Hi everyone. I know this is long, but check the description for a table of contents and links to each section. A special thanks to Marcelo Tonella and all our new friends from Brazil. Also thanks to our dear friends Jerry and Judy for letting us work on their beautiful 1969 pride and joy Lemon Drop. See description for lots more Inormation.
Congrats on the video! You explain very clearly, clearly and objectively. Now you have to come to Brazil to know our country and meet Marcelo Tonella. You are very welcome in our country! A big hug! Sorry, my english is rusty!
Show Heidi e Franny, admiro muito pessoas como vocês e o Marcelo e a Bianca Tonella que mostram como fazer a manutenção do próprio carro em casa de forma simples e sem mistérios, graças ao Mestre Tonella hoje eu consigo manter meus VW´s em dia fazendo eu mesmo todo serviço de mecânica. Parabéns pelo canal e pela forma como fazem os vídeos!!!
I recently purchased my dream car, 1963 VW beetle only to find out that I had no mechanical skills at all. But after watching a couple of your videos I’ve been able to get it up and running very nicely. You rock, thanks superstar.
It was mentioned in the video, and truly it is a MUST HAVE for all air cooled VW owners, even if you dont turn a wrench. John's humor, anecdotes, and VW knowledge is boundless. If you love your VW you owe it to that love to buy this book. No, I'm not a salesman for the publisher... I just feel so strongly about it. There is not one thing you will ever have to do to your VW that John doesn't cover. Its all in there... I give you the # so you can do your own search & purchase from your favourite vendor. ISBN-13: 978-1566913102
Hey Franny. Just a quick hello from England. I'm an avid diy mechanic myself, and I always enjoy watching repair videos. I rarely comment on them, but I just wanted to say your 'how to' videos are amongst the best I have ever seen. Not to mention production values better than most television shows. Absolutely awesome job. You deserve 20 times the amount of subscribers than you have at the moment, but keep producing videos of this quality and I've no doubt you and Heidi will get there. You're a natural at this, keep up the unbelievably good work. All the best, Cheers, Rico.
Rico, thank you for the comment. It really does keep our channel going. It is helpful to know that what we do and how we do it make a difference for people. I encouraged Franny to start sharing her wealth of knowledge with the world last year, because of all the hours of time and learning she spent working on the car. It is also like she has you right there in the garage with her keeping her company and even giving advice when needed. So, thanks so much for watching and commenting. You are what help make our channel. Heidi
Been doing this for 40+ years and often wondered why there were no detailed vids that slowly explained the steps for an engine tune and oil change. Thank you ladies... simply and clearly explained.
Engine work has been a major reason why I haven’t bought another Beetle. This video is seriously the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Well laid out. You talked through each step with so much info in an easy to digest format. Thank you. I feel much better about being able to do the maintenance on these cars.
As a prospective new owner of a classis VW Bug, Franny was so helpful in going slowly through each of the steps of valve adjustment, oil and transmission changes, sparl plugs, oil filter, timing, carburation, timing, etc.! Wow! Great job!!
Franny I love your videos! I just bought a 73 Beetle and your videos are the best on RUclips. No cheesy music, no cameras looking at the sky then complaining that the camera is in the wrong place, a clean car and your attention to detail is just perfect. Thank you so much for your videos!
This is hands down, one of the most helpful, well-done, and informative videos on RUclips. The fact that it's about our glorious VW's is secondary. Thank you for your information and professionalism. My '65 standard bug and I thank you!
The most professional video I've ever seen on the topic! Thank you so much for all this information. I will work with confidence on my beloved Beetle after this video. Congratulations from México. New subscriber.
I am an English car mechanic --fantastic tutorial here. I wish I had such a great teacher on English cars 50 years ago when I started working on cars. Again, wonderful job here!!! Chris Maley
+1 … Always the best! Vielen Dank, Heidi and Franny’s Garage …. Our ‘79 SB Kafer Cabrio is better because of your generous Porsche/VW knowledge. 66,348 mi since it’s delivery in Littleton, Colorado.. Cheers , Ingrid
All I can say is this is the BEST video I’ve seen regarding all of the maintenance items you performed. I’ve owned and worked on Beetles for over 20-years and still VERY impressed by how thorough you were in your explanations and workmanship. Thank you! FOLLOWING!!!
I have been doing these maintenance tasks on my own Volkswagen year in and year out for 30 years now -- hard to believe. I know all of this stuff better than I know the back of my own hand. And yet this tutorial was so excellent and so professional that I just couldn't not watch the whole thing. After all these thirty years, I only have one little suggestion: With the oil bath air cleaner, do not set the upper part (filter element) down upside down on its top. The reason (although unlikely) that I was taught as a youngster, is that any loose particles on top of the steel wool could theoretically fall into the top of the "hat" when it's set down upside-down, and might then fall or be drawn into the intake when everything is reassembled. Through all these years, I have always been paranoid about that. What a superb production -- many thanks 😏
Hello Heidi and Franny - new air cool friends Slavo from Trnava /Slovakia/....Perfect car,perfect video and perfect girls...All the best Slavo and Beetle cabrio 70.
I’m about two years late on this, but just bought my first bug (‘65) and watching you has given me such a confidence to be able to get in and tackle some of the preventive and upkeep maintenance. Thank you so much for taking the time to walk us new folks through the steps!
I stopped putting away clean dishes, put on my reading glasses, and stopped the video at 1:17 when I noticed the book!! Thanks for that! I think my copy had a green border, sure wish I had kept it instead of giving it to the new owner of my '74 super beetle when I sold the car way back in '86. Thanks for the memories! Pushing play, back to the video...
I hear that from a lot of folks. My book went to my brother when I passed on one of my first Beetles to him. I later fished it out of a stack at a garage sale he was having. I was a bit annoyed so it has been with me ever since ;) The wire bound version is great out in the shop. Jerry (the owner of this car) just found a used copy at a local parts shop. He was all excited! Franny
Excellent excellent excellent. This is a dream of a video. Well shot, really good angles, good lighting, comprehensive explanation. I have a 1974 Beetle and this video is just awesome for me
Amazing teaching skills. You are a meditation guru and master mechanic. I laugh at the contrast between your amazing garage with lifts and what I and many others look like doing this after watching you. You are the Bob Ross of Beetles and Lemon Drop is your happy little tree! Thanks for giving SO much.
Great video! You've got to be one of the bravest and most careful mechanics I've seen- wearing clean clothes, a pearl necklace, and fashionable visor and coming away from a series of maintenance jobs like that unscathed is no small feat!
I have owned 38 VWs over a period of 40+ years. This video is ABSOLUTELY the BEST one I have ever watched. Franny is dead-on with all she says, as far as I know and by now I think I have a pretty darn good idea about these things A super video, so well made and will lit, still camera etc. Just GREAT! Very informative.
I had a 1961 gulf blue, a 1966 sea blue and a 1970 savannah beige beetle in the 1970s. How I wish I had an excellent video like this to refer to at the time. I can't praise you enough for your excellent tutorial!
This was a great video. It's perfect for the beginner to see the main service points. It's really nice that you have the camera focused on the item being adjusted and that the camera is focused . This is the standard that all repair video's should shoot for. Looking forward to checking out the other vids. I've worked on cars for almost 40 years and I still believe that I can pick up tips that will help out.
having owned several VWs from the 60s plus friends, I have always raised the front axle up to take weight off. It allows grease to penetrate better. The door hinges need to be oiled by removing the plastic caps and squirting oil into top of hinge. I have seen rusted hinges rip the door skin from being forced. BEST tutorial I have ever seen in 55 years
I feel like I should be getting a certificate for all that I learned. Simple instructions, greaat, clear filming and a pleasant demeanor. Thanks SOOOO much.!
Best in every way. Cannot be outdone. What effort to make this and skill with a wrench, presentation, and editing. A joy to watch even without the need for maintenance of my own. Thank you ... bravo!
I've just reordered from Amazon the Keeping your Beetle alive. I wore that book out and put it in a ring binder. When I bought a VW Golf I bought the water cooled version of the book. I eventually gave the air cooled book away to a VW young enthusiast! 😎
My mother recently asked me to take over on the maintenance on her 1969 VW Bus. Since we've moved out of state and we don't have my grandfather nearby to help, the tune ups are long overdue. I'm so glad I found this extensive video, and I'm sure it will help me greatly in the near future. Air-cooled engines are Greek to me!
Thank you very much. I am a DIY kind of a guy and I just bought my 1st Beetle, a '77 1600 Twinport in very good condition (car is 44 yrs old). Now I can service it with confidence.
I am converted - such professionalism from a woman (lady) i have never dreamed of. Now class, next assignment, i have to service my 1998 BMW 323i with 422,000 Km on the clock Gaan so voort ! Regards Frik Meyer
Thank you!!! Restoring a '66 Beetle and I am NOT a car guy. Interior stripped and almost there with all new material. Then the engine and this video is going to save me a LOT of money. :)
This is by far the best VW maintenance video I've seen! I always feel like at some point during a VW video I cringe when they inevitably tell viewers to put gas shocks on the front end or throw away the thermostat and so on. This guide is true to the way the cars are meant to be maintained and not to mention clear and perfectly filmed.
Like the name. Please share our content and subscribe. If you are new to the channel, check out our stranded video. You might enjoy. ruclips.net/video/JBAVyKTckCs/видео.html
I just love your videos. You are clearly a great mechanic but also a great instructor! Your videos are well edited and you hit all the important details many others would skip. Thank you for doing these!
Hi there from Somerset in the UK. Wish I had youtube when I bought my Beetle 20 yrs ago !! Learnt all this out of books, but really helpful to have someone show very precisely, every little detail involved and very clear instructions. If you're just starting out on your first Bug, then I cant praise this video enough !!! Found you about a year ago and glad to get back watching your vids........congratulations ! Love and Peace xx
Watched today while I worked on my computer and I am so impressed! I will soon start a restoration, my first ever, on my 78 Super Beetle covertible and will likely return to this in the future...although I have a different car. I'm an auto-novice (interior designer and artist by training) but know that I can pull off whatever I need as long as I do enough research. You're safety recommendations (i.e. pull up hair with engine running (the same could be said about wearing rings and jewelry)) are right-on proof that you're a wonderful teacher. You're the best and you're rockin' those pearls!
You are by far the best at what you are doing, great video, great explanations, great extra details and tips. Nobody and I mean nobody is as good as you are at creating these videos! I have a 67 bug that I have owned since 1972. Its seen better days but it still runs great. It sat in my dad's driveway for years while I was living out of state and he never started or drove it. So, when I finally got back home it was hard to start and keep running. The engine has been rebuilt twice, its the same engine as when I bought it. Right now it needs some body work, maybe breaks, all new interior and paint. It also has a sunroof and that needs some work, do you have a video or redoing the sunroof? Its a real pain to adjust, like 12 different things that have to be tweaked at the same time to get it to slide smoothly and lock.
I am a small engine and diesel mechanic in the Wash DC area. I must say I am surprised how knowledgeable this young Lady is. One thing I noticed about female Techs. They Follow Instructions! To a T! Much respect. Great Teacher.
Still the best video describing how to set the timing. I forget from year to year and return to this video for clear instructions. Though the makers have moved on to sailing videos they've left a lasting mark with their car videos. Maybe they'll return and throw up another vw video for old time sake? Timing info starts at about 46 minutes in. Thanks Y'all!
You are by far the best VW automotive instructor I have ever seen. You leave no page unturned. I’ve been working on cars since I was fourteen and now I’m almost eighty. I know what I’m talking about but not as much as you. Thank you.
Wow! Lemondrop is super clean and obviously very loved...love it! What a great video and very well edited, Bless you for taking the time to produce this amazingly informative video. 😀
Hi,Watching you from Turkey. I own my grandfathers Volkswagen and am trying to keep the motor safe. Thankyou because you have given the cleanest best informatıon that Turkish car engineers don’t give and they take your car and ruın it. You are a very beautiful person with special knowledge. Thank you soooooooo much for sharing. You saved my grandfathers car❤
I wish we still saw more here, but of older classics, I see more Beetles than anything else :) We are very excited to have all the love from Brazil! Franny
Excellent video, so proud to see another fellow VW driver sharing the info. Just one thing I would love to share with everybody that is just an extra precaution. Depending on who last rebuilt the engine depends on how they dropped the distributor gear in. Most people do take the time to make sure that the rotor is pointing to number one on the distributor and if it's not they move the gear into the proper placement so the rotor would point toward the notch. But I have seen people just drop the gear in and number one spark plug wire could be anywhere around the 360° circle. So the ultimate way to double and triple-check an engine that someone doesn't know about that they may have just bought... To find true top dead center when you can't go by the notch on the distributor is to turn pulley to top dead center mark on pulley, then with a 30 mm wrench attached to the crank pulley wiggle crank back and forth s good tell inches to the left and two inches to the right while looking at the valve rockers on number 1. If they don't move and are still while you are rocking the crank pulley then it is true top dead center and wherever the rotor is pointing that will be where number one spark plug would be. If you rotate the crank back and forth and number one rockers are wiggling then this is not true top dead center and the pulley needs to be turned 360° full rotation and then that will be true top dead center. And then you can do the valve adjustment just like what was shared. I've assumed many times with engines that I have not known that I have bought that I was a true top dead center by going by the notch on the distributor and I've got in trouble several times. So every since then I just want to wiggle the crank and make sure the rockers are still and that way that's the die hard proof that it truly is top dead center. Excellent video! Hope to meet you someday. My daily driver is a 63 beetle Herbie replica. Just about to rebuild the engine, went 222,000 miles on this before having any internal issues. Very reliable run for this engine.
Wow, A treasure chest full of classic beetle maintenance GOLD! I, personally, just want to say thank you for taking all that time to produce this video. Much appreciated
Best complete video for a yearly in-depth tune-up! Very helpful and highly recommended for this video and to subscribe to this channel! Thank you for the great video and skill set! New subscriber.
I just bought a 1970 Beetle and I'm so glad I found this video. It's the best I've seen so far and I know I'll be coming back to it when I need to service it. Thanks so much!
Excellent video on regular maintenance on classic VW beetles. I just purchased my first ('71 Super Beetle / Clementine Orange) and I'm trying to soak in as much knowledge / skill as I can. Love this channel. :)
Very clear information on the process. Thanks so much for the video, I am now a follower. I drive a little yellow '72 beetle and cant wait to do some work on her.
Just got my first bug (72) and now getting up to speed with the ins and outs of these cars. Great video, with great tips and know-how, double thumbs-up.
I feel like it's only fair to comment each time I watch this video because it's so freakin awesome, hope the comments help your place in the RUclips algorithm also to everyone else, watch the ads all the way through for these ladies, that's how they get the most monetization for the video which is certainly deserved! Thanks Heidi and Franny! Super duper awesome, so much info! Too much to absorb in one go around.... but that's the beauty of RUclips, you can watch as many times as you need!
I'm over in the UK and have recently bought a 1972 VW Bay Window Pickup, 1600cc. I've always serviced and maintained my own vehicles from oil changes to cylinder head replacements etc, but having never owned anything aircooled or pre 1990s, I was keen to find information on servicing and adjustments that are crucial to these older vehicles. Most videos I have seen have been explained poorly or are filmed in a dark garage using a flashlight so you can't really see what's going on. Your video is great!!! Everything explained in great detail but not in a way that would confuse, the filming is perfect and everything can be seen clearly. Although a long video, i like the 'contents' section at the start making it easy to navigate to a specific section. I've subscribed and shall be watching more of your videos!! :)
Not a Beetle guy, but respect and a enjoy people that are masters of their trade. Excellent, you set a very high standard both as a mech and in video production!
I just got a 71 super beetle, I've never worked on a car and it needs to be restored, I honestly feel like I can fix it up after watching your videos! Thank you so much!!
My first car was a 1966 beetle and I read the Idiot guide from cover to cover and learned how to work on VWs . The convertible looks pristine and I am sure it is worth a lot of money .
Excellent service video! This takes me down memory lane. I bought a '65 bug in 1975 with 118K on it and over ~100k did this service many times! Drove it like a jeep. Great car.
Wow... just wow. We are adopting a 1968 Beetle next week and this is fantastic, educational, invaluable, enthralling! Thank you so much for sharing this information clearly and concisely with excellent spoken instructions, camera work and production. Liked and subscribed!
It looks different in every workshop. Even your favorite tools are not always the same and it is extremely interesting to be able to peek over your shoulder. You always learn something about it, but on top of that I was able to brush up my English again. A beautiful video!
One of the tricks that I learned early on with VW Transaxles and fluid changes is to warm up the fluid in the microwave. Mind you the tall bottles that you were using will probably not fit, but putting the gear oil into a Pyrex cup and heating it up a minute or so will make the pumping much easier. A great maintenance video BTW! Thanks for making it!
Hi everyone. I know this is long, but check the description for a table of contents and links to each section. A special thanks to Marcelo Tonella and all our new friends from Brazil. Also thanks to our dear friends Jerry and Judy for letting us work on their beautiful 1969 pride and joy Lemon Drop. See description for lots more Inormation.
Heidi and Franny's Garage muito obrigado , acompanho o tonella e através dele acompanho vocês também ,parabéns pelos seus vídeos magníficos !!!!!!!!
Congrats on the video! You explain very clearly, clearly and objectively. Now you have to come to Brazil to know our country and meet Marcelo Tonella. You are very welcome in our country! A big hug! Sorry, my english is rusty!
Show Heidi e Franny, admiro muito pessoas como vocês e o Marcelo e a Bianca Tonella que mostram como fazer a manutenção do próprio carro em casa de forma simples e sem mistérios, graças ao Mestre Tonella hoje eu consigo manter meus VW´s em dia fazendo eu mesmo todo serviço de mecânica.
Parabéns pelo canal e pela forma como fazem os vídeos!!!
Brazil loves you
Awww, how sweet! We love Brazil too!
Made 4 years ago... and still the best maintenance video...
Wow... It's been for years? Holy cow!
This is the best VW maitenance tutorial that i've seen in my entire life.
Yea!!! Glad you liked it! F
Hands down! I’ve learned so much from this one video about taking care of my Bertha 💙🚎💨
Definitely a must save!
Could not agree more
I agree!
I've been working on Volkswagen for 45 years and this is 100% the best video I seen also
I recently purchased my dream car, 1963 VW beetle only to find out that I had no mechanical skills at all. But after watching a couple of your videos I’ve been able to get it up and running very nicely. You rock, thanks superstar.
Yea! Go Paige!! Sounds to me like you have major skills! :) Franny
It was mentioned in the video, and truly it is a MUST HAVE for all air cooled VW owners, even if you dont turn a wrench. John's humor, anecdotes, and VW knowledge is boundless. If you love your VW you owe it to that love to buy this book. No, I'm not a salesman for the publisher... I just feel so strongly about it. There is not one thing you will ever have to do to your VW that John doesn't cover. Its all in there... I give you the # so you can do your own search & purchase from your favourite vendor.
ISBN-13: 978-1566913102
No problem. We all have Heidi and Franny to teach us! Keep trying and trying!
Hey Franny. Just a quick hello from England. I'm an avid diy mechanic myself, and I always enjoy watching repair videos. I rarely comment on them, but I just wanted to say your 'how to' videos are amongst the best I have ever seen. Not to mention production values better than most television shows. Absolutely awesome job. You deserve 20 times the amount of subscribers than you have at the moment, but keep producing videos of this quality and I've no doubt you and Heidi will get there. You're a natural at this, keep up the unbelievably good work. All the best, Cheers, Rico.
Rico, thank you for the comment. It really does keep our channel going. It is helpful to know that what we do and how we do it make a difference for people. I encouraged Franny to start sharing her wealth of knowledge with the world last year, because of all the hours of time and learning she spent working on the car. It is also like she has you right there in the garage with her keeping her company and even giving advice when needed. So, thanks so much for watching and commenting. You are what help make our channel. Heidi
I could not agree more with Rico’s analysis.
Been doing this for 40+ years and often wondered why there were no detailed vids that slowly explained the steps for an engine tune and oil change. Thank you ladies... simply and clearly explained.
Engine work has been a major reason why I haven’t bought another Beetle. This video is seriously the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Well laid out. You talked through each step with so much info in an easy to digest format. Thank you. I feel much better about being able to do the maintenance on these cars.
I'm so glad that there are folks out there like Franny who knows and loves these cars and helps keep them alive!
As a prospective new owner of a classis VW Bug, Franny was so helpful in going slowly through each of the steps of valve adjustment, oil and transmission changes, sparl plugs, oil filter, timing, carburation, timing, etc.! Wow! Great job!!
Franny I love your videos! I just bought a 73 Beetle and your videos are the best on RUclips. No cheesy music, no cameras looking at the sky then complaining that the camera is in the wrong place, a clean car and your attention to detail is just perfect. Thank you so much for your videos!
This is hands down, one of the most helpful, well-done, and informative videos on RUclips. The fact that it's about our glorious VW's is secondary. Thank you for your information and professionalism. My '65 standard bug and I thank you!
Thank you.
The most professional video I've ever seen on the topic! Thank you so much for all this information. I will work with confidence on my beloved Beetle after this video. Congratulations from México. New subscriber.
Wow! Thanks so much!
I am an English car mechanic --fantastic tutorial here. I wish I had such a great teacher on English cars 50 years ago when I started working on cars. Again, wonderful job here!!! Chris Maley
+1 … Always the best! Vielen Dank, Heidi and Franny’s Garage …. Our ‘79 SB Kafer Cabrio is better because of your generous Porsche/VW knowledge. 66,348 mi since it’s delivery in Littleton, Colorado.. Cheers , Ingrid
All I can say is this is the BEST video I’ve seen regarding all of the maintenance items you performed. I’ve owned and worked on Beetles for over 20-years and still VERY impressed by how thorough you were in your explanations and workmanship. Thank you! FOLLOWING!!!
WOW Lemon Drop has a clean engine. People who haven't owned a vintage VW Beetle will be missing nostalgia in their life.
They are really special :)
I have been doing these maintenance tasks on my own Volkswagen year in and year out for 30 years now -- hard to believe. I know all of this stuff better than I know the back of my own hand. And yet this tutorial was so excellent and so professional that I just couldn't not watch the whole thing.
After all these thirty years, I only have one little suggestion: With the oil bath air cleaner, do not set the upper part (filter element) down upside down on its top. The reason (although unlikely) that I was taught as a youngster, is that any loose particles on top of the steel wool could theoretically fall into the top of the "hat" when it's set down upside-down, and might then fall or be drawn into the intake when everything is reassembled.
Through all these years, I have always been paranoid about that.
What a superb production -- many thanks 😏
Thanks! and thanks for the tip!
Hello Heidi and Franny - new air cool friends Slavo from Trnava /Slovakia/....Perfect car,perfect video and perfect girls...All the best Slavo and Beetle cabrio 70.
So glad I found you. Don’t have a Beetle, my dream car. My dad was a mechanic and taught me so much; love learning. You’re a wonderful teacher too!
I’m about two years late on this, but just bought my first bug (‘65) and watching you has given me such a confidence to be able to get in and tackle some of the preventive and upkeep maintenance. Thank you so much for taking the time to walk us new folks through the steps!
I stopped putting away clean dishes, put on my reading glasses, and stopped the video at 1:17 when I noticed the book!! Thanks for that! I think my copy had a green border, sure wish I had kept it instead of giving it to the new owner of my '74 super beetle when I sold the car way back in '86. Thanks for the memories! Pushing play, back to the video...
I hear that from a lot of folks. My book went to my brother when I passed on one of my first Beetles to him. I later fished it out of a stack at a garage sale he was having. I was a bit annoyed so it has been with me ever since ;) The wire bound version is great out in the shop. Jerry (the owner of this car) just found a used copy at a local parts shop. He was all excited! Franny
Excellent excellent excellent. This is a dream of a video. Well shot, really good angles, good lighting, comprehensive explanation. I have a 1974 Beetle and this video is just awesome for me
Wow! Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful :) Franny
I am shortly going to purchase a pre 1980 Beetle. I found your video amazing, & I shall be watching all your other ones. Well done !
This is by far the best and most detailed VW video I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing teaching skills. You are a meditation guru and master mechanic. I laugh at the contrast between your amazing garage with lifts and what I and many others look like doing this after watching you. You are the Bob Ross of Beetles and Lemon Drop is your happy little tree! Thanks for giving SO much.
Awww. Thanks so much!
Great video! You've got to be one of the bravest and most careful mechanics I've seen- wearing clean clothes, a pearl necklace, and fashionable visor and coming away from a series of maintenance jobs like that unscathed is no small feat!
I have owned 38 VWs over a period of 40+ years. This video is ABSOLUTELY the BEST one I have ever watched. Franny is dead-on with all she says, as far as I know and by now I think I have a pretty darn good idea about these things A super video, so well made and will lit, still camera etc. Just GREAT! Very informative.
Wow, great to hear. Thank you so much!
I had a 1961 gulf blue, a 1966 sea blue and a 1970 savannah beige beetle in the 1970s. How I wish I had an excellent video like this to refer to at the time. I can't praise you enough for your excellent tutorial!
This was a great video. It's perfect for the beginner to see the main service points. It's really nice that you have the camera focused on the item being adjusted and that the camera is focused . This is the standard that all repair video's should shoot for. Looking forward to checking out the other vids. I've worked on cars for almost 40 years and I still believe that I can pick up tips that will help out.
Yea! Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree, all your camera angels really make the whole viewing experience well worth it, and definitely help with the learning curb.
Geetings from Bavaria, Germany. This is by far the most professional tutorial video i've ever seen. Thank you so much!
Thank you.
having owned several VWs from the 60s plus friends, I have always raised the front axle up to take weight off. It allows grease to penetrate better. The door hinges need to be oiled by removing the plastic caps and squirting oil into top of hinge. I have seen rusted hinges rip the door skin from being forced. BEST tutorial I have ever seen in 55 years
I feel like I should be getting a certificate for all that I learned. Simple instructions, greaat, clear filming and a pleasant demeanor. Thanks SOOOO much.!
Glad you liked it :)
This VW bug is so well cared and kept that even the inner wheels are clean! Outstanding!
Best in every way. Cannot be outdone. What effort to make this and skill with a wrench, presentation, and editing. A joy to watch even without the need for maintenance of my own. Thank you ... bravo!
Thanks!
Best topic explanation I’ve ever heard. Clear and to the point with no irrelevant “filler” bs. FANTASTIC JOB!
I've just reordered from Amazon the Keeping your Beetle alive. I wore that book out and put it in a ring binder. When I bought a VW Golf I bought the water cooled version of the book. I eventually gave the air cooled book away to a VW young enthusiast! 😎
I am really enjoyed your video and its very good explanation in it. Thank you MISS.
I followed your timing setting it super cool. Now my bugs is smooth running. I did my self. Thanks again 👍😎
Best ignition timing check on RUclips
Excellent video ! I switch between a '70 and a '71 as my daily drivers . It's great to see what a spotless engine bay looks like !
My mother recently asked me to take over on the maintenance on her 1969 VW Bus. Since we've moved out of state and we don't have my grandfather nearby to help, the tune ups are long overdue. I'm so glad I found this extensive video, and I'm sure it will help me greatly in the near future. Air-cooled engines are Greek to me!
Great! Well, if you get stuck, just reach out. Also the Samba forum is cram packed with information.
What an excellent easy to follow maintenance video !
Give praise when credit is dew !! You and your team have made a well informed and very detailed and informative video !! Well done from Sweden
Thank you.
Thank you very much. I am a DIY kind of a guy and I just bought my 1st Beetle, a '77 1600 Twinport in very good condition (car is 44 yrs old). Now I can service it with confidence.
I just watched your video, and you did an "Excellent" job of explaining everything! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Sure. Thanks.
I am converted - such professionalism from a woman (lady) i have never dreamed of.
Now class, next assignment, i have to service my 1998 BMW 323i with 422,000 Km on the clock
Gaan so voort !
Regards
Frik Meyer
Thank you!!! Restoring a '66 Beetle and I am NOT a car guy. Interior stripped and almost there with all new material. Then the engine and this video is going to save me a LOT of money. :)
I miss my air-cooled VWs. This video takes me back.
Hello from , I have a vw beetle for 34 years and I’m in love with your videos, congratulations!!
+Luis Oliveira great!
This is by far the best VW maintenance video I've seen! I always feel like at some point during a VW video I cringe when they inevitably tell viewers to put gas shocks on the front end or throw away the thermostat and so on. This guide is true to the way the cars are meant to be maintained and not to mention clear and perfectly filmed.
Like the name. Please share our content and subscribe. If you are new to the channel, check out our stranded video. You might enjoy. ruclips.net/video/JBAVyKTckCs/видео.html
I'm getting my first Bug in a few weeks and this video has made me feel much more comfortable in owning a 60 year old car, thanks!
I just love your videos. You are clearly a great mechanic but also a great instructor! Your videos are well edited and you hit all the important details many others would skip. Thank you for doing these!
Thanks so much!
Still the best of the best video 6 years after. 🎉 thank you from all of us. VW lovers and owners.
Hi there from Somerset in the UK.
Wish I had youtube when I bought my Beetle 20 yrs ago !! Learnt all this out of books, but really helpful to have someone show very precisely, every little detail involved and very clear instructions.
If you're just starting out on your first Bug, then I cant praise this video enough !!!
Found you about a year ago and glad to get back watching your vids........congratulations ! Love and Peace xx
Thanks so much!!
This video brings back great memories! I loved working on my old Beetle. It's been over 30 years ago but I've stayed faithful to VW ever since!
Love this awesome mechanics tutorials. Been working on air cooled VWs many years & never hear a better tune up tutorial!
Thanks! That's nice to hear :)
Watched today while I worked on my computer and I am so impressed! I will soon start a restoration, my first ever, on my 78 Super Beetle covertible and will likely return to this in the future...although I have a different car. I'm an auto-novice (interior designer and artist by training) but know that I can pull off whatever I need as long as I do enough research. You're safety recommendations (i.e. pull up hair with engine running (the same could be said about wearing rings and jewelry)) are right-on proof that you're a wonderful teacher. You're the best and you're rockin' those pearls!
Hi Roy. Please sub to our channel. I think you will find it helpful if you are going to start a restoration. Heidi
This video is an absolute home run! Great camera angles and explanations about each procedure. Well done, thank you!
Thanks so much!
You are by far the best at what you are doing, great video, great explanations, great extra details and tips. Nobody and I mean nobody is as good as you are at creating these videos!
I have a 67 bug that I have owned since 1972. Its seen better days but it still runs great. It sat in my dad's driveway for years while I was living out of state and he never started or drove it.
So, when I finally got back home it was hard to start and keep running. The engine has been rebuilt twice, its the same engine as when I bought it.
Right now it needs some body work, maybe breaks, all new interior and paint.
It also has a sunroof and that needs some work, do you have a video or redoing the sunroof? Its a real pain to adjust, like 12 different things that have to be tweaked at the same time to get it to slide smoothly and lock.
I am a small engine and diesel mechanic in the Wash DC area. I must say I am surprised how knowledgeable this young Lady is. One thing I noticed about female Techs. They Follow Instructions! To a T! Much respect. Great Teacher.
Absolutely FANTASTIC video, great clarity with sound, very informative and thorough. thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Still the best video describing how to set the timing. I forget from year to year and return to this video for clear instructions. Though the makers have moved on to sailing videos they've left a lasting mark with their car videos. Maybe they'll return and throw up another vw video for old time sake? Timing info starts at about 46 minutes in. Thanks Y'all!
We are glad you find it useful.
You are by far the best VW automotive instructor I have ever seen. You leave no page unturned. I’ve been working on cars since I was fourteen and now I’m almost eighty. I know what I’m talking about but not as much as you. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
What a netter than new example of a Beetle! And thanks for the comprehensive yearly service class!
Wow! Lemondrop is super clean and obviously very loved...love it!
What a great video and very well edited,
Bless you for taking the time to produce this amazingly informative video. 😀
Just picked up a ‘72 Beetle. This video covered everything I needed to make sure it was ready for me to enjoy it. Thank you so much!
Hi,Watching you from Turkey. I own my grandfathers Volkswagen and am trying to keep the motor safe. Thankyou because you have given the cleanest best informatıon that Turkish car engineers don’t give and they take your car and ruın it. You are a very beautiful person with special knowledge. Thank you soooooooo much for sharing. You saved my grandfathers car❤
hey Franny. Glad to see you talking about viewers from Brazil. here we have lots of beetles. and we love them.
I wish we still saw more here, but of older classics, I see more Beetles than anything else :) We are very excited to have all the love from Brazil! Franny
What an incredible how to video. Tons of good stuff here. Especially for someone getting their first VW (me)
Excellent video, so proud to see another fellow VW driver sharing the info. Just one thing I would love to share with everybody that is just an extra precaution. Depending on who last rebuilt the engine depends on how they dropped the distributor gear in. Most people do take the time to make sure that the rotor is pointing to number one on the distributor and if it's not they move the gear into the proper placement so the rotor would point toward the notch. But I have seen people just drop the gear in and number one spark plug wire could be anywhere around the 360° circle. So the ultimate way to double and triple-check an engine that someone doesn't know about that they may have just bought... To find true top dead center when you can't go by the notch on the distributor is to turn pulley to top dead center mark on pulley, then with a 30 mm wrench attached to the crank pulley wiggle crank back and forth s good tell inches to the left and two inches to the right while looking at the valve rockers on number 1. If they don't move and are still while you are rocking the crank pulley then it is true top dead center and wherever the rotor is pointing that will be where number one spark plug would be. If you rotate the crank back and forth and number one rockers are wiggling then this is not true top dead center and the pulley needs to be turned 360° full rotation and then that will be true top dead center. And then you can do the valve adjustment just like what was shared. I've assumed many times with engines that I have not known that I have bought that I was a true top dead center by going by the notch on the distributor and I've got in trouble several times. So every since then I just want to wiggle the crank and make sure the rockers are still and that way that's the die hard proof that it truly is top dead center. Excellent video! Hope to meet you someday. My daily driver is a 63 beetle Herbie replica. Just about to rebuild the engine, went 222,000 miles on this before having any internal issues. Very reliable run for this engine.
Wow this lady knows her cars. What a amazing mechanic. So professional and Meticulous. I'd take my car to her anytime except I live in south Africa 😅
We are not a shop. But thanks for the vote of confidence.
Wow, A treasure chest full of classic beetle maintenance GOLD! I, personally, just want to say thank you for taking all that time to produce this video. Much appreciated
Thanks! You are very welcome :)
Thanks for all your videos, they are a big help in keeping my bug alive 🙌
Wow, we just implemented the superthanks TODAY! You just made our evening. Thank you. I am glad it helped.
I don't even have a VW Beetle and I watched the entire video. Great explanations, lighting, camera angles, just everything. Well done!
Thanks.
Excellent tutorial. Information is broken down and instructions are really clear and easy to ubderstand. Excellent job! Thank you! Learned a lot!
Best complete video for a yearly in-depth tune-up! Very helpful and highly recommended for this video and to subscribe to this channel! Thank you for the great video and skill set! New subscriber.
By far, this is the most informative beetle service vid. Dunno how many times I've referred back to this vid and the others you do. 👍🇦🇺
I just bought a 1970 Beetle and I'm so glad I found this video. It's the best I've seen so far and I know I'll be coming back to it when I need to service it. Thanks so much!
That engine sound, so smooth. Very nice!
+James Steele thanks.
This was just fantastic. As the new owner of a Thing, I feel so much more prepared to do my first tune up. Thank you!
You are the best at helping me with my Volkswagen over any video I’ve seen on RUclips thank you Joe from Lake Greenwood South Carolina
Man I'm subscribing. This channel is what RUclips was invented to do.
Excellent video on regular maintenance on classic VW beetles. I just purchased my first ('71 Super Beetle / Clementine Orange) and I'm trying to soak in as much knowledge / skill as I can. Love this channel. :)
Very clear information on the process. Thanks so much for the video, I am now a follower. I drive a little yellow '72 beetle and cant wait to do some work on her.
brings back memories when I used to do this on my first ever car which was a Bug - miss that car to this day - 30 years later
Just got my first bug (72) and now getting up to speed with the ins and outs of these cars. Great video, with great tips and know-how, double thumbs-up.
Congrats on your new car!
This is a very helpful and useful video. Thank you so much for your step by step instructions. Please do more.
This video hits all Air-cooled upright motors, VW Bus, Karman Ghia, Thing Bug home made Trikes
I feel like it's only fair to comment each time I watch this video because it's so freakin awesome, hope the comments help your place in the RUclips algorithm also to everyone else, watch the ads all the way through for these ladies, that's how they get the most monetization for the video which is certainly deserved!
Thanks Heidi and Franny! Super duper awesome, so much info! Too much to absorb in one go around.... but that's the beauty of RUclips, you can watch as many times as you need!
Kevin you're the best!! Thanks so much!
I'm over in the UK and have recently bought a 1972 VW Bay Window Pickup, 1600cc. I've always serviced and maintained my own vehicles from oil changes to cylinder head replacements etc, but having never owned anything aircooled or pre 1990s, I was keen to find information on servicing and adjustments that are crucial to these older vehicles. Most videos I have seen have been explained poorly or are filmed in a dark garage using a flashlight so you can't really see what's going on. Your video is great!!! Everything explained in great detail but not in a way that would confuse, the filming is perfect and everything can be seen clearly. Although a long video, i like the 'contents' section at the start making it easy to navigate to a specific section. I've subscribed and shall be watching more of your videos!! :)
This is great. I'm 26 and I want to buy a VW as my first car. I know it's a challenge but I love these cars. Epic video
Good luck on your search!
Not a Beetle guy, but respect and a enjoy people that are masters of their trade. Excellent, you set a very high standard both as a mech and in video production!
Thanks!
I just got a 71 super beetle, I've never worked on a car and it needs to be restored, I honestly feel like I can fix it up after watching your videos! Thank you so much!!
Congrats! How exciting!
My first car was a 1966 beetle and I read the Idiot guide from cover to cover and learned how to work on VWs . The convertible looks pristine and I am sure it is worth a lot of money .
Great video Franny. Nice to see all the maintenance in one video. Beautiful little Beetle!
I worked on these for years. The best how to video on how to maintain these old VW I seen yet...Great job...
Excellent service video! This takes me down memory lane. I bought a '65 bug in 1975 with 118K on it and over ~100k did this service many times! Drove it like a jeep. Great car.
Wow... just wow. We are adopting a 1968 Beetle next week and this is fantastic, educational, invaluable, enthralling! Thank you so much for sharing this information clearly and concisely with excellent spoken instructions, camera work and production. Liked and subscribed!
Thanks so much! So glad it is helpful. Congrats on your new car :)
It looks different in every workshop. Even your favorite tools are not always the same and it is extremely interesting to be able to peek over your shoulder. You always learn something about it, but on top of that I was able to brush up my English again. A beautiful video!
One of the tricks that I learned early on with VW Transaxles and fluid changes is to warm up the fluid in the microwave. Mind you the tall bottles that you were using will probably not fit, but putting the gear oil into a Pyrex cup and heating it up a minute or so will make the pumping much easier. A great maintenance video BTW! Thanks for making it!
I do keep the fluid inside. Made the mistake once of setting everything out in the garage the night before...