What the Heck is a SUPER Beetle? | Beetle Diaries Ep. 6

( www.TFLcar.com ) Tommy and Michael have done their homework, plus talked to some experts, to find out what differentiates the Super Beetle from a Standard Beetle.
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[@zapusama67]

As a former owner of a '70 Karmann Ghia and a '73 Super Beetle, I LOVE this series!! I was taught to wrench on those air cooled engines by a freind of mine and it was super simple. I see the dislikes and wonder how and why anyone would not dig these vids.

[@sshaw7912]

My wife bought one back in 2000 after her dad died. She had a 68 in high school. Now the super has become a passion for the both of us and completely restored. But modified currently with a 1600, but about to be swapped with a 2332.

[@patrickirish8110]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I truly love this series! It's great that the two, young guys on staff are the ones running the series. Seeing their appreciation for a vehicle such as this is quite enjoyable. Keep the vids coming, boys!

[@tomasmica325]

Patrick Curran Thanks for the kind words!

[@victorpalamar8769]

The Austin A-40 has been imported since 1948 so Volkswagen wasn't the only small car!

[@guselias2287]

@@victorpalamar8769 That old car hasn't the development and worldwide use as the beetle. Although as most british cars it's quite durable is delayed in stability and general performance. Austins are famous for faimures in braking system. They're not stable or stability. VW are not so good either but far better anyway.

[@BerryTheBnnuy]

There absolutely WAS a 1971 Superbeetle. That was the first year. Like they said, it was in 1973 that the Superbeetle got the curved windshield and more modern dash board. I prefer the 73 on, myself.

[@TheDeLoreanman]

I hope this is a long series. It’s my favorite.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

I agree

[@skywalker2852]

Yes, I've got the Beetle bug! My mom's 1st car was a 1970 model with the auto-stick. She would let me shift the gears and operated the windshield wipers (since the switch is in the middle) -- ahh, the memories! Thanks for the schooling on the differences in the Super Beetle - I was one that would have guessed it had a bigger engine to go with the larger dimensions.

[@cherylproveaux9717]

I haven't seen any mention of the vents behind the rear passenger windows and when they were added. In 1974, I had either a 71 or 72 super with a sunroof, baby blue. Loved that car.

[@alfreddeneumann]

Having owned and driven both standard and super (owned 5) I must say that this series is excellent!! Loving this so much.....the nostalgia level is super stoked. Highlight of my Sundays for sure!!

[@josephtyner695]

Engine cover rubber seal

[@snugbug5067]

It's nice to see young people (like you guys) who are really into this car !! 😃👍 They are a super fun car to drive. 🚗💨

[@jimmorris8334]

I drove a 1971 super beetle all through college years. Loved it! I lived in Pennsylvania and had to carry an ice scraper to use on the inside of the windshield in the winter. One summer I replaced the heat exchangers and actually had heat for a year or two before they rusted out again. Sold it with about 180,000 miles on it.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

Great video Way back in the early 90’s, a very good friend and his dad pulled a 73 super beatle out of an auto wrecker fo 50 bucks He said he was going to restore it. To me that looked like years of work Him and his dad had the car fully restored in 6 months whilst doing it all in their garage He sold it for $9500 He did this 3 more times, enough to buy a new 97 z28 It’s a testament to the simplicity of these cars and that people will always like them They still own a 1953, manual sunroof, beatle.

[@domosautomotive1929]

I still have my 68 beetle that I bought in 1986 for $650.

[@Kokotskeyy]

I buy my super beetle 72 in 2018 for 1000$

[@domosautomotive1929]

@@Kokotskeyy Nice but you couldn't give me a super beetle.

[@vwestlife]

It's also worth noting that when the Super Beetle and its matching convertible version were introduced in 1971, the standard Beetle convertible was discontinued. So beginning with the 1971 model year, all convertible Beetles are Super Beetles. But on the other hand, after 1975 the hardtop Super Beetle was discontinued, leaving only the standard hardtop Beetle for two more years. So whenever you see a 1976 or 1977 hardtop Beetle, it's always a standard Beetle, not a Super Beetle.

[@gryfandjane]

Loved it, guys! I had a '71 Super Beetle myself back in the day... White with blue upholstery. It got me through college. Oddly, mine had the flatter four-spoke steering wheel, but other than that it was pretty much identical to yours. Thanks for taking me back!

[@mattcaser6581]

I spent a fair number of miles driving two different super beetles in the early 70's. Enjoyed the heck out of those cars. Keep the vids coming on this car.

[@rickoffermann7156]

I had a 1971 super beetle with an automatic stickshift in the same Kansas beige as this unit, but had no grill in the front, and it did have an auxiliary gasoline furnace located in the aft drivers side under the hood. It had the McPherson struts, it rode nicely

[@glennkennedy441]

I owned 2 Beetles, a 68 red and 74 gold, both standard Beetles, I was passionate about them, did most maintenance myself, I never cared for the Super Beetle, but I'd be happy to own one now. I'm infatuated with this series and look forward to the next !

[@dannyo3317]

I never cared for the Super Beetle either, and still don't. I still would not own one. They look horrible.

[@johncollins5552]

Hi,this video is very enjoyable and its great to see young guys enjoying classic cars and not just ricers for a change. For the last 9 years I have driven a 72 Standard 1200 daily. I have read that the Super Bug window changed to curved for 2 reasons. Firstly to comply with US crash safety regulations because the flat windscreen, like in my bug is way too close to the drivers face in the event of a crash! Secondly the curved shape improved aerodynamics,reduced windnoise and created more spacious feel. Keep on Bugging and keep our dream machines where they belong...on the Street!

[@racrx7]

My step dad bought a ‘75 “fuelie” when we were stationed in Hawaii. It was a lemon yellow with all black trim. The color was fitting as it was always in the shop for fuel injection issues. He didn’t keep it long lol

[@HeidiandFranny]

Wow guys, great video! Serious schooling on the differences. Really looking forward to seeing Felix back in the garage! Thanks for the air time! Go Felix! Franny

[@kelcritcarroll]

I just loved my 74 supe Michaelr beetle convertible!! I met so many people …..people just come up to u at gas stations, parking lots ect to ask about your cool car…mine was yellow but I had the whole car redone…and it was metalic black when done and just gorgeous

[@BeefheartLynch]

My first car. 1973 Super Beetle in orange. I loved that car. Drove to many concerts, school, road trips.

[@Alex-yv1mg]

Was it convertible?

[@Wiencourager]

Many find the close flat windshield of the standard beetles (and early supers) a bit claustrophobic, for them the later supers with the curved windshield are a good option.

[@annemalin6849]

I grew up with a 71 Super Beetle and it was what I learned to drive. It looked a lot like Felix. ❤

[@terrychatfield6671]

I had a 72 Super Beetle and I loved it.

[@tapper701]

As did I. Winters in upstate NY did not agree with this "ice box" on wheels. At some point would like a 1974 Super Beetle in red/orange with tan interior and sunroof.

[@MK-sk2mi]

@@tapper701 i got a orange 73 convertible that i just started working on. Let's see how fun it is

[@dustyrusty7956]

I love this series. I grew up with Beetles and Super Beetles. Keep up the interesting videos, dudes.

[@jaydenoloughlin6694]

I have a 1971 Super Beetle of my own. Mine has disc brakes up front and rear drums. Paint code is Antarctica White built 8/71. I love driving it when it runs...

[@Pommezul]

Jayden O'loughlin There's nothing like the sound of that boxer engine :3

[@carlhuffman454]

I bought one through the British PX in Berlin in 1971 and picked it up in Wolfsburg. I was in the Army at the time and drove it for about 45,000 miles in Europe and here in the States. It was a great car except for one thing. It wasn't air conditioned, and I live in SC. It was very hot in the summer, so I traded it off for a Fiat 124 sedan, a real mechanic's nightmare. Frankly, I should have put an AC unit in it. It ran well and served its purpose. It was even the beige color in this video.

[@jeffking4176]

Just stumbled upon this. 🙂 I’ve owned a’68, a ‘64, And a’66 Bug. Also a ‘72 van. Loved them. Knew the Super Beetle was wider, did not know it was longer. Cool video 👍🙂‼️

[@cesarramirez7619]

I learned stick on a 65' beetle, I gotta say it was a pain in the ass, but it paid off when I got a new car it was so ez to drive down side is I cant ask any of my friends to move my beetle cus 4 some reason they cant get it to drive.

[@misterjag]

How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive; A Manual of Step-By-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot by John Muir was helpful.

[@bigdog4173]

misterjag Yes a good book if you can get a copy,drawings are priceless..but shop manual is still the best

[@USCG.Brennan]

I'm currently restoring a '73 Bug and that manual is great. You can still get it on Ebay.....

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@USCG.Brennan I have the idiot book, its great!! And a Bentley!

[@Moondoggy1941]

Great book saved my biscuit.

[@CypeltResortAustralia]

Driving a superbug daily and love it! Watching from 🇦🇺💖💪🏼😎

[@keithpdx]

I think the biggest difference for those of us who had basic bugs was that the Super had a FAN for the heat/defrost. In the basic bug you only got more air the faster you went. I spend so much time in my parent's VW Bug wiping the windshield's fog off. Crazy but fun times!

[@russlehman2070]

I'm sure an electric fan would have helped. The crappy heaters were the worst feature of the standard bugs. I used to drive them in a snowstorm, dressed warmly, with the heater completely off and the wing windows open to direct air across the inside of the windshield so it wouldn't fog. Running the heater would get the windshield just warm enough to load up with ice. With a cold windshield, the snow would blow right off.

[@dabml5222]

Oh I miss the vent windows , that cars and trucks used to have.

[@Kingwoodish]

David Anys ME TOO!

[@robsteingruber9488]

Me three!!

[@snugbug5067]

Same here. I turn mine around and get wind on my face which really helps in hot weather !

[@Robc509]

They are also numbered. 71/72 was a 1302s and the curved windscreen later beetle was the 1303s. I believe they came with discs on the front and independent rear suspension which the standard had swing axle rear suspension and drums on the front.

[@venzetti1]

Another great beetle video! I love waking up Sunday mornings and watching these. Keep them coming!

[@_chan.burn.21_]

Down the road from my Aunt's home is an older '73 Super Beetle sitting in the front yard of a neighbor's house. It looks in such a sad shape, but I would love to rescue the car and restore it when I move out after high school, or after I graduate college.

[@thattubesound2214]

Great vid! My first VW (of the more than 100 that I've owned) was a pale yellow '71 Super. They were good drivers until wear set it. If anything wears at all in the strut front suspension, they were prone to vibration and often very unsettling steering oscillations at certain speeds that completely ruined the highway joy. Much better to have a loose torsion suspension than a loose strut suspension. As economy cars, owners often didn't have the bread to keep their Beetles tight.

[@travelwithsmiley]

Awesome 😊 Bring back the Beetle Smiley says.

[@elijahjonas1]

Love it and love Frankie and Heidi showing up., a real treat!

[@518TommyP]

Miss my 74 Super...ya..it had a new padded dash and was made to be safer but man did I have fun in 88...my first car..great job guys

[@agustingarcia2089]

its cool seeing Heidi and Franny in the video! I love this series! I have a 1970 beetle myself and I love it so much!

[@rampagedingo]

I love this car, I'd definitely own it for a looooong time

[@doublej9717]

Really enjoying The Beetle Diaries! Super informative and entertaining

[@ryan_noon]

Loving this series!

[@Ukefool57]

I was 19 years old and my first car was a 1972 yellow super beetle, which I loaded down with almost every aftermarket add on you could buy. Plus a set of Appliance aluminum rims and low profile tires. All I needed was to put on my puff sleeved shirt, bell bottom pants, and platform shoes and I was ready to roll. Those were the days.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You guys did a really nice job!

[@jameskurtsmith3121]

I remember the bolts holding the engines to the transmission were eather 15mm or 17 mms you could pull the engines in about 20 minutes with a couple of floor jacks I think back then you could get a rebuild kit for around 300 dollars. Great car

[@SuperWooba]

That's exactly like my first car. Same color, same year. Awesome.

[@Carman1744]

My brother had a flat windshield Super Beetle and also two 1973 Super Beetles with the curved windshield.

[@CarlDraper]

In Europe, that's a 1302, whereas the slightly later curved screen is referred to as the 1303.Also only early standard Beetles had the washer running off the spare tyre valve. Also there were a range of engines in all Beetles, from 1200, 1300 and 1600. one advantage of the Super isa a slightly sharper turning circle

[@rupe53]

The super bug version may have had a few positive notes but all those rubber bushings in the front end would eventually dry rot, unlike the parts in the old "beam style" where all you needed was a lube job. One thing you could do with the beam style front end was swap all the parts from a Gia and convert to disc brakes. If you wanted something more serious those Gia front spindles would accept type 3 calipers so another 50% more pad area. All that using OEM parts! (master cyl, tie rod ends, spindles, calipers, rotors) Pretty easy conversion if you ask me.

[@Stuka87]

I really enjoy this series.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Guys, this series is awesome. I have a 74 Super that's been in the family since new. By far, one of the funnest cars to drive. Love your videos and the tests you're putting the car through. Come over to Seattle and we'll race our Supers! :-)

[@Gunny426HemiPlymouth]

Major thing you missed. 1971 was the first year for the better 1600 dual sport motor. Had a different intake and head set up that breathed waaay better. And had 60 horse rather than the 53 of the previous 1600 single port, Wich doesn't sound much better. But they held their power better on hills and grades rather where a single port would lose momentum quicker.

[@crusinscamp]

Things I had forgotten: the windshield washer used compressed air from the spare tire to operate.

[@kenchow1563]

Owned 2 '71 SBs. The struts mostly come as one assembly (shock and spring). You can replace the damper using a spring compressor, but I found the cost to not be worth it, plus, I could but a lowered assembly. I eventually put an 1835cc with 041 heads, lightened flywheel and dual webers in my fist one, and it FLEW. Stopping, of course, was a problem until I put in the Ghia brakes.

[@neptunusrex4115]

This is great! I just got a 71 Super Beetle and my sons and I are going to restore it!! And it is also Kansas beige!

[@crgkevin6542]

I have one of these! Sandy is also Kansas Beige ‘71 just like Felix is! Aside from an ongoing electrical gremlin, definitely a great car to have. It looks like there was an air conditioner installed at one point, but was removed later on. Makes a great daily driver, with the smooth ride and ability to park in smaller sized spaces than other cars. (And also the aftermarket cup holders, without the AC and driving in Arizona, I need the water...)

[@oscarpark1523]

My first car was a 71 super. I remember my highschool sweethearts lipstick melted in her purse from setting next to the heater vent on the floor. I appreciate these cars more now. With a new spare , a spare belt fuel filter, and check the oil at every fill up; you wouldn’t be afraid to take a 45 year old car across the country.. you can’t really say that about hardly any cars from the 90s even..

[@dlittlester]

I was a parts guy before I retired, and at one time ended up as a parts manager in a VW dealer in the mid 70s. I remember the Macpherson front struts being a problem with the early supers.

[@elfenmagix8173]

Having owned both a '73 Beetle and a Super Beetle, I can agree to all in your video. Both are great cars.

[@baritonebynight]

I had a '76 standard beetle in high school into college and now have a '78 super beetle convertible. I love my '78 and wouldn't trade it, but I wish I still had my '76. (sigh)

[@FrankySilverFace]

Super video!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Michael-quit saying "peach"..... Tommy-quit bouncing while you're talking! Alright.... Just kidding around! Another great series and video as always from the best car channel on KZbin! Keep up the great work!

[@HerbieTheVolkswagen]

You lads are the next Top Gear

[@ChuddleBuggy]

Most air-cooled Beetle aficionados might have already seen all kinds of mods done to the Beetle in both the technical and esthetic aspects. We've seen clean factory look restorations to mild stanced and enhanced mods, on to the outrageous hack mods, the dune buggy transformations, all the way to all out dragsters. But what the world has not yet seen is a simple mod that combines technical refinement with esthetic quality (something i would have expected the Mexico factory to have implemented). I'm talking about combining the Super Beetle's front MacPherson struts and rear IRS with the previous generation's Standard Beetle's good front end looks. Of course there's going to be some heavy duty reshaping of front end components internally, and luggage space is probably going to be compromised as well, but hey, what has ever stopped those highly imaginative and finely skilled craftsmen from modifying their Beetles before?

[@allanadair3837]

ChuddleBuggy I

[@woopimagpie]

Great video fellas. I've only just discovered you, really liking what I'm seeing.

[@divamom7876]

Daddy started driving Bugs when he bought one in ‘69! No AC drivin in the Houston heat!! He bought and sold them until 1986. I bought a brand new Convertible Bug in 2005. I was told to sell it at 70K miles. They weren’t made to last ... they were RIGHT!! Everything began having “issues!” Sold “Harold” in 2012. The kids and I had alotta good times in the car! We drove with the top down all the time, sweet!! Kids would gets texts “Hey just saw your mom!” “Your mom’s speeding down 59!” Road trips with the top down, radio blastin, truckers honking ... better than therapy!!

[@81Logansk]

My very first new car was a ‘73 jade green super beetle. With optional AC. Still miss it.

[@marshallhall6449]

Lots of great information , planning to watch every week

[@gmikl]

Hey you guys, first time watcher. I enjoyed the video about the Super Beetle comparison. I’ve been driving w1970 Beetle for 10 years or so and although my car lacks the comfort and more, I am completely fine with my 1970. However, I wish it was more comfortable. Air conditioning would be really nice! It’s hot in the summer! Thanks and I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

McPherson strut front suspension replaced torsion bars up front, relocated gas tank and tire to give more luggage space.

[@Vwrescue]

I'm 15 and I own a 57 oval window and a 60 vw bus. We also have a 70 panel, 73 tin top westfalia, 58 bus, 60 beetle, 62 ragtop, and a 70 karmann ghia

[@edwardlacika3022]

Thank you. Very enjoyable.

[@SuperSiward]

Informative video, really enjoyed it. At the 20 second mark ... outstanding photography!!!

[@BOKOLIS76]

You guys are great!! Very nice videos,and super infos for the vw!!! Greets from Greece

[@arthanza112]

I MISS MY 74!!!!! When I was in high school I had one. Rebuilt the carb and got it running, and mom had it towed to a scrap yard the next day!👿

[@saikothesergal]

fun facts: standard beetles are better for off roading If your beetle is overheating, Just chuck a few quarters into a self-wash car wash and use the pressure washer to spray under the engine, something my grandfather used to do :3

[@zonoscopePictures]

Love seeing Heidi + Franny pop up in the video! Great stuff.

[@geoffstone9555]

You guys made a good point about the lower value of the Supers, but there was also a difficulty level in finding some spare/replacement parts. I think with the improvements made on the Super Beetle they should have just made one model not two models.

[@GrowthCurveMarketing]

Struts with the IRS made a HUGE difference in overall handling.Those unfamiliar with struts would often set too much toe in and struggle to stabilize the front end, but it really wasn't that difficult. A few firms sold excellent lowered struts ("Super Struts") that worked wonderfully, and could even be fitted with Bosch dampers. I owned 2 '71s, - one lowered with super struts, 1835, lightened flywheel, 041 heads, headers, and dual Webers (a bitch to vacuum balance). I owned the first hundred feet and could corner like a bat below 40 mph, but eventually, physics is physics. The other became an organ donor...

[@Flammable281]

Owned a 74 super beetle once back in the late 80s to early 90s.

[@anthonywhitehead9660]

I had one of them 71 flat window super Beatles also had a 73 curved window at the same time!

[@anihtgenga4096]

Eddie Radillo says "They're a great highway car" but he doesn't go on to say that the Super Beetle's front suspension does not hold up well when used on dirt roads -- plan on replacing the track control arm bushings regularly.

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

My Mom had the standard Beetle : it was a white 1500 of '68 vintage - it could do 140km/h easy on the open road

[@Noah-rr7vp]

Great video

[@alfredenisz4775]

My 1974 SuperBeetle got me from New York to Colorado back in 1975

[@onavianva]

Jesus my trucks wheelbase is longer than the overall lenght! Thats awesome!

[@ejf0255]

Great video. I always wondered.

[@islaws4589]

Did you miss the difference in the rear suspension compared to a standard Bug that would have had swing axles, whereas the Super has fully independent with c v jointed driveshafts?

[@haraldlist7918]

6:49 the standard VW engine in 1971 was a 1300cc dualport 4 cylinder boxer engine. The "upgrade" was a 1600cc dualport 4 cylinder boxer engine. (At least in Europe)

[@Artsalloverone]

Nice Lil video about the super beetle 😊😊😊

[@regsparkes6507]

Another good video with interesting info. too, nice job Mike and Tommy.

[@cesarramirez7619]

The easiest way to tell the difference is the stabilizing bar in the trunk and the space for the spare tire is much roomier in a super.

[@superchargedadventures]

I daily a '66 Vw fastback!! Slammed on wide white walls!!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Good video guys ! I personally. Can not figure out the actual price difference between the two ive owned both styles and always liked the Super Beetle myself for. Handling and upkeep plus the cargo area layout makes it easier to get things in the trunk imo

[@HNRichard]

To overcome the exterior, some owner actually put some older beetle fenders on them. Lika '62 Beetle fender with wider space for wheels, and also rear apron converted into a '67 with the classic beetle shape hood.

[@J.W.W.]

Great to see a shout-out to Heidi and Franny!

[@HeidiandFranny]

James Wheaton thanks James! Glad to see you are enjoying their beetle diaries. I know we are.

[@imperiallebaron2391]

I grew up in the 60s and 70s. I remember the Volkswagen beetle and the Super Beetle. I'll take the Super Beetle. If i'm not mistakin, when they changed to fuel injection in 1975, the horsepower was somewhere around 65HP.

[@wizzard5442]

Australia here: all Beetles from 1968 had front disc brakes. I cant believe, in America of all places, Beetles with front drums were still be sold.

[@roythurston7799]

👍🏾👍🏾Really enjoyed it

[@volkstroke]

Oh by the way the picture of the beetle that you used to compare it with is a 67 you should have used a standard 1971 beetle or any late model... because the 67 is a one year only car and is not really comparable to anything else.