The 1966 VW Beetle Forum

Common problem on cars converted to 12 volts, but keeping the 6 volt starter. I always say, if it were a good idea to keep the 6 volt starter when converting to 12 volts, the factory would have done it. The ring gear is part of the flywheel, so it is not a replaceable part. The entire flywheel needs...

Agreed. A 6 volt engine has a smaller flywheel with 109 teeth. The 12 volt has a larger flywheel (.16 inches or 4 mm) with 130 finer pitch teeth. The starter shaft diameter of the 12 volt starter is also smaller, requiring a different bushing in the bellhousing. Frankly, I don't know how you were ab...

Agreed. A 6 volt engine has a smaller flywheel with 109 teeth. The 12 volt has a larger flywheel (.16 inches or 4 mm) with 130 finer pitch teeth. The starter shaft diameter of the 12 volt starter is also smaller, requiring a different bushing in the bellhousing. Frankly, I don't know how you were ab...

Three words: Because they're lazy. I've done it in the past too, so I'm just as guilty. To many people, it doesn't make any difference, but I'm a stock fanatic and love the look of the garnish molding. Wolfsburg West has everything, or you can find used metal trim. The advantage of used trim is it's...

Popping out of gear under acceleration means worn out synchros. No possible fix other than a rebuilt transmission. But I'm just a voice on the Internet. Take it to an expert for evaluation.

I run slightly higher than stock tire pressures all around, usually 20 psi front and 24 psi rear. But this is approximate because all tire gauges are not created equal.

If I had to guess I'd say the splines are starting to let loose in the drum. Either that or one of the brake shoes either came loose or the shoe delaminated.

I'm surprised because 185s are generally harder to find than 165s.

I have 185s on the back of my Cal Looker, and they look great. But I think they're too big for the front.

I've never seen anybody with so many little problems!

Did you ever install a hard start relay? With the key off, take a narrow screwdriver and try shorting the the battery cable connection on the starter to the solenoid connection (push-on connection). If it cranks every time, you need the relay.

Try replacing the rotor. That stopped me dead in my tracks once and I racked my brain trying to figure it out.

Basically you need two things to work, ignition and fuel.

How is the horsehair material inside?

Rusty at VWs Over the Skyway on Sunday.

A '65 chassis number should start with 115, not 195. Maybe it's an Aussie thing.

At any rate, a 1966 Australian bug is the equivalent of a 1962 anywhere else in the world.

I can't imagine any owner of a VW shop who would not be familiar with the transmission of an old Volkswagen popping out of fourth gear. The only fix is a rebuilt transmission. However, you can probably get along for a time by using a bungee cord on the shifter to hold it in gear on the highway. I tr...