356's = Vw's parts available...how do u know whats right?

Aloha,

"Lotta ins. Lotta outs. And a lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's--"

The questions is Beck/JPS/IM etc. How do you know which year parts will work with your replica? Like a Beck uses it's own frame. How would you know what year vw's part will work with your frame for example...the front end set-up, steering box, etc. Basically, is this a hit or miss when buying part? OK, I understand they are replicas. But if something breaks, I want to be able to buy a replacement part..without the hassle of a "original 356" parts hunt.

Since these are replicas if I find an original 356 shifter knob at a swap meet...would this fit my shifter...regardless of maker? (maybe a bad example)

Am I reading into the replica to much? It only looks like a replica. So could I say all parts are from 1972- 1980 vw bugs?

If I wanted to change out the shocks...what year vw would I use as a reference? IF it is a Beck?

Probably silly questions... Sorry...just trying to get a grasp of the 356 replica idea.

I really don't want to just drive it to a vw mech. and say fix it...I would if I get to a point were it's above my capablity...but damn if I want to take it to him just to change the shocks to coil overs...

I like the fact you might have to tinker with it to make it "just right" but being on an island for parts...thats the tough part...

Mahalo Mike

Hey Mike---I read your post with much interest! Mine is a Vintage/AL Speedster with a Mexican VW engine and I am compiling a list of what the hell is in it. For example---when I need new pads for my disc brakes--what do I buy???? That's what you mean, isn't it?

It's a shame the lack of documentation that comes with a replica. Tis site and the kind folks on it have been a godsend for me and I'm learning every day.

I got the "how to keep your VW alive" book so I'm good to go on the engine part---sorta. I'm still searching for a place to have the tires balanced---striking out and it looks like Sears can do 'em. Yep---sears. Whatever---right?

I found my battery today and really had a great feeling of success---I never saw it in the week I've had the car and was determined to locate the damned thing today. --It was way up front under the spare tire in a space behind the front bumper--the carpet unsnaps and there it was! Pretty sad--huh? I know it. That's why I'm posting on the newbie area. But wouldn't you think that some info would be available about where the hell the battery is? I checked the pukey jack that was in the car. This thing wouldn't go higher that about 5"--I'm not making this up. Into the trash it went! I'll but a real one tomorrow. The "tool packet" is a joke too. Out it goes as well. And I just found out where a jack goes to get the car up to change a tire. Pitiful I know but a kind guy on this site posted a diagram of places to put a jack

I am just positive that what you posted and what I've shared are the very reasons you see wonderful kitcars for sale with less than 1,000 miles on them!!!!! All the time. Good luck with yours---I'll check back tomorrow.---Jack, Hot Springs

Jack....Yep...thats the same questions I have...right now though I am not an owner of a speedster..still on the hunt...just trying to get my head straight...

Sears...I don't understand why any tire garage couldn't balance them...

Check the library tab above..I remember a Vintage Owners manual on the site.

the hunt is on....

Mahalo Mike

Mike,

Some of the parts are stock VW Beetle, some Ghia, some in-house Beck specific, some oddball Brazilian Chevy and even Mercedes. I know what they all are... maybe I should write it down one of these days...
:)
If you have any Beck specific parts questions, feel free to ask me directly and I can steer you in the right direction. E-mail or calling the shop is the easiest for me.

Mike--the reason I can't get the tires balanced in this town of 100,000 with 6-10 tire places is that the wheels are VW Bug wheels wnd they have an oddball spacing for the holes where the nuts go. ---Real wide. I'm not exactly in Southern Californis now (used to live in Woodland Hills ---Sam Fernando Valley) but now I'm in a plain vanilla middle America town wher bugs are about totally extinct so no tire shop here has what they need (an adaptor) that will handle my obsolete wheels. Hell of a note. Now I'll have to travel 60 miles to Little Rock IF I can find a place there that will balance them.


Are we having fun yet???? Jack, Hot Springs

Jack,

Discount Tires has the right adapter to balance wide 5 rims (VW/356)... I have purchased tires from 3 stores in the Houston area over the last 4 years and they all have the adapter....

Hey Jim---I'm glad SOMEBODY can balance these almost obsolete wheels!
I'm in Hot Springs, AR so Houston is no help. I think I will call Discount tire though--maybe they have a spare adaptor they would sell me.

Many thanks---Jack

ps--anybody know where the fuses on a VS are located???

Above the left kick panel ..above your left knee

Looks like Discount Tire is more regoinal than I thought see http://dt.know-where.com/DiscountTire/

Those adaptors are frequently available on EBAY. You can also find them at a place called, "Manly By Design" or something similar. He also makes those dipstick thermometers if that will help you find him.

My son works at Discount Tire and there are 5 that I can count within 20 miles of us here in Denton (north Dallas). I thought they were on almost every corner :) He says most any good tire shop should have similar adapters as they are commonly used for large 4X truck tires with the center locks as well.

Many places can also balance the tires with the wheels on the car. Actually a very accurate way to balance since the brake assembly and lug nuts are also factored in. You just have to put them back in same location should you remove them.

That's exactly the way John Muir tells you to DIY on his book; makes sense. I wonder the weights are available retail at the auto parts store; shouldn't bee too difficult.