[Vwdiesel] VW Bug final, not diesel

[William J Toensing]

Your Bug posting brings back memories. I bought a new VW Bug back in 1957 while I was in the Navy & stationed in Norfolk, VA. In those days, the Bug was beginning to become popular & there was a 6 months waiting list. It was my first new car & the price was $1580 plus $20 for WSW tires. As I recall, it tended to burn points which needed adjustment or replacement every 3,000 miles. Going to electronic ignition was a wise move, I think. I have electronic ignition on my Model A & 1941 Ford, both of which have been converted to 12 volts. I also have installed Petronics electronic ignition on both my gas Citroens. Do they make electronic ignition for 6 volt cars? As I recall, VW was rather slow in converting from 6 to 12 volts, I think it was some time in the '60s. FYI, GM & Packard went to 12 volts in 1955 & the rest of the American cars, as I recall, went to 12 volts in 1956. I think Cadillac, Buick, & Olds went to 12 volts in 1953 or 1954. The first foreign car I remember seeing was  an Austin A-40 in 1946 or '47. It had 12 volts, leather upholstery, & a 4 speed gear box. This really impressed me as a kid. Didn't know anything then about the perils of Lucas electrics. Shortly afterwards, I saw a new Hillman & Jaguar. There was a high pent up demand for new cars after WW2 in 1946 & 1947 so some car dealers brought in foreign cars to satisfy the pent up demand for new cars. All this was in Minneapolis. When the Mpls. Tucker dealer couldn't get a new car, he took on the Renault 4-CV with an engine in the rear like the Tucker.
In case you are wondering about my age, I am 77.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA