Road Trip in our 1972 Volkswagen Beetle - from Los Angeles to Portland!

Another road trip from LA! We picked up Lira’s newly purchased 1972 Volkswagen Beetle in Los Angeles and drove it home to Oregon!

[@sehismith]

I took a road trip in 1978 from Chicago to Jerome Arizona in a '69 Beetle. I was helping a friend move across the country, and she also bought an old school bus as a moving vehicle. The bus broke down in Missouri and three of us drove to Arizona in the Beetle. I will never forget it.

[@CruisingInClassics]

What an amazing adventure Stephen! Thanks for sharing. Making memories is what it's all about. #KeepDriving !

[@ralphbernard3908]

I drove my 1972 standard Beetle for 33 years, purchasing it in 1988. Drive from Seattle to Chicago twice and Seattle to San Jose twice. Sold it about two years ago. It was a wonderful car and I still miss it.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Fantastic Beetle you had Ralph! So great to hear how these cars stacked on the miles and created memories along the way!

[@ralphbernard3908]

@@CruisingInClassics Oddly enough, my 1972 Beetle (Tweety Pie) also had one starter issue. I was driving from Seattle to Chicago years ago. When I got to Twin Falls Idaho I stopped for gas and to spend the night. When I tried to start the engine I got nothing. I waited for 5 minutes then turned the key again. It started and I drove straight to the motel. When I got done checking in, I tried to move the car closer to my room but the starter had "checked out". There was a Volkswagen dealer next door. But their mechanics had all just gone home for the day. They told me of a gas station mechanic that was just done the road. After a short walk I arrived at the station. We went to a nearby auto parts store and I purchased a rebuilt starter which he installed. In all my long distance travels that was the only time that Tweety ever let me down. (A few of my shorter travels were more eventful!) I still miss Tweety.

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@ralphbernard3908 So cool to hear about Tweety Pie. It's nice to witness the reliability when things get straightened out and are maintained. #keepdriving !

[@SunviAhsan]

@Ralph- Was it worth selling? You had for 33 years - so much memories. Could have been a token of memory lane?

[@namvet6971]

​@@SunviAhsanWhat I was thinking too. Had for so long, why sell?

[@peterduxbury927]

Just like many others, I wanted to help. It's always a good idea to remove the brass Idle Jet at the RHS of the Solex, and make sure it's not partially blocked. Second, I would check the Contact Breaker Points - and gap. One of the best things ever, is to install the Hall-Effect Electronic Ignition inside the Distributor. No more CB Points gap to set. Absolutely reliable starting from then on....A company called Pertronix makes this electronic module for the Beetle, and costs about $100. Greetings from Australia.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Cheers Mate! Always great to hear from experience and from our friends Down Under.

[@OhhState]

As a bug owner who has had ALL of these issues, I feel your pain. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stranded. You learn as you go with these cars. Love my bug 🧡

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. With Bugs, as in Life, you either Win or you Learn. Failure is only temporary. We're learning a lot and having fun along the way. #KeepDriving !

[@SUBDUB67]

I wanted to grab that distributor so bad and adjust the timing for you guys, when the timing is right these engines are bulletproof, all the best with the bug 🐞

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, giving it a tickle of advance on the Distributor definitely brought her back around.

[@ravenbonanza1522]

That's what I've been thinking too. It''s either contact point gap isn't correct or timing is way off. A filler gauge and timing light is all that you need. Simple fix

[@perryclark3897]

Timing lite should always be used when setting your timing.

[@bulletpop3912]

Oh my gosh, I kept putting my hand to my face while watching your video! I totally remember being stranded once a week at school. I had a red 1971. Definitely a love hate relationship. Nah, Ya’ll make me miss it!

[@wavoconqueso]

My grandfather was a VW dealer and he sold me a 70 auto stick Yukon yellow. My first new car. Nice to see the closeups inside which pleasantly brought it I back to remembrance. Thanks. Very unique cars.

[@stevenausten-davies141]

The joys of owning an air cooled VW, Can’t beat it!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Couldn't agree more. We're having a ball with Rosebug! Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@redsorgum]

I drive a 66 beetle as my daily driver/ work truck. I used to own a 67 VW camper van, and I drove it from Orange County to Astoria and back, it was awesome! ✌️ Your bug looks great.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for tuning into our video. I love hearing about fellow Bug owners who have made long hauls. Your trip to Astoria and back to O.C. is a great one. Hope you'll continue to watch our Air Cooled adventure!

[@lkmsl]

I am so sorry ! I have been down that same road many times ! Don't feel bad ! Just keep replacing everything with quality parts and before you know it you will be driving a new bug !

[@ollie1464]

I'm not that well versed in working on these cars but I do have a great mechanic that works on air cool dungeons. Makes a big difference When they're serviced by someone that knows what they're doing.

[@dr.t.]

You've got to love the characteristics of these classics and take a lot of TLC but the radio moving up and down when the wipers are on LOL 😎😎 great trip, great vid 👏👏👏

[@mayanaztec6440]

I have so much for love for these beetles. My brother in law just bought one down in Mexico and I’m looking to do the same. Well wishes to you.

[@CruisingInClassics]

@mayanaztec Thanks so much for your comment and good vibes for the Beetle. Hope you find a great one down in Mexico!

[@djkenny1202]

My mom had a 72 in primer and orange, she had it painted candy apple a few years later in mid 80’s. It was our $900 single mom trying to make it after divorce car. I learned to drive in it at age 13. Got caught picking up a few girlfriends in front seat one day. Memories. I’d love another. I look often. Great Beetle. I live on PDX. Maybe I will see it sometime:)

[@CruisingInClassics]

Hope to see you around the PDX area in the year ahead!

[@southhillfarm2795]

Great video. Thanks for taking us with you on this trip.

[@CruisingInClassics]

You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and for your comment. Hope you'll enjoy our other videos.

[@MichaelJohnson-su4ju]

OMG!! Love this video. Adventures dreams are made of. Glad you all enjoyed along with your VW.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and your comment. #keepdriving!

[@david93542]

What a super adventure to buy a beetle and drove it across beautiful places to home..

[@CruisingInClassics]

Glad you enjoyed our adventure with Rosebug. Stay tuned for upcoming videos with other classics that are coming soon!

[@ralphmans]

This was/is one of the best VW videos I’ve seen. We have a 1974 Super that is almost the same color as yours, Senegal Red. Enjoy Rosebug, keep it running for as long as possible. Also, your belt needs tightening, looks awfully loose. Thanks again, great video.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for your kind comment. So glad you enjoyed the video and our adventure with Rose Bug. Keep driving that '74 of yours and we will do the same. Watch our next video and you'll see that belt has been tightened 🙂.

[@ralphmans]

@@CruisingInClassics I saw the second video and I hope the future is much brighter with Rose Bug. Stay safe.

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

We bought a 72 back in January. It got put on the back burner for several months. Minor electrical issues, bulbs, a new old stock ignition harness, she’s finally ready to go. We want to do a road trip like this if I can talk the wife into it. Loved the video!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Make that road trip happen! Life's an adventure. That '72 will put a smile on everyone's face... but most importantly Yours!

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

@@CruisingInClassics oh it already has! And the thing I love most about this car community is everyone lends a helping hand and are really content. We also don’t stand around arguing about who’s car is better.

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@JamesDavis-jo9tk Couldn't agree more with what you said and have experienced. Keep Driving! 🙂

[@PhotoAlbert]

I enjoyed this video very much. Except for the mechanical problems you encountered, it brought back so many memories. When my wife and I got married 50 years ago she drove a '67 and I drove a '70. What's funny is that we drove those cars all over the place and never had any mechanical problems and never would have thought about carrying fire extinguishers back then. Some friends of ours bought a new Beetle (probably in '74) and we all piled into it and drove from Kansas to California and back over spring break. We recently bought a '70 to use as our tow car behind our motorhome. We've had great luck with it so far, but unlike the old days, now I'm a bit nervous about taking it for any lengthy drives.....and now I carry a fire extinguisher too! Thanks again for this terrific video. I hope you get your mechanical issues sorted out without any problems.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching our videos and your comment. Love hearing about your grand adventure in your Bug(s). Life behind the wheel of these cars helps us enjoy life in the Slow Lane. And we meet the nicest people alone the way. Keep Driving!

[@ericlitalien8360]

Thanks for that!! This seems as intersting as a motorcycle journey,,fantastic sceens!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@tiyukitv6508]

Hey guys hope you keep having this roadtrips with your beetle. Such an awesome car. Be well and have fun always😊❤

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and your comment. These west coast road trips keep on happening. Check them out on our other videos!

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

My first car here in south africa was a beetle . We had National Service back then drove it between the Military Base and home so many times . Bad time in our history but wish I still had her, car was full of quirks and charm!.. Nice vid mate!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. Loved hearing about your Beetle and how it got you from place to place. Hope you get to experience one again. #KeepDriving !

[@allantaylor3288]

Great video. A very nice tidy beetle. Hope you got all the issues sorted and are enjoy life in your bug. I’ve owned four beetle’s from ‘57 to ‘70 all super reliable during my ownership.

[@jimsweet6574]

Ah memories... I've driven air-cooled VW's all over, more than a few cross-country.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in Jim. Glad to hear about your cross country adventures. #KeepDriving !

[@tsf5-productions]

Still, for sentimental reasons, the original VW "Bugs" have alway been one of my favorite all-time cars. My dad had a black '63 model...kind of fun to get rides in from '63 to somewhere in the late 1960's. Dad's three sisters - who never married and lived together their whole lives - had two, maybe three of the "Bugs" during most of the 1960's and all through the 1970's. Of my first three cars, car # 2, was a 1969 dark green "Bug" with the roll-back roof opening. (That was fun!). It was a close-ratio stick shift. The only serious problem with it was a VW Corporation's engine design mistake: the engines were recalibrated to not proper bore and stroke size (at least, that was stated to me from the independent seller-mechanic. Well, my third and final VW was my dad's 1970 "Fastback" light blue model: more room inside and bit larger trunk space. It had, I think, a slightly bigger engine, fuel injection (which had a little problem and was fixed within the first year Dad bought it [Summer 1970]) I really liked that car! I named it "Heidi" after someone special in my life. I had that '70 "Fastback" given to me in late 74. Oh...the '69 "Bug"... I had from March of 1972 to the end of that year. The VW models seemed to have handled really well. Good on gas mileage...Something tells me it had a little bit less than a 10 gallon gas tank. Air-cooled, rear engine model that helped a little in rear traction. I really liked the VW bus models. Drove one in early 1971. Fun! Well...over all, the VW engines way back then lacked horsepower. If I remember, the "Super Beetle" had some horsepower boost. Not till a few decades later from the model years mentioned above did Volkswagen finally turbocharged the "Bug" to get it to what? 150 horsepower or more? (Too bad Disney's "Herbie, the Love Bug" number 53 didn't do turbocharged style way back when) So, there's my take on this VW road trip.

[@pol1970]

What a great video! I own 3 classics that I also enjoy driving! Looking forward to more!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in. Love that you're driving your classics. #keepdriving !

[@charliejenmiller7225]

Oh, reminds me of the many driving adventures I had with my Karmann Ghia. Thanks for sharing!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Fantastic to hear about your Ghia and those adventures. Thanks for watching and #keepdriving !

[@VenerableYorge]

F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! 💯👍😀

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching!

[@mirceapopescu7620]

Super clean❤!

[@tommason1966]

I drove roundtrip from central Florida to Oregon 3 times, each time in a different air cooled VW. Never got stranded once. First time in 1973 driving a 1970 bug, second time in 1974 driving a 1970 bus, and third time in 1976 in a 1967 bug. Lots of fun every time. I kind of miss those air cooled cars, but now I'm back in a Volvo, 1962 PV544.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Tom, love hearing about your cross country air cooled adventures. And since you're now also a Volvo Fan, check out our latest video that was just posted today. You'll see some sweet PVs in that one! Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKmeKWAm9ucfKc

[@tommason1966]

@@CruisingInClassics I was in the dark blue 544 with the yellow fog lights. Was behind you on the drive. Love your Amazon!

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@tommason1966 , we absolutely loved your PV! It's a real Beaut! Thanks so much for watching our videos and sharing your PV with us. Hope to see you soon on another Round Fender meet-up.

[@jakebob5101]

Whenever road tripping in any old classic car always have spare parts. Clutch cables throttle cable ignition parts fuel pump and even a spare carb. Just a piece of mind to have it just in case. Nice care BTW.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Great tips! We had quite an arsenal of tools, fluids, and a fan belt up front in the trunk. We'll be looking to build-out our spare parts inventory from here.

[@tellyourstorieskenya9775]

Hehe 😊 the dancing radio.. you are living my dream

[@imagrandpa]

My 1965 always started within seconds!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Encourage you to watch our follow-up video to learn what adjustments were made and how Rosebug starts up now. She might just be starting up like your '65.

[@davidmarcodavis4497]

Wow, you guys made an awesome buy, your car is beautiful, super upper! I remember growing up, hundreds on the streets in Mexico, yet every time I see one, I am like I want one! I subscribed!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! Glad it brought back great memories. We're looking forward to creating new memories with Rosebug.

[@danring505]

Thanks for the video and good luck✌🏻

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@ModestNeophyte]

oh god that looks and sounds SO MUCH like the 71 i had in high school!!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching. Hope that conjured up some good memories!

[@user-rz2th4rp8w]

I have to say, in my time of having bugs and buggy's i never had so much trouble. The valve adjustment is very important and the coil button would go bad in the cap. This car i think is a 3 speed auto. Lucky the trans didn't act up. If you kept your hand of the shifter and didn't drive it like a real stick they did ok.

[@Rebel9668]

When I saw the title I thought it was going to be to Portland, Maine, lol. My Sister's '64 Beetle often wouldn't start and the 6volt battery was often at fault. I became very adept at pushing it and having her pop the clutch, lol. We also had one of those vacuum clutch models, a '71 baby blue bug. We sold it off in about 1989.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching! Enjoyed hearing about the memorable Beetles you've experienced.

[@Andrey-rf6nv]

Não entendo nada o que estão falando aqui nos comentários, e também não entendo o que vocês falam, porém adorei o vídeo!!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Muito obrigado por assistir nosso vídeo!

[@Jayvans_Super]

Zddp additives, vr1 or some other brand of high zinc oil. Make sure you get some. Like the videos

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day, I've just stumbled across your video. I really enjoyed it. I own a 63 beetle (Betsie). With your radio it's nothing serious probably a wire getting hung up on the wiper arm. May you have many more adventures. Safe travels. ✌️Peace from Melbourne Australia.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in from Down Under! We love hearing from classic car owners from around the world. We look forward to digging into our Ghost radio 🙂. I'm sure you're right about the cause. Happy Motoring!

[@danielordorica5857]

Beautiful!

[@ricklarner9263]

Great looking Bug!!!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks 👍 for the comment and for tuning in!

[@labellamaffia]

Beetles have a really hot cranking sound! 😍

[@IndusRiverRock]

Beautiful sharing 😊

[@Ma007rk]

As much as I love the VW bugs, I don't think I would ever own one. I had the chance to buy 1 almost 30 years ago but a good friend of mine at the time tried his best to steer me away from owning 1 because he said unless you have basic engine knowledge, you can end up burning up one of those engines if you're not careful. I also see the amount of tinkering that you are having to do. But nonetheless I really love these VW Bugs. They are so simplistic in their design and purpose.

[@Mikefngarage]

great filming and you are brave taking a VW up highway 1 were there is literally no cell service by yourselves. especially one you just bought.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks Mike! Glad you liked the cinematography. Life's an adventure and that was a big part of our journey.

[@brianandrews7099]

You should have found an air cooled VW shop in LA before heading out; a tune up and a few adjustments would have made your trip so much more enjoyable. The starter sounded loud. Their are modification that can be made to eliminate hot start failure, but this starter likely needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Lucky for you, everything for an old VW Beetle is easy to get and relatively cheap! Change the oil every 1500-1800 miles, clean the oil stainer every oil change, and check the valve adjustment every other oil change and you and the bug will both be happy campers! She is a great looking little car! Learn to work on her and you’ll bond with it even more! As you probably discovered, the dancing radio is caused by a windshield wiper arm contacting the top of the radio case. Some adjustments required!

[@michaelp0819]

I enjoyed following your trip. My first car, purchased used in 1982, was a nine-year old 1973 Super Beetle. The car had all sorts of problems and the heater channels were rusted. But, I loved that little car - it definitely cemented my love for small, light, manual transmission cars. If you live in the Portland area, you might check out honest, skilled auto mechanic Mark who has a shop in Portland. He also has a KZbin channel called 2stroketurbo.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for your comment and glad it brought back good memories of your Beetle. I've been watching 2stroketurbo for years and enjoy his work. #KeepDriving !

[@paulk9985]

Seems interesting they purchased an Auto-Stick VW rather than the standard manual. I would be more fearful to find a mechanic well-versed in this design as opposed to the manual.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for your comment. AutoSticks are an unusual choice and not very common. That's exactly why we like it. We're also lucky that our Air Cooled mechanic is very well versed in the AutoStick because the engine has very specific settings and adjustments that must be made for the AutoStick that are different than manuals. It's all part of the learning process, which we love.

[@ZkyR2]

good roadtrip

[@beetlejuice150]

I like your road movie! I am a Beetle addict myself!

[@rasdavis8390]

Great video it's funny cos at the start of the trip u guys was all smiles now it looks like ur losing the will to live 😂😢😅😅😅😅 gotta love da bug great adventure love my bug ❤shouts from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@CruisingInClassics]

Love your comment! It's true that we definitely went through a range of emotions but we were honestly having fun and learning a bunch along the way. Glad to hear from folks across the Pond. Enjoy your Bug and always #KeepDriving !

[@senhorspock]

Got "here" a litle late... But enjoyed the video, anyway!! Beautiful Beetle and great "windshield images"! Congratulations on the video. About the timming: over here, in Brazil, we adjust it at 10 to 15 degrees... 28 to 30 seems "a litle" steep for me... I'm afraid you can end up with a hole in one piston, if you don't pay atention to pinging... But, again: this bug deserves all the atention he needs! I hope you make more videos about this Beetle.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Obrigado for watching our video! Differences in timing from region to region may have a lot to do with fuel octane levels. 28 degrees of advance is the sweet spot for timing these air cooled engines here. You are right about paying close attention to pinging. Thanks again for watching and for your comment. #keepdriving !

[@jameslee6494]

Great video, learned a lot from you guys. 2021, I restored a 73 Super Beetle trying to understand how my 71(?) 411 died in 1982 trip to visit Uncle lives in OK. From the restoration process, now, I know the may be why...engine ran out of oil causing valves dropped into the chamber. Also subscribed as well.😀

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for subscribing James!

[@peterduxbury927]

During the restoration of my '71 Beetle, I was warned by a long-time Beetle Mechanic, that the Beetle engine didn't contain a huge amount of oil, like three litres. So- I decided to wire-in a small 12v Buzzer into the Oil Pressure switch. The Buzzer was active when the Ignition was turned-on, and then the Buzzer went off as oil pressure built up when the engine was started. It is not always easy to see the tiny orange Oil Light, when driving, and short of engine oil. You may not even know, but it can be a 'silent death' for your engine...... An audible warning instantly alerts you to Low Oil Pressure.

[@riverbluevert7814]

Timing "by ear" while idling can be misleading. Strongly recommend to always use a timing light. It's risky to advance the distributor at idle without knowing where the timing is to TDC.

[@chriswinter2400]

You can do it by ear if you get it idling good you retard it until it starts lugging a bit and then you advance until it starts lugging a bit go directly to the center of those two points and then go back or ahead of that center a tiny bit and you can get pretty close if you don't have a timing light on you until you can get to a timing light depending on your setup

[@riverbluevert7814]

@@chriswinter2400 Not worth the risk. Especially with an air cooled engine. Timing lights are not expensive. Buy one. Use it.

[@chriswinter2400]

@@riverbluevert7814 I was saying if you have to in the meantime but definitely a timing light is best but there are ways to get you by if you need to

[@satelliteRadar]

I had the same car. I drove from California to ny by myself in it back in 2001.

[@ozanoutcast]

That clicking of the car radio made me laugh man. :)

[@OwhyeeVdub]

Hwy 101 Brookings to Newport then cross over to the 5 following the santiam. Nothing like it 👍

[@CruisingInClassics]

Glad you liked the scenery. Thanks for watching!

[@tomm7096]

Great video! Thanks. You have a beautiful car too. Mine is also an autostick. You need to do some maintenance there. I can barely stand to see that fan belt flopping around like it is. This will affect your cooling.You may find that setting your dwell angle (points) and timing will solve your other problems. If you do not have a dwell meter then you can do it manually. Instructions are both in your owners manual and the Bentley manual.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for the recommendations Tom. Fan belt has been tightened. Have a look at our latest video and you'll see that belt working nicely. Glad to know there are other Auto Stick owners out there. We look forward to improving Rose Bug and enjoying each and every mile.

[@BillySBC]

Probably distributor points not properly gapped... or could be the choke butterfly not properly adjusted. First thing to do with these old cars is to take the points out and drop in the Pertronix electronic ignition kit, converts it to electronic ignition with no more points to mess with. After that check your choke butterfly for proper adjustment.

[@wickerbill7793]

Nice Vid folks. I’m on my 7th Dub in my 77th yr of life on planet earth. You got a nice Dub there. Seems like there’s nothing seriously wrong with it. Might be a bad coil, or solenoid switch for intermittent starter issues. She could use a set of new spark plugs & points. They like to run a bit on the rich side too. Use a lead additive it will make it easier on the valves. I had a 70 that had a loose head that sounded like I had a bad muffler. Ran great after the head was re-torqued. My current Dub is a 67. Looks like you have an R107 too, I also have on of those too, mine is a 79. Looking forward to the next vid. Happy trails 😊

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for watching our video and sharing your knowledge. The VW Community has been great and we're enjoying Rosebug very much, and she's running really well.

[@frenchroast9536]

That's a super nice bug. Get it tuned up (or learn how), tighten and clean the ground straps (transaxle and battery) and you should be good. Also, keep that 20/50 molasses out of the motor; 30 weight only. Too bad about the final break down but you were so close to the No Name Garage in Eugene!

[@CruisingInClassics]

We were so painfully close to making it all the way back. We had a blast and made some great memories. Thanks for the tips and for the comment!

[@bluebear6570]

I had a 1972 VW bug back in the late 1970s. It had somne issues with the starter, but nothing a decisive bang with a hammer couldn´t fix. Drove it from Nice in souther France to Hamburg in Germ,any in one go and it purred like a kitten. I didn´t, though. I was down and out the moment we arrived.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Life's an adventure and it was fun to hear about yours in your '72. These cars were made for making memories! #KeepDriving !

[@showaera]

When I am older I will buy a beetle.

[@junebullington4240]

Oh yeah!❤

[@cormacsage7126]

My dream road trip is national scenic drive in a classic vehicle

[@audiemccall5332]

Had one in high school, 66 1300 cc 6 volt system got to keep your valves adjusted in one with some miles on it . Yours seemed like it needed valve adjusted and set you time ahead a little and check you vacuum advance

[@jasoncurrie475]

Could have been the valves, sounds like a valve adjustment

[@mirceapopescu7620]

The road is very good

[@46GarageUSA]

I dont know much about Bugs but I'd imagine on a long road trip I'd consider packing a extra alternator, and throttle cable, clutch cable. Would this be a good idea 💡 🧐 ?

[@terencevictoria8933]

Ii like your bug.i grew up in the Philippines on the same year model color and all that I inherited from my dad .we took that thing everywhere in the main island of luzon every summer and had a great time ..ahhh.happy memories...and the biggest thing I got from it is the experience of building cars because I had to restore it before my dad finally handed me the keys.i remember the same temperamental issue with starting.and I remembered also on one of our long trips ,she gave up on a remote part of northern Philippines and we had to sleep in it overnight because theres no such thing as obd or whatnot to diagnose these cars .turned out the coil gave up because of the too advanced timing .6 hours the next day a guy on a carabao came with a used replacement part from some nice person couple towns over took off his own bug to loan us and get us out of the mountain pass.what a guy.and that was the most important thing I've learned and carry to this day.help whenever needed no matter who was asking as long as it's for the good.now I'm older and wiser ,I still have that bug spell in me and I'm happy about it...I'm sure I'm close by coz I saw the harbor freight I'm sepulveda store where u bought tools and the autozone In Washington blvd..let me know if I can help now that I'm a seasoned auto technician because of what our bug got me in to tinkering as a little boy.perhaps I can still remember the tricks I've learned along the way

[@ThriftMachine]

Ethanol free gas helps quite a bit on older carbed engines

[@craigmonteforte1478]

My Father purchased brand new 1958,63 , and 68 VW Beetles and in the 1980s i aquired a 1972 Beetle for $200.00 and a set of used tires for a Rust Bucket that was running and looked like it was painted with a Broom and House Paint ! the engine had two SparkPlugs dangling on their wires in the Engine Bay because they both had Stripped threads in the Heads i put a set of HelioCoils in them i got at a localIndependent VW Shop who actually knew the Vehicle and was shocked it was still on the road for $117.00 i bought a Brazilian made refresh kit that included all new gaskets ,Pistons , and Rings my Dad and i pulled the motor and put it up on a workbench in our garage , then put all those parts into the leaky old motor that ran like a top ! i gave the car to my Sister that needed a car to go to College ! it ran great for her and she gave it back to me when she was done i pulled the motor and gave it to a Buddy of mine that had it in many Behicles and 35 years later is still running in thesmallVWxCommumity of my home town we lost track of all the vehicles and the total guesstimate of miles over the years yet at one point it was over 600K Miles the funny thing is many of my Buddies at the time i put those Brazilian Parts in the motor told me those were junk and wouldn’t last ! BTW when i rebuilt it i degreased the motor and sprayed it Austin Healey Engine Green because that’s all i had on hand my Dad always swore by CastrolGTX Motor Oil and i used it in all my Foreign Vehicles including many British Sports Cars , VWxWatercooled motors , and alot of Volvo Carscand Volvo/ Penta powered boats that utilized the Volvo B18 engines Marinized 😊

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thank you Craig for tuning in and sharing some of your amazing experiences with your Beetle. With proper care and maintenance, these things should keep going & going. Hope you continue to #KeepDriving !

[@starbutterflyandmarcomarco5053]

Midnight prayer with offerings to yahweh everyday! Nice car lots of secrets.

[@hanvika2221]

Car is super....

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching!

[@denisonsmachado]

The bug is reliable even with problems because they are easy to solve.

[@bobwilson7384]

I just found you and I Love your Beetle. Your generator belt is very loose. Could have been the reason it didn’t start

[@westminster860]

I had a 74 super Beatle with semi-autimatic. The first year with the curved windshield. And as you guys were having issues at the start it reminded me of mine. Absolutely the worst pick up of any car I owned even though I loved it so much.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching Jeff. Loved hearing about your '74 Super. These cars aren't built for speed but the smiles they create, and the pride in being able keep them running makes it worth it. #keepdriving !

[@timdiver53]

Sparks coming from the coil !

[@Thedodinaz]

I got my answer in the next video. 😊 Thanks 👍

[@torontoross]

Loved your video. Brings great memories of my ‘57 and ‘69. Blew the piston on the ‘57, the ‘69 was a tank. I am on the search for my Rosebug

[@jeffhildreth9244]

In the Spring of 1968 I drove my 1955 VW from Pacific Grove Calif to Cocoa Beach Florida Non stop. . Uneventful. Later in July took a return trip and lunched the generator at 10:00 PM in Bonifay Fla. Luckily found one the followng day and motored back home, again, non stop except for food, and fuel.. and the occasional relief station.

[@CruisingInClassics]

What incredible adventures you had in your '55! Thanks so much for sharing them with us and for watching ours. #KeepDriving !

[@Thedodinaz]

Hello, nice video, but at the end you did not mention that actually what had happened to the engine?

[@trevcessna1723]

I’m pretty sure that Castrol GTX does not have enough ppm of zinc in it anymore so you are likely frying your bearings. Beautiful Bug though!

[@brianchisnell1548]

Valvoline VR-1 is a high zinc oil.

[@46GarageUSA]

What year did the Autostick come out ? Where they on all bugs then ?

[@mondospeedy3089]

I live in Crescent City, theres a VW club there, and one in McKinleyville.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Great to know VW folks are around. We enjoyed our stay very much!

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

set vales// new plugs// new points// set timing // take new German COIL WITH YOU IT MUST START EASY THEN GO

[@nick1122]

I know you probably want to keep it stock but all that smog device needs to come off, get a .009 distributor and get rid of the oil bath air filter and it would run a lot better 👍

[@ollie1464]

As I'm watching this video listening to the sound of the car I can tell that it's not running rinot running right. Much less ready for a long road trip of any kind or distance.

[@marcelolinhares8233]

With a beetle???? What an easy adventure!!

[@Mikefngarage]

Problems with the car.....Rain catcher is missing on the engine compartment. There should be a plastic gaurd that catches the rain from getting on the distributor. goes over that vent.......Carburetor issue. Needs to be jetted correctly. there are 2 idle jets that need to be set up correctly. they are on the right side of the carburetor. they could be also dirty. every time you adjust that carb it does really nothing because those are not the right ones.

[@Mikefngarage]

the rain catcher being missing is causing the distributor to get wet and the engine to not start.

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

Stock carbs should have a 127.5 main jet, a 70 air jet, and a 55 idle jet. For E 85 fuel you will need 60 idle jet and a 130 main.

[@Mikefngarage]

@@JamesDavis-jo9tk yea that is the original jetting but for the alcohol in fuels today you really need a 130 man on average. depending on compression ratio cam. Some cars need a 135. No not for e85 either. 140 or more for E85. from what I hear I have never run that stuff. but I know guys who do. usually 55 intermediate and idle. sometimes 65. no 2 are exactly the same. compression cam displacement if a 1776 or 1835. Bigger engines are even different

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

@@Mikefngarage yep you’re exactly right Mike. Mine is bone stock and with my altitude and where I live she runs fine with ethanol free 90 octane.

[@michaelconverse5127]

Nice looking vw. Hope you get it sorted out. It was hard watching you have to constantly screw with it. I’ve driven mine on multiple cross country trips. They should not need to cranked and cranked and cranked like yours. I’d get rid of that junk aftermarket carb and get an original rebuilt one from Volksbitz and make sure the original distributor is in proper condition and timed correctly, adjust the V Belt, adjust the valves and you should have a super reliable vw.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in Michael and your comments. Hope you can watch the follow-up video where we discuss many of the items you mentioned. She's running good!

[@dennisyoung4631]

Perhaps a (genuine) Weber?

[@walter68bug98]

Beautiful car.I will point out that the generator needs to be rotated to help with cooling it and vacuum lines need to be hooked up to air cleaner.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for your suggestions Walter! You are correct. Since returning home, we have implemented your suggestions and we will be covering how things are going with Rose Bug in our next video. Hoping you'll stay-tuned and keep a watchful eye on our air-cooled adventures.

[@walter68bug98]

Also if you want it’s cheap and easy add a “hard start relay”.sometimes with old wires on these bugs it will act up not wanting to start..you wire it under back seat

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@walter68bug98 Thanks for another great tip! Our ignition switch was giving us intermittent grief. Your solution would be a great fix.

[@walter68bug98]

@@CruisingInClassics not a problem love helping vw people.the best parts places is Wolfsburg west,west coast metric and California imports.stay away from jbugs and use as much as German parts if possible if you ever have to replace anything.also get some stainless clamps for fuel injection and some stainless thin wire/cable and tie the clamps to carb and fuel pump so they don’t come loose and be a fire source and possibly have the fuel line fitting on carb replaced with a threaded/barbed one as they get old and come loose and will cause a fire

[@sprocketandwheel]

That fan belt seems to be slightly on the loose side..cooling may be affected..

[@jamesquintana9137]

A lot of times the neutral safety-lock switch will stay in the open position when the car is running hot in these autostick bugs, which will not allow current to the starter. I always have to shift thru all of the gears with the ignition switch on in order to reground the contact points at the bottom of the shift lever, before trying to crank it over it in the Neutral position. You will hear a 'slow moaning' sound from the clutch servo when it releases, which should then allow the starter to get juice again. The best thing to do for this is bypass that switch altogether, so you will always have juice flowing to the starter from the ignition switch. Hope this helps.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks James for the helpful tips. Having AutoStick experience is a big help as there's not a lot of these around. We'll give your suggestions a try!

[@fredsons]

Omg….this is painfully familiar!

[@ollie1464]

It's curious, when you bought the car in LA and got ready to drive it up to Portland did you have it checked out by a mechanic before?

[@CruisingInClassics]

No, we didn't. We didn't have a trusted mechanic in LA. Plus, learning along the way was part of the adventure 🙂. Hopefully, our follies made for worthy video entertainment!

[@donsmith8614]

Did you try push starting it? I had to do that on a karmann ghia till i got the wiring correct.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Unfortunately, the Beetle has an Auto-Stick automatic transmission, which you cannot push-start.