New owner of a 66 beetle with questions.

[BodomJuan]

I have bought my first car and it is a '66 VW Beetle, so I am new to this, which is why I have a few questions.

Upon looking at other '66 beetles, I noticed that my beetle doesn't have a radio, driver side a/c, or even a switch for the windshield wipers. I also dont have the little vent inside on the top of the dash that seems to defog the windshield from the inside. The car also doesnt seem to have a lock system. Could this be added in?

Other than those concerns, car runs fine. Great first car and project. Plan on replacing some rusted body parts, new paintjob, Radio/sound system, and locking system if possible.

[jmartini]

Hi BodomJuan: Don't be too concerned about the radio - they were options so they were not included in every car. The switch for the wipers should be a little white nob to the right of the center of your dash that pulls out (like the lights). I've heard some 66 beetles, depending on where they were assembled, may not have had the defroster. Not sure what you mean by a/c, if that is air conditioning, again that was something folks added on. There were no electric lock systems, just a keyed system (unless you are saying there are no locks on your 66, then I have never heard of that happening but someone else may have. Hope this helps.

[Blue Baron]

Old Volkswagens were simple machines. Back then there was really no such thing as air conditioning or remote lock systems. And as John said, the wipers were activated by a knob on the dash, not a stalk on the steering column. The central vent is available as a replacement part, and ties into the heat system. If there's no hole in the dash for the vent, you need to check your chassis number to confirm it's a '66. The first three numbers should be 116.

The first thing you should find for yourself is an owners manual, and the second thing should be a Bentley manual.