New Project: '72 411

[Guest]

Hey guy! I'm new to the 411/412 forums but a vw veteran(at age 18 )...Here's my new project i picked up for a $100. It's pretty straight, but the motor is all tore apart in the bacl seat. Any recommendatiosn for a rebuild? I'd like to use as many of the parts i already have. I know i will need new pistons, and sleeves. Here's a few pics adn let me know what ya think!

[vwbill]

Wow she's in great shape! They even have the engine apart so you can rebuild it right. She's a Auto too, Sweet! The body looks nice too.
Nice for a 72. I would do a inventory of the engine parts. Then you can see the best direction for the rebuild. I have seen lots of old and new piston and cylinder options. 1800 domes are out there; heads and lots of the 2000 options. I guess you need to check the engine number on the case to see what was there and decide if you want to go original or modified. I think if the case is good and you have the other components why spend money when you can reman the parts and reassemble. You have a lot there in the car and body to get her on the road! You'll need lots of elbow grease and patience with the 411/412! Good Luck! Bill

[can86]

i was "geust" anyways. Yes, i'm really excited about this project. I think these are unique cars! I've also been takiong inventory, adn i think most of everything is there. I'd also like to keep it all origional. The 66,000 miles is supposedly the actual mileage. Where can i pick up a good workshop manual? and what are your thoughts on the bugme video for the motor rebuild? thanks!

[vwbill]

That's great about the parts! I use the Clymer vw 411/412 Manual and the type 2 bus(early years) Bentley Green manual. You will need the type three brown Bentley for the automatic part. I got most of my manuals from Ebay. Did they tell you why she had to be rebuilt when she had 66k on her? Not that you shouldnt go over the motor anyway!
Having it a carb. car should help some with the rebuild ease and part cost.
I dont know what the performance difference is but Deathbus has carbs and he can cruise just fine! What was the engine code for her?
Ray will be your best friend during your rebuild!! If you're talking about Jake Raby's Type 4 rebuild video, I have heard its great and he is amazing at motors!!! Bill

[67 T1]

$100 for the whole car?? Bet Deathbus would give that just for the deck lid. Great find. You've come to the right place to seek advice on 411-412. I recently have dropped the engine and rebuilt the tranny on my 412. Couldn't have done it without the guys on this forum.

So you're a VW veteran at 18? Cool. The Type 4 is somewhat of a different beast than other ACVWs. Before you start anything, get the manuals vwbill referred you to. There is another good 'how to' book that I have, but can't remember the name. I'll try and get it to you on Friday.

Again, great ride. Look forward to hearing your progress. good hunting.

[ecdez]

Good deal. Great find for $100.

[DeathBus]

Yeah that is a nice engine lid!

ALSO get the "How To Rebuild VW Aircooled Engines" book and the BUG ME Type 4 Engine rebuild Video.

[67 T1]

THAT'S the book I was referring to, "How to rebuild AC VW engine". It covers both T-1 and T-4 engines.

One thing you'll do while building your engine, is make constant cross-referances between books, manuals, even some magizines.

Before you even lift a wrench, get the books.

[can86]

I will definately pick up those manuals...and as for the motor needing to be rebuilt. The guy said it looked like it hadwater in it, or was jsut sitting for a long time, to the point where nothing would move. I wish he would have left it together.

This is my 3rd VW and not my last. I also own an 87 jetta, and a 97 gti. But my family have 5 other VWs The only aircooled we have right now is a solid 67 beetle convertible.

I'll have to get the engine code..i'm @ college now, so she's gotta wait till winter and summer break, but i plan on stocking parts this winter

and yes, the whole thing for $100 because that's what it cost the guy have the gas tank cleaned, plus i got a box of new parts! a great deal, in my opinion!

[ecdez]

Clean gas tank! . I'm fighting that battle right now. Well, one less problem for you to worry about .

[Jadewombat]

Clean gas tank! . I'm fighting that battle right now. Well, one less problem for you to worry about .

Use gas tank paint on the inside too, you'll have the same problem with rust clogging up the filter all over again. You can get this paint from cough, cough J.C. Whipme's.

[can86]

On eof the manuals should be here monday! any recommendations for pistons and cylinders? I know those will need replacing...

[ecdez]

Now I might get bashed for saying this but here goes. From what I understand, the Type 4 pistons and cylinders are made stronger than the Type 1's and unless there is some physical defect, they can be cleaned, honed (cylinders), put in new rings and go for it. Rest assured that if this is wrong, someone will point it out.

[DeathBus]

Yes you can reuse the pistons and cylinders.Here is what you have to do though.

You have to check the skirts of the pistons to make sure they have not collapsed. With a dial caliper check the top of the piston 90 degrees from the wrist pin hole. now move down the piston 90 degrees from the wrist pin hole. If the skirts are bigger around than the tops of the pistons then the pistons are OK and have not over heated and collapsed. If the skirts are the same size as the tops or are smaller then they are TRASH. If the pistons show any sign of rubbing, scuffing or have gouges in them, they are TRASH. Also check the ring grooves. Use an old broken ring to scrape them out. MAKE SURE THEY ARE CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS. IF YOU DONT DO THIS YOUR RINGS WILL NOT SEAT CORRECTLY!

Check the Cylinders, if they have gouges, deep scrapes or are discolored, they are trash. Check each cylinder for round. use an inside measuring dial indicator for this. If the cylinder is off any, it is TRASH.
Get a cylinder hone and hone your cylinders using 3 In 1 Oil.

Hope this helps.

[Guest]

I know they can be reused, but i have no cylinders, and all but one piston seems to be ok. Would i be better off picking up used stuff? or buy it new, and from where? thanks!