Used 1971 vw bug convertible for sale in Los Osos, CA

1971 VW bug convertible

This little vert Lived it’s last 30 years up above Santa Cruz, being driven regularly up until probably about 5 years ago. It looks like the lady owner took it to Mexico a few times, hence the Peso’s in the cig. Tray and the few Mexican memorabilia in the car. I acquired this bug maybe 6 months ago and brought it to it’s present condition, then of course, in classic VW addict behavior, I turned my time and energy towards another project. Id like to be more systematic in my description, but I’ll probably just ramble my way through what I know about this bug. First of all, please know that it has a clean title in my name and is fully registered through July of 2020.

It has wide five smoothie’s in the rear with adapters to connect to the 4 bolt drums, one new tire, one slightly used in the rear – P215 70R14’s. The two front wheels are the 4 bolt pattern wheels with good tires, plenty of tread – 165 80R15’s. The other two 4 lug wheels that are off the bug have tires that hold air, one painted white, other one rusty. They can go with the car. I replaced all the hard and soft brake lines from the pedal assembly back. Brakes are bled and seem to work ok. I’ve driven this car around the block maybe 12-15 times, getting the engine up to the top end of third gear and early 4th. I’d say that the brakes are functional…. but would I trust this bug to successfully stop if it had 4 chunky humans in there? You can give it a shot.

The engine runs. I pulled and cleaned the carb, replaced the fuel lines, installing a few fuel filters as well as installing a functional fuel pump. It starts pretty easy, but does not Idle that well. I’ll probably keep working on it to get it to idle and not run so rough. As I just said, I’ve driven it around the block probably 12-15 times. It has plenty of power – it’s a 1600 dual port with a single Solex 34 pict. 3 carb with oil bath cleaner. I adjusted the valves and the points. It smokes a tiny bit on start up, leaks a little oil, but runs great w/no smoking and shifts through the gears with standard VW bug acceleration. I can’t discern any terminal transmission issues, no popping out of gear.

All windows roll up and down fine. They took a good deal of WD-40 to get working well, and could definitely use some grease. No cracks in the windows. The seals are not shot, but are worn from age of course.

The convertible top is functional and is remarkably good shape. There are a few places along the edge where it has small cracks in the rubber, and It has one pinky finger long tear in the roof. It could use some new rubber here and there, but it opens and closes just fine, latches working well. And it even has an old convertible top cover with white piping, that snaps on the top when it is down. The headliner is pretty awesome, white and connected where it should be with no sags – rear window is sealed tight with no cracks in the rubber. I’ve probably opened and closed the top 50X with no issue. I have a brand new white convertible top still in it’s box. I also have the complete factory gas heater in a box, and a brand new set of visors, although the existing visors are in good shape.

Interior is basic. I took out all the stained old carpet, so it’s bare. Missing drivers door panel, and I started to do Mexican blanket door panels, but didn’t get far. Front seats got cut down to low backs somewhere In its past, and the dash pad is gone as well. I also installed an early white steering wheel. Front seats need pads, rear seat is decent and functional, even the pull strap is still intact.

The body is rusty my friends. The coastal weather above Santa Cruz has not treated this bug well. Both pans are pretty ugly and the tray behind the seat was rusted out. There are holes under the two front wheel wells, many holes under the drivers rocker, a few rust holes above the rear fenders. I welded in some HVAC sheet metal to make the drivers pan safe, threw some metal in the passengers pan, and welded in a parcel tray from a 63 bug. My plan was to get this bug functional (it’s almost there) then to drive it how it is forever. I’ve always wanted a convertible, but time to fund a new project, and this one is cheap and registered and pretty awesome for the next person. The windshield wipers work, the lights were working last I checked, even the factory gas heater fan worked (before I took it out and put it in a box). Turn signals work, emergency blinkers work, speedometer works, oil light and generator light work. I tested the generator and it is charging.

Please don’t ask me if it can be driven to LA/San Francisco – it should probably be trailered or towed. But if you want an adventure It is possible it could make it, but I wouldn’t want to risk it. If you look at super beetle convertibles for sale on the west coast, or in the US, this one is exceptionally cheap for what it is, so please don’t insult me with a low offer. I’ll keep it if I don’t get what I want.

$2900 or best offer.

Please email me or call me with any questions, thank you. Eight zero 5 nine zero 3 twenty five ten.

Andrew Anderson