TYPE 1 CHANGES BY YEAR (Cont.)
1971: Dual port heads to the 1600 engine; three part intake manifold, chrome exhaust valve stems; new combination vacuum/centrifugal advance distributor; added a pressure control valve in the lubrication system; installed the activated charcoal filter for the gas tank fumes; a new 34PICT-3 carburetor; door buzzer; new oil cooler which causes a bump in the shrouding and a pressed-in engine mounting nut on the left side; a new clutch throw-out assembly and ball bearing. To tell a 1971 Bug at first glance, they installed a flow-through air system with little vents back of the rear windows. The headlights go off when the ignition key is off. The Super Beetle arrived with the big nosed front lid (the way to tell them apart) and the McPherson strut front suspension. The Super Beetle is the increased cost model and has bigger front brakes.
1972: Many more hoses and complicated gizmos for Smog Control; new steering column with safety collapse feature; a new distributor with a vacuum retard at idle; exhaust reburner; new muffler. The Ghia has bigger front disc pads. Started production on the Safari (The Thing).
1973: New curved windshield in the Super Beetle. along with a new dash; redesigned fresh air system; new three point front seats; new transmission mounts; new heavy duty braced doors. New monstrous tail lights and front parking and signal lights-almost as big as the fender; paper filter air cleaner. The generator was replaced by the alternator.
1974: The major status change is the self restoring energy absorbing bumpers which make the car longer and the wider track front and mar wheels which make the car appear wider than before. The engine remains unchanged except for a new "quieter muffler" and a new alloy for the cylinder heads which improves cooling. Oh, them is also a new computer check sensor to mad TT)C (top dead center) and one for ignition voltage. The Super Beetle and Convertible have a bit of negative king pin offset for better tracking under braking conditions. The steering wheel collapses ftirther (right into your lap maybe). in case of front end collision. Smaller front seat headrests give better visibility for a change. To top it all off, VW has now installed seat belt ignition interlock system which means you can't start the engine without the seat belt fastened, passenger side, too, if occupied. What I wonder is how the mechanic sits in the front seat with his seat belt fastened and works on the engine? The Ghia has thicker front disc pads while the bug still has drum brakes all the way around. The Thing or Safari as I prefer to call it remains unchanged.
1975: The big change is fuel injection which is mostly mechanical unlike the electronic injection on the old Types III and IV. It's called air flow control (AFC) injection as it's regulated mostly by a box which enriches and leans the mixture in accordance with the flow of air into the intake manifold. VW hopes this system will be more trouble-fi-ee than the old, injection and it certainly seems to be simpler.
1976: Both status and engineering wise, the Bug didn't change.
1977: The last year of the Beetle in the United States. Starting this year, the only air-cooled Type I Volkswagen imported to the U.S. is the convertible.
1978: No changes in the convertible.
1979: No major changes. Last year for the convertible in the USA.
1 Diplacement Table
2 Maint. Intervals
3 Valve Adjustment
4 Engine Calculator
5 Essential Tools
6 Type 1 Changes
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