Mud flaps were originally offered as a Volkswagen dealership accessory. High quality units are a bit harder to find these days. You can always tell a cheap quality set. The VW logo isn’t formed properly, and sometimes does not even include the “W.” Our friends over at Air Cooled Accessories have some of the nicest we’ve seen.

“Please note. Unlike others available, our sets include full heavy duty mounting hardware. This means heavy gauge brackets, backing bars, and all bolts and washers to enable fitting. They weigh nearly 2KG to give you an idea of the quality.”

They are available in both white and black. If you’re in the market for a set, AAC comes highly recommended for quality air-cooled VW accessories.

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Not a week goes by without someone emailing 1967beetle.com asking he proper way to install a decklid spring on a ’67 Beetle. I had been drafting this process, when a reader in the UK submitted this short video by Kevin O’Neall. Have you too had trouble with your own decklid? If so, let us know below.

1967beetle.com has just finished a collaboration with good pal Chris Vallone of Classic VW Bugs in NY. Chris and I spend a decent amount of time on the phone chasing cars and just recently, talking about what makes the ’67 Beetle so special.

“This is a 4 part series of short films on the “one year only” 1967 Beetle. We discuss the obvious changes, upgrades, and one year only features that make this car so special.”

As always, 1967beetle.com strives for accuracy. However, the ’67 Beetle has a LONG list of one year only parts. If you see something that was left out, etc, please give us your thoughts and comment below. We want to hear from you!

Part 2

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Over the last year, Jeremy Goodspeed has become an asset to 1967beetle.com. Here’s another fantastic article from Jeremy in regards to wiring connector basics. If you’re doing electrical work on a vintage Volkswagen, go ahead and pick up this fantastic non insulated German electrical connector crimp tool he’s been able to bring to the market.

After many years of use, even the best electrical connections can develop resistance or connectors can work loose, both resulting in improper conductivity. Anyone repairing vintage VW’s knows the value in using the proper connectors. However, finding both proper and correct electrical connectors when restoring or repairing an air-cooled VW can be frustrating. However, with some basic understanding you will be able to correct circuits and keep your VW alive!

VW used brass open barrel electrical connectors for many reasons. First, brass is very resistant to corrosion, resulting in long service life. Second, non insulated terminals hold very well and make great contact with the conductor. Third, by crimping the insulated portion of the wire creates both strain relief and keeps contaminants out of the wire. These open barrel connectors also make the most effective crimp assuring stable electrical performance. Generally these connectors result in a service life of at least 25 years. Also with VW making their wiring harness with extra slack, an old terminal can be trimmed off and a new one can be installed essentially doubling the wires service life.

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That oil change comes due one time or another and this was “another!” I made a date with my ’67 and he cooperated.

I backed him out of his space but still under the shading cover. I put a jack under one side to level the car; our driveway slopes ever so gently. Then I carried the tools particular to an oil change to the work area. I slid a nice big sheet of cardboard under my ’67 and was set to drain the oil.

After it had drained, I removed the cover plate and began scraping the old gaskets off the screen, the plate and the bottom of the engine. Heavy on “scrape” and no gouging on the bottom of that engine! Once cleaned, I was set to install new gaskets. I always use some oil to coat and allow to soak into each gasket–both sides. Sort of gives them a better seal when the nuts are tightened and makes them easier to remove at the next oil change. Something that the mechanics at a refrigeration shop taught me way back in my college years.

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