Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

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hambone
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Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:26 pm

Anyone know offhand what the official time is needed for removing/installing a Beetle engine? I'm guessing 2-3 hours for each. Maybe it's less for a shop with a lift.
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by airkooledchris » Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:43 pm

if it's a REALLY good shop, it could take as little as 1 minute and 10 seconds
1979 California Transporter

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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Mon Apr 04, 2011 5:21 pm

I was quoted 200-300 locally.
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chitwnvw
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by chitwnvw » Mon Apr 04, 2011 5:22 pm

My pops told me you used to be able to drop off your beetle and come back an hour later and they'd have your brand new engine installed.

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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Mon Apr 04, 2011 5:25 pm

We could do it if we had the infrastructure. That would be a unique business, but high overhead. I'll bet it could be successful on the West Coast. But no uncles with deep, generous pockets I'm afraid.
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by ruckman101 » Wed Apr 06, 2011 12:17 am

I can get Bertha's engine out in about an hour, if I didn't take so many breaks. In doesn't take that much more. Unexpecteds can add to the time. Three hours, four if you take as many breaks as I do.


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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by jalabert » Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:25 pm

I lived in Hanover as a kid - my dad was in the army there - and there was a VW shop at the end of our road that had a sign outside guaranteeing they'd swap the engine in under an hour...

Old german guys...probably worth their weight in gold these days!

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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:27 pm

A Beetle takes longer though because ya gotta jack it up so high, and shim up the jackstands. I wonder if you can get taller jackstands??
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dtrumbo
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by dtrumbo » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:26 am

hambone wrote:I wonder if you can get taller jackstands??
Yup. "Stand support height range is 33-3/4" to 44-1/4" "

Image

Unfortunately, the sellers of these little beauties are quite proud of them.

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-1779 ... lebase_18u

That price is for one. :cyclopsani:
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:36 am

OUCH!
Hey H.F. makes a cheaper set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-jac ... 34924.html
and
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-jack ... 38847.html

Those 12 tonners are in stock, maybe I'll run over and pick up a set. ATV jacks go on sale next weekend.
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dtrumbo
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by dtrumbo » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:49 am

Me thinks those HF offerings don't go high enough. As I recall, you need at least 30" of lift to git 'er done.

The weight capacity isn't the issue, it's the lifting height.
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:58 am

12 ton may be pretty close:
Height: 19-1/2'' to 30-1/8''
Certainly much more stable, with a larger base as well compared to my 4 tons. A shame the Beetle doesn't have a removable apron from the factory.
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hambone
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by hambone » Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:26 pm

I got the 12 ton. Man that's a big stand, I feel like Tim Taylor. I'll let you know how they handle with a Beetle.
20% off coupon from the mail! And a free ratchet clamp.
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it balances on your head just like a mattress balances on a bottle of wine
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dtrumbo
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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by dtrumbo » Fri Apr 08, 2011 4:19 am

Looking back, those might just work. Here's what I ended up having to do with my "high-lift" 3-ton stands which according to Sears have a 21" lift.
Image

Gotta love a coupon!
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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Re: Beetle Engine Install - Shop Time

Post by Sylvester » Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:02 am

I don't think I have ever seen anyone put jacks under a Bug to change an engine. Always just a jack. Never seen one fall but hey.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue, I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod, The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

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