Beetle in terms of customization too! Thanks a lot for the video. I hope I can get my own Beetle someday. Cheers from Argentina!

[@classicvwbugs]

That is awesome man! We need more youngsters like you to keep these cars on the road. Thank you.

[@Radio_crazy]

Great content Chris , just acquired a 74 beetle not been on the road dry stored since 1995 , first car for my Beetle crazy 17year old daughter , your channel is great 👍

[@InnocentPaperclip]

Thanks for the video, man. I'm 25 - and incredibly interested in getting one as a fun daily since they're so nostalgic for me growing up. Your channel has been such a massive help.

[@fritzschuller9906]

Did you ever get one to daily?

[@InnocentPaperclip]

@@fritzschuller9906 Funny you ask, I literally just bought one last week and took delivery of it Friday! She needs some minor carb work but nothing too bad

[@drumaganger]

My 70 Vert is my daily driver. My commute is nine miles and a straight shot down I-15 in San Diego. From home to parking lot is 15 minutes. I have a killer sound system and it’s a comfortable drive. I do not get Miles Per Hour. I get Smiles Per Hour. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at a stop light and someone yells: “I/My Dad/My Mom/ My Grandparents had one just like that” I have to admit that I do very little of my own maintenance as I am blessed to have it done for me and that’s not bad. It's not that I can't, it's just that I'd prefer to use my time elsewhere. The maintenance is pretty minimal. About every 8 months, I take it in and have a valve adjustment and brake check.

[@brianworden7022]

I just bought a 69 Beetle for my first car... need to get the turn signals working. The little car starts up immediately like my 1970 Honda Supercub, which takes one kick to start... rode that little bike rain of shine and just over the riding a motorbike in the rain and figured a Bug engine isn't too far off from a motorcycle engine.

[@johnpoirier5626]

CHRIS: I'm fortunate to have a '67 that is very reliable and I use it as a daily driver (it will climb to 87 mph!) I also have a '65 in very good condition that is numbers matching (body chassis, and engine). Being so original, I think it's best to leave the 6V electrical system alone. I agree, though, that the 12V upgrade makes sense for most of the earlier Vdubs.

[@SimiNelsonFamily]

Exactly on point! My daily driving is split between my ‘68 bug and my ‘78 bus/camper.