I used to own a '68 Squareback, and loved it.  It could have been a Jeep,
for all the places it would go.  The FI was quite reliable, too.  I finally
drove it into the ground and it went away. I'd like to have it back!

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Alofs" <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 4:42 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Question - Squarebacks (little Vanagon content)

> Donna Stewart wrote:
>
> > Any advice/what to look for on a 1971 Squareback?  Hopefully I'll be
looking at one over the weekend (probably driving my Vanagon to see it!)
I've always admired these but know little about them.  TIA,
> >
> > Donna & Lola-Lola (1987 Wolfsburg)
>
> Have had some interesting trips in squarebacks.  About 20 years ago my
wife and I and another couple used to drive from Chicago down to Key West
each Christmas time.  Two people driving, two sleeping in the
> back while driving straight thru during the night.  On the trip back we
weren't usually in such a hurry, coming north to the cold weather again.
>
> Might be worth checking the brakes.  The pistons in the front calipers
would rust and seize up.  It usually took a large pry bar and lots of
hammering and cursing to free them up.  For some reason air would
> also get into the brake system during cold weather.  Bleeding brakes is
another fun family activity.
>   People find it hard to believe that VW put fuel injection in the 311
back in '68.
> Have fun,
>   Larry A.
>