Electrical System Question

twodotmike · Post by **twodotmike** » Thu May 29, 2014 1:43 pm

My grandson was given a '66 Beetle 1300 with no engine, no engine tin. The vehicle is rough, but the wiring does not appear to be damaged. It seems to be a 6 volt system.
My question...assuming (I know, I know) that no wires are shorted, would it be acceptable (safe) to temporarily install a battery to test the lights, horn, accessories, etc.
Thanks in advance.

darzoom · Post by **darzoom** » Thu May 29, 2014 3:04 pm

Yes. Be sure the positive lead going to the starter are not toching ground and the hot lead from the starter to the switch is hooked up. It should be fine as it is usually connected on the starter to jump back to the fuse blocek. Look at the attached link for a diagram of the 1966 wiring. It is easy to follow and I am sure you can figure it out.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... hx16tWvHEg

Good Luck!

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Fri May 30, 2014 3:29 pm

If you're buying a battery, a 6-volt Optima is well worth the investment.

h~moto · Post by **h~moto** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:30 pm

The path of current from the battery/starter to the front of the car is connected by way of the B+ terminal of the generator/regulator. To complete the circuit you will need to connect the two large red wires in the engine compartment - one coming from the left side and one from the right. Both should have female terminals so it's not a simple "plug the connectors together".

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:16 pm

That, or they both have raw soldered ends that are held to the regulator by a screw clamp, depending on which 6-volt regulator you have.

h~moto · Post by **h~moto** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 8:47 pm

I know they used the screw clamps for electrical connecters on the older Beetles. I had thought that VW used push-on terminals throughout on 1966 vehicles. Are there any other areas that a `66 Beetle might have screw clamp terminals?

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:48 am

No, but I've seen both type of 6-volt regulators on '60s Beetles because that's the type of part that often gets replaced.

twodotmike · Post by **twodotmike** » Thu Jan 22, 2015 12:47 pm

Hello, to all who responded,

Waiting for the spring thaw in Wyoming, I was going over my selected VW sites and, as I reviewed my request, it appears I did not "THANK" all who answered me. For that I am terribly sorry. I don't know why I missed that.

I appreciate your time and information and my grandson is eagerly waiting to delve into his project.

twodotmike