If I were to get a stick-shift 1969 VW, does anybody know of limitations or caveats to tow it behind our 94 Barth Regency?

It is my understanding that with a stick shift, one can just put the car in neutral and tow it with all four wheels on the ground. The ad does state: "...it has a 72 Dual Port Engine with approximately 9,000 miles..." I got NO idea what that means...

Any input or feedback are appreciated greatly.

Thank you.

John

"72 dual port engine, etc." means the engine has been replaced with a later model, a common occurence in original beetles as they are getting on in age.

"Dual port" refers to the cylinder head configuration, an improvement that was made by VW toward the end of the air-cooled engine production. It gave the engines a little more power. The term is of more interest to a performance enthusiast than someone merely interested in a practical toad.

As to using a VW as a toad, they were pretty common in the early days of motorhoming. Indeed, I've thought a time or two of getting one myself, though I've been towing a Suzuki Sport Sidekick.

The big disadvantage to an original beetle is simply its age. They wear out and rust as all automobiles do, and many of them have been driven with too much enthusiasm.

There is, however, a body of beetle enthusiasts large enough to support several companies that specialize in replacement and performance parts for VWs, and many beetles have been restored and/or maintained in pristine condition. Buy a "Hot VWs" magazine at your local news stand to see what I mean.

A well-restored VW would make a fine toad, though the technology & comfort are behind the times.

As a prior bug owner, I think it's a great idea. I had a cheap towbar that hooked on the torsion suspension. It was quick and easy to put on and take off. The only problem in my opinion is air conditioning. It was hard to find a bug with good A/C. I also agree with Olroy, they are getting a bit old and replacement parts or technicians might be a little harder. You won't have to worry about coolant leaks.

quote:

Originally posted by Ed Chevalier:
As a prior bug owner, I think it's a great idea. I had a cheap towbar that hooked on the torsion suspension. It was quick and easy to put on and take off.

Yeah, I had the same thing on my trailing link bugs. Pretty neat, and they followed like a new puppy. But I think the 79 has McPherson Strut front suspension.

Looking for opinios on using a VW bus as a toad -- vs. a bug as I originally solicited comment about here.

A VW bus seems to be relatively light weight, they have manual xmissions, they have storage space we need. There seem to be many pluses but I would like to ask the group their opinions on downsides to this idea. Upside is welcome as well. Thank you.

I have no experience with a VW bus as a toad, but I have often thought about it, too, for similar reasons.