412 'test drive' request, Eastern NC

[Matthew Bulley]

Howdy all, new listee here-

I'm wondering if there are ANY 411/412 owners here in Eastern NC from whom I could beg a test drive before I buy one these?

Having owned/fully-restored/resurrected a 1976 912e, a pair of 914's, a pair of 1976 VW busses, and loving our current, mint-condition 1982 Vanagon Westfalia, I feel some sick urge to complete the circle, and buy/restore a 412.

I have a pair of them 'on-hold' in "easy to restore" (READ: not running) condition, and I'm about ready to make the jump. But I want to take a spin in one first. So does the enormously patient and tollerant wife.

I have worked on a 412 a few times, and BRIEFLY test drove a customer's car (when I worked at a VW shop), but I'm not positive I want to marry one just yet.

Please take me and my wife for a spin, auto transmission model preferred, with AC even better (as that is what I'm buying, if I like the car). We'll buy you lunch, or a bottle of cheap wine, or something equally wonderful.

p-mail to doIreallywanta412@bulley-hewlett.com

Thanks.

[3rd_slow_411]

Matthew,
I'd give you a test drive if you come to my area but...that's up to you.
Understand one big thing about the 411/412's, everybody (aircooled folk) who I've ever given a ride to was impressed with so many things about these cars, it truly is sad the cars didn't survive better. The only real draw-backs people have, are the style and parts availability. You've owned enough VW's to appreciate the room inside and the ride comfort.
In my experience these cars have the roominess and mileage of the busses and almost the go of the 914's. I'd say, my wife might disagree, get one now if you can. Especially if it has AC. I doubt you'll spend alot of money on one!!
Oh, and don't expect any Red Carpet treatment from you aircooled friends.

[ray greenwood]

Matthew... a few notes for inspiration. The 411/412 is a very innovative car for its years. Had everything every other volkswagon did not. More comfortable seats...a lot of room...much better suspension (a lot may argue that...but it handles better) Heat....did I mention heat? Optional air...and was built very very well...contrary to some of the know nothing articles I have read. This is a product of NSU actually. It was not quite all volkswagon...yet. For those who get around wierd cars....it was very NSU...esque. At some point...you will also realize that it is very Audi...esque....in some subtle line and curve and construction technique ways that may or may not take you a while to figure out. That makes sense...the original four families of Audi (you know...the four rings...) Audi, NSU. Horch and Wanderer. Technically...it is an Audi.
I noticed you mentioned easy to restore....and pleaaaase do not let me scare you away...the more the merrier! This is not an easy car to restore. The actual degree of wrenching is not difficult. This car is beutifully laid out in most maintenance and workspace requirements....but...shop info is very difficult to find....and I mean REAL shop info that you will need at some point. Like rebuilding blowers and wiper motors...finding replacement for plastic parts...working on gas heat...and the auto or manual gearbox. Parts are rare. Not really for motor or drive train (except the 4 speed)...but everything else is. Anyway...a lot of people here can help you. As of this last year...there is now not a single major assembly in a type 4 that I have not seen the inside of...including most of the body panels....and anything I miss...Tuna can help...and a few other people. In my opinion, the four speeds are the most desireable. Not any faster than the Auto...but a lot quicker....and quite a bit harder to find tranmissions for. You really should not get one with A.C....rather find one without...buy the A.C. parts from one and install it yourself. I say this because they were dealer installed...and most of the installations permanently butchered the body in ways you can't imagine. Any-way...these cars have the POTENTIAL to handle very well...but the stock shocks were underated. By the way...they are no longer made since 1992 when KYB as the last manufacturer of shocks ...recalled all of their stock and destroyed it....but I can help you to install KYB gas front and rear...cross match urethane bushings and better sway bars...and this thing handles like a dream....buy it! They get less every year. In 24 years of owning/driving 411/412...I have seen less than a dozen 4 speed 2 doors...an I owned 3 of them...they are going fast...because many are already too far gone. Ray

[MASSIVE TYPE IV]

Ray, I know where a cherry 2 door 4 speed is, it is in great shape....2 grand takes it, pretty sweet ride.

------------------
Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
www.aircooledtechnology.com

[ray greenwood]

I will drop you an e-mail private.. in the next day or so. Is it in Georgia? Is it yellow? I may have met the owner at some point when I lived in Atlanta. Thanks. Ray

[Vgonman]

How is your quest coming? I just got a call from a fellow here in Charleston that wants to give me his garaged 412 that he is tired of working on..I hope it is a good one!

[singlesquared]

Dang,
All these free type 4s surfacing,,Ill take one,=)
Hey 3rd slow, Is your 4 a yellow fastback? If so I think you might have my friend Joels old type 4, Damn nice car , Those things drive super nice , wish I had one.
-Bryan

[3rd_slow_411]

Sorry, not mine. I've got a Black '71 wagon. I have seen a really nice 4-door from Tampa, 'like-new' condition, honestly. The owner was NOT interested in talking at "Bugs on the Pier".