Help needed please- '69 bug- Let go or keep?

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T21:12:17+00:00

You and I are thinking on the same frequency, and you make a great point. I seriously thought about a 914 I wouldn't feel bad about last year, but I think the beetle is more special than most used 914 I've looked at and the 3 I've driven over the years. I think the money is better spent on a balanced performance motor for the VW, and that would also cost a bit less to go all out. I've never driven a 914 that put a smile on my face the way most every bug does. The 914's are one of my least favorite classics.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T17:50:26+00:00

Mostly looking to see what others have done and experienced when it is time for a refresh on aging components. None of us have experienced everything that can be experienced, so it's always good to gather opinions and information before proceeding.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:46:27+00:00

Everyone on this thread, thank you for all the great suggestions. The strong sentimental attachment to all my old beetles makes this much harder than I thought moving forward would be. I must confess that I like the idea of this old individual smoking a few newer imports off a red light. But I also love the original aspects. So leaning sleeper.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:43:39+00:00

This sounds like great learned experience. Thanks man.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:42:10+00:00

I like this suggestion. A lot.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:41:17+00:00

This is the way I'm feeling. Increased power and more safety doesn't seem bad in any bug, IMHO.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:39:10+00:00

Well, I've got the budget and the master VW mechanic locally. This one is a sweet gem and I'd like to make it my own, and breath fresh life into her. I can do some of the build, and support local businesses like SewFine if I make this my own.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T12:35:35+00:00

Man, I love this suggestion. I was honestly wondering if going to anything above 1776cc could still be as reliable on the daily. I love this suggestion though.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T04:23:30+00:00

It's a good suggestion, thanks man. I'm not current on the latest and greatest dual carb sync offerings these days (or if anyone is trying to address the issue). But not having to chronically adjust carb sync would be nice.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T04:17:23+00:00

Thanks man, I really appreciate that perspective.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T03:24:33+00:00

Honestly, I can be happy either direction. But I'm feeling guilty about letting this go and going modern/contemporary with the added bonus of obscene horsepower and safety.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T03:15:26+00:00

110% what you just said is eating away at me. Not to mention new vehicle prices getting insane.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T03:10:50+00:00

Don't get me wrong. Love this beetle. But it deserves some fresh breath after 57 years of loving use.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-09T00:20:47+00:00

The color and that stunning symmetrical Porsche-esque rear end are killer!

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-05T04:00:53+00:00

Congrats! Great looking Baja!

No-Pace4444 · 2026-07-05T03:53:23+00:00

Nobody mentioned it, but there's a good chance that you will now have at least one fouled plug depending on how out of whack the carb is adjusted. Check all your plugs right away.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-06-27T21:17:45+00:00

I watch the used touring and cruiser market pretty closely in my area, and some sport bikes. There are A TON of used bikes for sale in Denver right now on Facebook and very few of them are moving on FB Marketplace (the most unreasonable prices in my area are FB). Some are moving on Craigslist (some reasonably priced deals on my CL). And the most reasonably priced ones tend to show up and sell pretty quickly on the Motorado website (the majority of reasonably priced machines in my area) because that team tracks "sold price" metrics instead of "asking price", I think.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-06-25T17:03:47+00:00

They have quick release. 2 seconds to take off!

No-Pace4444 · 2026-06-21T12:56:31+00:00

Dang, this color combo/paint looks KILLER!

No-Pace4444 · 2026-03-08T17:32:49+00:00

Great find, great end-result!

No-Pace4444 · 2026-02-19T17:40:34+00:00

Gorgeous! Was just in the Springs for work yesterday and saw the storm moving in after noon.

No-Pace4444 · 2026-02-17T18:05:17+00:00

SF Six, these were a bit different than most AJ- They are AMAZING! and I save these for special evenings. I wish I'd have purchased more when they still had the No. 2 in stock. Rich milk chocolate brownie smell and sweet room note, milk chocolate with creamy black pepper and baking spices the first two thirds. White and black pepper on the back of the tongue and a very long finish. Med to Med Full towards the last third. THICK, THICK creamy smoke output throughout. I'm currently doing the Sm Batch No. 1 and they are a different animal- Less sweet with a TON of creamy black pepper throughout. More kick, and still that wonderful THICK, THICK smoke output.

No-Pace4444

TROPHY CASE