paul k. wrote: > > wesley wrote: >> >> I'm new to this. I've always
been modestly interested in some type > of >> vw >> but I recently
ran across a '71 squareback. Now I'm in love with > this >> car. I
have no experience working on vw's, but I do try to do some >> car
repairs myself. >> >> My questions are: >> How possible is for
someone like me to learn to work on one of > these? >> Are they
reliable as daily transportation? >> Are parts real hard to find or
expensive? >> Overall, how do they compare to beetle's or bus' in
terms of >> reliability, parts, etc...? >> >> Any comments or
suggestions. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Wesley Collins >> > wes; its
old + is going to have problems, as all models do. they are > worth
owning if you like the style. there are a few parts places > that
cater to tp.3, look in hot-vw mag. things like muffler a are > real
chore to change,plus its F/I ,and sometimes screws up. F/I is > not
as gutless as the old bug injection and is usually cheaper to > fix.
67tp.3 dual carb setup fits ,if allowed in your state. > T-3 are
superior in every way to a beetle. Faster,better cooling,and cooler
looking. The Beetle was designed for rough roads, short distance
driving, The T-3 was designed for the Autobahn. I don't think you
can compare a bus to a T-3. Different breed altogether. Yes parts
are a little hard to come by, but much of the mechanical parts can
still be found. I have been driving 3's as daily drivers for over 27
years. I even have a 72 automatic, with over 430,000 on it. I use it
to tow, but only in cool weather. Oem mufflers are costly but can
last for 10-15 years. I still have 4 F/I 3's running . When FI
goes down, the double carbs are the only way to go. Single carb
setup is a joke. And causes this butt ugly hump in your cargo
area. Good Luck.