New brake lines (steel)

As could be expected, the steel brake line servicing the back wheels was rotted, so we took it out and replaced it with a new one (blue in the pictures).  We had to bend it into shape first so it would fit over the transaxle.  Then we had to connect it with the brass fixtures which connected it to the main brake line and the rubber lines to the wheels (these other lines aren't shown in the pictures).  After that we had to fit the line into the place the old one had been, and get it onto the bolts that are supposed to hold it in place. Understandably, we hadn't got it bent quite right at first, and so it was a tough job getting it in.

new brake line (blue) from right side

new brake line (blue) from left side

Disc brake conversion

Fuel Tank and Line Check

Details of new parts

Parts Acquisition

Picked up some VW Beetle parts today: $75 (for everything)

Firing on All Four

It lives!!! Upon the successful installation of an engine in the rear of the beetle (with the addition of new fuel lines, etc), we were able to get the engine running. Not trusting the gas tank, we opted to feed gas into the carb via a non-alcoholic grape juice bottle. Despite having to replace a failed fuel pump mid-trial, we successfully got the motor to run on its own power. The next step is to clean the engine shrouds so we can safely run it hot.

New Starter Is in

We bought a new starter from Autozone for $39.99 (they had it in stock!). It is now in the car and spins when the key is turned. So the wiring must be OK. I have also jacked up the car so that the engine can be wheeled underneath it (30 inches). We are ready to install the engine. Then we will have to figure out where all the wires connect so we can try to start the engine and see what happens. We will still need a clutch before it can actually go anywhere (and brakes, and tyres, and a battery).