General Knowledge

From Car Features to Swap Meet tips and special dates, this is the place to find articles on the lighter side of the Air Cooled VW hobby.

• 15 Tips for Wheelin' and Dealin' at Auto Swap Meets

  To help secure the best deals possible on parts, repair manuals, literature and auto collectibles, Mike Yager, President of Mid America Motorworks, which hosts a number of dedicated Swap Meets throughout the year, has some tried and true tips that can save hobbyists time, money and heartaches.

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• 1950-1979 Routine Maintenance

  It has been our experience that most problems experienced with the VW Beetle are a reflection of improper or inadequate maintenance.

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• 1953-1974 VW Engine Type and Number

  To determine what type of engine you have, first determine whether it is the engine single-port or twin-port (the term “dual-port” or DP is used in the US).

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• A Legend’s Origin: The Plattenwagen

  During Funfest for Air-Cooled VWs 2023, our annual Volkswagen show held here on our corporate campus in Effingham, IL, we didn't realize we were in for an extremely rare treat when a very unique VW began being unloaded from its trailer.

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• A Wedding Restoration

  VW enthusiast and friend of Mid America Motorworks, Darby Milnor – known as Dr.

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• Air Cooled VW Engine Technical Tips

  Helpful Hints on Removing & Installing Air-Cooled VW Engines: Before doing any work on your VW.

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• Air Cooled VW Year Range Chart

  Wall chart with all Air Cooled VW models and applicable year ranges.

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• Be Smart About Fire Prevention

  October 9th is Fire Prevention Day.

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• Buying a Volkswagen

  Someone wrote - We are looking at buying a VW.

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• Can You Guess The Volkswagen?

  When you think of VWs, do you think of the Rometsch, Hebmuller or Tempo Truck?

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• Celebrating Milestones: Significant dates for Mid America Motorworks & Volkswagen

  February 23rd marks the 42nd anniversary of Mid America Motorworks.

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• Classic VW Beetle Changes 1946-1979

  From its beginnings as The People’s Car to its permanent stature as an automotive icon, the Volkswagen Beetle has a rich history.

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• Disputed Origins of the "Peoples Car"

  While Ferdinand Porsche undoubtedly brought the Beetle to fruition, there are differing opinions as to whose ideas sparked the people’s car.

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• Do You Have...A Super Beetle or Standard Beetle?

  Super Beetles were only manufactured from 1971 through 1979.

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• Drive Your Air Cooled VW to Work

  On Friday, June 20th, Mid America Motorworks will celebrate the VW by promoting and participating in Drive Your VW to Work Day.

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• Driving In A Winter Wonderland

  It's hard to believe that November is in full swing and, in a few short weeks, most of us will be in the thick of another winter.

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• Dune Buggy Fun with a Corvette Twist

  The MY Garage Museum on Mid America Motorworks’ corporate campus in Effingham, Ill.

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• Fill 'Er Up! Authentic 1910 Gas Station calls

  The MY Garage Museum is known for its collection of rare Corvettes and Volkswagens.

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• From Cargo Van to Pop Culture Icon

  The Volkswagen Type 2 is affectionately known as the Bus in the US and the Camper in the UK.

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• Happy Anniversary: The Evolution of the Karmann Ghia

  In June 1955, the first unnamed Karmann coupe was born.

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• Herbie Fully Loaded

  It all started in 1968, when Walt Disney Pictures introduced the world to a Volkswagen Beetle called Herbie.

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• Hitching a Ride: Bring Your Type 1 VW With You!

  Always bring your Air Cooled VW on the road, even when it’s not in running condition!

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• How to Read a VW Part Number

  The first set of numbers of a Volkswagen Part Number identify the Model of VW the part fits.

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• How to Use a Screw Extractor

  Did your bolt or screw break off when you tried to remove it?

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• Know Your VW Plates: License Plates Evolve

  While the first "everyday" automobile hit the streets in 1908, license plates have actually been around for much longer.

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• Meet The Volkswagen SP2!

  In an era when Brazil was barred from automotive imports, the local Volkswagen subsidiary started a venture known as Project X to introduce a new model.

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• South African 1600s VW: Meet The Super Bug!

  As Volkswagen popularity grew, production expanded to different countries.

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• Spinning Herbie - From Disney to Mid America Motorworks to Barret-Jackson

  When Disney filmed the fourth installment in the Herbie movie series, they used a total of 26 VW Beetles, each designed for specific tricks and stunts.

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• The Long Winter Nap

  Most owners wait until cold and snowy weather to start thinking about winter storage for their favorite cars.

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• The Love Bug: My Garage Museum features 3 Herbie Beetles

  Our Shaking Herbie is 1 of only 4 remaining of the 26 Herbies built for the 1980 movie “Herbie Goes Bananas.

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• The Man Behind the People's Car: Ferdinand Porsche

  Ferdinand Porsche is a name synonymous with the automotive industry.

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• The VW Logo: A Lasting Icon

  From a unique body shape to a reputation as a fun, free-spirited way to get around, Volkswagens have earned a prominent place in pop culture.

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• Volkswagen's Couture Car

  Was the concept for the Karmann Ghia derived from designs by Virgil Exner or Mario Boano?

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• VW Chassis & Production Numbers

  Knowing your Air Cooled Volkswagen’s chassis and production numbers can impress your friends.

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• VW Lexicon  Some Definitions and Descriptions

  Working from the transmission back through the engine This article was used with permission from: Rob and Dave’s air-cooled VW pages.

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• VWs and the Great Outdoors

  Mid America Motorworks looks at the different options available with VW Campers, from the first Split Window Campers of the 1950s to the Westfalias, Vanagons and more.

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• What Is That THING?!

  The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181 & 182) was created from a hodge-podge of Beetle, Bus and even Ghia parts, proving that it was aptly named as the “Thing.

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