This is exactly how a youtube help video should be. No life story. No monologue for 5 minutes before hand. Just great camera angles and a voice that reminds me of the Ray's cousin on Everybody Loves Raymond. Good stuff.
Still relevant in 2024. Worked for a 67 Beetle. Undercarriage looked a little different, but everything else was spot on. Appreciate you telling exactly what size wrenches were needed. That bolt through the body was a pain but I got it. Thank you!
Fantastic video. Just purchased my sweet little 74 classic yesterday. My fisrt time with my hands in a beetle. Your video was clear enough that i understand exactly what i am going to have to do. Thank you. Wish my luck
I agree with many of the previous comments. Great video which helped me change the starter on my 1955 Beetle. Thank you very much for posting! All the best!
Just installed a starter on my 73 beetle thanks to your guidance. I had my son hold the long bolt while I threaded the nut. Didn't have a long enough screwdriver as you used. Thanks!
My 74 Super Beetle didn't use 17mm bolts/nuts. Couldn't even fit a socket around the bottom bolt either. Huge pain in the rear. But thanks for the video. Helped me a lot.
Just replaced the starter on my '74 Ghia... that long bolt was easier to put in and seat than I expected. That 17mm nut that cinched it down was a tad tricky but your screwdriver "hold-down" worked perfectly. Thanks for the vid.
Heading out to do mine now...had no sound, installed a new Bosch coil, and electronic kit, only produced a clicking sound, now replacing starter. All new, should be good. Great video.
Fantastic, thank you for showing me! I've had starting problems with my Beetle for years, always parked downhill. Over the years I've changed to electronic ignition, replaced the start relay and of course the battery. A little better every time, but not reliable. I saw your video, went out in the garage and changed the starter myself, thank you for making it almost easy!
Nice job friend. I couldn’t figure out that top bolt for the life of me. I’m not sure how you got your camera up there but it’s well appreciated on this end. Mine is 1978 fuel injection model.. so it looks like I have to remove the breather and the injector controller. Thanks again.
thanks for the video,you right,getting that top bolt on was a PITA. luckily i had a telescope magnet to fish it out ever time i dropped it. My bug is a 75 with FI so it was the same procedure but i just had to remove the air filter box to get at that top bolt.
Very helpful! I should have realized that the top side bolt goes through the bell into the motor. I had that one out when I removed the motor to do other work. I guess I just work on too many cars. ;) Thanks again! All the best! Mike
Mom had a red 1975. It had a great heater. It would burn the hair off your leg if you were in the back seat. It was also a great car in the Illinois winters. It would start on the coldest of days when other cars wouldn't.
Yes this procedure will be the same for your 67 only difference is the starter for the standard transaxle is slightly different than this autostick one.
If you put a test light on the start terminal of the starter and turn the ignition key to start and see voltage then there is a very good chance the starter is bad.
I put a magnet behind d nut to hold it in place quick and simple and easy to remove no mess with putty I also have access panels installed to get to starter and clutch lever with out crawling under the car, another racer trick,that and removable rear valance and fenders courtesy of dzues fasteners...a work in progress 1959 bug and transaxle with 1967 bus 1500 engine...
First we need to start by checking the battery then the battery cables and the connections at the starter.If all that checks out then it could be the starter.
I have a question my 1974 vw beetle I was driving down the road the ignition went then I replaced that then I go to start it and it wont start it just clicks would that be the starter
Great job Rich!!! I do have a question for you before I remove mine though. I'm not positive as to what's going on, but when I turn my key to the "start" position, I have to hold the key there for several seconds for the starter to kick in. It used to start right up when I turned the key to "start", but now I have to hold the key there to make it start. I found this out accidently as I kept playing with it over and over again. Is this the starter solenoid going out and should I replace both the starter and solenoid or just the solenoid? Thanks in advance.....
Of all the vws we worked on i can not recall that symptom but what i remember is the starter solenoid was the main problem with a car with starting issues.
question. i have a 71 ghia.i took the starter out months ago. can't remember which terminal the push pull was connected too. i'm sure it matters lol any help ?
+Bri Stanczyk Here is a good look at the wire www.google.com/search?q=vw+starter+solenoid+wiring&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&imgil=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%253A%253BwMBw8T7klLcbYM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.thesamba.com%25252Fvw%25252Fforum%25252Fviewtopic.php%25253Ft%2525253D574108&source=iu&pf=m&fir=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%253A%252CwMBw8T7klLcbYM%252C_&usg=__MwVibS-CXIJhphwvYn9A7hSqg6Y%3D&ved=0ahUKEwifkt3_5IbMAhXCyj4KHepLAfYQyjcIJQ&ei=x7MLV9-SIMKV-wHql4WwDw#imgrc=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%3A
Great Video I really appreciate the extra explanations on tool type and size and the do's and don'ts. Is there a start relay? My vw beetle is a 65 and I'm hearing a lot of clicking until finally it grabs. thanks, Chris Worley, dandeecowboy
+richpin06a I'm not sure. I just bought the bug and am trying to get it going. it clicks several times before it turns over. then it does fine. my bigger issue is when it get warm it tries to die and then I can't get it to start at all until it cools down for 15 minutes
+dandeecowboy When we worked a lot on them the starter solenoid was the main culprit.If the plugs,points and condenser are fine then i would look at the carburetor.
hey, have some one climb under the car with a metal stick and smack the starter while you try and start the car its another really great way to make sure its your starter. it should turn on when it gets smacked if its going bad.
hey bud so i had a Q: just replaced the starter on a 64, however its not turning over now. Once i turn over the ignition , the pulleys turn but do not start the engine. it sounds as if the battery is low. Although the current is at 13.5, im thinking something is not granddad. Do you have any opinions on this?
Looks like this bug has been idle for a while. Reminds me of the 69, 70, 71 and 75 Beetle's I has when I was a kid. Wish I never sold them, good project cars are so hard to find now.
I got a '71 VW Ghia. It got 3 wires 🤕. Positive battery thick cable which is fine as i know where it goes. But then I got two smaller wires: A red wire and a Red/White stripe wire. Not sure which of those two go on the same nut with battery cable wire and which goes to the other
If you can get a small screwdriver behind the bolt head you can try using that as a pry tool and you try to turn the old maybe it will catch the threads. Another thing to try is to attach vise grips to the bolt head, pull back as you turn and then once again, maybe it will catch the threads. A destructive option is to drill the bolt out. These are all suggestions to do at your own risk and if you are uncertain then take it to a mechanic or a machine shop to get it out. Might be a good idea to have a replacement from a junkyard or a parts source before you attempt removal. Consider also first spraying behind the head with something like WD-40 or Kroil and maybe that will seep on to the threads to help loosen.
Hi, changed my starter last year after watching your vid. Went well. Now I have a issue where we are not starting again, no sound at all and now the stereo will not work when ignition is turned on. Ignition issues? thoughts?
I replaced the starter but still bug doesn't want to crank,we towed it and tried to crank it by towing it fast didn't work.battery is fully charged.any suggestions.thanks.
This is exactly how a youtube help video should be. No life story. No monologue for 5 minutes before hand. Just great camera angles and a voice that reminds me of the Ray's cousin on Everybody Loves Raymond. Good stuff.
jordanjnance Couldn't agree more. Fantastic video.
Still relevant in 2024. Worked for a 67 Beetle. Undercarriage looked a little different, but everything else was spot on. Appreciate you telling exactly what size wrenches were needed.
That bolt through the body was a pain but I got it. Thank you!
This video is just as relevant and useful in 2020 as it was in 2012! Thank you so much!!!
probably the best demonstration video I've seen... great camera work and made it easy to understand... well done sir
Fantastic video. Just purchased my sweet little 74 classic yesterday. My fisrt time with my hands in a beetle. Your video was clear enough that i understand exactly what i am going to have to do. Thank you. Wish my luck
Great stuff! Enjoying the accent. Car Talk headquarters must be right down the street.
I agree with many of the previous comments. Great video which helped me change the starter on my 1955 Beetle. Thank you very much for posting! All the best!
Just installed a starter on my 73 beetle thanks to your guidance. I had my son hold the long bolt while I threaded the nut. Didn't have a long enough screwdriver as you used. Thanks!
Steve Eaton Glad you got it changed two people does make the job easier.
My 74 Super Beetle didn't use 17mm bolts/nuts. Couldn't even fit a socket around the bottom bolt either. Huge pain in the rear. But thanks for the video. Helped me a lot.
Mone doesn't use a 17mm either its a 15mm and the starter circumference prevents a socket from being used. You have to use a box wrench.
Spetacular vídeo. Didn't knew
nothing about it! Many happy returns.
Many thanks!
Just replaced the starter on my '74 Ghia... that long bolt was easier to put in and seat than I expected. That 17mm nut that cinched it down was a tad tricky but your screwdriver "hold-down" worked perfectly. Thanks for the vid.
It also helps if the threads on the bolt are very clean so you can spin the nut by hand.
Heading out to do mine now...had no sound, installed a new Bosch coil, and electronic kit, only produced a clicking sound, now replacing starter.
All new, should be good.
Great video.
Fantastic, thank you for showing me! I've had starting problems with my Beetle for years, always parked downhill. Over the years I've changed to electronic ignition, replaced the start relay and of course the battery. A little better every time, but not reliable. I saw your video, went out in the garage and changed the starter myself, thank you for making it almost easy!
Have fun diving you old beetle i do with mine.
Wow....Ive always been told that Beetles are easy to work on....that was like keyhole surgery or something. Great video.
Aftermarket starter went after 15months in my 73 bay! Thanks for the video, i have a new starter ordered and do it myself this time ;o)
Nice job friend. I couldn’t figure out that top bolt for the life of me. I’m not sure how you got your camera up there but it’s well appreciated on this end. Mine is 1978 fuel injection model.. so it looks like I have to remove the breather and the injector controller. Thanks again.
thanks for the video,you right,getting that top bolt on was a PITA.
luckily i had a telescope magnet to fish it out ever time i dropped it.
My bug is a 75 with FI so it was the same procedure but i just had to
remove the air filter box to get at that top bolt.
Very helpful! I should have realized that the top side bolt goes through the bell into the motor. I had that one out when I removed the motor to do other work. I guess I just work on too many cars. ;)
Thanks again!
All the best!
Mike
thanks did it on wednesday but it turned out to be loose wiring after all hidden. Thanks again, it was a good lesson to learn
They are so fun to tinker on the weekend and take a nice Sunday drive.
thank you so much! for this video I have a 73 beetle I just bought it and I need to replace the starter and this video helped me alot ☺
Rich, you must be a contortionist after working in all of those positions. Good work!
Excellent. Many thanks. I have this job to do this week. Thank you for your helpful video !!
Thanks buddy - done this dozens of time on my VW buses but my bug had me a little stumped! I'll be doing this in morning
I'll be replacing my starter this weekend; thanks for the super helpful tutorial!
+Sarah Woodruff The weather is s getting warmer so It is time to start getting the vw back on the road.
+richpin06a Mine is a daily driver; made it through Idaho winter, and drove awesome! I love my bugster ;)
+Sarah Woodruff I would love to see it.
+richpin06a lemme see.. here's a link to my FB album.
goo.gl/wwzh3u
+Sarah Woodruff Cool i just checked it out 74 super love the paint work up the sides...have you seen my 56. th-cam.com/video/h0iiTBovdOs/w-d-xo.html
thanx for the video my 68 bug wasnt starting. found out the solenoid came unplugged, plugged it in and now im gtg!!
Very nice video instruction, thanks for taking the time. I'm off to change my starter.
Awesome camera angles. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent demonstration 😊👍👍
Mom had a red 1975. It had a great heater. It would burn the hair off your leg if you were in the back seat. It was also a great car in the Illinois winters. It would start on the coldest of days when other cars wouldn't.
Thanks for the excellent video! I might be doing this on a '72 beetle fixer upper I'm trying to buy.
Yes this procedure will be the same for your 67 only difference is the starter for the standard transaxle is slightly different than this autostick one.
Kudos on a great video. I don't know how you got the camera into some of those angles. And well lit! Thanks a bunch.
I have nanobots working for me....lol
For anybody trying this at home...it's a lot easier with the right wheel off. You are able access, see and hold the D bolt. No putty needed!
Thank you for this i have to remove mine and this was useful. Also good to see another bug as grimybas mine underneath 😄
If you put a test light on the start terminal of the starter and turn the ignition key to start and see voltage then there is a very good chance the starter is bad.
I put a magnet behind d nut to hold it in place quick and simple and easy to remove no mess with putty
I also have access panels installed to get to starter and clutch lever with out crawling under the car, another racer trick,that and removable rear valance and fenders courtesy of dzues fasteners...a work in progress 1959 bug and transaxle with 1967 bus 1500 engine...
thankyou sir :) im gonna try this right now :) hopefully my bug is back on the road crawling around with the rest of the bugs soon. GO BUGS!! :D
Maybe one of those self serve car washes they do have engine cleaners.
what do you think about replacing the brass bushing - if it has one. I'm afraid of trying to swap it from below like you are with the engine still in.
I laughed when you said drive it up on the ramp. If I could do that, I probably don't need a starter lol. Just kidding. Very helpful video. Thanks.
I had one like yours were it would not start.I had my father give me a push and we bump started it.
Thanks for the video,that's my next job to do.
awesome, will this similar to a 69 volks with a 1200 cc? thanks again going to work on it tonight hopefully
Great straight forward video.
Thank you.
Thanks Rich. Excellent Video.
Yes hope your on the road soon.
is it the same for a '64 6v?
My 1956 beetle is very similar to this, they did not change much over the years.
Brilliant. To the point and very specific.
First we need to start by checking the battery then the battery cables and the connections at the starter.If all that checks out then it could be the starter.
I think you will enjoy yourself working on the beetle i know i do.
Why was the starter replaced.
I have a question my 1974 vw beetle I was driving down the road the ignition went then I replaced that then I go to start it and it wont start it just clicks would that be the starter
Thank you! This was very helpful.
Great job Rich!!! I do have a question for you before I remove mine though. I'm not positive as to what's going on, but when I turn my key to the "start" position, I have to hold the key there for several seconds for the starter to kick
in. It used to start right up when I turned the key to "start", but now I have to hold the key there to make it start. I found this out
accidently as I kept playing with it over and over again. Is this the starter solenoid going out and should I replace both the starter and solenoid or just the solenoid? Thanks in advance.....
Of all the vws we worked on i can not recall that symptom but what i remember is the starter solenoid was the main problem with a car with starting issues.
question. i have a 71 ghia.i took the starter out months ago. can't remember which terminal the push pull was connected too. i'm sure it matters lol any help ?
+Bri Stanczyk Here is a good look at the wire www.google.com/search?q=vw+starter+solenoid+wiring&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&imgil=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%253A%253BwMBw8T7klLcbYM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.thesamba.com%25252Fvw%25252Fforum%25252Fviewtopic.php%25253Ft%2525253D574108&source=iu&pf=m&fir=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%253A%252CwMBw8T7klLcbYM%252C_&usg=__MwVibS-CXIJhphwvYn9A7hSqg6Y%3D&ved=0ahUKEwifkt3_5IbMAhXCyj4KHepLAfYQyjcIJQ&ei=x7MLV9-SIMKV-wHql4WwDw#imgrc=uHfFsGZGc1xp3M%3A
Great Video I really appreciate the extra explanations on tool type and size and the do's and don'ts. Is there a start relay? My vw beetle is a 65 and I'm hearing a lot of clicking until finally it grabs. thanks, Chris Worley, dandeecowboy
+dandeecowboy There is no starter relay. How old is the starter.
+richpin06a I'm not sure. I just bought the bug and am trying to get it going. it clicks several times before it turns over. then it does fine. my bigger issue is when it get warm it tries to die and then I can't get it to start at all until it cools down for 15 minutes
+dandeecowboy When we worked a lot on them the starter solenoid was the main culprit.If the plugs,points and condenser are fine then i would look at the carburetor.
Have never worked on Beatles before but are they always that leaky? Is it from the top end,pan or everything... Great Video..
how would you clean the underside where all the oil is?
hey, have some one climb under the car with a metal stick and smack the starter while you try and start the car its another really great way to make sure its your starter. it should turn on when it gets smacked if its going bad.
hey bud so i had a Q: just replaced the starter on a 64, however its not turning over now. Once i turn over the ignition , the pulleys turn but do not start the engine. it sounds as if the battery is low. Although the current is at 13.5, im thinking something is not granddad. Do you have any opinions on this?
Looks like this bug has been idle for a while. Reminds me of the 69, 70, 71 and 75 Beetle's I has when I was a kid.
Wish I never sold them, good project cars are so hard to find now.
I got a '71 VW Ghia. It got 3 wires 🤕. Positive battery thick cable which is fine as i know where it goes. But then I got two smaller wires: A red wire and a Red/White stripe wire. Not sure which of those two go on the same nut with battery cable wire and which goes to the other
Great video and a great help. Thanks!
So i have a 75 superbeetle that im attempting to replace the starter the bottom bolt is stripping and i cant back it out. Any suggestions
If you can get a small screwdriver behind the bolt head you can try using that as a pry tool and you try to turn the old maybe it will catch the threads. Another thing to try is to attach vise grips to the bolt head, pull back as you turn and then once again, maybe it will catch the threads. A destructive option is to drill the bolt out. These are all suggestions to do at your own risk and if you are uncertain then take it to a mechanic or a machine shop to get it out. Might be a good idea to have a replacement from a junkyard or a parts source before you attempt removal. Consider also first spraying behind the head with something like WD-40 or Kroil and maybe that will seep on to the threads to help loosen.
Were they got all the bad rap was when they rusted the heater channels out you had no heat.
will this be the same process for a 1964 vw bug?
I am glad i could be of help.
I've seen short and long starter rods. whats the difference?
I believe the difference is if it is for a semi automatic or a standard transaxle.
would this be the same for my '63
The 63 is a 6 volt but the starter is mounted in the same location.
+richpin06a thank you, also do you know if I can install a new solenoid onto the old starter ?
It has been a long time since i have done one but yes i believe you can.
There is no bush to worry about when working on the semi-auto starter.
Hi, changed my starter last year after watching your vid. Went well. Now I have a issue where we are not starting again, no sound at all and now the stereo will not work when ignition is turned on. Ignition issues? thoughts?
If you are working on a 12 volt beetle i might want to check the connections on the regulator and battery.
richpin06a yes 12 volt will check the regulator thanks
Excellent images! You rock
Thank you! Cheers!
Yes it is similar.
Thank you for making so easy!
I replaced the starter but still bug doesn't want to crank,we towed it and tried to crank it by towing it fast didn't work.battery is fully charged.any suggestions.thanks.
Lets start with is there voltage at the coil when the ignition key is in the run position.
Very helpfull!! ❤🇩🇰
Bushing? Grease shaft?
How can you tell if it the starter or the ignition switch?
I would start by cleaning all the connections at the starter.
No problem.
Nice trick with the screwdriver!
GREAT Video!!!! Thank you.
Great video! Thank you.
there truly is no substitute for experience :-)
Would I be correct in assuming this is essentially the same for a Karmann Ghia? (other than location of the battery!)
Awesome vid by the way :)
The ghia does have the same configuration.
Great video, sir. Thanks much!
So helpful keep sharing vids
You just saved my rust bucket.
Good camera, but you forgot about the starter bushing replacment
Where's all that oil coming from?
very helpful, thanks!
Big Bone Daddy
Here there and everywhere.
this gives new meaning to the term filthy
The 64 is the same.
Make sure you grease the bushing
Awesome video
I see nothing in the repair book about removing the transmission.
Ya my new nickname is Gumby..
That is the up side of a leaky engine.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
You need a new remote Google "keyless remotes"