New Owner of 2002 VW Beetle GLX Turbo

[JJM#RD]

Hello, I am a new owner of a vw beetle 2002 GLS TURBO. I love it. I had a vw back in 1964 and that was the neatest little car. Now I have made the full circle from 1964 to 2006 I finally made it back to the vw Beetle. I was shocked to see the improvements made in this little vehicle.
now that it is just my wife and I we can cavort all over the country and enjoy the travels and take advantage of the better gas milage. I gave up a Chevy Suburban 1994 that had 200k miles. 8 - 10 mpg. O boy!
I am a Ham Radio Operator, and I will be interested in hearing from other VW Owners that have installed their Ham Radio gear in this vehicle. I had mine instlled back in 1964 and it was neat and compact and with a long antenna off the bumper.
I have a question regarding the automatic retractable spoiler. Is there a way to disable that unit. I dont think I really need it, since I dont usually drive more than the speed limit, although it is tempting in that power house vw. Mine makes a not so pleasant noise when it closes. After a few times it does get to be annoying. Thanks for this forum. Johnm.

[ghostRder1]

Welcome to the org.
As for the automatic retractable spoiler, I can't help you there. But i'm sure there are some here that can.
Post pics. if possible.

[WNAB911]

Welcome.

There is someone here on LI (NY) that has radio equipment in their car. I have seen it around a few times. He did cut a horrible hole through the rear bumper cover (with a box cutter?) to istall his antena!

[Willygood]

The spoiler on 1999 to 2001 turbos deployed at 93 mph. From 2002 to 2005, VW changed the deployment speed to 45.

So...
I've been told that if you replace the spoiler motor with one from a '99 to '01, it should solve the problem.

Also, a couple of years ago, I tested a device that allowed the owner to change the deployment speed of the spoiler. It worked great. I think it was called the Tail Wagger. Don't know if they're still available or not, but it was relatively easy to install and it worked.

I've gotten used to the noise on mine. I hope this helps.

[bluebeetlebabe]

congrats on the new ride! Welcome to the org!

[captbp]

Welcome Johnm, you are among others, myself included that had beetles in previous lives that have returned to the fold
Plenty of good info here. Glad you're here

[Whitacre]

You will get used to the spoiler noise. Take it in to a VW dealership and have them lube it up real good and clean it too. Those are one of the neatest features on the bug...so enjoy it and embrace it!....notice RACE is in that word!

[vdub1759]

congrats enjoy it

[JuggBug]

Congratulations on coming full circle! And welcome to the org! Many, many happy and safe miles in your NB!