I've just started looking for my first Notch or Fasty.
I've had Buses and Beetles before but this will be my first Type 3.
Do the experts out there have any hot tips of what to look for when buying.
I'm based in West Cork, Ireland. These cars are very thin on the ground in Ireland and I will have to travel to the UK I'd say.
Any advice would be great.
Wanted! Hot tips when buying a Type 3.
They're pretty similar to the other old VWs - check out the bottom 6 inches (150mm) of the body for rust, bumper mounts, front inner wings up near the top and the air box, under back seats, squeeze the inner sill - better still, lift up the carpet and examine for rust.
Mechanically, very similar - a lot of engine components in common with the Type 1 1500/1600 engine.
All exterior body panels from waistline down unbolt apart from front and rear valance. Repairs behind these are invisible, so can hide more and be more easily repaired invisibly too.
You will find the ride less fussy and more comfortable than a Beetle, quicker and a lot more economical that a Bus.
Parts, panels, seals interior harder to find than a Type 1 or 2, so get a good one and save a lot of hard work.
There are still some that surface from time to time that were bought by above-average income owners, and have been kept dry. Many have by now been open air cars for many years and have suffered somewhat, but they can all be recovered with work and/or money.
Don't throw anything away as you restore though - you may not always find a replacement too easily. Specifically, the Bosch German parts are better than any Mexican or Spanish alternative.
The stock set-up is very good - be cautious before 'improving performance' with add-ons, different distributors, carbs etc.
Hope that helps.
Dave.
Mechanically, very similar - a lot of engine components in common with the Type 1 1500/1600 engine.
All exterior body panels from waistline down unbolt apart from front and rear valance. Repairs behind these are invisible, so can hide more and be more easily repaired invisibly too.
You will find the ride less fussy and more comfortable than a Beetle, quicker and a lot more economical that a Bus.
Parts, panels, seals interior harder to find than a Type 1 or 2, so get a good one and save a lot of hard work.
There are still some that surface from time to time that were bought by above-average income owners, and have been kept dry. Many have by now been open air cars for many years and have suffered somewhat, but they can all be recovered with work and/or money.
Don't throw anything away as you restore though - you may not always find a replacement too easily. Specifically, the Bosch German parts are better than any Mexican or Spanish alternative.
The stock set-up is very good - be cautious before 'improving performance' with add-ons, different distributors, carbs etc.
Hope that helps.
Dave.
you should be able to get a good sound fastback for under 2k without much difficulty..........a notch maybe another matter! 
I'l keep an eye out down my way, you could keep costs down by driving it back (ive sold 2 cars in the last year that went back to ireland, fly to nearest airport then a very long drive home!)
Good luck
I'l keep an eye out down my way, you could keep costs down by driving it back (ive sold 2 cars in the last year that went back to ireland, fly to nearest airport then a very long drive home!)
Good luck
If at 1st you dont succeed...........it probably wasnt worth it, just say f*ck it & go get a beer!
Nice one Fastlife.
Defo planing on driving it back! Baptism of fire and all that!!
Do it with all the cars I've bought in the UK.
I bought my 72 Bay in Northern Ireland, 9 hour drive home!!
Probably be able to stretch to 3K in the new year.
My wife is hankering after a Fastback but I'm not fussy, I like them all!!
As long as I can get me surfboard ontop.
Defo planing on driving it back! Baptism of fire and all that!!
Do it with all the cars I've bought in the UK.
I bought my 72 Bay in Northern Ireland, 9 hour drive home!!
Probably be able to stretch to 3K in the new year.
My wife is hankering after a Fastback but I'm not fussy, I like them all!!
As long as I can get me surfboard ontop.