I Picked up a 98 Beetle The Other Day!!!

[Dans98Beetle]

I have wanted one of these BUGs ever since they came out. I found this one on CL with 261,000 miles on it. It has a motor with 100k Miles on it. So far the car seams a 100% well minus im putting rear brakes on it,wheel bearings, and I need to get the passenger door open. I fixed all the lights yesturday. I will try to post a picture of it.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Welcome aboard Dan. You are gonna love this place. Anything you need to know about your NB can be found here. Tell us more about your new car, motor?, trans? , color? And we WILL be waiting on those pics. Post em up.....often.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

I have wanted one of these BUGs ever since they came out. I found this one on CL with 261,000 miles on it. It has a motor with 100k Miles on it. So far the car seams a 100% well minus im putting rear brakes on it,wheel bearings, and I need to get the passenger door open. I fixed all the lights yesturday. I will try to post a picture of it.

Hi Dan,

Welcome to the Org!

Here's a little something I put together for all the Newbies
Newbie Welcome Kit!

What's the problem with your pasenger door? If it sounds like this one, follow the link in the last post (that will at least get it open) -
Passenger door is stuck. Please help!

Enjoy your new Bug (and all that goes with it! lol)!

MORAV

[dnyed]

Wellll....it is a good thing you found us, Dan.

[Dans98Beetle]

This was the other day when I was going to move it on a Tow Dolly. You get the idea what the little Big looks like.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Wow...lots of goodies, wheels, spoiler, bra,taillights, clear markers, looks like ya got a good platform to start with. At least you know the last owner was a bug nut too. Now all ya gotta do is dial it in and make it your own.

[dnyed]

Am I the only one who thinks that Bug looks familiar?

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by dnyed

Am I the only one who thinks that Bug looks familiar?

Does kind... can't put a finger on it though.

Oh... Hi Dan

Welcome to the party man! That's a pretty nice bug you've got. I agree with Gene- you've got a nice platform to work with.

BTW, do you know if the timing belt and water pump have been done? Vitally important.

Also, where are you from? There could be an orger near you

Don't be a stranger- keep posting, especially with some pics.

[Dans98Beetle]

I will call the guy and find out exactly when it was done. I know he said it was changed but not sure exactly when. It runs really well.

I think I have "BUG FEVER" Im putting on a new set of rear pads and it has a rolling noise and the rear wheel bearings sound kinda like they have 261K on them im changing them.

What do you torque the nut to on the rear wheels? How about the lug nuts?

[Dans98Beetle]

Im in Binghamton NY. I wish I could get the passenger door open. I have tried everything to try to open it. No luck so far.

[Dans98Beetle]

Ok it was done 60K ago when the new engine was put in. How often should it be changed?

Any ideas on getting the door open besides a cutting torch??? I was told I can remove the plastic panel in the back seat and then remove two nuts that will let the striker come loose?? Is this true?

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

Im in Binghamton NY. I wish I could get the passenger door open. I have tried everything to try to open it. No luck so far.

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

Any ideas on getting the door open besides a cutting torch???

No help in the thread I posted above?

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

I was told I can remove the plastic panel in the back seat and then remove two nuts that will let the striker come loose?? Is this true?

Sounds extreme and unnecessary, a automotive locksmith at worst.

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

Ok it was done 60K ago when the new engine was put in. How often should it be changed?

Book doesn't show it as a service item, but the TB only, if the WP was changed out with one with a metal impellar, at maybe 70k, 75k miles is a good rule of thumb..

MORAV

[Dans98Beetle]

I looked at the thread you posted above. I studied the hole thing...and thanks by the way But It still won't open. It acts like its locked even though its unlocked. The best thing I think at this point is if I can open it from the panel removal I can then get the door panel off and find the problem.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Maybe too many link to link to link to link. Is this the link you were looking at?
HELP!!!! Doors wont open from inside or out!

[Dans98Beetle]

Thats exactly what I tried yesturday. It was like the cable is gone.

[Dans98Beetle]

I thought Id say a little about myself. I own a 05 379X Peterbilt that I drive every day. I have been into drag boats for the last ten or so years. The fastest one I ever owned is my current one. It is a 19ft Nordic V-Drive with a Blown 468 BBC. It runs in the Hi 80's....This boat was featured in "Hot Boat Magazine" a few years ago.If you think your not afraid to go fast let me take you for a ride in a fast boat. A very good friend who runs a very FAST drag car went for a ride one day......He said let me OUT!!!!!SCARY FAST!!!!!

I ride snowmobiles all winter long and my Harley in the summer. I still own my first car I bought when I was 15. Its a 66 Chevy Impala. It was in Super Chevy Magazine at one time when I finished the restoration.

I bought the Bug for a second car/winter beater but im not sure how much I will drive it in the snow because it is way to NICE!!!!!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Dans98Beetle

Thats exactly what I tried yesturday. It was like the cable is gone.

Taking the door panel off with the door closed is going to be a bitch, but here is the R&R

Door Panel R&R

Excellent - How To: Door panel, window regulator and door latch removal
Thread Link - manual window crank need help
.pdf Link - http://newbeetle.org/forums/attachme...-panel-r-r.pdf
More help - Deer - Drivers Door Panel DIY
Another thread link - Stuck door trim

Ultimately your going to have to open it up anyway to resolve the problem once you do get it open.

You might also call around and try to find an automotive locksmith. Some have a camera they can actually put down inside the door to aide in "grabbing" what needs to be grabbed and pulled to open the door and/or to see what is going on.

M.